Who needs turkey when you can stuff yourself with marinated butter beef and hot and crispy deep-fried chicken wings? The menu at this beloved hole-in-the-wall in Chinatown draws inspiration from Vietnamese and Cambodian cuisine and offers a unique alternative to your usual humdrum holiday dinner. The dining room might not be fancy, but the food is outstanding and the bustling restaurant’s rambunctious atmosphere will make you feel like you’re all part of the family. There’s usually quite a wait for a table at this affordable hotspot, although the crowds might be slightly thinner over the holiday weekend.
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Phnom Penh is an extremely popular Vietnamese/Cambodian restaurant in Chinatown. This place has been around for a very long time; in fact, my mother remembers eating here when she first immigrated to Vancouver in the ’80s. Everything on the menu is delicious, but you have to order the bo luc lac with an egg, butter beef, and the crispy chicken wings. You haven’t properly experienced Phnom Penh until you have those three items. Expect a long wait time if you’re going during dinnertime (usually around 45 minutes). I recommend going right when they open to avoid lines!
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There’s always a crowd at this Chinatown hot spot which speaks volumes about the quality of the food. Dumplings may not be the main attraction but this under-the-radar gem is worth second, third and fourth looks. The steamed dumplings are one of the best picks and come delicately-wrapped with dough of the perfect thickness. If you’re feeling extra-adventurous, order frog legs or fried squid with your dumplings for an amazing combination.
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