Introducing: Bai Khmer

Rodney Hang has brought a slice of Cambodia to what used to be the pizza company on Neville Street in Warkworth.Rodney’s new restaurant, Bai Khmer, serves authentic Cambodian food to dine in or take away.

Rodney grew up in Cambodia and says his menu at Bai Khmer is absolutely authentic.

“Everything is made from fresh ingredients, there are no shortcuts, no ready made pastes. It is exactly what my Mum would make,” Rodney says.

He is proud of Cambodia’s cultural heritage and cuisine, and says it is one of the earliest in the region. Neighbours Thailand and Vietnam have spread their cuisine throughout the world and Rodney would like Cambodian food to be equally popular.

“I always wanted to bring proper Cambodian food to New Zealand.

“It’s fresh and tasty with plenty of lemon grass, ginger, jasmine rice and a little chilli.”

Rodney admits he isn’t much of a chef, but he has taught himself how to bake and has run several bakeries and cafes.

His wife Danni is the Cambodian culinary expert; she came to New Zealand when she was about three years old. Her family escaped the aftermath of the deadly civil war between the communist Khmer Rouge and the Khmer Republic in the 1970s. Around three million people died under dictator Pol Pot’s regime between 1975 and 1979.

Rodney says Danni was the main reason he didn’t return to Cambodia.“When I came here to study 17 years ago I was staying with my future wife’s family. We met, fell in love and I stayed on.”

The couple have three children – daughters Catherine, 13, and Maygan, 4, and a baby boy, Aiden who will turn one this month.

“I have a very busy life, but I love what I do. Bai Khmer is my dream come true and it’s very close to my heart.”

The licensed restaurant also serves up a classic Cambodian milk shake. The unusual combination includes fruit, condensed milk, syrup and a raw egg yolk.

“These are sold in every road side food stall in Cambodia. They are the original smoothie energy drink.”