Angkor Bistro, Cambodian & Thai Food In Johnson City, TN

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by Danielle Bussone

Angkor Bistro has not only recently supplanted Jade’s Market and Eatery as Johnson City’s premier Thai restaurant but has also added Cambodian Cuisine to the original fare. The Thai food we’ve come to enjoy at Jade’s Market is still a major part of the menu and has not changed since new owner, Phally (pronounced Pauly) Mein, purchased the restaurant. Her brother, Phalla (Paul) Nop is her manager. Together they have put together a flavorful menu unique to the Johnson City area.

Maria is their full-service employee who stayed with the restaurant when it changed hands. Her engaging smile is usually the first thing you will notice when you walk into the Angkor Bistro. She is always pleasant, knowledgable and eager to make your experience an enjoyable one.

Angkor Bistro is named after a famous Cambodian temple, Angkor Wat. Most of the dishes offered can be made vegan by substituting tofu as the principle protein or by adding more vegetables instead. The ambiance is quite casual, with cafeteria-style seating.

Angkor Wat

Here we were introduced to our first experience with Cambodian cuisine. Nestled on the southern border of Thailand, Cambodia shares a lot of the ingredients of Thai cooking. The flavors, however,  are entirely unique and the cooking method is different from Thai cuisine. We will experience this first hand when Angkor’s chef prepares a meal for us on video this week to share with our readers.

The diverse menu can easily be made vegan upon request. I had a Cha Sandek, a snow pea stir fry with green onions rice which was absolutely delicious. ($6.50) This is normally served with chicken or shrimp but, as with most of their dishes, can be made vegan for customers preferring a plant-based meal. On a previous visit I had a broccoli stir fry which was equally tasty.

Cha Sandek

As an appetizer Angkor offers vegetable spring rolls with dipping sauce or a salad at an additional cost.

Rich had Cha Kdao Sach Moan, a spicy stir fry with vegetables, garlic, lemon grass and hot peppers. The flavors were a rich and robust party on the palate! Normally a chicken dish, this was made vegan with lots of broccoli, onions, and mushrooms in addition to the regular ingredients. ($6.99)

Cha Kdao Sach Moa

Of course, they carry a compliment of wonderful Thai staples such as Drunken Noodles, an infamous Thai hangover plate, (see previous post in Recipes) and the ubiquitous Pad Thai.

Drunken Noodles

If you are seeking a variety of delicious plant-based Cambodian and Thai food at reasonable prices, Angkor Bistro doesn’t disappoint. Nothing on the vegan menu costs more than $7. You will have to stick to the menu, however, as the cafeteria-style buffet offers no vegan options.

Co-founder and editor of Veggin’ Out and About, Danielle writes restaurant reviews, profiles and interviews of people making a difference in the plant-based community. She is currently writing a cookbook for vegans called, “Time For Change: Whole Foods For Whole Health.”

Danielle’s region is SW Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina and anywhere she happens to stop for sustenance along the road. Contact Danielle  directly to share your restaurant finds, to make comments or just to say hello.