Some of the best meals you can discover aren’t planned. They’re the ones you find while scrolling across social media or while walking through a farmers market, letting your curiosity lead a little more than your schedule.
That’s how I found Kreung Kitchen at the Playa Vista Farmers Market. I grew to know them thanks to the relationships that come to be through social media, Instagram to be exact. I’ve drooled over their photos and thought about going across town to try them out. But as life gets busy and rest has to be scheduled in advance, I never made it in. But I still enjoyed watching them grow. From the business lessons they’ve shared to the ways they support the community when SNAP benefits were cut, they’re the kind of small business you want to know.
Among the array of produce stands, jam connoisseurs, and local vendors at the market, there was the pop up that I came to see. They immediately caught my attention thanks to the scent of their food that cascaded from their booth and down the street. It was in that moment, in between scents, that I was ready to try Cambodian food by Kreung Kitchen.
Started in 2024 by Sam Oum, Kreung Kitchen is a Cambodian pop-up restaurant that brings together vibrant flavors across meats, rice, and vegetables. When looking at the restaurant or their menu, you can sense there’s a story behind what they do. From the family history of Sam, the goal of feeding people great food, and creating a space for Cambodian dishes in Los Angeles, Kreung Kitchen cooks with care and patience.
On this visit, I ordered The Sampler Platter ($25). I hoped it would be as good as it looks in pictures and as I watched Sam prepare the meat on the grill, I had a gut feeling it would be. The plate is a little bit of everything. A half chicken thigh, pork belly, and short rib, served alongside coconut lime rice, coconut corn, and pickled vegetables.It’s truly a plate created to let you experience more than one thing at once which, if you’re anything like me, is always the right move.
And every part of it worked.
The chicken was tender and flavorful, the pork belly rich and unforgettable, and the short rib (well worth adding for the extra $3) brought a depth that made the plate feel complete. Each bite felt made it hard to put your fork down. But just as much as I loved all the meat, the unexpected star of the show was the coconut lime rice. The gentle mound of rice added a lightly creamy taste that truly caused me to pause. Whether I ate it alone or alongside the meat it was truly perfect. With the rice, the coconut corn leaned slightly sweet, and the pickled vegetables brought everything back into balance. It was one of those plates where nothing felt out of place as it was all really well done.
What stood out most about Kreung Kitchen wasn’t just the food, it was the feeling behind it. The feeling of pride they put in their food resonates across the plate and utensils. It’s the kind of pride that isn’t self-serving but eager to make customers fall in love. It doesn’t need to be explained, because it shows up in every part of the meal.
Kreung Kitchen is also the kind of pop-up you don’t just stumble upon once and forget. You remember it because it sticks with you and you constantly look out for it. Whether you follow them on social and keep an eye out for their upcoming pop-ups, there’s a part of you that hopes for them to be near you soon. But regardless of where you find them, whether in Playa Vista or Culver City, I highly recommend you try their food and start with the sample platter. Because some meals surprise you, some stay with you, but Kreung Kitchen effortlessly does both.
Follow Them.
Pop-Up Locations and Hours:
- Westwood Village Farmers Market – Thursdays, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- Playa Vista Farmers Market – Saturdays, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
- Hi-Lo Liquor – Sundays, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
