Discovering a New Favorite in Cambodia Town
As someone who proudly identifies as a foodie, few things excite me more than trying a new restaurant—especially one that introduces me to a cuisine I’ve never had before. So when I found myself in Long Beach's Cambodia Town with the chance to try Crystal Cambodian Thai Restaurant, I was so ready.
I've always felt that food is one of the most meaningful ways to connect with a culture. And being Filipino, there's something extra special about discovering other Asian cuisines that feel both new and familiar at the same time. Let's be real—most of the time, “Asian food” in the mainstream conversation means Japanese, Korean, or Chinese. But Southeast Asia has so much more to offer.
The Star of the Table: Loc Lac
The first dish we tried was loc lac, a Cambodian-style pepper beef made with tender sirloin steak. It came with lettuce, tomatoes, and a lemon-pepper dipping sauce that added the perfect tangy kick. The freshness of the veggies paired with the richness of the beef was seriously addictive. I could've eaten the whole plate by myself, no shame.
Next up was something completely new to me: Kuy Teav Phnom Penh. It's a comforting bowl of thin rice noodles in a savory broth, with a mix of pork and seafood. It felt like the kind of soup that gives you a hug from the inside out. Every bite reminded me of home while also introducing me to flavors I hadn’t experienced before. It was cozy, flavorful, and totally soul-satisfying.
And just when I thought the experience couldn’t get more nostalgic, I had Num Ansom Chek—a Cambodian sticky rice cake wrapped in banana leaf with banana inside. The moment I took a bite, it took me right back to my childhood. We have such a similar dessert in the Philippines, and it made me smile so big. It was soft, sticky, subtly sweet, and so comforting—just like the ones my family used to make.
A Beautiful Blend of Cultures
What I loved most about this meal—beyond the delicious food—was the sense of cultural overlap. Filipino food shares some of the same heart: bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a love for balance. And it was so endearing to experience that in another Southeast Asian context.
On my drive home, I actually thought back to a Cambodian-Vietnamese restaurant I visited in Vancouver last year. That spot was so good it's Michelin Guide–recommended. And it just reminded me how much I adore Vietnamese and Thai cuisine, and how Cambodian food adds this beautiful richness that ties it all together.
Food as My Favorite Way to Travel
As someone who travels often, food is always the first way I connect to a new place. So getting to experience Cambodian-Thai fusion like this felt like a mini cultural trip—without the long flight.
Long story short: if you haven't explored Cambodian cuisine yet, run, don't walk, to Crystal Cambodian Thai.
Supporting Our Local Community
At Lakewood Self Storage, we're proud to be part of such a vibrant and diverse community. Exploring gems like Crystal Cambodian Thai Restaurant reminds us just how special our local neighborhoods are. Whether it's food, culture, or the people who make this area so unique—we love being part of it all. Just like discovering new flavors, we believe in supporting small businesses and celebrating what makes our community feel like home.
Crystal Thai-Cambodian Cuisine
1165 E 10th St.
Long Beach, CA 90813
(562) 591-7636
Sun-Sat: 9AM - 8PM
