Best Restaurants in Phnom Penh
What are the best restaurants in Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh has Cambodia's best dining scene. For Khmer cuisine: Romdeng and Cuisine Wat Damnak (fine dining), Sugar Palm (authentic). For international: Topaz (French), Hachi (Japanese). Street food at Russian Market and Central Market is unmissable. Budget $1-3 for street food, $5-12 for mid-range, $15-60 for fine dining.
- Khmer fine dining: Romdeng, Malis, Cuisine Wat Damnak
- Street food from $1: Russian Market, Central Market, Street 136 night food
- International: French, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Indian all excellent
- Food delivery: Grab Food, Nham24 deliver city-wide
Phnom Penh Dining Overview
Phnom Penh is Cambodia's culinary capital, offering everything from $1 street noodles to $60 French tasting menus. The city's dining scene has exploded in recent years, fueled by a growing expat community, returning Cambodian diaspora chefs, and increasing tourism. You can eat extraordinarily well here at any budget level.
The main dining districts are BKK1 (expat-oriented, highest concentration of international restaurants), Riverside/Sisowath Quay (tourist-friendly, river views), Street 240(trendy cafes and bistros), and Russian Market area (authentic street food and local restaurants).
Tipping is not traditional in Cambodia, but rounding up or leaving 10% at upscale restaurants is appreciated. Service charges of 5-10% are added at some fine dining establishments. Street food vendors do not expect tips.
Best Khmer Restaurants
| Restaurant | Style | Area | Price Range | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Romdeng | Khmer (fine dining) | Street 174, Daun Penh | $8-18 | Run by Friends International (NGO). Innovative Khmer cuisine including tarantula and insect dishes. Beautiful colonial villa setting. Reservation recommended. |
| Cuisine Wat Damnak | Modern Khmer | Street 174, Daun Penh | $15-25 | Six-course Khmer tasting menu. French-Cambodian chef. One of Cambodia's most awarded restaurants. Reservation essential. |
| Malis | Upscale Khmer | Street 136, Daun Penh | $10-25 | Celebrity chef Luu Meng's flagship. Refined Khmer classics in an elegant garden setting. Great for special occasions. |
| Sugar Palm | Traditional Khmer | Street 19, Tonle Sap area | $5-12 | Beloved for authentic Khmer home cooking. Fish amok and loc lac are standouts. Casual atmosphere, big portions. |
| Kroeung Cambodia | Khmer | Riverside, Sisowath Quay | $4-10 | Popular riverside spot with excellent Khmer curries and stir-fries. Good value for the location. Sunset views. |
| Phnom Penh Noodle Soup | Khmer noodles | Multiple locations | $1.50-3 | Iconic kuy teav (Cambodian noodle soup) chain. The breakfast of champions. Multiple locations across the city. |
Western & Fine Dining
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Area | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topaz | French fine dining | Norodom Blvd | $25-60 | Phnom Penh's premier French restaurant. Extensive wine list. Power lunch destination. Jacket not required but smart casual expected. |
| Farm to Table | International/Organic | Street 360, BKK1 | $8-18 | Organic ingredients sourced from Cambodian farms. Creative international menu. Great brunch spot. Beautiful garden seating. |
| Deco | European/Bistro | Street 172, Daun Penh | $10-22 | Art deco-themed bistro with European-influenced menu. Excellent steaks and pasta. Craft cocktails. Popular expat hangout. |
| The Vegetarian | Plant-based | Street 19, BKK1 | $4-8 | Fully vegetarian restaurant with Khmer and Western options. Generous portions at excellent prices. Popular with health-conscious expats. |
Asian Restaurants
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Area | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hachi | Japanese | Street 310, BKK1 | $10-25 | Best sushi in Phnom Penh. Japanese chef, imported fish. Omakase available with advance booking. Clean, minimalist interior. |
| Pyongyang Restaurant | North Korean | Monivong Blvd | $8-20 | One of the world's few North Korean restaurants. DPRK staff. Unique cultural experience. Cold noodles and BBQ specialties. |
| Seoul Garden | Korean BBQ | Street 136, Daun Penh | $8-15 | Authentic Korean BBQ with tabletop grills. Large portions, good banchan (side dishes). Popular with Korean expat community. |
| Yi Sang | Chinese/Dim Sum | Preah Norodom Blvd | $6-18 | Best dim sum in Phnom Penh. Cantonese and Teochew dishes. Sunday dim sum brunch is packed — arrive early or book ahead. |
| Namaste India | Indian | Street 63, Tonle Bassac | $5-12 | Authentic North Indian cuisine. Excellent tandoori and curries. Vegetarian-friendly. Lunch buffet is great value at $6. |
Street Food & Markets
Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung)
$1-3Type: Market food stalls | Hours: 6:00-17:00
Must-try: Lok lac, fried rice, noodle soup, fresh fruit shakes
Food stalls inside and around the market. Authentic and cheap. Popular lunch spot for locals and budget travelers.
Central Market (Phsar Thmei)
$1-3Type: Market food hall | Hours: 6:00-17:00
Must-try: Kuy teav, baguette sandwiches, tropical fruits, Khmer desserts
Art deco market building with extensive food section. Great for breakfast and lunch. Freshly squeezed juices.
Street 136 Night Market
$1-4Type: Evening street food | Hours: 17:00-23:00
Must-try: BBQ skewers, grilled seafood, fried noodles, Cambodian pancakes
Vibrant evening food scene. Mix of tourist and local vendors. Cheap beer and BBQ combination popular.
Koh Pich (Diamond Island)
$2-6Type: Night market/food park | Hours: 16:00-22:00
Must-try: Seafood, BBQ, Khmer snacks, desserts
Weekend night market popular with Cambodian families. Less touristy, more authentic. Great people-watching.
Boeung Keng Kang (BKK1)
$0.50-2Type: Street vendors | Hours: Throughout the day
Must-try: Num pang (baguette sandwiches), grilled corn, fried bananas
Cart vendors throughout the neighborhood. Best num pang vendors on Street 302 corner.
Food Delivery Apps
| App | Coverage | Delivery Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grab Food | City-wide | $0.50-2 | Largest selection. Pay by card or cash. English interface. Most restaurants listed. |
| Nham24 | City-wide | $0.50-1.50 | Cambodia-based app. Good local restaurant coverage. Lower delivery fees. Khmer and English interface. |
| FoodPanda | Central Phnom Penh | $0.50-2 | International chain brands well-represented. Promotions and vouchers common. |
Dining Tips for Phnom Penh
- Reservations: Book ahead for Romdeng, Cuisine Wat Damnak, Malis, and Topaz, especially on weekends. Most other restaurants accept walk-ins.
- Water: Drink only bottled or filtered water. Ice at restaurants and bars is generally safe (made from purified water) but avoid ice from street carts.
- Spice levels: Khmer food is generally milder than Thai food. If you want spice, ask for "hoeul" (spicy). Chilies are usually served on the side.
- Happy hour: Many BKK1 and Riverside bars offer happy hour from 16:00-19:00 with $0.50-1 draft beers and discounted cocktails.
- Payment: Cash (USD) is preferred at street food stalls and local restaurants. Cards accepted at mid-range and upscale establishments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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