Mangawhai’s Mobile Seafood Sensation
Born from humble beginnings, Little Red Fish - a beloved seafood concept with deep roots in Mangawhai - is once again swimming upstream, now housed in a custom-built food trailer ready to bring its fresh flavours to new locations.
Operated by Mike and Ness, alongside their other business, Vintage Market Deli, Little Red Fish quickly earned a loyal following among locals when it launched as a fresh fish and seafood caravan at the Mangawhai Tavern Market. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, the duo adapted to the challenging times and were able to offer fresh and frozen seafood through the right channels, ensuring Mangawhai residents could still enjoy quality seafood despite the restrictions.
As life began to return to normal, Mike and Ness took a lease on a fixed food trailer on Wood Street in Mangawhai Heads, where Little Red Fish swam once again. Continuing to offer fresh fish and seafood they also added a dedicated seafood menu for brunch and lunch. When the quieter winter months arrived they adjusted their hours and menu to offer evening meals, serving top-quality fish with double-dipped chunky fries and a dedicated seafood menu. Mike, having been a registered buyer at the Auckland Fish Markets is able to source the freshest catches from the auctions - keeping the quality of the menu consistently high and earning them a stellar five-star rating on Google.
When the lease on Wood Street ended, Mike and Ness took a bold step, investing in a custom-built mobile food trailer. Now, Little Red Fish can keep swimming while bringing its quality dining experience to all who love seafood at more than one location. Little Red Fish can be found at multiple sites throughout Mangawhai, including outside the Mangawhai Library Hall on Thursday and Friday evenings from 5pm, at the Mangawhai Tavern Market every Saturday morning from 8:30am to 1pm, at the Mangawhai Activity Zone on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 5pm, and monthly at the Marsden Cove Marina Market. More locations and dates are expected to be added soon which will be shared on their Facebook page, along with regular menu updates and chef's specials.
The menu features a tempting array of seafood dishes alongside their standard fresh fish meals, which always include snapper, gurnard, and tarakihi. Chef's specials add even more variety, with dishes like tempura-battered tiger prawns with Asian slaw and sesame-seared salmon with Pad Thai noodles, as well as Mike’s signature seared scallops with chorizo, pine nuts, and red onion - ensuring a wide range of delicious choices for seafood lovers.
In addition to its regular offerings, Little Red Fish and Vintage Market Deli are available for on-site catering, perfect for special occasions and gatherings. This summer, Mike and Ness invite you to visit one of their many locations for a memorable seafood experience that celebrates the flavours of the ocean.