Khmai
Taizoon Baxamusa · 167 Google reviewsKhmai — top-tier food in Rogers Park. The decor hasn't changed, and it doesn't need to. Cocktails here aren't an afterthought, and BYOB. Eyan Edwards: "The flavors were authentic, rich, and beautifully balanced"
What 484 diners keep saying
What 484 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“First time eating Cambodian food and it was incredible! The food was bursting with flavor and portions were huge! Everything our table got was passed around and shared and every bite was more interesting and flavorful than the last. Will 100% be coming back here!”
“My wife and were given the opportunity the other night to visit the northern region of Cambodia and we never even left Chicago! Instead, we dined at Khmai, in Rogers Park. I can say, without any hesitation, that it was a truly transformational culinary experience. The key word being experience. When we arrived, we were seated in the fine dining section. Everything about the decor and the place settings were flawless and set the tone for the experience to come. Once seated, our guide for our journey, Ava, set the tone. She explained everything and encouraged us to prepare for a gustatory journey that would reflect the Chef's heritage and life experience. We participated in Oddar Meanchey Mild Journey. This involved seven savory courses and a dessert course. Now, I must explain that I am not a major vegetable person and my wife has had problems with lemongrass for a long time. Ava calmed our fears and concerns and made the experience the best it could be. We started with bread and Kreoung butter. Kreoung is a very aromatic paste that is elemental to Cambodian cuisine. This was the perfect introduction to what was to follow. As each course came out, the server explained what it was and how to eat it. Nothing is left to chance, at Khmai. They truly want you to experience their cuisine as they do. Each dish had a protein(seafood, chicken, beef) element, with plentiful vegetables, spices and textural elements that made each course mind blowing! All of this was enhanced by a crisp white wine that paired perfectly with everything. The dessert was just ethereal! Our Cambodian journey lasted about 2.5 hours and I can honestly say that it was time well spent. I hope to one day make the actual journey to this wonderful country with such rich history, tragic and glorious. Until such time, Khmai and Kaun Khmai will serve as my local Cambodian destination.”
“An overall awesome experiences from food to the service, the history and the taste is so beautiful and tasty….. I love the variety of options but also would love to some permanent staples with a little more khmer strong taste”
“One of the best restaurants in Chicago. We took the tasting menu journey which was a 8 course meal. It took about 2-2.5 for the entire course. Every dish was amazing, the eggplant croquette was fantastic. The staff was very courteous and the atmosphere was nice.”
“We had an excellent experience. I've never eaten Cambodian food before but this restaurant was very accommodating to a novice like me. Our waiter, Charlie, was very friendly and gave nice recommendations. I loved the chien trapp and amok tawhow that I ordered. The Ube dessert was very light and satisfying. The place is located conveniently right by the CTA station. The casual dining side was moderately loud but our experience was great.”
“Food was delicious and the waitress helped explain what the various menu options were. Amazing flavors on everything. Had 2 apps and an entree to share and was plenty of food. Nicely decorated (minus the number of Packer gear) and brightly lit dining rooms. Had a couple of musicians there playing/singing. A really nice experience overall. Will be back to try more food, super unique!”
“First time experiencing Cambodian cuisine and it did NOT disappoint 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟! Ava was so friendly and so helpful by explaining the dishes! I tried the trei Chein chuon (tilapia with a delicious mango veggie topping) for brunch and OMG🤤!! The flavors were amazingly so well balanced— no additional seasoning or sauce needed! Definitely worth the try!! And ask for Ava!”
“The food is good and server does a great job in making sure everything is good with everyone dining at this place.”
“Lunch at the more casual Kaun Khmai was great - tasty, generous portions, and paired with excellent service We ordered a range of items across their menu, including the kari sach morn and loc lac from the traditional specialties, the bai cha fried rice, and the pandan waffles. Everything was solid, and the bai cha was a particular highlight (along with the housemade ube syrup to accompany the pandan waffle) Our service was also exceptional: Kenzo was welcoming, attentive, knowledgeable - the definition of great hospitality”
“What an experience! We learned tonight that we love Cambodian food. Everything was delicious. The highlights were the mango salad and the braised short ribs. Sooo good. The service was amazing as well. Everyone was so nice, friendly and knowledgeable. We will be returning. Thank you for a wonderful evening.”
“I loved visiting Cambodia and was so excited to try Khmai and wow, this restaurant was truly phenomenal. The waiter was one of the best I have ever had anywhere in the world: kind, friendly, and incredibly personable, taking the time to explain every menu item with care. I shared the Sang Ko Ang Share Plate with my mom, and it exceeded all expectations. It was a perfect option for two and a great value for such a generous, satisfying meal to share. It came with a soothing soup and one of the largest ribs I’ve ever seen—tender, fall-off-the-bone meat paired with peppers, potatoes, and pickles, all drenched in a perfectly balanced sweet chili and BBQ sauce! WOW! Delicious. The flavors were bold, comforting, and completely unique. This meal was such an unexpected and memorable experience. I’m so happy I got to enjoy such a great meal with my mom at Khmai during her time in Chicago. Everyone there was genuinely kind, which made the experience even more special. I couldn’t recommend it enough. 🇰🇭❤️”
“What an amazing experience!! Currently, they're only BYOB but the mocktail flights were absolutely delicious - there was a ginger beer, lychee and a third one was a coconut lemongrass one. For food, for our group - our favorites included Beef Skewers (Sach Koh Ang), Pork Belly (Chein Sach Chrouk), Mai's Eggrolls, Noodles (Cha Mee Katang), and definitely this super delicious shreeded mango salad with crispy fried tilapia on top. We also tried the prahok kitss (grilled pork belly and gorund pork dip) that was interestingly served with vegetables and fruit. We also had their Khmai famous curry that was simmered in coconut curry broth. The only dish that fell a little short for us was the Sach Ko Ang which was braised beef ribs as the meet was a little tough and the BBQ sauce was okay. But everything was absolutely fabulous that it was easily overlooked. Service was friendly and was able to explain the menu and dishes to us as it was our first time having Cambodian food. Can't wait to come back again!”
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