Koh Rong Food Guide

Overview

Koh Rong's food scene has matured significantly since the island's early backpacker days. What was once limited to a handful of basic guesthouses now includes proper beach restaurants, seafood BBQ stations, and even a few upscale dining options at the newer resorts. However, this is still a remote island—everything from rice to beer arrives by speedboat from Sihanoukville, which pushes prices 30–50% above mainland levels.

The dining experience is split between two main areas: Koh Touch village on the southeast coast (the main tourist hub with the most options) and Long Beach on the west coast (fewer but more resort-oriented choices). Smaller beaches like Nature Beach and Palm Beach have basic restaurant facilities at their respective eco-lodges.

The highlight of eating on Koh Rong is undoubtedly the seafood. Local fishermen bring in fresh catches daily, and the best way to enjoy it is at one of the beachfront BBQ setups where you choose your fish, squid, or prawns and watch them grill over charcoal as the sun sets over the Gulf of Thailand.

Koh Touch Dining

Koh Touch is Koh Rong's main village and tourist hub, located on the island's southeast corner. This is where the speedboats from Sihanoukville dock, and where you will find the widest selection of restaurants, bars, and food options.

The village stretches along two parallel paths—a beachfront strip and a slightly inland "main street." The beachfront has the atmosphere (sand floors, fairy lights, sunset views) but higher prices. The inland street has cheaper local restaurants with better value.

• Beachfront restaurants: International menus with seafood, pizza, burgers, and Khmer dishes ($5–12 per main)
• Village restaurants: Local Khmer food at lower prices ($3–6 per main)
• Beach bars: Cocktails, smoothie bowls, and light bites ($3–8)
• Mini-marts: Basic supplies, snacks, instant noodles, and beer ($1–3)

Long Beach Eateries

Long Beach (7 km of pristine white sand on Koh Rong's west coast) has a smaller but growing food scene. The main options are resort restaurants and a few independent eateries along the beach path.

The Sok San Beach Resort restaurant is the standout—it offers the best-prepared food on the island with a full international and Khmer menu. Other Long Beach accommodations have basic restaurants attached, serving simple Khmer dishes and international standards.

• Sok San Beach Resort: Full-service restaurant with fresh seafood, steaks, and cocktails ($8–20 per main)
• Tree House Bungalows: Budget-friendly Khmer meals ($3–5)
• Long Set Beach restaurants: Basic beachfront dining with grilled fish and cold beer ($4–8)

Beach Restaurants

Seafood BBQ

The signature Koh Rong dining experience is the beachfront seafood BBQ. Several restaurants in Koh Touch set up charcoal grills on the sand at sunset, displaying the day's catch on ice for diners to choose from.

How it works: Walk up to the display, choose your fish, squid, prawns, or crab, and the staff will weigh it, agree a price, and grill it to order. Most places include rice, a dipping sauce, and a simple salad.

• Whole grilled fish (snapper or grouper): $6–12 depending on size
• Grilled squid: $4–7 per portion
• Tiger prawns: $8–15 for a generous serving
• Mixed seafood platter for two: $15–25 with fish, squid, and prawns
• Crab: $8–15 depending on size (seasonal availability)

Village Food

Beyond the tourist restaurants, Koh Rong has several fishing villages where local families run small eateries. These are the most authentic (and cheapest) eating options on the island, though they require some adventurous spirit to find.

The fishing village at the north end of Koh Touch has a few family-run restaurants serving simple Khmer dishes—fried rice, noodle soups, and whatever fish was caught that morning. Prices are $2–4 for a full meal, significantly cheaper than the beachfront restaurants.

Prek Svay village on the island's northeast coast has basic local eateries serving the freshest possible fish—literally caught hours before. Getting there requires a boat taxi ($10–15 one way), but the combination of an unspoiled fishing village and ultra-fresh seafood makes it a memorable day trip.

Prices & Budget

Koh Rong food prices are higher than the mainland but still affordable by international island standards:

• Budget meal (village restaurant): $3–5 per person
• Mid-range beachfront: $6–10 per person
• Seafood BBQ for two: $15–25 with drinks
• Upscale resort dining: $10–20 per person
• Beer: $1.50–3 (draft or bottle)
• Cocktails: $3–6 ($2–3 during happy hour)
• Bottled water: $0.50–1
• Instant noodles from shop: $0.50–1

Island Dining Tips

• Bring snacks from the mainland: Buy trail mix, crackers, fruit, and instant noodles in Sihanoukville
• Eat seafood: It is the freshest and best-value food on the island—skip the imported burgers and pasta
• Drink at happy hour: Take advantage of 4–6 PM 2-for-1 cocktail deals
• Eat inland: Village restaurants behind the beach charge 30–40% less than beachfront spots
• Stay hydrated: Bring a reusable water bottle. Some guesthouses offer filtered water refills
• Book resort restaurants in high season: Sok San and other upscale spots fill up in December–February
• Bring medication: Stomach issues happen—bring Imodium and electrolyte sachets
• Cash only: Most restaurants on Koh Rong do not accept cards. Bring enough USD cash for your stay

Frequently Asked Questions