Amok Trey (coconut fish) – At first I thought there were pieces of really strange slimy fish in this, but then I realized I was an idiot and it was slivers of fresh coconut. Makes sense, considering the thing is cooked inside a coconut.
Siem Reap is a Cambodian restaurant in Long Beach’s Cambodia Town. They claim to have “world famous Cambodian food,” though I highly doubt anybody outside a thirty mile radius of Cambodia Town has ever heard of this place. This was actually my first time having Cambodian food so I wasn’t sure if assuming it would be pretty much the same as Thai food was completely racist or not. Turns out, it was only semi racist. The food was definitely Thai-ish, but to say it tasted like Thai food would discredit just how delicious and unique the food actually was. Yeah, I have no frame of reference for Cambodian food, but this place sold me on whatever it is Cambodian food is. Plus they’ve got a full bar and what appeared to be a dance floor (karaoke area?) in the middle of the restaurant. Based solely on the weirdness factor of the decor alone I would’ve given this place my recommendation, but their food is actually really good too.
I’m not sure what the official name of this complimentary pickled cabbage dish is, but it was way more delicious than this type of thing usually is. To the point where if it was on the menu I’d actually probably order it.
Thai Iced Coffee
Sach Ko Angh (lemongrass BBQ beef on skewers) – If you come to Siem Reap, order this. If you love putting long sticks of meat in your mouth as much as I do you won’t regret it. Wait, that came out wrong.
Som Lar MaChu Kroeung Sach Ko (Cambodian hot and sour beef soup) – Not really hot, but definitely sour. In a good way.
Prahok Ktis (ground pork curry sauce) – The curry came with a place of vegetables in it. And when I say vegetables I mean cucumbers and half a head of lettuce. You wouldn’t think it, but dipping cucumbers into the curry turned this from being just okay to actually pretty damn delicious.
Amok Trey (coconut fish)
Kuy Tieu Cha Khon Suh Sach Kko (student beef fried rice noodle)
Coconut Dessert – A coconut milk type custard thing on top of a coconut juice type gelatin thing. Not bad as far as free coconuty desserts go.
Siem Reap Asian Cuisine
1810 E Anaheim St
Long Beach, CA 90813
(562) 591-7414
SiemReapAsianCuisine.com
