PHLReview
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In some cities, you’re more likely to see a supermodel at an amateur basketball game than have one good Cambodian option for dinner. In a few magical places, both can happen—and Philly is one of them. Kendall Jenner has been spotted at Drexel Dragons games, and we have a massive community of great Cambodian restaurants to choose from. While we can’t comment further on Kendall, we do know a thing or two about restaurants. And with small plates, noodle dishes, and seafood so good that we’d swim the Delaware to eat them, Bella Vista’s Mawn is one of the best.
photo credit: GAB BONGHI
For many Philadelphians, walking into the intimate BYO may be familiar—it’s in the old Kalaya space on 9th Street. The walls are covered in old rugs, 1930s mirrors that the host of Antique Roadshow would salivate over, and a painting of a Cambodian chicken wearing gold ankle bangles (made by a Fishtown artist). From any of the 10 or so tables—all topped with candles—you can see raw options like oysters with a black pepper mignonette get prepped in the open kitchen. After a few sips of pinot, you’ll probably be inspired to sing along to the Fleetwood Mac playing in the background, order the beef skewers after seeing a couple across from you bite into them, or both.
photo credit: GAB BONGHI
They serve a mix of Cambodian and Southeast Asian classics, like papaya salad, and more inventive dishes—like head-on soft shell shrimp coated in a fish sauce caramel—that you won’t find on any other menu in the city. From the littleneck clam soup and Thai crab fried rice to the rotating whole fish, it’s one of the best seafood-focused restaurants in town. Almost everything has a complex blend of spice and flawless execution. After a few forkfuls, you may find yourself panicking, “Does shareable mean everyone gets the same amount?”
photo credit: GAB BONGHI
Portion negotiations aside, come with a group of friends on a casual weeknight, bring a date, or anyone else needing a comforting meal that will be the best they’ve had in weeks. By the end of the night, depending on how much you’ve had to drink, the chicken’s smile in the painting may reassure you that you’ve come to the right place for dinner. Or that it’s in need of a gold chain to pull off its look. In magical places, both can be true.
Food Rundown
photo credit: GAB BONGHI
Saht Koh
photo credit: GAB BONGHI
Head-On Soft Shell Shrimp
photo credit: GAB BONGHI
Littleneck Somlaw Macchu
photo credit: GAB BONGHI
Khao Soi
photo credit: GAB BONGHI
Whole Fish
photo credit: GAB BONGHI
Fried Chicken
photo credit: GAB BONGHI
Steak & Prohok