Massachusetts Has 9 Cambodian And Vietnamese Kitchens In Lowell That Locals Love
A bowl of Cambodian beef stew can show up with buttered bread on the side. I love that detail, because it packs French bakery history and Khmer home cooking into one meal.
That pairing is real, and it lives in one Massachusetts city with deep Cambodian and Vietnamese roots. Stuffed chicken wings, peppery beef lok lac, roasted duck, and crusty banh mi share the same streets there.
Many of these kitchens are family-run and open early, so noodle soup for breakfast is a real option. I can’t imagine a better excuse to skip cereal for a steaming bowl of broth.
One spot even runs a mini store beside its tables, and another keeps pho going until 9 PM. Which bowl are you chasing first, the familiar one or the one you can’t pronounce yet?
1. Lowell Restaurant
A restaurant named after the city itself had better deliver, and this one leans fully into Khmer cooking. The menu centers on signature noodle soups and beef lok lac, two dishes that tell you right away where its heart is.
Start with the noodles if you want the house personality in a bowl. The Special Noodle Soup sits near the top of the menu, and the beef stew noodle is another standout worth your spoon.
Beef lok lac is your move if you want something heartier. It’s a classic Cambodian dish of seasoned beef, and it pairs nicely with the house rice that this kitchen is known for.
The room itself is quiet and peaceful, which makes it a smart pick for a slow lunch. Solo diners fit right in, and groups and kids are welcome too.
This is a family-run spot, and that shows in the food’s homestyle feel. Prices stay friendly, so you can order an extra small plate without guilt.
Early risers, take note. Doors open at 8 AM from Monday through Saturday, and Sunday hours run from 8 AM to 7 PM.
Coffee is on the menu, and there’s dessert if you saved room. You can also call ahead for reservations or grab your order to go.
Free parking makes the trip easy, whether you’re a local or just passing through Massachusetts. Point your map to 6 Branch St, Lowell, MA 01851, and bring a friend who loves noodles.
2. Red Rose Restaurant
Huge portions are part of the deal here, so arrive with an empty stomach and maybe a takeout plan. Red Rose serves authentic Cambodian food with flavors that match the generous plates.
Traditional noodle soups lead the menu, and the beef noodle soup is a strong place to begin. If you like heat, the spicy beef lok lak brings a peppery kick to the table.
Want something lighter to start? Tofu spring rolls make a fresh opener, and they’re great for sharing while you decide on mains.
Vegetarians get real options too. A full vegetarian menu means nobody at your table has to settle for just rice.
Breakfast and brunch are both on offer, which is a fun twist for a Cambodian kitchen. The restaurant opens at 8 AM daily and stays open until 8 PM.
Families will appreciate the high chairs, and groups can make reservations. The servers are known for being kind and thoughtful, which makes a first visit feel easy.
The place has an authentic feel and stays popular with locals. It’s the kind of spot that shows newcomers how delightful Cambodian cooking can be.
Coffee and dessert round things out nicely after a big bowl of soup. You’ll find this Middlesex Street favorite at 716 Middlesex St, Lowell, MA 01851.
3. Kao’s Kitchen
Mark your calendar, because Wednesday is the one day this kitchen takes a breather. Every other day, Kao’s Kitchen serves fresh, traditional Cambodian dishes from 9 AM to 8 PM.
Family runs the show here, and that matters in a cuisine built on home recipes. The menu sticks close to tradition, which is exactly what you want when you’re exploring Khmer food.
Noodle soups are a big part of the lineup. A hot bowl makes a great first order, especially on a chilly New England afternoon.
Not in a soup mood? Small plates and quick bites let you sample a few flavors without committing to one big meal.
The staff are friendly, and service gets high marks. That makes it a comfortable stop if Cambodian food is new to you and you have questions.
Prices are reasonable for the quality, so it’s easy to come back and work through the menu. Coffee and dessert are available if you want to stretch your visit.
Lunch and dinner both work well, and solo diners will feel at home. Kids are welcome, and takeout is an option for busy nights.
Free parking sits close by, so the stop is simple. Head over to 426B Chelmsford St, Lowell, MA 01851, and remember to skip Wednesday.
4. Simply Khmer Restaurant
Lunch with a side of shopping? You can do both here, since the restaurant includes a mini store along with its dining room.
The menu is expansive, and it’s packed with traditional Cambodian dishes. Plan on reading it twice, because there’s a lot to choose from.
Crispy egg rolls make an easy opener, served five to an order. They’re vegan, so they work for nearly anyone at the table.
That’s no accident, because a full vegetarian menu sits alongside the regular one. Plant-based eaters can explore Khmer cooking without feeling left out.
The space is roomy and relaxed, with a laid-back, unfussy feel. When the weather cooperates, there’s a nice outdoor dining setup too.
Families, college students, and visitors all show up here. High chairs are available, and you can book a reservation for a group outing.
Hours run Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 AM to 8:30 PM. Monday and Tuesday are closed, so plan your craving around that.
Planning a party? Catering is offered, and delivery and takeout cover lazy nights at home.
Friendly, helpful staff make it a great first stop for Cambodian food in Massachusetts. Find it at 26 Lincoln St Unit 1, Lowell, MA 01851, and save time to browse the store.
5. Phnom Penh Restaurant
Named after Cambodia’s capital, this restaurant sets a big expectation and backs it up on the plate. Roasted duck and flavorful noodle soups are two of its calling cards.
Beef loc lac is a menu highlight worth ordering on your first visit. It’s a Cambodian favorite of seasoned beef, and it’s a reliable crowd pleaser.
Curious diners should try the Cambodian crepe with pork and shrimp. It’s a crispy, savory treat that’s fun to share across the table.
Noodle fans have another great choice too. The stir-fried flat noodles in gravy bring hearty comfort in every forkful.
The room is modest and quiet, so conversation comes easy. Service is fast, which helps on a short lunch break.
Doors open at 8 AM, seven days a week, and close at 8 PM. That makes it handy for an early meal or a relaxed dinner.
Vegetarians can lean on a full vegetarian menu. Kids are welcome, and high chairs are ready for little ones.
The workers are known for exceptional customer service and a friendly touch. On-site parking keeps things simple when you arrive at 309 Westford St, Lowell, MA 01851.
6. Le Petit Cafe
Stuffed chicken wings are the signature here, and that alone is reason enough to visit. Wings with fillings inside?
Yes, and they’re a beloved Cambodian treat.
The other star is beef stew served with buttered bread. It’s a delicious mix of Khmer comfort food and a French-style touch that Cambodian cooking picked up long ago.
Dunk the bread, scoop the stew, and repeat. Nobody will judge you for asking for extra napkins.
This is a small, family-owned spot with a homey feel. The owner earns plenty of praise, which adds to its friendly reputation.
Timing matters, so check the clock before you go. Hours run 9 AM to 6 PM, and the cafe is closed on Tuesdays.
That early close means it’s best for breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner. Coffee is available, and quick bites work well when you’re on the move.
Small plates make it easy to share a few things around the table. Kids are welcome, and takeout lets you bring those wings home.
Nearby parking garages make it easy to swing by. This little Massachusetts favorite sits at 660 Middlesex St, Lowell, MA 01851, just down the street from more Cambodian cooking.
7. Saigon Sandwich House
Banh mi gets top billing here, and the sandwich lovers of the city know it. Fresh, flavorful sandwiches are the main event, though the menu goes much further.
Vegetarians, get excited. The vegetarian banh mi is a standout, and a full vegan menu keeps the options rolling.
Soup fans have a reason to visit too. Bun bo hue, a spicy Vietnamese beef noodle soup, is one of the traditional bowls on offer.
Egg rolls and steamed shrimp rice rolls make great add-ons. Look for banh cuon and banh chung on the menu if you want to try something new.
Save room for Vietnamese desserts, because they’re worth it. Bubble tea is also available, which makes a sweet finish to a quick lunch.
Ordering happens at the counter, and there’s plenty of seating in a clean, cute space. Free wi-fi means you can linger over your sandwich and get some work done.
Doors open at 8 AM daily and close at 7 PM. That’s early enough for breakfast and late enough for dinner on the go.
Dogs are allowed outside, and delivery and takeout cover busy days. Grab your banh mi at 507 Dutton St, Lowell, MA 01854.
8. Viet Tastes
Pho is serious business in this city, and this kitchen is a top contender for the best bowl. Flavorful pho and signature broken rice dishes lead the way here.
Broken rice, or com tam, is a Vietnamese classic you shouldn’t skip. It’s a satisfying plate that pairs nicely with grilled meats.
Tables come stocked with the add-ons you’d want for your soup. Customize your pho with herbs, sauces, and spice until it tastes just right to you.
Craving something crunchy? Deep-fried wontons are a vegetarian menu highlight, and chicken wings and egg rolls also show up on the menu.
Plant-based diners can explore a full vegan menu and a full vegetarian menu. A braille menu is available too, which is a thoughtful touch.
Hours run from 10 AM to 9 PM every day of the week. That late close makes it a great dinner stop after a day of exploring.
The place is clean, service is fast, and the vibe is friendly to families and the LGBTQ+ community. High chairs are ready for kids.
Curbside pickup, delivery, and takeout are all options. Bring your pho appetite to 475 Chelmsford St, Lowell, MA 01851.
9. Viet-Thai Restaurant
Two menus, one table, and zero need to pick just one cuisine. This downtown spot serves both Thai and Vietnamese specialties side by side.
On weekdays, a lunch buffet makes sampling easy. Load up a plate, try a little of this and that, and find a new favorite.
Vietnamese fans should start with the pho. It’s known for flavorful broth, well-cooked noodles, and tender beef.
The beef soup earns praise as well, and Vietnamese fried rice is another strong pick. Together they make a filling meal for two hungry friends.
Tea lovers will enjoy the great tea selection here. A hot cup pairs nicely with a steaming bowl of noodles.
Plant-based eaters have plenty to choose from. Full vegan and vegetarian menus mean everyone can join the fun.
Hours run 9:30 AM to 9 PM daily, so lunch and dinner both fit easily. Friendly wait staff and fast service keep the meal moving.
College students and groups love it, and high chairs are available for kids. It’s a delicious way to wrap up a Massachusetts food adventure at 368 Merrimack St, Lowell, MA 01852.