What is Cambodian Food Like?
If you have yet to try Cambodian food, then you are in for a real treat. Cambodian food is typically filled with flavor. Herbs like basil, coriander, ginger, lemon grass, kafir lime, shallots, tamarind, star anise, palm sugar and other local plants are used to add flavor to salads, noodle dishes,
chicken, beef and seafood.
Some dishes can be spicy, but you’ll find that most spicy dishes are flavorful and not just hot for the sake of being hot.
If you are nervous about eating for fear of getting the dreaded traveler’s diarrhea, start by eating at your hotel restaurant. Hotels cater to western travelers and don’t want you to get sick and leave a bad review on social media.
Phnom Penh is a multi-cultural city with a wide variety of restaurants. In addition to the local Cambodian cuisine there are also steakhouses, Indian, Nepalese, French, Greek, Korean and Japanese restaurants. When all you want is a little comfort food there are Italian restaurants serving pasta too.
Fine Dining in Phnom Penh
The following restaurants are highly rated and very popular. It’s a good idea to make reservations before you even leave home.
Malis
– Enjoy upscale Cambodian Khmer cuisine, centrally located, just a 5-minute walk from the Independence Monument.
Iza at the Rosewood hotel – Japanese specialties, including sushi and sashimi dishes.
Sik Gaek Korean – A traditional Korean barbecue-style restaurant with great reviews.
Topaz – Find dining French cuisine in a beautiful setting.
Casual Dining in Phnom Penh – 4 Cheap Restaurants To Try
David’s Noodle Shop – Fresh handmade noodles, dumplings, spring rolls, egg rolls, etc. Located at 13, #166 Preah Ang Eng St. (13), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Gorkha Palace Phnom Penh – Nepalese and Indian cuisine in the heart of downtown Phnom Penh. Gorkha Palace is on ST 308, two blocks east of Preah Norodom Blvd.
Eleven One Kitchen – An inexpensive Cambodian restaurant that is tucked away on a side street about seven blocks southeast of the Russian Market, less than a mile from the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. The address is #37, street 123, Corner 460, Phnom Penh 12000, and it’s worth the effort to find it.
Kabbas Restaurant – Inexpensive Cambodian food in a small restaurant about .25 miles from Sisowath Quay. Kabbas Restaurant, #48Eo, Street 172, Chey Chom Neas, Daun Penh, Phnom Penh 12206 Phnom Penh, 12206
Best Vegan Restaurant in Phnom Penh
The Vibe Cafe – At the Russian Market serves fresh vegan cuisine in a casual cafe-style setting. Their address is No. 26, Street 446, Toul Tom Poung Phnom Penh.