A Taste of Phnom Penh in Seattle

I know the question keeps you up at night: “What does Cambodian food taste like?”

Well my friends lose not one more wink of rest; behold, your rescue: Phnom Penh Noodle House. Unassuming among the tasty treats on the block, this treasure on 660 S King Street boasts some Khmer classics.

To spark those taste buds, order the Green Mango Salad. Also popular in Thailand, this beautiful dish grew my understanding of the versatility of mangos. The bulk of the salad is finely sliced unripe bitter/slightly sour mango. But don’t let that turn you away. It’s the accessories that light up the dish. Served with your choice of meat, the life of the salad is in the mixture of coconut, chili sauce, peanuts, cashews, cucumbers, onions and limejuice. It’s fresh, light and vibrant. The base can be fish sauce (not my favorite) or soy sauce (yes please). This dish proves that lettuce has no monopoly on salads worldwide.
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Next, try the Lok Lak, a Cambodian staple. Small cubes of beef marinated in lime and pepper, this succulent dish is served on a patch of cabbage with sides of sliced tomatoes, onions and eggs. For just under $9, it’s a yummy must-try. 

Compared to Lok Lak in Cambodia, I’d say this version is definitely grilled longer and has a hint of soy sauce unlike the counterpart overseas.

If you want one of Cambodia’s most traditional bites, order Amok Trai. Served steamed on banana leaves, this fish based curry will glide down your throat leaving a slight essence of coconut and lemon grass in your mouth. It’s not overly fishy and goes well with rice. At this restaurant, it’s served a bit spicy.
In Cambodia, Amok is most often served wrapped in the banana leaves, in much smaller portions and the consistency is pastier.

Of course, order some noodles while you’re at it. It’s the restaurant’s namesake for good reason.

Also very important to note is that entering Phnom Penh Noodle House is not the same as entering a noodle house in Phnom Penh. 

• Here, there’s carpet. In Cambodia carpets are as foreign as central heating.
• Here, you place bones and dirtied napkins somewhere on your plate or table. There, you straight-up throw trash on the ground (I never got used to that).
• Here $9 sounds reasonable. There, $2 sounds reasonable.
• Here, it’s quiet and under 85 degrees at all times. There…. not so much.

My love for the country compels me to dream of food IN Cambodia over Cambodia in food here anytime, but until then, Phnom Penh Noodle House is a pleasing alternative.

Bon Appétit!
(Extra lick: Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953, thus many older Khmer people speak French fluently!) 

p.s. I ate at Phnom Penh Noodle House hours ago to celebrate the big 2-4, so the flavors are still bold in my memory. Thank you all for the birthday wishes. I'm a very lucky girl.
And thanks for reading the blog too!