.At Sophon, a Cambodian bistro in Seattleu00e2 $ s Phinney Ridge neighborhood, every dish channels Khmer identity. Some, like mouthwatering braised pork tummy braised in soy-coconut dairy, are what chef-owner Karuna Long contacts u00e2 $ household genuine, u00e2 $ while othersu00e2 $" like karaage-inspired regional mushroomsu00e2 $" pull motivation from the Pacific Northwest. Sophon is actually an ode to Longu00e2 $ s mom, that left Cambodian genocide under the Khmer Rouge. Emerging from such heartbreaking scenarios is actually an abiding feeling of creative thinking, melding Khmai tastes and also cooking methods in smart, compelling ways.Sophon's dynamic dining room.Photo through Meron MenghistabThis approach is very clear in the restaurantu00e2 $ s layered, brilliant cocktails. Ingredients like floral makrut lime leaves, sawtooth cilantro basic syrup (stemmed from the natural herb common in Southeast Asian cooking), and also Kampot peppercorns (a warm as well as pleasant varietal with a kick, developed and also delivered coming from the mineral-rich dirt of the Kampot region) pay straight tribute to Cambodian cuisine. Bar supervisor Dakota Etley also generates house-made parts that salute to deeper cultural relationships. A Brie-washed American rye pointers to each Cambodiau00e2 $ s French colonization in addition to the USA line of work throughout the Vietnam War. A kabocha squash tincture endorsements the countryu00e2 $ s farming pastu00e2 $" a plant initially ushered in through Portuguese traders prior to getting prominence in Japan.In drinks like the Mekong, a twist on a piu00c3 u00b1 a colada, fish sauce delivers an interesting earthy pungence. Called after Southeast Asiau00e2 $ s longest waterway, this frosted miracle pulls creativity coming from Cambodiau00e2 $ s informal national food of amok: fish steamed in coconut cream and also great smelling kroeung seasonings. u00e2 $ The bar food selection is actually mostly Khmer-focused, u00e2 $ Etley states, u00e2 $ however itu00e2 $ s likewise a little bit of contact of the Pacific Northwest as well.u00e2 $ Hereu00e2 $ s how the Mekongu00e2 $ s superstar active ingredients enter into play.Coconut creamCoconut lotion is a need to in amok. Long remembers finding Mae Ploy in his motheru00e2 $ s kitchen throughout his childhood years. The Thai brand name offers its own hallmark silky appearance to the Mekongu00e2 $ s ultimate kind, and also the can doubles as a captivating drinking vessel.Ripe and also environment-friendly mangoesPhoto by Meron Menghistab.