Welcome! Glad You Found Us!
Shlap Muan (Khmer for chicken wings) is a love and hate child between myself and my wife, Sophia. It started out as a sandwich shop, but more importantly as a way for Sophia and I to get away from the corporate grind.
Where It All Began
I grew up working in my parent's restaurant. Like most immigrant families looking to make a future for their children, my parents worked 7 days a week in a small Chinese-Cambodian restaurant. Which meant, all their children had to help out. All I can remember were the long grinding hours and literal back breaking work. I told myself, well into my 20s that "I will never work in a restaurant."
From Sandwiches to Something More
FFWD to 2018, Sophia and I both quit our jobs and opened a restaurant. Little did we know...literally. The beginning was rough, we had a good sandwich, but not great. We had to do something that would separate us from all the other food establishments in SF's FiDi. Sophia suggested chicken wings.
Back to My Roots
Right away, it reminded me of my dad’s chicken wings. Crispy, crunchy, juicy wings that were never oily. He had this wonderful sweet and spicy flavor that just brought me so many good memories. The flavors at Shlap Muan are all original to me. My fondest childhood memories all revolved around cooking and eating Cambodian and Chinese foods. I never appreciated cooking with my parents as a kid, always though of it as something I “had” to do.
Food, Friends, and Joy
As Shlap Muan evolves, it always humbles and reminds me of the happiness food brings to people.
Sophia and I have always had our biggest smile and warmth in our hearts when we can make someone else’s day with our food and service. We hope to build friendships and share happiness through Shlap Muan.
Thank you, we hope to see you soon!
-Hawk & Sophia ...+ A.M.Tea