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Phnom Penh Noodle ShackB+Worth Trying

Name: Phnom Penh Noodle Shack
Address: 1644 Cherry Ave, Long Beach, CA 90813, Long Beach, United States
Rating: 4.6

1644 Cherry Ave, Long Beach, CA 90813 · Cambodian restaurant, Breakfast restaurant, Brunch restaurant · 4.6/5 Google (939 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout

Beloved Cambodia Town staple for comforting Khmer noodles, porridge, and beef stew with generous portions and fair prices; expect waits, tight parking, and occasionally brusque service.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Phnom Penh Noodle Shack delivers exceptional food quality with deeply satisfying broths and generous portions at outstanding value, earning solid neighborhood respect and loyal repeat visits. However, inconsistent execution—occasional overcooked noodles and seasoning lapses—and variable service attentiveness prevent a higher grade. The tight seating and long waits reflect authentic community appeal rather than polish, positioning this as a reliable comfort destination rather than a premier dining establishment.

Restaurant Summary

The Shack hums with lively, cozy energy from breakfast through lunch, bowls sailing out as servers juggle an online waitlist and tight seating. One diner summed it up: "The broth felt homemade and the portions were huge." You are here for comfort, not polish, and the community vibe is warm and welcoming even when the line snakes outside. The cooking leans traditional Khmer comfort—clear, savory broths, offal prepared tender, and the beloved beef stew with tendon and tripe. House Special noodles shine dry with a bone-in broth on the side, while cha quai breadsticks beg to be dipped. Expect straightforward, soulful food with options to customize noodles and broth rather than chef theatrics; portions and pricing make it ideal for folks chasing deeply satisfying bowls over flash. For families, this is a solid pick: mild broths, simple noodles, and bread sticks suit many kids. The menu skews meaty, so vegetarian choices are limited (a basic veggie stir-fry exists). Space is snug and waits can be long, so plan off-peak if you need a high chair or want to seat a larger group together.

At a Glance

Broths and beef stew praised for depth and tenderness
Portions are huge for the price
Street parking is difficult; expect to circle
Service can be brusque or inattentive on busy days
Expect long waits; use the online waitlist

What Sets It Apart

bone_in_broth_side_for_dry_noodles
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exceptional_portion_value

What People Love

Rich, savory broths that taste homemade
Tender tendon, tripe, and generous meats
Customizable dry-or-soup formats
Cha quai bread for dipping
Community staple vibe

Points of Concern

Parking is street-only and often packed; allow time
Occasional off-days: overcooked noodles or sweet-leaning seasoning for some palates
Service inconsistency reported, especially at peak times
Vegetarian options are limited and basic

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$22-32 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Choose noodle size and type to preference; dry style with soup on the side enhances texture contrast
Add a fried egg to porridge or stir-fry for richness (+$2)

Perfect For

A comforting noodle breakfast or lunch
Casual meetups after exploring Cambodia Town
Solo slurp sessions at off-peak hours
Bringing out-of-town friends to a local icon

Location Insights

Area: Casual, community-focused stretch in Cambodia Town with small businesses and residential blocks.

Safety: Generally fine daytime; some reviews note rough edges and crowded street parking.

Nearby: Near Cambodia Town eateries; residential streets and small shops; lunchtime crowds.

Central Long BeachCentral Long Beach is a historically industrial and residential area with a growing number of small businesses and eateries reflecting the multicultural makeup of the community. The dining scene is casual and authentic, often featuring ethnic cuisines and family-run establishments, catering to locals and visitors seeking affordable and flavorful meals.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday Tuesday07:00–15:00 Wednesday07:00–15:00 Thursday07:00–15:00 Friday07:00–15:00 Saturday07:00–15:00 Sunday07:00–15:00

Available: Delivery, Takeout

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