.At Sophon, a Cambodian restaurant in Seattleu00e2 $ s Phinney Ridge community, every meal channels Khmer identification. Some, like mouthwatering braised pig stomach braised in soy-coconut milk, are what chef-owner Karuna Long calls u00e2 $ household real, u00e2 $ while othersu00e2 $" like karaage-inspired nearby mushroomsu00e2 $" take creativity from the Pacific Northwest. Sophon is a lyric to Longu00e2 $ s mama, that ran away Cambodian race extermination under the Khmer Rouge. Arising from such awful situations is actually a following sense of creative thinking, uniting Khmai tastes and cooking strategies in clever, engaging ways.Sophon's energetic dining room.Photo by Meron MenghistabThis technique is very clear in the restaurantu00e2 $ s layered, brilliant mixed drinks. Substances like floral makrut lime leaves, sawtooth coriander straightforward syrup (originated from the herb typical in Southeast Oriental cooking food), and Kampot peppercorns (a warm and also delightful varietal along with a kick, increased and also delivered coming from the mineral-rich soil of the Kampot area) income direct tribute to Cambodian cuisine. Bar manager Dakota Etley also creates house-made parts that salute to much deeper social links. A Brie-washed United States rye pointers to both Cambodiau00e2 $ s French emigration and also the United States profession during the course of the Vietnam War. A kabocha squash tincture referrals the countryu00e2 $ s farming pastu00e2 $" a plant first welcomed through Portuguese traders just before obtaining height in Japan.In cocktails like the Mekong, a twist on a piu00c3 u00b1 a colada, fish sauce supplies an interesting earthy pungence. Called after Southeast Asiau00e2 $ s lengthiest river, this icy wonder draws creativity from Cambodiau00e2 $ s informal national dish of amok: fish steamed in coconut lotion and fragrant kroeung seasonings. u00e2 $ The bar food selection is actually mostly Khmer-focused, u00e2 $ Etley claims, u00e2 $ but itu00e2 $ s additionally a little touch of the Pacific Northwest as well.u00e2 $ Hereu00e2 $ s how the Mekongu00e2 $ s superstar elements enter play.Coconut creamCoconut lotion is actually a must in amok. Long remembers seeing Mae Scheme in his motheru00e2 $ s kitchen area throughout his childhood. The Thai brand name gives its own trademark velvety texture to the Mekongu00e2 $ s final form, and the can easily doubles as a captivating consuming vessel.Ripe as well as eco-friendly mangoesPhoto by Meron Menghistab.