Where can I go grocery shopping in Cambodia?
Lucky Supermarket is the most popular chain for expats with 10+ branches in Phnom Penh and imported Western products. Thai Huot offers the best prices for everyday items. AEON Mall supermarkets have premium Japanese imports. For the freshest produce at the lowest prices, traditional markets (Phsar Thmei, Russian Market) cannot be beaten.
- Lucky Supermarket: best range of Western imports (10+ locations)
- Thai Huot: best everyday prices, good local products
- AEON Mall: premium imports, Japanese products, prepared foods
- Traditional markets: freshest produce at 30-50% less than supermarkets
Supermarket Overview
Cambodia's supermarket landscape has modernized rapidly, particularly in Phnom Penh. Several chains now offer ranges comparable to (though smaller than) Western supermarkets, including imported products from Europe, America, Australia, Japan, and Korea. For expats, grocery shopping is easy and affordable — though prices for imported products are higher than in the country of origin due to shipping and import duties.
The smart approach is to shop at multiple places: traditional markets for fresh produce, meat, and seafood (cheapest and freshest); supermarkets for imported goods, packaged items, and dairy; and specialty stores for specific items (organic, health food, specific national cuisines).
Major Supermarket Chains
Lucky Supermarket
$$Locations: Phnom Penh (10+ branches), Siem Reap (2)
Hours: 7:30–21:30 daily
Products: Imported and local groceries, fresh produce, meat, dairy, bakery, household goods, wine/beer
Cambodia's most popular supermarket chain for expats. Widest range of imported Western products. Clean, well-organized stores. Multiple sizes from convenience to full supermarket. Loyalty card program. Accepts Visa/Mastercard at larger stores.
Bayon Supermarket
$$Locations: Phnom Penh (3 branches)
Hours: 8:00–21:00 daily
Products: Imported foods (Japanese, Korean, Western), organic section, fresh produce, household goods
Popular with Japanese and Korean expats. Strong Asian import section. Good organic and health food selection. BKK1 location is a neighborhood favorite. Slightly higher prices than Lucky but better specialty imports.
Thai Huot
$–$$Locations: Phnom Penh (5+ branches)
Hours: 7:00–21:00 daily
Products: Local and imported groceries, fresh market section, meat, seafood, household goods
Cambodian-owned chain with competitive prices. Good balance of local and imported products. Fresh market section has excellent produce. More affordable than Lucky for everyday items. Popular with both expats and Cambodians.
AEON Mall Supermarket
$$–$$$Locations: Phnom Penh (AEON 1 & AEON 2), Siem Reap (AEON)
Hours: 9:00–22:00 daily (mall hours)
Products: Premium imported foods, Japanese products, fresh sushi counter, bakery, organic section
Japanese-managed supermarket inside AEON Malls. Best selection of Japanese products in Cambodia. Premium quality and prices. Fresh sushi and prepared meals counter. Excellent bakery section.
Makro
$Locations: Phnom Penh (outskirts)
Hours: 6:00–21:00 daily
Products: Bulk groceries, restaurant supplies, household goods, electronics
Thai wholesale chain. Best prices for bulk buying. Ideal for restaurants and large households. Membership card sometimes required for best prices. Located on outskirts — best reached by car.
Big C / Chip Mong Retail
$–$$Locations: Phnom Penh (multiple)
Hours: 8:00–22:00 daily
Products: Full range groceries, clothing, electronics, household
Newer hypermarket entrants to Cambodia. Large stores with wide product range. Competitive pricing. Growing number of locations.
Siem Reap Supermarkets
| Store | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lucky Supermarket Siem Reap | Full supermarket | Two locations in Siem Reap. Similar range to PP branches but smaller. Best option for Western imports in Siem Reap. |
| AEON Siem Reap | Mall supermarket | Inside the Siem Reap AEON Mall. Good Japanese imports and prepared foods. |
| Angkor Market | Local supermarket | Local chain with basic groceries and imported goods. Several locations near tourist areas. More affordable than Lucky. |
| Old Market (Phsar Chas) | Traditional market | Not a supermarket but the best place for fresh produce, meat, fish, and local ingredients at the lowest prices. An experience in itself. |
Price Comparison
| Item | Lucky | Thai Huot | Market | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rice (5kg local) | $5-7 | $4-6 | $3-5 | Cambodian jasmine rice is excellent and cheap |
| Milk (1L imported UHT) | $2-3 | $2-3 | N/A | Fresh milk limited; UHT is standard |
| Eggs (10 pack) | $2-3 | $1.50-2.50 | $1-2 | Market eggs are freshest and cheapest |
| Chicken breast (1kg) | $5-7 | $4-6 | $3-5 | Market chicken is fresh-killed daily |
| Imported cheese (block) | $5-10 | $5-8 | N/A | Limited selection; AEON has best range |
| Coffee (local 250g) | $3-5 | $2-4 | $2-3 | Cambodian Mondulkiri coffee is excellent |
| Wine (bottle, basic) | $8-15 | $8-15 | N/A | Heavy import tax makes wine expensive |
| Beer (Angkor, 6-pack) | $3-4 | $3-4 | $2.50-3.50 | Cheapest at local shops and markets |
| Pasta (imported, 500g) | $2-4 | $2-3 | N/A | Italian imports available at Lucky and Bayon |
| Fresh vegetables (mixed 1kg) | $2-4 | $1.50-3 | $1-2 | Market produce is freshest and cheapest by far |
Traditional Markets
For the freshest and cheapest groceries, traditional markets are unbeatable:
- Central Market (Phsar Thmei), Phnom Penh: Iconic art deco building. Excellent fresh produce, meat, fish, and flowers. Best visited early morning (6-9 AM) for the freshest selection.
- Russian Market (Phsar Toul Tom Poung), Phnom Penh: Famous for clothes and souvenirs but also has an excellent food section. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and street food stalls.
- BKK Market, Phnom Penh: Smaller neighborhood market popular with local residents and nearby expats. Very fresh morning produce.
- Old Market (Phsar Chas), Siem Reap: Siem Reap's main market. Fresh produce, meat, fish, spices, and prepared foods. An experience as much as a shopping trip.
Market shopping tips: Go early (6-8 AM) for the best selection. Bring small bills and riel for change. Prices are generally fixed (not much bargaining for food). Bring your own bags. Learn basic Khmer numbers for easier transactions.
Shopping Tips
- Check expiry dates: Always check expiry dates on imported products. Stock rotation is not as strict as in Western stores.
- Bring reusable bags: Plastic bag use is being reduced. Many stores now charge for bags.
- Cold chain concerns: Frozen and refrigerated products may have experienced temperature fluctuations during transport. Check packaging for signs of refreezing.
- Delivery options: Lucky, AEON, and several third-party apps deliver groceries. Useful in Phnom Penh's heat.
- Loyalty programs: Lucky Supermarket has a loyalty card that accumulates points for discounts. Worth getting if you shop there regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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