In this powerful and moving episode of The Chicagoland Guide, host Aaron Masliansky sits down with Chef Mona Sang, founder of Khmai Cambodian Fine Dining in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. More than just a restaurant, Khmai is a cultural experience—a tribute to Cambodian history, resilience, and identity.
Chef Mona shares the deeply personal story behind Khmai, including her mother’s survival of the Cambodian genocide, how cooking became a path to healing, and the inspiration for launching one of the only traditional Cambodian restaurants in the Midwest. From the murals on the walls to the scratch-made curry, every element of Khmai is infused with meaning, memory, and heart.
You’ll hear how Mona went from working at Lettuce Entertain You to building a James Beard-nominated destination restaurant, the dynamic between her and her mother in the kitchen, and what Cambodian cuisine can teach us about culture, trauma, and community.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• The history and mission behind Khmai Cambodian Fine Dining
• How food became a bridge between generations and a tool for healing
• The unique ingredients and flavors of traditional Cambodian dishes like banchao and bohok
• The importance of preserving cultural heritage through cuisine
• Chef Mona’s advice for aspiring restaurateurs
• Why Khmai has become a must-visit culinary destination in Chicago
Explore Khmai Cambodian Fine Dining:
🌐 Website: https://khmai-fine-dining.com
📍 Location: Rogers Park, Chicago
📷 Instagram: @khmaichicago
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/monabellacatering
🎵 TikTok: @khmaichicago1
⭐ Yelp: Khmai / Mona Bella Catering
Whether you’re a foodie, a history lover, or just someone who values authentic storytelling, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
🎧 Listen now and immerse yourself in the flavors and stories of Cambodia — right here in Chicago.
🔗 Visit The Chicagoland Guide for more episodes, local insights, and neighborhood discoveries.
