Crystal Thai-Cambodian Cuisine
In Long Beach, a large menu of affordable, high-quality, and delicious Cambodian dishes
When we were in Long Beach looking for a new restaurant to try, Crystal Thai-Cambodian Cuisine popped up on our radar, and seemed like a “why not?” choice given that Long Beach remains unparalleled for Khmer food. Unlike some Cambodian restaurants in the area (yes, we’re looking at you, Phnom Penh Noodle Shack), Crystal actually has a parking lot, and unlike others (yes, we’re talking about you, A&J Seafood Shack), it’s not sitting in the middle of that lot.
What we found when we walked in and squeezed into the humble but spacious restaurant’s booth-style seating is that this kitchen is turning out excellent Cambodian food. Although we only sampled a handful of items on our visit, including Cambodian-style, soy-heavy beef skewers, a strong papaya salad, and a giant bowl of spicy Khmer curry chicken, the flavors were strong, the proteins tender, and the vegetables fresh.
When we were checking Crystal’s reputation online prior to walking in, we noted complaints that the business was cash-only and ambiguous with menu prices, but found our meal to be affordable and delicious enough that we would have certainly returned. However, the prices since then have jumped to $25 for many entrees, which is a bit of a stretch for an all-cash restaurant with home-style ambience. Based on the current price levels, we’d call a return visit more uncertain than it would have been before, but we’re still thinking about coming back to try more of the menu. If we do, we’ll update this with the details.
Stats
Price: $$
Service: Table
Open Since: 2009
Addresses
1165 E. 10th St.
Long Beach, CA 90813
562.591.7636