I am generally not a fan of chicken wings, in part, because I feel like most American style chicken wings are simply a condiment vehicle or a sauce boat (think Wingstop), but I must say I am quite enamored with the Cambodian-style wings at Shlap Muan in Long Beach.
A San Francisco off-shoot (where they made their claim to fame), Shlap Muan has set up shop as “pop up” inside a nondescript strip mall Chinese Fast Food place called “Golden Chinese Express” and is serving their famous Cambodian chicken wings on a limited basis, Fridays to Sunday, 11-4 p.m.
The menu is limited (much more than their SF home location). You choose how many wings you want, and whether you want your sauce, well, saucy (i.e. wet) or not so saucy (i.e. dry). You can also have rice and eggs but, meh, no one goes to a wing shop get rice and eggs.
These wings are crunchy and bone-in! They’re made to order (so be patient) and each batch comes out light and crunchy, with the meat still tender and juicy. And, get this, they still taste like chicken. My favorite seasoning is “Jalapeno MSG” (which is dry) and “Spicy Elephant” (which is wet).
Oh, and no ranch, “don’t ask”!
Shlap Muan
2150 E South St
Long Beach, CA 90805
(inside Golden Chinese Express)
