Khmai
Day 1: 5-Course Revisiting Cambodian Roots Tasting Series
This sensational Cambodian eatery was a Semi-Finalist for a James Beard “Best New Restaurant” Award when it opened in 2023, and this year it appeared on Infatuation’s list of “Best in Rogers Park.” Cambodian-born Executive Chef Mona Sang emigrated to the United States as a child following the deaths of her father and two of her brothers at the hands of the Khmer Rouge. After working at the Ivy Room for seven years and making a name for herself with Mona Bella, her catering company, she established Khmai, where she is enchanting diners with a menu that includes such dishes as tuk kroeung (catfish in a lemongrass-fish sauce preparation), sach koh ang, (beef skewers marinated with lemongrass and chilis), and amok morn (a complex coconut curry of chicken wrapped in fragrant steamed banana leaf and topped with crispy lime leaves). “Mesmerizing…flawless,” raves the Chicago Tribune, while Eater extols the “food fit for royalty”—and it’s all served up in a stunning space. We’re so excited to visit here and to learn more from Chef Sang about the distinct glories of Cambodian cuisine.
About the Host:
Mona Sang
Chef/Owner
Chef Mona Sang fled Cambodia with her family to escape the genocide in the '80s. immigrating to the US when she was just a toddler. After honing her culinary craft with the Lettuce Entertain You group, she began her own catering company, Mona Bella Catering, offering pop-up dinners and door-to-door service. In June, 2022, she opened Khmai.
The Lineup
All courses will be individually plated. This menu will be Mushroom Free and some courses have been marked spicy. For the list of restrictions Chef is accommodating, scroll to the bottom of this page.
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Nyorm Svai
shredded mango salad, cilantro, red onion, red cabbage, sweet bell pepper, fresh herbs, bird’s eye chili, palm sugar, sweet chili fish sauce, roasted peanut, crispy smoked tilapia
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Loc Lac Kampot
seared ribeye, kampot pepper, spicy koh kong sauce
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Nom Banh Chok
rice noodle, lemongrass catfish broth, fresh herbs
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Kaw Ko
braised oxtail, roasted bone marrow, carrot, onion, galangal, garlic, star anise, lime leaf, lemongrass, crispy garlic, fresh herbs, beef broth
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Pumpkin Custard
sweet coconut cream, palm sugar, pumpkin, strawberry, blueberry, blackberry
Khmai
6580 N Sheridan Rd
Chicago, IL 60626
Event FAQs
- Does this restaurant allow BYOB?
- No. This restaurant is a non-BYO establishment. Outside alcohol will not be permitted at this event.
- What is the event ticket cancellation/refund policy?
- Restaurants purchase the food for our events 14 days before the event date, at which point we are on the hook for the cost of your ticket. As such, we are not able to offer refunds (or credits towards future events) for any cancellation requests submitted within 14 days of the event date. We will, however, issue full refunds for all cancellation requests submitted at least 14 days before the event date. All cancellation requests must be submitted via email to support@tastingcollective.com.
- Will this event be handicap acccessible?
- According to the restaurant, this event is handicap accessible. If applicable however, please email support@tastingcollective.com with your needs to ensure proper accommodations.
- What dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- Due to the large-format nature of our events, restaurants are not able to accommodate all dietary restrictions/food allergies or make any menu adjustments based on food preferences (e.g distaste for specific ingredients/flavor profiles). This restaurant will be offering substitutions exclusively for the following restrictions/allergies: Pescatarian, Nuts, Shellfish, Gluten, Alliums, and Dairy (with the exception of Butter). If you have any of these restrictions/allergies, please make sure to note this in your profile (in the “Event Preferences” section) either before or right after purchasing your tickets so Chef can prepare accordingly.
