Lowell, about 30 miles north of Boston, is the fourth largest city in Massachusetts and a former mill town still known for its distinctive chimneys. In recent years, an area called “Little Cambodia” has emerged in the city due to the large number of Cambodians living there. In fact, Lowell currently has one of the largest numbers of Cambodians outside of Cambodia, reports the Associated Press. So your next authentic Cambodian meal isn’t far away (although Little He recommends setting up your GPS to help you navigate Cambodia’s winding, narrow streets).
traditional cambodian food
This is a plate of beef rock rack served at a Cambodian restaurant simply khmer. Many consider this restaurant to be the best and most authentic source of Cambodian food in Lowell, reports the Associated Press. This classic dish consists of seared beef, marinated and cooked in a flavorful sauce made from garlic, soy sauce, and sugar.
Meet the owners of Simply Khmer
Type 26 Lincoln St., No. 4, Lowell into your GPS and you’ll arrive at Simply Khmer in Lowell’s “Little Cambodia.” Once there, say hello to owners Sambas Nairn and Dennis Von Van.
What will be provided?
What’s on the menu at Simply Khmer? Things like appetizers Ye-Heu Bumporg $12.95 (Spicy fried squid stir-fried with jalapenos, green onions, and red chili peppers), Bobo (porridge) $4.95lunch menu etc. Bai/Cha Kunee $7.50 (beef, pork, chicken, seafood stir-fried with ginger), dinner menu, etc. Prahokketee $11.95 (minced pork, minced smoked fish, pea eggplant, coconut milk, prohok, lemongrass, garlic, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, mixed vegetables). Or why not try alligator? Look for the $22 alligator dish. Cha kroun sak kapur.
Chef’s pride
Chef Sambath Neang of Simply Khmer will be serving beef rock rack plates at lunchtime. A blend of herbs and spices is called ‘Kurung’. This is the basis of most Cambodian dishes. Simply Khmer website.
What’s for lunch?
Lunch at Simply Khmer consists of dishes such as: Bai/Cha Kron (stir-fried lemongrass with beef, pork, chicken, or seafood, garlic, onions, red/green peppers, holy basil, jalapeños, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, red chili peppers), Buy/Lock Rack (Steak or chicken chips served over lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and red onion, served with fresh lime pepper sauce), and the restaurant’s famous hot wings. All of these dishes cost $7.50.
dessert time
After lunch, head to 32 Branch St. to find the Dessert Shop and Bakery, featuring Cambodian cuisine and packed lunches.
homemade beef jerky etc.
Kimheng Chou shows off his homemade beef jerky at the Dessert Shop and Bakery (interestingly, there were no desserts or baked goods available on the day an Associated Press reporter visited). However, the reporter praised the beef jerky, writing: It’s paper-thin and looks like it’s been shredded. It has a pleasant spiciness and crunch that makes it completely addictive. ”
And finally, don’t forget to walk the aisles of the New Phnom Penh Asian Market at 37 Branch St. and buy any food you find to take home.