In reality, this wasn’t our first choice. The restaurant we originally had our eyes on was closed, so not wanting to travel too much further, Joyce of @monkeyeatsworld and I were in search of dinner in the immediate area. A variety of options were bounced around, but we both agreed Phnom Penh would be it, wanting decently priced food that we know is good. It has been a while since we last visited (the last time for both of us was together, pre-covid, over 2 years ago); and seeing as my blog was recently deleted, it has given me reason to revisit places I once liked, to see if they stand the test of time.
At 5:30pm we were seated immediately, but by 7pm there was queue outside and they were in for a wait; given the popularity of this place that still stand and less tables that need to be spaced out.
Their dine in menu is the same as their take out: an accordion folded single sheet of paper printed back and front. Everyone knows they are a landmark now, and do not need the extra flash and service that other restaurant require to do well and thrive. Phnom Penh is that well known that they are deemed worth the wait, and you are to come expecting nothing more than tasty Vietnamese food.
Not wanting to fuss with a fully written menu, with no photos or descriptions; I let Joyce order and we went with her usual picks.
Everyone comes ordering their famous chicken wings, looking around the room, each table had a plate. It also comes to your table quick in anticipation of your request. There is something so satisfying about them. These crispy and meaty wings have a great saltiness to them with hints of fish sauce. A uniqueness that has you going back for more drumlets or wingtips. It also comes with a peppery vinegar sauce for dipping, although I didn’t find I needed it for extra flavour or a change of taste. This is the small version, but there is also a large option.
The Filet Beef luc lac on rice with egg comes as a set with a bowl of bone broth soup. The soup was really satisfying, it drank mild but tasted rich, warming you to the core. And you get a bonus of a piece of tender meat within, something to pick off bone.
As for the rice, it was a simple dish that felt familiar. Chewy beef with plenty of slightly sweeter sauce coating it. The rice and it’s sides offer the ideal variety of textures and tastes together. Pretty much what you see is what you get with this one and it hits the spot.
The Phnom Penh two kinds of noodles is available in a dry or wet soup version. This is the former with rice noodles and egg noodles. You need to stir everything all up and all together in order to incorporate the sauce into the noodles. Joyce did a thorough job with it, but I still I found it bland after doing so. The two noodles together at least haven’t a texture to chew through. I just wanted more toppings for more texture and taste.
As expected, there is a reason why they are a Vancouver institution. I have yet to have a meal I did not like with them.
Phnom Penh Restaurant
244 E Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1Z7
(604) 734-8898
phnompenhrestaurant.ca
