"You can always walk into South Philly’s I Heart Cambodia for an impromptu solo meal or a group lunch and find a seat. You’ll see couples picking up papaya salad and noodle soups for a night in, but there are also servers doling out egg sodas to families while giving the fine-print details on the spice level of each dish. Go for the summer rolls, soy drenched beef lok lak, and whole fish. It comes with a drinkable tamarind sauce and is so perfectly crispy and light that you'll be thrilled they always have a seat for you." - candis mclean
"South Philly’s I Heart Cambodia is always bustling with people picking up papaya salads and noodle soups for a night in, and families drinking egg sodas and debating what else to order. But no matter how busy it gets, there’s always space for an impromptu solo meal. Go for the summer rolls, soy-drenched beef lok lak, and whole fish. It’s a lot of food, but the friendly staff will never rush you, and it tastes almost as good for lunch the next day." - alison kessler
"For deeply flavorful dishes made in the Cambodian tradition, look no further than I Heart Cambodia. The broad menu features a variety of Khmer fare, including several vegetarian options. Highlights include the somlor kor ko, a stew made with papaya, pumpkin, eggplant, and rice, and the fish chhian chhoun, made with fried tilapia sautéed with ginger, scallions, black bean sauce, and more." - George Banks-Weston
"Since you can come here without a reservation, you don’t have to worry about waiting awkwardly in front of the restaurant with the couple who’s told you three times that they have to be home by 8:30 sharp. There’s zero chance that you’ll grab a drink after or sit around talking about planning a group trip to Coachella. When you need a place that has good food that comes out quickly, head to South Philly’s I Heart Cambodia. The food here is on the less expensive side ($15 mains) and you won’t encounter a dining room that’s super loud and crowded. The menu ranges from summer rolls with jumbo shrimp packed inside and a large beef lok lak that’s drenched in soy. For better or worse, dipping, dunking, and chewing is the most fun you’ll have all night. " - candis mclean
"You can grab breakfast at South Philly’s I Heart Cambodia every day of the week (except for Monday). And since it’s one of the best Cambodian spots in the city, you should stop by the casual mom-and-pop shop for a creamy avocado or durian shake and a bowl of noodle soup. The Phnom Penh rice noodle soup, which is packed with beef, shrimp, and green onions, is the best brothy option on the menu." - Candis Mclean, Alison Kessler