Hello again, travelers! Welcome to a new segment of Nightborn called Food Finds. We love checking out new places, supporting local businesses and of course, eating tasty treats, so we figured we share them with you, too. Today’s finds are dinner (or lunch) and dessert (or, as I’d like to call it, anytime food) at Reathrey Sekong and Novel Ice Cream.
Reathrey Sekong
Reathrey is a cozy Cambodian restaurant tucked into mid-town Phoenix. Inside you’ll find a smattering of tables and booths – a perfectly-sized space that, even when it’s full, doesn’t feel crowded. (If you have a larger party, you might want to call ahead to see what the dining situation is like. Take-out is an option, too.)
I’d never had Cambodian food before, but it wasn’t too unfamiliar, with some element of the dishes reminding me of a combination of Vietnamese and Thai food (which might make sense, considering that Cambodia is sandwiched between Vietnam and Thailand).

I’m definitely coming back for this ginger tofu stir-fry.
The menu isn’t large (nor does it need to be), but it has a variety of dishes. Between my companions and I, we got a beef skewer dish, steak and vegetables, catfish and a ginger tofu stir-fry. Re: the catfish, check with your server to see if it’s available to order. For you vegetarians out there, I think there’s a noodle dish you can request as a vegetarian meal, and my ginger stir-fry was originally a beef/chicken dish that I subbed with tofu. But, I’m not sure if the sauce is vegetarian, so you’ll want to ask about that too.
Did I mention that staff was very nice and accommodating? Well, I have now.
Next time I stop by, I think I’ll try to be more adventurous with my choices and get something different (although that ginger tofu was REALLY good).

Steak and veggie dish with a tasty sauce that had a surprising kick.
Novel Ice Cream
Novel is little ice cream shop on the fringes of downtown Phoenix in the historic Grand Avenue arts corridor. You’ll find it across from the Grand Ave. Pizza Company, nestled in the ThirdSpace plaza.
The shop itself is small, so if it’s busy, you might find yourself squeezing inside to order, but no worries, you’ll get your turn and there’s plenty of seating outside. The staff is friendly, passionate about their ice cream and encourages you to try the flavors – so, try!

Are you WAFFLE-ing about what flavor to choose? Good news – you can pick more than one!
They’re well-known for their doughnut and waffle ice cream sandwiches (yes, you read that right), but if you’re feeling like a simple scoop, they’ve got a cake, sugar or waffle cone with your name on it.

The doughnut is absolutely as good as it looks.
That about wraps up this installment of Food Finds. Come back soon for more! (Or keep reading if you’re trying to find the perfect chai in Phoenix.)
Eat Well,
Katie
Robert
I cannot stress how much I love Novel! It’s well worth the trip!
waitingforrain28
We need to go back!
Nicole
I’m not sure if I have had Cambodian food before. Good to hear it is similar to Vietnamese. Boy that Novel ice cream looks amazing.
waitingforrain28
They were both really good! Cambodian was a new adventure, and the ice cream was just so rich and unique.
July Rocha
I am crazy about desserts and those ice creams are mouthwatering! Saving Novel Ice Cream on my to-do list hahah! Thanks for sharing it
waitingforrain28
No problem! I love dessert too!
Roxanne Weijer
That Cambodian food looks so good! Way better than what we had in Cambodia haha. We didn’t like the food in Cambodia that much but maybe we never went to the right places. That ice cream sounds and looks the best.
waitingforrain28
I wonder if maybe this was Americanized? Or maybe the chef is just really amazing!
Miss Filatelista
Wow, this looks so authentic–I live in Asia!
waitingforrain28
That is great to know!
Usha
Wow, you sure love food and it reflects in the amazing picture that u have clicked. I always thought Cambodian food was all no vegetarian but I guess I can ask for a vegetarian version.
waitingforrain28
I read up on Cambodian before we went and I think alot of the sauces have meat in them, so I think you are right- there aren’t alot of options for vegetarians with this type of food. Unless you go somewhere that specializes in it maybe.
Nafisa Habib
Such a yum post! Each food item looks very delicious and fresh as well. Especially Doughnut and Ginger tofu stir-fry.
waitingforrain28
Novel was really fresh! Handmade ice creams and donuts are amazing!
Gwen Kleist
I love finding hidden gem little restaurants in big cities! This sounds like an amazing place to try! Your pictures are great, the food looks amazing!
waitingforrain28
I definitely agree! One of the best things about Phoenix is that the food scene has been exploding in the past few years.
Michelle
YUM! I can imagine that the donut and waffle with ice cream are both incredible! I’ve never tried Cambodian food either, but based on your description I probably should!
waitingforrain28
You’d enjoy these restaurants, I am sure!
Samantha
I love trying ice cream places everywhere I go- everyone has their own little flair! I especially love places that have super unique items, like waffle ice cream sandwiches!
waitingforrain28
Same here! I love the really artful ice cream places and I think Novel is one!
Christina
I am definitely hungry now. I think you are right that it is not too different from Vietnamese food. I love how they set the food up. The donut and waffle ice cream sandwich sounds amazing!
waitingforrain28
They were both sooooo good!
Arunima Dey
What a droolworthy post! I would love to try out the icecream waffles though that would totally kill my diet that I have been trying so hard to follow.
waitingforrain28
Hahaha. This is why I can’t diet. I just end up working out. XDD I love sugar way too much.