K & K Cambodian Food Caravan is on a mission to bring Cambodian flavours to the people of Wellington. While heavy-hitting culinary giants Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia are next-door neighbours, Cambodia has its own unique cuisine — and the team at K & K Food Caravan aims to show the capital exactly what makes it stand out.
As the name suggests, K & K's mobile food truck roams throughout Wellington. It's mainly based along the waterfront during the warmer months, but on this occasion, we found them outside Moore Wilson's in College Street. I was greeted with a warm welcome as I walked up to the stall, and could immediately smell the flavoursome meals being cooked up for hungry customers.
I got chatting to owner Vannak Tang, also known as Danny, and he took me through the menu, noting that the 'lot cha' was a crowd favourite. While being similar to Malaysian mee goreng, lot cha is lighter and more delicate, focusing on flavour rather than spiciness. It consists of stir fried noodles with vegetables and egg, homemade fish sauce and a choice of chicken or beef, with a vegan option as well. The chicken stay and beef skewers are great options too, if you're after a snack. Also on the menu: marinated beef and chicken toasted baguettes, and 'bay cha' — a stir fried rice dish served with egg, pickled carrots and the choice of beef or chicken.
The menu is short and sweet, with only six options to choose from, but quality is definitely the focus here. Pricing is excellent, with nothing selling over $12 and the servings sizes are plentiful. It's a great lunch option, that'll leave both you and your wallet you feeling happy and satisfied.