Phoeun Pen

Connect What is your signature dish?

My signature dish is a bowl of Kathiew, a cherished family recipe passed down from my father. The broth is slowly simmered for hours using a variety of beef bones to create a rich, flavorful, and deeply comforting soup. While staying true to our family’s authentic Cambodian recipe, I added my own twist to enhance the flavors and make it uniquely mine. Topped with tender sliced beef, shrimp, meatballs, tripe, and roasted garlic, every bowl tells a story of family, tradition, culture, and lo

Who is your culinary inspiration?

My greatest culinary inspiration is my father. He taught me that cooking is more than just preparing food—it’s a way to bring people together, preserve culture, and show love through every meal. Growing up, I watched him spend countless hours perfecting our family’s Kathiew recipe, carefully slow-cooking beef bones to create a rich and flavorful broth. His dedication, hard work, and passion inspired me to continue our family tradition. Today, I honor his legacy by sharing our C

What would you do with the $25,000?

Winning the $25,000 would be a tremendous opportunity to grow Kathiew House of Oakland and continue sharing Cambodian cuisine with a wider audience. I would invest in upgrading equipment, expanding our menu, and improving the customer experience. The funds would also help strengthen the foundation of my business, allowing me to preserve and promote the flavors and traditions passed down through my family. Most importantly, this investment would help me create new opportunities.