Long Beach has been my home for almost seven years, and while I’ve explored much of its diverse culinary scene, Cambodia Town has remained somewhat of an enigma. I’d visited a few times, but felt like I was missing a deeper understanding of the cuisine. What are the must-try dishes? How does Cambodian food differ from other popular Southeast Asian cuisines like Vietnamese or Thai? I longed for a genuine introduction to Khmer gastronomy from someone deeply connected to its culture.
That opportunity arose when James Tir, the food enthusiast behind the Instagram account Long Beach Food Coma (LBFoodComa), reached out. He proposed a tasting tour of Cambodia Town’s restaurants, and I eagerly accepted.
Image alt text: Food expert Gab Chabrán from LAist and Cambodian food influencer James Tir, known as LB Food Coma, enjoying Cambodian cuisine at Monorom Restaurant in Long Beach.
James, a Cambodian-American Long Beach native, is a passionate chronicler of the city’s food scene with a special focus on Khmer cuisine. He was the ideal guide to unlock the flavors of Cambodia Town. As we embarked on our culinary journey, James shared the history of this vibrant neighborhood. Long Beach became a significant haven for Cambodians fleeing the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s and 80s. Like many immigrant communities, they brought their rich culinary traditions, establishing what is now the largest Khmer population center in the United States.
Cambodian cuisine, James explained, is deeply rooted in the natural bounty of rice paddies, tropical jungles, and the Mekong River. Key ingredients like lemongrass, tamarind, and prahok (fermented mudfish) form the foundation of its distinctive flavors. While many are familiar with Thai or Vietnamese food, Cambodian cuisine offers a unique palate. “It’s less about subtle balance and more about a vibrant range of experiences,” James noted. “It embraces bold, even bitter and acrid flavors, harmonizing with their intensity rather than masking them.”
With this insightful introduction, we were ready to dive into the heart of Cambodia Town and discover some truly remarkable Cambodian Food Near Me.
Exploring Cambodia Town: A Culinary Hotspot for Cambodian Food Near Me
Cambodia Town, stretching for 1.2 miles along Anaheim Street between Atlantic and Junipero Avenues, is more than just a neighborhood; it’s a cultural and culinary epicenter. Home to the largest Khmer community outside of Cambodia, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience authentic Cambodian culture and, of course, incredible Cambodian food near me. Established by refugees starting in the 1980s, Cambodia Town is a testament to resilience and the enduring power of food to connect people to their heritage.
Here are some of the culinary gems we explored in our search for the best Cambodian food near me:
Battambong BBQ: A Unique Cambodian-Texan BBQ Fusion
Image alt text: Chef Chad Phuong, known as “The Cambodian Cowboy,” preparing smoked BBQ at his Battambong BBQ pop-up restaurant in Long Beach, California.
James’s Take:
No discussion about Cambodian-American cuisine is complete without mentioning Chad “The Cambodian Cowboy” Phuong and his innovative Battambong BBQ. Chad’s life journey, from war-torn Cambodia to the Texas panhandle and finally to Long Beach, has resulted in a truly unique Khmer twist on Texan barbecue. His smoked meats are infused with Cambodian flavors. The brisket is elevated by the distinctive heat of Kampot black pepper, which offers a sharper, more intense bite compared to Tellicherry pepper. The pork belly is a delightful symphony of soy sauce, scorched sugar, ginger, and star anise. However, the real showstopper is the twako.
Twako, a traditional Khmer sausage, is made with ground beef, galangal, and rice. Galangal, a relative of ginger, imparts a more floral and aromatic depth. The rice fermentation adds a subtle acidic tang to the sausage. Traditionally grilled, Chad takes twako to another level by smoking it, adding an extra layer of complexity. The sausage casing provides a satisfying snap, giving way to a burst of flavorful filling with each bite.
Image alt text: A delicious combo plate at Battambong BBQ pop-up, featuring smoked Twako sausage and various BBQ meats, a Cambodian-Texan fusion in Long Beach.
Gab’s Perspective:
I had the pleasure of trying Battambong BBQ before our official tour. Chad’s pop-ups have become a Long Beach favorite since 2022, and you can also find him at Smorgasburg LA every Sunday. While we were focused on sampling the twako, Chad generously shared his array of BBQ delights, including beef sausage, brisket, and tri-tip. For me, the pork belly ends were particularly memorable – perfectly caramelized and sweet on the outside with a tender, juicy interior.
The twako, however, truly stood out. It had a rich, earthy umami flavor, reminiscent of mushrooms or even morcilla (Spanish blood sausage), but with a touch of sweetness. The smoking process elevated the sausage to an entirely new level of deliciousness. If you are searching for Cambodian food near me with a unique twist, Battambong BBQ is a must-try.
Phnom Penh Noodle Shack: A Long Beach Institution for Cambodian Noodles
James’s Insight:
Located on the edge of Cambodia Town, Phnom Penh Noodle Shack is a small but incredibly significant restaurant. Opened in 1985, it holds the distinction of being the first Cambodian restaurant in the area, serving comforting bowls of noodles to the growing Khmer community. The restaurant’s namesake dish, Phnom Penh noodles, is a regional rice noodle soup closely related to Vietnamese pho.
While the Phnom Penh noodles are undoubtedly a highlight, my personal favorite is the beef stew noodles, known as khor ko. This dish reveals French colonial influences, drawing inspiration from beef bourguignon. However, it’s distinctly Cambodian, with the aromatic additions of lemongrass, star anise, and fish sauce, beautifully balanced by the acidity of tomato paste. The broth, rich with collagen, is filled with tender pieces of tripe, tendon, and braised beef, all nestled amongst delicate rice noodles. Served with cha quai, crispy deep-fried bread sticks perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth, khor ko reaches another level of culinary satisfaction.
Image alt text: The cozy and inviting interior of Phnom Penh Noodle Shack in Long Beach, a popular spot for authentic Cambodian cuisine.
Gab’s Experience:
James truly expanded my culinary horizons with the khor ko at Phnom Penh Noodle Shack. Initially, I anticipated a dish similar to Taiwanese beef noodle soup, but I was mistaken. This was a hearty bowl of deep red broth, brimming with rice noodles and tripe. James, noticing my initial impression, smiled and said, “It’s like menudo.”
He was spot on. The generous cuts of tripe and chunks of beef perfectly complemented the tangy, starchy rice noodles. The collagen from the tendon enriched the broth, creating a comforting and deeply satisfying soup. It felt almost therapeutic, the perfect remedy for a cold or even a hangover. For those seeking authentic Cambodian food near me, especially noodle dishes, Phnom Penh Noodle Shack is an essential destination.
- Location: 1644 Cherry Ave., Long Beach
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Pho Hong Phat: Vietnamese Pho with Cambodian Hidden Gems
James’s Recommendation:
Pho Hong Phat, while primarily known as a Vietnamese pho restaurant, is Cambodian-owned and offers some of the best pho in Long Beach. However, for those in the know seeking Cambodian food near me, the “not pho” section of the menu is where the magic happens. Here, you’ll find Phnom Penh noodle soup, Hainan chicken rice, and the delightful banh sung.
Banh sung is the Cambodian counterpart to the Vietnamese bún chả giò, both being vermicelli noodle salads with crispy fried egg rolls. Banh sung is a vibrant bowl of vermicelli noodles, fresh greens, herbs, shredded carrots, and grilled marinated pork, creating a symphony of textures and flavors. Like bún chả giò, it’s served with sweet fish sauce, chili sauce, and crushed peanuts. The unique Khmer touch is the addition of coconut milk infused with chopped green onion. This addition mellows the intensity of the fish sauce, resulting in a bright umami flavor that coats the palate.
Image alt text: The flavorful Banh sung dish from Pho Hong Phat in Long Beach, a Cambodian vermicelli noodle salad with egg rolls and coconut milk.
Gab’s Take:
While I’ve enjoyed pho at Pho Hong Phat before, it’s the enticing aroma of their pho broth simmering from early morning that truly captivates me. They open at 8 a.m., catering to those seeking a comforting hot breakfast soup. Whenever I grab coffee from Good Time Cafe across the street (a local favorite), the delicious scent from Pho Hong Phat often drifts over.
On previous visits, I had stuck to pho. However, James guided me to the “not pho” section, revealing the Khmer options. The banh sung, with the subtle sweetness and creaminess of coconut milk, was a revelation. It added a new dimension to the cold rice noodle dish. The smooth coconut milk perfectly balanced the fresh greens, crunchy peanuts, and savory egg rolls. Pho Hong Phat proves that seeking Cambodian food near me can sometimes lead to unexpected and delightful discoveries even in Vietnamese restaurants.
Image alt text: The exterior of Pho Hong Phat restaurant in Long Beach, a Vietnamese eatery with hidden Cambodian culinary treasures.
- Location: 3243 E Anaheim St, Long Beach
- Hours: Monday through Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Wednesday
A & J Seafood Shack: Cambodian Flavors Meet Seafood Delights
James’s Background:
For years, I worked at Hak Heang, a popular banquet-style Cambodian-Chinese seafood restaurant in Long Beach. It was a central hub for the Khmer community since the early 90s, the go-to place for special occasions like weddings and graduations. Think wok-fired lobster or crab, intensely flavored with jalapeño and MSG, enjoyed with generous pours of Hennessy cognac.
A & J Seafood Shack takes this concept and makes it more accessible, serving these beloved dishes in takeout boxes. It allows you to savor these special occasion flavors in a casual setting. While they are known for Viet-Cajun seafood boils, A & J remains deeply rooted in Khmer cuisine, offering both lemongrass beef sticks and twako alongside their seafood menu.
The lemongrass beef sticks are a staple on many Khmer menus. The beef is marinated in kroueng, a fragrant paste made from lemongrass, turmeric, galangal, garlic, shallots, kaffir lime leaves, and chilies – a foundation of Cambodian cooking. The marinated beef is skewered on bamboo sticks and grilled over an open flame, resulting in tender, slightly charred, and incredibly flavorful meat. It’s a simple yet timelessly satisfying dish.
Image alt text: A & J Seafood Shack in Long Beach, a casual eatery offering Cambodian and Viet-Cajun seafood dishes.
Image alt text: The Beef Stick Rice dish from A & J Seafood Shack, featuring flavorful lemongrass beef skewers served over rice with slaw.
Gab’s Experience:
I previously featured A & J in my “Cheap Fast Eats Long Beach” guide. They are an excellent choice for Cambodian dishes and pan-Asian inspired cuisine, like their garlic shrimp plates, reminiscent of Oahu’s North Shore shrimp trucks.
In past visits, I opted for the beef stick sandwich, served on a demi baguette similar to a Vietnamese banh mi or Cambodian num pang, filled with beef sticks, pickled papaya slaw, and Sriracha mayo. Following James’s recommendation, we tried the beef sticks on their own, served over rice with a side of slaw. The intensely savory and aromatic beef, combined with the light char and fluffy jasmine rice, made for a perfect light and flavorful meal. A & J Seafood Shack is a great option for delicious and accessible Cambodian food near me.
- Location: 3201 E Anaheim St., Long Beach
- Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Monorom Cambodian Restaurant: Traditional Khmer Cuisine and Prahok Ktis
James’s Recommendation:
Monorom, like A & J, also serves excellent lemongrass beef sticks. However, Monorom’s menu extends to a wider range of traditional Khmer dishes, including prahok ktis (or prahok creme, as listed on their menu).
Prahok ktis exemplifies a common Cambodian dining style – enjoying an assortment of fresh, seasonal vegetables with a flavorful dip. Prahok ktis is made with ground pork, the pungent prahok (fermented mudfish paste), and creamy coconut milk. It’s served with a basket of crisp, raw vegetables like Chinese eggplant, Thai eggplant, cucumber, yardlong beans, and cabbage.
Image alt text: The interior of Monorom Cambodian Restaurant in Long Beach, showcasing its authentic and family-friendly atmosphere.
Image alt text: The Prahok ktis dish at Monorom Restaurant, a traditional Cambodian dip served with an assortment of fresh raw vegetables.
Gab’s Impression:
During a previous food tour of Little Arabia, I experienced the warm, familial atmosphere of small, family-run restaurants. Monorom had a similar welcoming vibe. During our visit, a multi-generational family was sharing a meal, adding to the personal and authentic feel of the place.
The extensive menu was initially overwhelming, but we were set on trying the prahok ktis. The platter of fresh, raw vegetables arrived with a side of the reddish-orange prahok paste, studded with ground pork – an excellent dip. It reminded me of nam phrig noom, a Northern Thai roasted green chili dip I often enjoy with my family at Renu Nakorn in Norwalk. Monorom offers a truly immersive experience of traditional Cambodian food near me.
- Location: 2150 E Anaheim St., Long Beach
- Hours: Monday through Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed Wednesday.
Crystal Thai Cambodian: A Taste of Home-Style Khmer Cooking
Image alt text: Crystal Thai Cambodian restaurant in Long Beach, offering authentic and traditional Khmer cuisine.
James’s Highlight:
Despite its name, Crystal Thai Cambodian leans heavily towards Khmer cuisine. It’s the quintessential spot for experiencing traditional Cambodian dishes – the kind of food you’d find in a Khmer home, prepared with recipes passed down through generations, preserving culinary memories from pre-genocide Cambodia.
Their menu is a comprehensive encyclopedia of Khmer culinary classics, from nom p’jok (a thick rice vermicelli noodle dish with turmeric-infused catfish broth), often enjoyed at backyard gatherings, to duck feet salad. For adventurous eaters, I always recommend the trei aundain chean, whole fried yellow catfish. The catfish is presented with a vibrant bouquet of greens and herbs, including lettuce, Vietnamese coriander, fish mint, bean sprouts, cucumber, and sadao – the bitter flower buds of the neem tree. Sadao offers a unique, medicinal astringency, a distinctly bitter flavor.
To enjoy this dish, you begin by breaking apart the crispy catfish skin, revealing the flaky, moist, and surprisingly clean-tasting yellow flesh. You then create lettuce wraps, layering in the fish, herbs, and a sour and sweet tamarind sauce, along with a green mango salad. Each bite is a complex and evolving flavor experience, a true journey for the palate.
Image alt text: The Trei Aundain Chean (Mekong River catfish) dish from Crystal Thai Cambodian, a whole fried catfish served with herbs, vegetables, and tamarind sauce.
Gab’s Verdict:
I had heard about Crystal Thai and their legendary nom p’jok for some time. James was eager to explore beyond the well-known dishes, and I was game. I honestly couldn’t recall the last time I had eaten a whole catfish. The presentation was impressive – a deep-fried, scored catfish served with a separate platter of fresh greens. The sadao, resembling miniature wild broccoli, was particularly intriguing. I assembled DIY lettuce wraps, combining pieces of the flavorful fish with tamarind sauce and mango salad. The combination was exceptional and truly memorable. If you are searching for authentic, home-style Cambodian food near me, Crystal Thai Cambodian is a must-visit.
- Location: 1165 E 10th St, Long Beach
- Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Note: Cash Only
Finding Cambodian Food Near You: Embrace the Flavors of Cambodia Town
This culinary tour through Cambodia Town in Long Beach offered just a glimpse into the rich and diverse world of Cambodian cuisine. From BBQ fusions to comforting noodle soups and traditional Khmer dishes, Cambodia Town is a treasure trove for anyone seeking authentic Cambodian food near me.
To find Cambodian food near you, especially if you are in or near Long Beach, Cambodia Town is the ultimate destination. Explore these restaurants and venture beyond the familiar to discover the unique and bold flavors of Khmer cuisine. Whether you are a seasoned foodie or simply curious to try something new, the Cambodian food scene in Long Beach promises a delicious and unforgettable culinary adventure.
