Cuisine Scene: Cambodian

Home to the largest Cambodian population outside of Asia, Long Beach is the ultimate destination for those who are craving or are curious about authentic Khmer cuisine. The city’s Cambodia Town district is renowned for offering an incredible array of restaurants offering familiar favorites, authentic specialties and creative fusion. Whether you're new to Cambodian cuisine or consider yourself an aficionado, these restaurants–conveniently clustered on and around Anaheim Street–can always be counted on to deliver a delicious culinary adventure.

PHNOM PENH NOODLE SHACK

This Cambodia Town landmark–a true benchmark for the area–opened 40 years ago and serves everything from rice porridge to stir fry. But, as the name suggests, it's the noodle dishes, as well as soups, that keep the people coming back .. and back to Phnom Penh Noodle Shack (1644 Cherry Ave). And of these, none is more popular than the House Special with ground pork and sliced pork paired with pork stomach, liver and shrimp and placed atop noodles. It’s so good, regulars have it for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

SHLAP MUAN

Shlap Muan (2150 E South St)–Khmer for chicken wing–has quickly earned a reputation for serving one-of-a-kind food. And not just here in Long Beach. It was recently ranked as one of the 15 best places to eat in the country by Yelp. Its wet sauces and dry rubs range from orange habanero (wet) to Cambodian Dirt, i.e. lemongrass pepper (dry). They have meal deals that include wings, rice, fried egg and salad. And then there’s the Dirty Elvis, featuring wok-tossed wings that come out tasting sweet and smokey with a caramel finish. Thank you very much.

SOPHY’S: CAMBODIA TOWN FOOD & MUSIC

If you’re in the mood to explore the taste and also the very feel of Cambodia Town, few places–if any–fit that role as well as Sophy's: Cambodia Town Food and Music (3240 Pacific Coast Hwy). This longtime Cambodia Town staple is where locals go to not only eat but also celebrate as well as gather for arts, culture and civic-minded events. It does all the classic dishes but is best known for creating an incredible beef jerky. Make sure to use the vinegar and garlic dressing that comes with it!

HAK HEANG

Community touchstone Hak Heang (2041 E. Anaheim St) is a 300-seat space that serves as a destination for locals when they want to celebrate, party or just talk about the neighborhood. They do Cambodian staples–Phnom Penh noodles, beef lok lak, etc.–but distinguish themselves for the seafood selections. These range from the expected (Shrimp Fried Rice) to the amazing, such as Lemon Fish Soup Seafood Mixed Flat Rice Noodles, Hot and Sour Shrimp and Catfish Soup and a signature Salt and Pepper Crab served in its shell.

BATTAMBONG BBQ

Battambong BBQ features Chef Chad Phuong’s inventive creations merging Texas-style barbecue with Cambodian flavors and techniques. His brisket has hints of lemongrass, his popular twako, a Cambodian sausage with fermented rice, is smokey and delicious. There are sandwiches, sliders, tacos and a little number called Long Beach Nachos that includes pulled pork and smoked nacho cheese. Chef Chad pulls his smoker up at Ten Mile Brewing (1136 E Willow St) for a pop-up every Friday from 12 noon until sellout.

MONOROM

Monorom (2150 E Anaheim St) has built an impeccable reputation for offering classic dishes prepared authentically and with the freshest ingredients. Among its most popular offerings are roasted meats of all kinds, lemongrass chicken and specialties such as prahok ktis, a ground-pork curry made with coconut milk that tastes even better when spooned over steamed rice. Its curry chicken is fun to share as it is served hot pot style, allowing the whole table to feast on its sweet and savory goodness.

Cambodia Town

Long Beach has the largest concentration of Cambodians of any city outside of Cambodia.

Learn More

Cambodia Town Parade & Festival

Discover the annual Cambodia Town Parade & Culture Festival — one of the largest events in Long Beach celebrating rich Khmer traditions through food, music, dance and more.

Learn More

Cuisine Scene: Late Night Eats

If you're feeling peckish in the late or early hours but find the prospect of being handed food through a car window unappetizing, don't worry—Long Beach has lots better options. Check out some of the city’s wide range of late night choices, from brew pubs and taverns to full-service restaurants, serving food as good or as guilty as you desire.

Learn More

Michelin Guide & Top Yelp Eats in Long Beach

Discover some of the best food in Long Beach according to the Michelin Guide and top rated Yelp reviews.

Learn More

Cuisine Scene: Boba

Given that there seems to be a boba tea shop on every other corner, you may be surprised to learn that the popular drink, identifiable by its sweetness and pearl-shaped tapioca balls, was invented less than 40 years ago in Taiwan. It has since spread all over the globe with Long Beach doing its part; there are almost as many boba shops in town as coffee houses. Almost. Allow us to suggest a few terrific spots in town likely to fit you to a delicious tea.

Learn More

Cuisine Scene: Pupusas

Pupusas are deliciously stuffed corn flatbreads originating from El Salvador. Flavorfully filled with all manner of ingredients–cheese, beans, meats, veggies–they are quickly gaining popularity beyond their traditional roots. In Long Beach, demand for this comforting dish continues to grow, fueled by the authentic, sometimes innovative offerings of eateries such as these.

Learn More

Cuisine Scene: Sushi

Sushi is not only one of the most popular cuisines but also one of the most flexible; Long Beach is proof of that. The city offers all manner of traditional and innovative takes on the art form, so whether you’re in the mood for something fast, something fancy or something fusion, Long Beach has got you covered. Here’s five restaurants that showcase the city’s sushi range and quality.

Learn More

Cuisine Scene: Filipino Bakeries

Filipino baked goods are becoming increasingly popular and there is a growing number of bakeries in Long Beach serving them up. These include longtime fixtures like Gemmae Bake Shop and newer shops like LaMon Bakehouse. There are several spots in Long Beach to pick up delicious breads, cakes, or other tasty treats to enjoy the Filipino tradition of masienda–a small snack between meals.

Learn More

About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.