Eat the city: Phnom Penh

After decades spent watching other Asian capitals’ food scenes forge ahead, Phnom Penh has now become one of the region’s most exciting places to eat. Whether you’re looking for traditional Khmer cuisine, modern renditions of the classics or European dishes reimagined through a Cambodian lens, you’ll find it all in this rapidly growing city that’s becoming ever more popular with food-loving travellers.

Discover where to eat in Phnom Penh in our curated list below.

1. Khéma

Despite being a protectorate of France for almost a century, Cambodia and its cuisine have had limited influence from the French compared to neighbouring Vietnam. However, at Khéma , a restaurant chain with three branches, including one housed in a historic building opposite the old Post Office, you can enjoy traditional French dishes served with colonial flair. Join the city’s well-heeled diners for a leisurely free-flow weekend brunch or a hearty dinner with classics like steak frites, rustic, country-style pâté and much more.

2. Malis

For an elevated version of traditional Cambodian cuisine, look no further than Malis . Set in a tropical garden villa with a spacious al fresco dining area, this high-end restaurant is where you can sample chef Luu Meng’s take on a curated range of classics in several tasting menus. Don’t miss signatures including spice-infused takeo (pork and coconut) sausages, baked salt-crusted goby served with green mango chilli dip, and makrut-flavoured flower crab fried rice.

3. Elia

First established in Siem Reap, Greek restaurant Elia immediately became a hit among Cambodians and the international community alike, and now has two locations in Phnom Penh. Indulge in hearty meals that start with a variety of house-made dips and pita, followed by mixed meze plates, gyro wraps, grilled souvlaki skewers and much more – all perfect for sharing with a big group.

4. Central Market

An Art Deco masterpiece, Central Market was Asia’s biggest market when it first opened in 1937. Here, you’ll find countless shops selling jewellery, watches, shoes and more under its soaring central dome. After some serious shopping and haggling, refuel with a refreshing orange-infused sugarcane juice and a plate of sweet potato fries, or a humble meal of lort cha – stir-fried rice noodles with toppings that could include vegetables, herbs, meat and fried egg.

Phsar Thom Thmey, Calmette St. (53), Phnom Penh

5. Brown

Although international brands feature heavily on the Cambodian coffee landscape, local chain Brown also has a strong following across the city and entire country. For a decade, it’s been serving flat whites and cappuccinos, as well as locally inspired treats such as the Kampot pepper cream latte and durian custard danish. Many of Brown’s branches have completely different interior and exterior designs, so it should come as no surprise to learn that one of the founders is an architect.

6. Fat Passion

Nominated Asia’s top young chef in the Cathay Members’ Choice Awards 2024, Hong Kong-born Jorge Chen has brought new energy and camaraderie to the Phnom Penh restaurant scene with Fat Passion , his restaurant and bar located just around the corner from the Royal Palace. His soulful Asian fusion creations, including eight-hour smoked pork belly sandwiches, fried chicken with chilli-honey sauce and spicy tuna tartare, are served in a casually hip dining space where every guest is made to feel welcome.

7. Farm to table

Home to just two million people, Phnom Penh is a small capital by Asian standards. There’s a strong sense of community around town, a feeling exemplified by local institution Farm to Table . Inside a sprawling, family-friendly garden with wandering chickens, the restaurant serves comforting, seasonal dishes made mostly with ingredients sourced from local farmers. It also hosts regular weekend farmers’ markets, kids’ cooking classes and various other events, making it a popular hangout among the residents of the neighbourhood.

8. Nesat Seafood House

Designed to resemble a traditional fisherman’s house, this low-slung restaurant is where you’ll find some of Phnom Penh’s best seafood, served with a Western or pan-Asian twist. The main ingredients are sourced from the fishing town of Kampot on the southern coast. Don’t miss dishes such as the grilled river lobster and mussels served with garlic butter or sweet chilli sauce, or the signature Shellfish Madness, with lobster, prawn, crab, mussels, clams, vegetables and rice noodles cooked with chilli paste and curry.

A helping hand

Cathay is proud to support GX Foundation , the non- profit, non-governmental organisation whose work provides medical humanitarian assistance, such as cataract treatment and dengue control, to Cambodia and six other countries in the Belt and Road Initiative. Support our charity partners here.