.At Sophon, a Cambodian restaurant in Seattleu00e2 $ s Phinney Spine area, every food channels Khmer identity. Some, like mouthwatering braised pig belly braised in soy-coconut dairy, are what chef-owner Karuna Long calls u00e2 $ family authentic, u00e2 $ while othersu00e2 $" like karaage-inspired local mushroomsu00e2 $" take inspiration from the Pacific Northwest. Sophon is an ode to Longu00e2 $ s mom, that got away Cambodian genocide under the Khmer Rouge. Occurring coming from such tragic conditions is actually a following feeling of ingenuity, blending Khmai flavors and also cooking procedures in clever, powerful ways.Sophon's vibrant dining room.Photo through Meron MenghistabThis method is crystal clear in the restaurantu00e2 $ s layered, imaginative beverages. Ingredients like floral makrut lime leaves, sawtooth cilantro basic syrup (originated from the cannabis common in Southeast Eastern preparing food), and also Kampot peppercorns (a hot and delightful varietal with a zing, developed and also shipped coming from the mineral-rich ground of the Kampot location) pay direct tribute to Cambodian cuisine. Pub supervisor Dakota Etley additionally generates house-made components that nod to much deeper cultural links. A Brie-washed United States rye tips to each Cambodiau00e2 $ s French emigration and also the USA occupation during the course of the Vietnam Battle. A kabocha squash cast endorsements the countryu00e2 $ s farming pastu00e2 $" a crop first welcomed by Portuguese traders prior to getting height in Japan.In cocktails like the Mekong, a twist on a piu00c3 u00b1 a colada, fish sauce provides an intriguing down-to-earth pungence. Named after Southeast Asiau00e2 $ s lengthiest waterway, this icy wonder attracts ideas from Cambodiau00e2 $ s informal national food of amok: fish steamed in coconut lotion and also sweet-smelling kroeung spices. u00e2 $ Bench food selection is primarily Khmer-focused, u00e2 $ Etley claims, u00e2 $ yet itu00e2 $ s likewise a little bit of touch of the Pacific Northwest as well.u00e2 $ Hereu00e2 $ s exactly how the Mekongu00e2 $ s celebrity ingredients come into play.Coconut creamCoconut lotion is a need to in amok. Long remembers seeing Mae Maneuver in his motheru00e2 $ s kitchen throughout his childhood years. The Thai label provides its trademark silky appearance to the Mekongu00e2 $ s last form, and the can doubles as a lovely drinking vessel.Ripe and environment-friendly mangoesPhoto through Meron Menghistab.