Kampuchea Restaurant
(212) 529-3901
78 Rivington St
New York,
NY
10002
40.7205
-73.9893
Neighborhoods: Lower East Side, Downtown
What People Are Saying About Kampuchea Restaurant
The Editor
Justin Hartung
Citysearch
The Scene
Hinged windows elegantly frame the double dates and pre-bar crowds that fill the communal tables at this corner restaurant, where East and West spar playfully. Sunset-orange paint, an intricately detailed tin ceiling and embedded columns strike Asian accents, but the international waitstaff and sporadically blaring soundtrack--everything from jazz to Led Zeppelin--reflect the immediate neighborhood's diversity.
The Food
Chef Ratha Chau seems to be following the lead of the East Village's immensely popular Momofuku noodle shop, only he's westernized Cambodian rather than Korean food. The ubiquitous Berkshire pork makes an appearance on the Kampuchea sandwich, a decadent concoction of ground meat, pate and headcheese. Lettuce leaves accompany a savory shrimp crepe for the somewhat confusing purpose of a second wrapping, while a cuttlefish salad lacks enough of the squid-like seafood. Soups, however, dazzle with differentiated flavors and unusual ingredients like rich, tender oxtail, briny jumbo prawns and tender grilled duck.
User Reviews
AuTourDuMonde32
March 15, 2009
I grew up in NY, and I eat out 5 days a week.. I've probably been to half the restaurants and eatery's that this city has from Pelham Bay to Hudson Bay to Rockaway Bay... the jacket-onlys to the "english not necessary"s.. and this place, is honestly the biggest let down I can recently remember.__________________ I don't understand how people could enjoy this stuff.. But I get the same idea everytime my bus is stuck at a red light infront of a crowded McDonalds..__________________ Salty slop.. ____________________________________ I have not felt this ripped off in a loooong time...__________________ I left saying that I would have rather lost $60 then spent it on what I just ate... And I honestly would have.. I even had to go eat again just to feel satisfied. ____________________________________ It's one thing to spend money for excellent food in small portions.. Where incredible service and prime ingredients are prepared and presented..__________________ ... But to spend $18 on a half full bowl of salt and $1.15 worth of ingredients, put together haphazardly and served with unappreciative snide pomp in an address that used to be a dope den.. is just ridiculous. ______________________________________________________ Another thing.. Calling this food "Cambodian" is like calling boars-head ham and swiss "french cuisine".. __________________ I've been to Cambodia/Kampuchea.. more than once.. and there's nothing like the slop I was served on order there.. Unrecognizable. ____________________________________ I never complain about a restaurant, never.. But I had to come on here to air this one out like the stench that's coming from my behind tonight from the food they served me.. ____________________________________ Any self-respecting foodie: STAY AWAY!__________________ __________________ Any one with no palate (like the "editor" who wrote that ridiculous almost comedic synopsis of the place here), just do yourself a favour in these hard times, and keep that $30+/head in your pocket and go to your McDonalds.. you'll feel better at the end of the day. ______________________________________________________ You want soups, go to Viet Huong.. You want Banh style sandwiches go to Nickys or Banh Mi.. I can go on and on about better places to spend your time and money, to eat the food they supposed to be serving, but that's what that search box up there is for.. And in the neighborhood, honestly, your stomach will feel better after San Loco up the block! haha really! And so will your wallet!____________________________________ Kam-PUKE-a..__________________ HUGE thumbs down. I hate getting screwed and not enjoying it
read full review
cit1_girl
November 24, 2008
I love Kampuchea, it is one of my favorite spots in NYC. The food is a cross between Vietnamese and Chinese cuisines and the chefs are great in turning out savory dishes with exotic flavors. My favorites are their noodle soups, i would make recommendations but they change their menus every once awhile. I am a very picky eater especially with Asian food and i must say, this place is a must go.
read full review
Anonymous
November 19, 2008
I stopped by this Cambodian noodle bar a few weeks back and found myself pleasantly surprised by both the trendy vibe and good quality food. The restaurant is located on the corner of Rivington and Allen in Manhattans Lower East Side. When approaching Kampuchea one immediately notices the large rooster mural and huge windows which flood the restaurant with natural light. Typical to noodle bar fashion the Kampuchea lacks small single tables opting for long tables with bar stools where everyone sits side by side - so if your looking for an intimate setting for a date this might not be the place for you. I found the wait staff friendly and very attentive without being annoying. My only qualm with the service is the amount of time it took to get a seat which seemed to be due to complete disorganization by the host and with whatever seating system was in use. As an appetizer I had the crispy pork belly - pan fried with honey and a hint of apple cider vinegar. Although I was quite unimpressed with the meager portions considering the price tag of 12 dollars the pork belly was cooked and seasoned perfectly and quite delicious. As a main course you can have your choice of sandwiches, crepes, soups, noodles, and stews. I chose the coconut tiger shrimp sandwich which came garnished with carrots, cucumber, and cilantro, and spicy mayo served on a toasted baguette. The sandwich was simple but perfectly balanced and it was well worth the 13 dollars. Through and through there is not much to complain about in Kampuchea. It can seem a bit pricey but for this quality of food you won't find anything cheaper in the lower East Side. The environment is interesting and visually stimulating and the food displays the heart and soul that I find lacking in so much contemporary Asian cuisine. And I always appreciate an open kitchen!
read full reviewThe Details on Kampuchea Restaurant
The Extras:
No sweet stuff is available to end the meal, but you're not too far from Room 4 Dessert.
What to Drink:
The reasonably priced wine list is mostly European. The $28, slightly tart Anjou Blanc goes well with both pork and seafood.
Group Dining:
The communal tables are perfect for big groups, but there are also a few four-tops and a couple of intimate bar seats.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard
