Outside of Cambodia, this is the most delicious and authentic Cambodian food we have had. The service was great, and prompt. The fish amok was divine. The fish noodles were yummy. The tofu and green veggies was excellent. We also had fresh orange juice and the mango sticky rice, both were amazing. We will be visiting again.
Overview
Located in the heart of San Jose, Angkor Chef offers a unique culinary experience with its rich blend of traditional Cambodian flavors. This inviting restaurant on 86 S 1st St is a hidden gem for those looking to explore the authentic tastes of Southeast Asia. Whether you're a seasoned food enthusiast or someone new to Cambodian cuisine, there's something truly special about dining at Angkor Chef.
The moment you step inside, you're greeted by a warm, cozy atmosphere that makes you feel at home. The décor, with its traditional Cambodian touches, enhances the dining experience, setting the stage for the flavorful journey ahead. The restaurant's commitment to authenticity is evident not just in its ambiance but in the way every dish is prepared.
One of the standout features of Angkor Chef is its diverse menu. From the iconic Cambodian dishes like Amok (a flavorful fish curry) to their beautifully cooked noodle dishes, the options here are crafted with care and tradition. The Khmer-style grilled chicken, perfectly seasoned with a combination of lemongrass and other local herbs, is a must-try. Pair it with a refreshing glass of Cambodian iced tea, and you've got a meal that hits all the right notes.
The food at Angkor Chef is consistently praised for its fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The chefs at Angkor Chef take pride in sourcing high-quality meats, vegetables, and spices, ensuring each dish is bursting with authenticity. The restaurant’s signature dishes, like the Khmer curry and fried rice with eggplant, are beloved by regulars and newcomers alike, with many guests commenting on the rich, comforting flavors that remind them of their travels to Cambodia.
For those unfamiliar with Cambodian cuisine, Angkor Chef offers an excellent opportunity to dive into a culinary world that is often overlooked. The balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy in each dish is a hallmark of Khmer cooking. Ingredients like fish sauce, lime, and tamarind are expertly used, creating complex yet accessible flavors. The sweet and savory flavors of the Cambodian grilled pork and the tangy green mango salad are just a few examples of how the chefs blend ingredients to bring out the essence of Cambodian cuisine.
Beyond its exceptional food, the service at Angkor Chef adds to the overall dining experience. The staff is friendly and attentive, always ready to explain menu items and offer recommendations based on your preferences. It's clear that they care about making your visit special and ensuring you're well taken care of throughout your meal.
The restaurant also has a reputation for its cozy setting, making it a great spot for family gatherings, casual outings with friends, or even a romantic dinner. The intimate atmosphere is paired with a menu that caters to various dietary preferences, ensuring that everyone can find something to enjoy. Whether you're vegetarian or a fan of seafood, Angkor Chef offers plenty of options to suit your taste.
Angkor Chef is also well-regarded for its commitment to providing value for money. Portion sizes are generous, and the dishes are priced reasonably, making it an excellent choice for both casual and special dining occasions. This is a place where you can indulge in high-quality meals without breaking the bank.
If you’re searching for a unique culinary experience in San Jose, Angkor Chef is definitely worth a visit. Whether you’re craving traditional Cambodian comfort food or exploring new flavors, the restaurant provides a delightful journey for your taste buds. The combination of expert craftsmanship, fresh ingredients, and a welcoming environment makes Angkor Chef a standout in the local dining scene.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as Asian-owned ✓ Identifies as women-ownedService options
✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast servicePopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Healthy options ✓ Small plates ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Counter service ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ CasualCrowd
✓ GroupsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kidsParking
✓ Free multi-storey car park ✓ Paid multi-storey car park ✓ Paid parking lot ✓ Paid street parking ✓ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 132 reviews
I stopped in here based on the high Google reviews and my love for trying new types of food. I’m a fan of SE Asian food, but had never tried Cambodian food before. So glad I stopped in! I had the Amok per the server’s recommendation. It was delicious! Perfectly balanced flavors and perfectly cooked. The mango sticky rice was also highly recommended. I don’t normally order dessert, but I went with it based on how much I liked dinner. No regrets! It was the meal I was hoping to find. I was dining alone so I just wanted a casual place without crowds. A great meal without all the hype.
Skewers were heaven. Reminds me of some of the families I grew up near that always had birthday parties with these skewers. The green curry was unique, but very tasty. The chicken dip (sorry don't know the name) but had this fermented sauce taste not for the unadventurous! I loved it :)
I traveled from out-of-town and wanted to support a Khmer-owned restaurant and was so happy to make that trek to Angkor Chef. Chef Channy is such a lovely person who puts such loving effort into her food. The Cambodian sausages were excellent. My mom loved the vegan papaya salad (bok lahong). Enjoyed the jackfruit rice dessert. Beautiful, business-lunch environment and fairly intimate.
We had a great delicious lunch with Khmer (Cambodian) food. The atmosphere is very nice and the owner, Mrs. Channy, is very kind to talk to us. We strongly recommend you to try, if you have not done yet.
What an absolute gem! I stumbled across Angkor Chef when I was stuck in San Jose for a day due to flight delays. The food was truly exceptional. I had the lemongrass stir fry with tofu and the rice pudding steamed in banana leaf for dessert. Both were so fresh, delicious and authentic. I will be remembering that meal for a long time! The service was 5 stars as well. Kent and his wife were so warm and welcoming. Going for lunch again tomorrow before I head back to the airport!
A great find! We were looking for a place to eat ahead of heading to show and we stumbled across this place. No Yelp or Google reviews, just a menu that looked great. The good was amazing! Everything was fresh and delicious. We ordered scallops, fried rice, a couple of noddle dishes and pineapple curry. Everyone's favorite was the mango salad and mango rice.
This was my first time trying Cambodian food, and I came across this restaurant in the vicinity. I liked the nice ambiance and had high expectations. We ordered Amok and Angkor Noodles with Chicken. The Amok was absolutely delicious - a must-try! We chose it after seeing many positive reviews. The Angkor Noodles were good as well - flavorful and tasty. It was definitely comforting food, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for comfort food in a pleasant setting with a view of trains passing by. The service was good too. The only downside was that we felt it was a bit expensive for the quantity; for two dishes, it came to around $60. We may give the Prahok dishes a try on our next visit.