Phnom Penh Cambodia Travel Guide
Khmer cuisine shares similarities with Southeast Asian neighbors, yet maintains its personality.
Historical trade routes influenced spices and noodles. Freshness, contrasting flavors, aromatic herbs define it. Rice is the staple. Prahok provides umami depth.
Rice, fish (Mekong, Tonle Sap), prahok (fermented fish paste), kroeung (lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime, turmeric, garlic, shallots), tamarind, palm sugar, fresh seasonings.
Balance of sweet, sour, salty, sometimes bitter. Less extreme spiciness than Thai cuisine. Deep umami from prahok.
Phnom Penh is a melting pot of Cambodian regional styles. Wider array of international cuisine due to urban nature and population.
Cambodia's national dish. Rich, creamy, mild fish curry, steamed in a banana leaf cup. Features coconut milk, kroeung. Custardy texture. Find it in most Cambodian restaurants.
Tip: Try it at Romdeng.
Another national dish. Traditional broth with diverse vegetables, fish/meat, roasted ground rice. Unique texture/flavor. Served in neighborhood places to eat and guesthouses.
Tip: A staple at local family-run spots.
Marinated beef stir-fried with onions, on lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers. Often with fried egg and lime-pepper dipping sauce. Widely available.
Tip: Many places offer a somewhat different lime-pepper sauce – find your preferred!
Crispy baguette with pate, meats, pickled vegetables. Quick, satisfying meal.
Skewers of marinated pork, beef, chicken, seafood. Charcoal-grilled, dipping sauce. After-dark markets, street stalls.
The City of four faces's dining scene caters to all budgets and tastes.
Refined Cambodian cuisine, elegant presentation, French fine dining options. Consider GetYourGuide for culinary tours.
Mix of Khmer and international dishes. Many are social enterprises, training disadvantaged youth.
Affordable options, local flavors. Immerse in the bustling market atmosphere.
The Vibrant heart of cambodia features a diverse international dining scene, reflecting expat plus tourism growth.
French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, Western cafes and restaurants.
Notably concentrated in BKK1 and along the Riverside. Many independent spots cater for various tastes.
Increasingly available. Many Khmer dishes adapt. Learn 'Atteuy chann' (vegetarian) or 'Bonlay' (vegetables).
Halal options in Muslim communities. Kosher is extremely limited; plan to bring food or self-cater.
Beyond eating, immerse yourself in Phnom Penh's food culture.
Silk Island (Koh Dach) for rural life, local farming, food production. Observe ingredient growth.
Day trips to Kampot for pepper plantations.
Occasional food festivals or after-dark markets with a powerful food focus.
Check local event listings or expat community pages for happenings.
Restaurants with views of the Mekong river and Tonle Sap rivers.
Enjoy panoramic city views from many rooftop establishments.
Gluten awareness-free is growing but not prevalent.
Rice noodles (used in Nom Banh Chok, Kuy Teav) are naturally gluten-free.
Be aware that a salty often contains wheat.
Opt for restaurants in tourist-friendly areas or with expat clientele, as they are more likely to understand diverse dietary needs.
Simpler broiled or steamed meals with fresh ingredients often present fewer hidden risks.
Look for dedicated vegetarian Buddhist restaurants, which are becoming more common.
Be aware that fish sauce (nuoc mam/tuk trey) is a common ingredient. Always confirm its absence for strict vegan diets.
Consider carrying pre-translated allergen cards to clearly state your dietary restrictions in Khmer.
Don't hesitate to sample street food – it is commonly the most authentic and flavorful. Observe where locals gather; this frequently signals good food.
