Khmai

"We felt completely lost when Khmai’s original space closed last year, leaving us to navigate a dystopia without their Cambodian beef skewers. Luckily, this Best Restaurant of 2022 is back with a new Rogers Park location, and the skewers are still excellent. Other old favorites appear, like tangy tamarind short rib stew and chicken and taro egg rolls, alongside newcomers like an ASMR-worthy crispy fried snapper drizzled in sweet soy sauce. Khmer clothing gets extra time in the spotlight, as seen in a large mural of an Apsara dancer and worn by hosts greeting people with “Chum reap su.” They don’t take walk-ins, so snag a reservation before visiting and brushing up on your Khmer with the poster of phrases by the host stand." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru, nick allen, john ringor, john ringor, john ringor, john ringor, john ringor, john ringor, john ringor, nick allen, nick allen, nick allen, john ringor, nick allen, john ringor, john ringor, john ringor, john ringor,

"Khmai Fine Dining offers one of America’s only Cambodian tasting menus, rotating every two months to showcase traditional Cambodian flavors from different provinces. The restaurant aims to present Cambodian cuisine in a fine dining context while maintaining authenticity and cultural identity." - Ashok Selvam

"After moving from one part of Rogers Park to another, Khmai remains one of only two Cambodian restaurants in Chicago (there’s also Hermosa). And if you were a Khmai fan before they moved, you can stay a fan. Version 2.0 solidifies itself as a dining destination—not just because Cambodian food is hard to find in this city, but because Khmai makes us wish that wasn't the case. photo credit: Kim Kovacik photo credit: Kim Kovacik photo credit: Kim Kovacik photo credit: Kim Kovacik photo credit: Kim Kovacik Despite Khmai’s “Fine Dining” subtitle, this place doesn’t care if a baseball cap is fused to your head. Students in Loyola hoodies receive a rundown on Cambodian dishes from a server in Khmer clothing, while a dressed-up couple kicks off their night out with a newly added spicy prahok-infused dips packed with a funky punch. At the next table over, a chatty group watches noodles get showered in sweet and beefy mee kaw ko broth, like the star of a Pantene commercial. photo credit: Kim Kovacik photo credit: Kim Kovacik photo credit: Kim Kovacik photo credit: Kim Kovacik Khmai is best enjoyed with company. Partially because the serving sizes welcome sharing (though you might want the beef skewers to yourself), but it’s also the best way to navigate all of the appetizers, salads, dips, and larger format dishes on their expanded menu. Just know that though their sister restaurant next door takes walk-ins, Khmai Cambodian is reservations-only. Snagging one isn’t hard, but you’ll have to do some planning before stopping by. While you’re at it, plan a visit for next month, too—the monthly rotating menu guarantees there’s always something new to check out. Food Rundown photo credit: Kim Kovacik Plear Trei This salmon crudo is a great way to kick things off with something light. The chili and lime make it simultaneously spicy and refreshing, and some pickled gooseberries and kumquats give the dish an extra fruitiness. photo credit: Kim Kovacik Sach Ko Ja Kak Much to our delight (and the relief of our therapists) one of our favorite appetizers from 2022 is back. And the sweet and savory beef on a stick has never tasted better—especially when nutty sticky rice is thrown into the mix. Kaw Ko The skewers are proof that Khmai knows a thing or two about cow—and their bovine expertise also applies to this beef stew. The meat is buttery and tender, and the tomato-based broth has comforting hints of cinnamon, star anise, and galangal. It’s sometimes served with noodles or bread for dipping, but get this regardless. photo credit: Kim Kovacik Prahok Ktiss Thanks to prahok, a Cambodian fermented mudfish paste, each bite of this minced pork dip is loaded with salty and umami flavors. For some heat, break into that chili pepper sitting on top. The circle of vegetables and fruits around it creates all sorts of delicious flavor combinations, with everything from crisp radish to tangy mango. photo credit: Kim Kovacik Nom Pang Kari Sach Morn If bread is your carb soulmate, get this. The crusty baguette pieces are the perfect vehicle for soaking up the garlicky, coconutty curry, and won’t collapse even if you top it with the biggest chunk of juicy chicken. photo credit: Kim Kovacik Trei Chien If you want leftovers, or brought a whole crew (at least one fish fiend required), get this whole fried snapper. The banana flour batter gives the skin a delicate crisp, while the tender fish meat underneath is saturated with galangal, lemongrass, and garlic. Liberally use that delicious spicy fish sauce on the side. photo credit: Kim Kovacik Pumpkin Custard This whole acorn squash is our favorite dessert here. Once it lands on your table, the staff will slice it open, revealing the creamy coconut custard inside. When mixed with the steamed squash, it’s the perfect scoop of nutty and sweet, with some berries on the side for bursts of tartness." - John Ringor

"We felt completely lost when Khmai’s original space closed, leaving us to navigate a dystopia without their Cambodian beef skewers. Luckily, this Best Restaurant of 2022 reopened in a new Rogers Park location, and the skewers are still excellent. Old favorites like tangy tamarind short rib stew and chicken and taro egg rolls make a comeback, alongside newcomers like an ASMR-worthy crispy fried snapper drizzled in sweet soy sauce. Khmer clothing gets extra time in the spotlight, as seen in a large mural of an Apsara dancer and worn by hosts greeting people with “Chum reap su.” They don’t take walk-ins, so snag a reservation before visiting and brushing up on your Khmer with the poster of phrases by the host stand." - john ringor, veda kilaru

"Pair good conversation with delicious Cambodian food at this Rogers Park spot. It’s more casual than its sister restaurant, Khmai Cambodian, with a less formal space with TVs and a menu that focuses on street food and smaller bites. But it’s clear this restaurant family has strong genes—Kaun Khmai’s dishes are equally delicious. It can get buzzy with servers in colorful Khmer outfits going around slicing into banana leaf bundles tableside, revealing savory Cambodian sausage fried rice, while chatty tables share tamarind wings and crispy catfish with chili sauce, but it’s never too loud that you need to start using your outside voice." - adrian kane, john ringor