Heart of Cambodia

Heart of Cambodia, 32 Bank Place, is a family-owned restaurant in the busy heart of Utica, serving a blend of traditional Cambodian, Thai, Burmese and Vietnamese dishes. All of Heart of Cambodia's soups and Pho noodles are made fresh daily. The hostess, Laddie, recommends "Farmer Soup," made with pineapple, tamarind, lotus root and fried garlic. Farmer Soup was traditionally a community dish, made by rice paddy farmers with seasonal ingredients. Heart of Cambodia has recreated this dish to be enjoyed all year round!

Like the farmers behind Farmer Soup, Heart of Cambodia is also deeply involved with the local Cambodian community, which has grown from a handful of individuals to over 80 families. Tina, the chef, frequents a number of local Cambodian grocery stores; other herbs and spices, like lemongrass, are homegrown. The owners are also active in Wat Satheathet Uticaram, the local Buddhist religious center, and provide food for community functions.

The food tasted fresh and rich, the creamy coriander gravies and nutty satay sauce showcasing the fresh ingredients. The movement of dishes, the sound of grilling, and the murmur of radio drifted out from the kitchen, providing a nice ambience as we sat at our table and took in the veritable feast that lay before us (the portions here were quite large).

As we rose to leave, chef Tina invited us into the kitchen, and was exceedingly gracious and kind, clearly taking pride in the fresh produce she had chosen as well as the many delicious dishes simmering on the large stovetop. Learning about the importance of the food both to Laddie’s family and to Cambodian culture made the experience even richer, as did seeing the care and love which the chef put into each dish.