Delicious authentic foodGreat vibe and serviceHighly recommended
Harsh Sinha
Great food, friendly
Food: 5
Nichole Nijmeh
Anyone who puts less than 5 stars is out of their mind. I have been coming here since I was a kid, and Bryan still remembers and greats me with a hug even if it has been years since we've seen each other. The quality of food and richness of the recipes from Bryan's mother are incomparable, and every dish tastes just as good as when I had it 20+ years ago. Yes the location and ambiance aren't fine dining, but it's part of the charm that makes chez sovan CHEZ SOVAN. Come here without intentions, have Bryan make you whatever he wants and you will be happy with it all.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Trinh D.
Solid food. The food was tasty and the portions for the curry were large! The amok was on the smaller side but I'd enjoyed the flavor as it was really sweet and creamy, similar to curry. I wish the dishes came with rice or that the waiter mentioned it would be extra. We didn't know that and did not ask for rice but it was brought out anyway, so we assumed that it was part of the meal. We only realized it wasn't when we got the check and saw charges for it.Not a big deal but the lack of transparency was odd.
Amelin N.
I am so glad they survived the pandemic. Been coming here for years and the owner is always so friendly. The amok is to die for, it's always a must have. The salad with shrimp is super flavourful and perfectly tossed. Chicken skewer and chicken curry are also good dishes. Curry is on the sweeter side and not spicy. They are only open during lunch on weekdays. Heads up, street parking is usually horrible.
wutangroom
This place looks pretty old, but the food is Very good.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rick Rasmussen
If you've never had Cambodian food before check this place out. TOTALLY delicious!!! A true dive in every sense of the word. Weird location, funky decor (lots of Cambodian deities line the walls) and best of all, really good food. Been there many, many times and never a bad dish. Only open 11-2. Guy in charge is Brian. His family is cooking in the back. Start of with the soup (shrimp and/or chicken), fried catfish with tomato sauce, shish kabobs, shrimp salad are all favorites. Everything prepared to order, fresh and delicious. Highly recommended!Parking: On 13th Street
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ginger Fish, Amok Fish in Banana Leaf, Stir
miriam taimisto
The restaurant was too warm. The air was too still. It eas uncomfortable sitting and eating. But food was delicious and service right on. Will definately be back when weather cools off.Vegetarian options: Almost all choices offer veggie optionParking: Had to walk 2 blocks. Parking is difficult. Others complained when entering restaurant.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Amok Fish in Banana Leaf, Steamed Jasmine Rice, Soft Drinks, Stir
Cheley F.
LOVE this place! First time and not the last- recommended the cabbage salad- it was delicious!! And the fish wrapped in the leaf amazing, too! Highly recommend this spot!
Vivian N.
The sweetest family owned restaurant I've ever been to! I have an annual tradition to celebrate my birthday here every year. Uncle Brian's service & hospitality is unmatched!! Every dish is made with love and every time I come here- it reminds me of a family meal!! So comforting, simple, and bursting with a multitude of flavors. If you're familiar with southeast Asian cuisine, you know that ever dish has its' aromatics, sweet, salty, & umami profiles that create the most balanced dish. Some of my favorites: Amok, beef & chicken skewers, chicken curry, ginger fish, cabbage chicken salad, and stir fried green beans with shrimp. Don't forget to try the Cambodian iced coffee as well hehe.
My uncle has been a customer of this restaurant since 38 years and highly recommended this place to us for our lunch . We ordered the cabbage salad sans tofu , we were blown away by the salad dressing , the dressing was delicious and an explosion of herb flavors , had right amount of tanginess and sweetness. The slaw was crisp and fresh . Ordered eggplant with tofu and the Sovan sauce was so yummy. Another family member ordered chicken kabab and chicken stir fried rice noodles, both of which were cooked to perfection.The portions are very generous.My iced coffee with condensed milk had sweet notes to it, and spot on to beat the summer heat. Food was very light and not too oily . All the dishes had very fresh herbs. It was worth the 20 min drive to this restaurant. Ambience was very South East Asian. Bryan, the owner and host was very friendly and helped us with our vegetarian food options . He and his wife are very customer service oriented.The only negative is the lack of parking in the neighborhood. Best to Uber/carpool to this place.Highly recommend this restaurant for a soothing lunch experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Stir
Nina
Awesome spot, food was fresh, tasted great love everything we tried! Came here for the first time about a month ago still thinking about the food lolOwner was very cool made my boyfriend and I feel like regulars. Place fills up pretty quick for lunch so I recommend to come early.Coming back with friends for my birthday day
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ginger Fish, Yakitori, Amok Fish in Banana Leaf, Stir
Scott F.
Been going to Chez Sovan for years. Fun small spot only open for lunch. Neighborhood looks rough (don't let it scare you away) and parking is a bit tight, but well worth a visit.Beef skewerz finally back on the menu! They had to cut back the menu over Covid, so hopefully they are doing better now.My gotos are the skewerz (tender, slightly sweet, smoky char), amok (soft steamed fish cake) and ginger fish (sweet sauce with ginger notes, crispy fish with ground meat). All excellent and flavorful. Freshly cooked (you can hear the sound of cooking in a wok and smell the delicious BBQ) and I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.Food never disappoints and staff is very friendly and the guy (owner) is always cracking jokes.This place is an awesome neighborhood spot that is a gem. Try them out!
Lloyd C.
Glad to see them open again. They had closed for a long time during the pandemic.Service: Owner is funny and personable. Some could view him as rude.Ambiance: Classic whole in the wall place, parking is challenging, neighborhood is sketchy, but they pump out good food. Place is always packed.Food: Amok - basa fish filet marinated in coconut milk, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, curry powder, and eggs wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. (5/5). This is hands down delicious! Kabob Skewers (choice of Beef or Chicken) - tender slices of meat marinated in lemongrass, paprika, and Sovan's special sauce. (5/5) We usually get the beef as it's tender, juicy, and tender. Did I say that twice?Stir Fried Noodles, Chicken Curry, Stir-fried Ginger were all good too. (4/5)
Debbie D.
Brian is so welcoming and warm every time we come here. Food tastes so homey and delicious. The best amok I've had and I've tried several in NY and CA. Ask for the spicy fish sauce on the side. Parking might be difficult as they don't have a designated lot.
Delicious authentic foodGreat vibe and serviceHighly recommended
Great food, friendly
Food: 5
Anyone who puts less than 5 stars is out of their mind. I have been coming here since I was a kid, and Bryan still remembers and greats me with a hug even if it has been years since we've seen each other. The quality of food and richness of the recipes from Bryan's mother are incomparable, and every dish tastes just as good as when I had it 20+ years ago. Yes the location and ambiance aren't fine dining, but it's part of the charm that makes chez sovan CHEZ SOVAN. Come here without intentions, have Bryan make you whatever he wants and you will be happy with it all.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Solid food. The food was tasty and the portions for the curry were large! The amok was on the smaller side but I'd enjoyed the flavor as it was really sweet and creamy, similar to curry. I wish the dishes came with rice or that the waiter mentioned it would be extra. We didn't know that and did not ask for rice but it was brought out anyway, so we assumed that it was part of the meal. We only realized it wasn't when we got the check and saw charges for it.Not a big deal but the lack of transparency was odd.
I am so glad they survived the pandemic. Been coming here for years and the owner is always so friendly. The amok is to die for, it's always a must have. The salad with shrimp is super flavourful and perfectly tossed. Chicken skewer and chicken curry are also good dishes. Curry is on the sweeter side and not spicy. They are only open during lunch on weekdays. Heads up, street parking is usually horrible.
This place looks pretty old, but the food is Very good.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
If you've never had Cambodian food before check this place out. TOTALLY delicious!!! A true dive in every sense of the word. Weird location, funky decor (lots of Cambodian deities line the walls) and best of all, really good food. Been there many, many times and never a bad dish. Only open 11-2. Guy in charge is Brian. His family is cooking in the back. Start of with the soup (shrimp and/or chicken), fried catfish with tomato sauce, shish kabobs, shrimp salad are all favorites. Everything prepared to order, fresh and delicious. Highly recommended!Parking: On 13th Street
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ginger Fish, Amok Fish in Banana Leaf, Stir
The restaurant was too warm. The air was too still. It eas uncomfortable sitting and eating. But food was delicious and service right on. Will definately be back when weather cools off.Vegetarian options: Almost all choices offer veggie optionParking: Had to walk 2 blocks. Parking is difficult. Others complained when entering restaurant.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Amok Fish in Banana Leaf, Steamed Jasmine Rice, Soft Drinks, Stir
LOVE this place! First time and not the last- recommended the cabbage salad- it was delicious!! And the fish wrapped in the leaf amazing, too! Highly recommend this spot!
The sweetest family owned restaurant I've ever been to! I have an annual tradition to celebrate my birthday here every year. Uncle Brian's service & hospitality is unmatched!! Every dish is made with love and every time I come here- it reminds me of a family meal!! So comforting, simple, and bursting with a multitude of flavors. If you're familiar with southeast Asian cuisine, you know that ever dish has its' aromatics, sweet, salty, & umami profiles that create the most balanced dish. Some of my favorites: Amok, beef & chicken skewers, chicken curry, ginger fish, cabbage chicken salad, and stir fried green beans with shrimp. Don't forget to try the Cambodian iced coffee as well hehe.
Restaurantji Recommends
My uncle has been a customer of this restaurant since 38 years and highly recommended this place to us for our lunch . We ordered the cabbage salad sans tofu , we were blown away by the salad dressing , the dressing was delicious and an explosion of herb flavors , had right amount of tanginess and sweetness. The slaw was crisp and fresh . Ordered eggplant with tofu and the Sovan sauce was so yummy. Another family member ordered chicken kabab and chicken stir fried rice noodles, both of which were cooked to perfection.The portions are very generous.My iced coffee with condensed milk had sweet notes to it, and spot on to beat the summer heat. Food was very light and not too oily . All the dishes had very fresh herbs. It was worth the 20 min drive to this restaurant. Ambience was very South East Asian. Bryan, the owner and host was very friendly and helped us with our vegetarian food options . He and his wife are very customer service oriented.The only negative is the lack of parking in the neighborhood. Best to Uber/carpool to this place.Highly recommend this restaurant for a soothing lunch experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Stir
Awesome spot, food was fresh, tasted great love everything we tried! Came here for the first time about a month ago still thinking about the food lolOwner was very cool made my boyfriend and I feel like regulars. Place fills up pretty quick for lunch so I recommend to come early.Coming back with friends for my birthday day
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ginger Fish, Yakitori, Amok Fish in Banana Leaf, Stir
Been going to Chez Sovan for years. Fun small spot only open for lunch. Neighborhood looks rough (don't let it scare you away) and parking is a bit tight, but well worth a visit.Beef skewerz finally back on the menu! They had to cut back the menu over Covid, so hopefully they are doing better now.My gotos are the skewerz (tender, slightly sweet, smoky char), amok (soft steamed fish cake) and ginger fish (sweet sauce with ginger notes, crispy fish with ground meat). All excellent and flavorful. Freshly cooked (you can hear the sound of cooking in a wok and smell the delicious BBQ) and I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.Food never disappoints and staff is very friendly and the guy (owner) is always cracking jokes.This place is an awesome neighborhood spot that is a gem. Try them out!
Glad to see them open again. They had closed for a long time during the pandemic.Service: Owner is funny and personable. Some could view him as rude.Ambiance: Classic whole in the wall place, parking is challenging, neighborhood is sketchy, but they pump out good food. Place is always packed.Food: Amok - basa fish filet marinated in coconut milk, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, curry powder, and eggs wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. (5/5). This is hands down delicious! Kabob Skewers (choice of Beef or Chicken) - tender slices of meat marinated in lemongrass, paprika, and Sovan's special sauce. (5/5) We usually get the beef as it's tender, juicy, and tender. Did I say that twice?Stir Fried Noodles, Chicken Curry, Stir-fried Ginger were all good too. (4/5)
Brian is so welcoming and warm every time we come here. Food tastes so homey and delicious. The best amok I've had and I've tried several in NY and CA. Ask for the spicy fish sauce on the side. Parking might be difficult as they don't have a designated lot.