Meet Somnang: Owner of Cambodian Food Micro-Kitchen, Lucky Sanh (Story 36/40)

“Authentic Cambodian food is hard to come by in City Heights. The flavors are described as spiceful. Those who enjoy it understand this food is best cooked authentically with its flavor in full effect.” Somnang Hor, owner and creator of Lucky Sanh Flavors of Cambodia.

Inspired by the Cambodian food scene in Long Beach, Somnang, a Cambodian-American raised in City Heights, shares her inspiration which led to the opening of her micro-kitchen, Lucky Sanh Flavors of Cambodia.

“It all started during the pandemic. I was working from home and I had extra time so I was always cooking with my mom. I started selling my dishes and realized there's a demand for Cambodian food in San Diego.”

As City Heights locals, we are familiar with the Vietnamese restaurants lined up along El Cajon Boulevard in the Little Saigon area. And, while the population of Cambodian-Americans is also prevalent in City Heights, the number of Cambodian restaurants is miniscule.

“There's no Cambodian food in San Diego, there's Cambodian-Chinese food but that's catered more as Chinese food. The authentic Cambodian dishes are more pungent and more of a delicacy people are afraid to try.”

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“We have a Little Saigon, but no Cambodian food, so I am trying to be the first.”

Lucky Sanh is currently operating as a home-based micro-kitchen in Spring Valley. On special occasions, Lucky Sanh participates in pop-ups and community events hosted at Tierra Central. And as Somnang’s business grows within her home, she is looking into the future of Cambodian cuisine throughout San Diego.

“I envision having a street of Cambodian foods here in San Diego. I envision being the first and sharing it with the world. I want my community together and I want them to see me and think,’I can do this, too.’”

Check out their page, Lucky Sanh Flavors of Cambodia, for their holiday specials and ordering options!

All technical assistance is provided through funding by the City of San Diego Community Development Block Grant.

Economic Development, Business Development, Personal StoriesDes ReyesDecember 20, 202240th Stories, 40for40, Cambodian food, Lucky Sahn Flavors of Cambodia, Little Saigon, Cambodian-American, El Cajon Boulevard