Nyum Bai - Oakland

Great service. Host and waitress where attentive and helpful. Food was great. Solid beer selection

February 2022 Visit: Saturday Night Okay to be fair my friend and I had already been eating all day and we had a full dinner before coming here, BUT... I had heard so many good things about this restaurant and it was walking distance from the last restaurant) so we stopped by to share a dish. It's located in Fruitvale and while the neighborhood is a little rough around the edges, this particular shop has a very hipster/trendy feel to it. There were neon lights inside. Patrons were asked to show both ID and vac card to be seated indoors, though there were quite a few takeout orders and outdoor tables. Honestly, we were full but the hostess told us about the Prahok Ktiss Bai $20), which was Chef Nite's favorite dish, so we HAD to try it. The veggies were fresh, and the minced pork concoction was tasty with the rice. However, I think had I had room I probably would have loved to have tried the Kuy Teav Phnom Penh Noodle Dish $18) with Shrimp $3) and/or the Mee Kola $18), a cold noodle dish. I will be back!

Updating review! Amok is still my favorite...tonight had that and Cha Ban Lai, Cha Troup. Intense flavors and you have to drink the sauce/broth it's so good. Amazing! We got some Mama Teav's hot garlic sauce too which I'll literally eat right from the jar as well as a condiment. Rosé and red wine were good and dry. It was hard to stop myself from eating to make sure for leftovers but I did and can't wait to have them!! The ambiance is wonderful with a cute little patio and indoor space. We had wine while we waited on a bench (only 10 min. for a table. Everyone there is super sweet. Love it here!!

Me and the homie Lakeside Kevy Kev was droppin off the homie Noodles at the Oakland Airport and on the way back to the Rich i asked him if he wanted to grab some Cambodian food. So he was down and i've been wanting to try Nyum Bai since i heard their Kuy Teav was pretty good. So we drove into Fruitvale for dinner and i ordered the Kuy Teav, Lakeside Kevy Kev ordered the Amok and we split a order of some Khmer fried chicken wangs. The Kuy Teav was busssssin and a lil different then original Kuy Teav because they used pork ramen style broth instead of the beef broth that i'm use to eating for Kuy Teav, but yo! this place is definitely a good spot to try, i'll mos def come back again if i'm in the Town.

Nyum Bai is a well regarded Cambodian restaurant in Oakland's Fruitvale neighborhood. It has been on our must visit list for years and we finally got a chance in early 2022. It was nominated for Best New Restaurant in 2019 by the James Beard Awards. On a Saturday night, few people were indoors, several tables were occupied outside. Not many heat lamps. We called directly to order and maximize their revenue. During the Covid 19 Pandemic in 2021, we visited them for take out. We were trying to support local restaurants, so they can survive. All will get a 4 star review for being open. Safety Pluses Online menu, Delivery services available, online ordering, social distancing. Minuses None Picks: Khmer FRIED CHICKEN gf $14) with kampot peppercorn lime zest was fantastic. Eggless batter deep fried until crispy with about 8 small pieces of chicken. Lots of flavor and crunch. 10/10 KUY TEAV PHNOM PENH GF $18) Cambodia quintessential noodle soup! 8 hour pork broth with rice noodles, pork, sliced beef. Make sure to squeeze the lime. Is similar to a wide rice noodle pho. Strong broth flavor and large chunks of pork. 8.5/10 KOH Bai GF $20) Braised succulent pork belly in caramelized palm sugar with soy braised daikon soft boiled eggs w/ peppery note, ginger star anise, hodo soy tofu is a signature dish. Really good sauce with tender large chunk of pork belly. Daikon was a bit of an odd touch. 9/10 Cha Ban Laigf $16) Sauteed seasonal greens, fermented salted beans, shallots chips with vegan option. Was very heavy with the sweetish sauce. Today's veggie was pea shoots. 8/10