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Find out who has the best Cambodian food in San Diego!
The best Cambodian food in San Diego? Well let's be real. There aren't many places in San Diego to get Cambodian food. It seems to be a cuisine that has been slow to arrive here. BUT, that's not to say it can't be found, and find it we did!
What exactly is Cambodian food you ask? Well by now you know I am a lover of all Southeast Asian cuisine, and Cambodian food is no different. First off, Cambodia shares many of it's dishes with it's neighbors, Vietnam and Thailand. You'll find many noodle soups, spicy, refreshing salads, and of course a banh mi here and there. Much like it's neighboring country of Vietnam, dishes are served with accompaniments on the side such as herbs, chilies, fish sauce, lime juice and fresh vegetables.
Lap Khmer (lime marinated beef salad)
Unfortunately, the options for Cambodian food in San Diego are somewhat limited. However, there are a couple spots that serve some pretty awesome dishes. Both of these restaurants serve dishes from a variety of cuisines, to include Vietnamese, Thai and Chinese (well...and Cambodian of course).
Ly Heng Asian Restaurant
The first time we ate here I ordered a fizzy sour plum drink, which I was not a fan of. I pretended to like it because the boyfriend gives me a hard time abut ordering "different" drinks. I always think "when in Rome..." but it did not work in my favor this time. I guess fizzy sour plum is just for me.
But the food, man was it good. Most dishes ordered dry come with this absolutely amazing pork bone soup on the side. I fell in love with pork bone soup the first time I had it in Singapore. Love at first taste you might say. Ly Heng's bone soup did not disappoint. It was packed full of flavor with a nice meaty bone to gnaw on throughout your meal. And you guys know how I feel about eating with your hands. It's the best way to eat!
The perfectly flavored and meaty pork bone soup at Ly Heng.
They also serve Beef Sate Noodles which is an absolute must to order. The noodles come rather spicy, and I am embarrassed to admit that we usually ask them to make it just a touch milder. As I get older, I just can't handle the super spicy food anymore. It's sad really. Cooked to perfection, the noodles had the perfect amount of peanut flavor and the beef was pleasantly tender.
Deliciously tender beef sate noodles
The Hai Nam chicken rice was also delectable. The chicken was tender, the rice has a light ginger flavor and the sauce served on the aide was AH-MA-ZING. I mean seriously, I will drink the sauce. (Note to self - learn how to make this sauce). Now this dish is not traditionally a Cambodian dish, but if you stop into Ly Heng, you should give it a try - It's awesome.
Hai Nam Chicken Rice - Not quite Cambodian, but one of the best in San Diego nonetheless
Ly Heng also serves phnom penh noodles, banh mi, pho, Khmer ginger chicken stir fried with ginger (obviously) in a sweet, spicy peppery sauce, and of course my favorite beef lok lak. I had this dish for the first time at Phnom Penh in Vancouver and it immediately became one of my favorites. Tender beef stir fried in a sweet, tangy sauce, savory and served with this delectable fish sauce dipping sauce on the side - YUM.
This place truly has some of the best Cambodian food in San Diego.
Trieu Chau
Serving both Cambodian and Chinese fare, this place has quickly become a favorite of mine over in City Heights.
They serve a great bone soup here as well. It makes my heart (and stomach) happy that I can get this soup in San Diego. The duck noodle soup with egg noodles is delicious. Of course we ordered it dry to get that bone soup on the side. Perfectly tender and packed with flavor, the duck needed no sauce or extra flavoring, which is unusual for me to say about a piece of meat.
Duck noodle soup served dry with egg noodles.
They offer beef Lok Lak, but call it sliced beef steak on the menu. Order it - it is truly one of the best I've had. The beef has a slightly crispy quality to it and the sauce on the side is SOOOO good. Seriously. Order it.
Sliced beef steak (beef lok lak)
The crispy intestine was also delicious. Perfectly crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside, delicious dipped in a fish sauce based dipping sauce. If you've never had intestine, I encourage you to try it. I LOVE it, but you have to get past the fact that it is intestines.
Fried intestine - may not sound appealing, but oh my is it good!
Trieu Chau - some of the best Cambodian food in San Diego! Try it out, you won't be disappointed.
So there you have it, the best Cambodian food in San Diego. If you've never been to these places, I HIGHLY encourage a trip there. Let me know what you think if you go! If you're not sure what to order, shoot me an email - I'll tell you what's good!
San Diego has so many other awesome restaurants. Whether you're visiting or you live here, here are some other great spots to check out!
The Best Breakfast in San Diego
Aaharn Thai - the Best Thai Food in Downtown San Diego
Where to get Ramen in San Diego
Claire Jessiman
I don't think Cambodian food has made it as far as Scotland yet! Although I have eaten similar dishes in Singapore.
Danielle@wenthere8this
My boyfriend's family travels to Scotland pretty regularly and we are always invited. How is the food scene there?
Kavey Favelle
Actually, I'm not sure I've ever tried Cambodian food, I can't remember ever seeing a restaurant for it here, but will google now and see if I can find any. London usually has everything, if you look. I'm really keen to try those fried intestines!
Danielle@wenthere8this
The first time I tried intestine, I didn't think I would like it. But then I was hooked. If I'm at a restaurant that serves it, I order it. I'm sure London has some Cambodian restaurants hidden there somewhere! I'd be interested to hear what you find.
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl
I love eating ethnic food when I travel! sounds so good!
Danielle@wenthere8this
Ethnic food can be so much fun. I just love all the different flavors profiles and ingredients. And traveling is the perfect time to try all these great foods!
Louise
I dont come to San Diego often... Well, actually I have never been as I live in London, so it is quite a journey 🙂
Do you happen to know where to get Cambodian food in London, because these dishes simply looks amazing. Love the colours! Thank you for sharing 🙂
X Louise
Danielle@wenthere8this
Oh my - I have never been to London! It's most definitely on my bucket list and I hear you guys have amazing food, but unfortunately I have no experience there...YET. If you ever get the chance, San Diego is a pretty awesome place to visit.
Kacie Morgan
I love the look of Ly Heng. It looks so authentic; a quality I always seek out in a restaurant.
Danielle@wenthere8this
It such a great little place. I feel like I'm getting the real deal whenever I go. And it's delicious!
Fiona Maclean
I truly love the look of that duck noodle soup! Some great dishes here. We have a restaurant in london which serves Laotian food and looks rather similar
Danielle@wenthere8this
Laotian food is one of my favorites! I'm actually working on a post right now 🙂 The duck noodle soup was delicious, especially if you're a duck lover!
Maria | passion fruit, paws and peonies
My husband works in San Diego from time to time, so I'll pass this delicious guide on to him x
Danielle@wenthere8this
I hope he gets a chance to try these spots out. I also have a number of other posts on restaurants in San Diego he should check out before he goes - San Diego has some great restaurants!