Cambodia's Kitchen
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Cambodia’s Kitchen is the first Cambodian restaurant in Melbourne’s CBD and is the perfect spot enjoy distinct dishes steeped in traditional flavour and flair, straight from the Hun family recipe book.
While Melburnians are well versed in crisp bánh mì, steamy phở, laksa and pad Thai, knowledge of Cambodian cuisine is shallow, if at all existent. Cambodian is a mystery for most and its complexity wrapped in simplicity means it has remained a humble underdog for decades.
Paying homage to family recipes, traditional Cambodian flavours and cooking techniques, Cambodia’s Kitchen offers exactly as the name suggests; an authentic gastronomic pilgrimage and exploration of one of the world's most unsung cuisines.
Unlike the traditional flavours of neighbours Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodian food is subtle with spice but bold in sturdy garlic, lemongrass, lime leaf, and galangal, while also borrowing from these neighbours as a result of being wedged between them. Featuring local produce and specifically sourced items from Cambodia (dried squid, dried shrimp and palm sugar), Linna leads the kitchen, guided by the recipes, skills and techniques taught by her mother and grandmother.
Boating an array of recipes fit for an ancient emperor and packed with pungent prahok, at Cambodia’s Kitchen customers can expect an array of local staples including stewed beef noodle soup ($15.90): a thick beef soup with sliced rare beef and homemade beef balls, Cambodian Fried Pork/Chicken on Rice ($14.90), as well as snack-sized side dishes, spring rolls and fried wonton, inspired by neighbours Vietnam and China.
The family’s must-try recommendation remains the star of the show – Signature Cambodian Noodle Soup ($16.90), a rich rice noodle soup of fragrant clear pork bone broth (think a pork take on a better-known Vietnamese Phở) topped with fresh rice noodles and a variety of toppings. Made daily, the same way you’d find it in the streets and homes of Phnom Penh.
Cambodia’s Kitchen is a must-visit for the intrepid diner and delivers the very best in punchy Southeast Asian flavours.
Location: 175 Russell St, Melbourne
Phone: (03) 7003 4349
