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| Sovanna Restaurant, Phom Penh, Photo source: Google |
Whether you want to splash the cash or save the dollars, visitors to the Cambodian capital will never be short of new foods to discover in this city where cultures collide.
Starting at the bottom in price, but certainly not in terms of exceptional value for money, are the many Cambodian BBQ places around the city. Favorites among the expatriate community include Pasteur on St 51, "54" on St 278 and Sovanna on St 21, where a three-course feast will set you back about $15 for two or three people with a pitcher of draught thrown in. These venues provide a glimpse of local life and opportunity to sample some unusual dishes, though you will benefit from taking a Khmer to help interpret as the staff often speak little English.
The riverfront is a good place to work out how far your money will go because not only is the view pleasant and breeze a refreshing bonus, but the prices range from cheap to mid-budget to high-end in a matter of meters. Here's a selection to whet your appetite.
Taqueria Corona is widely regarded as one of the capital's top Mexican restaurants. Set on St 51, this intimate eateries's menu boasts a total of 10 different meats to choose from, to be served in a choice of traditional Mexican styles, from burritos to tacos. Lone Pine, managed by the same owner, serves hearty portions of flavorful southern comfort food such as po' boys, ribs, chilli, steaks and gumbo in an eatery with the feel of a roadside diner.
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| FCC Phnom Penh, Photo Source: FCCCambodia.com |
Further up the riverside strip you'll find Metro Hassakan and Chow, each offering affordable fine dining in classy surroundings. Chow's ever-changing menu, with organically selected products, has been expanded to include a selection of some of the finest Mediterranean dishes. metro, which transforms into a cocktail lounge at night, has a varied range of small and large plates to try, including specialties such as the strange sounding Khmer beef with red ants.
Riverhouse Bistro takes diners on a culinary adventure across continents, offering a fresh fusion of the finest dishes, such as Asian beef jerky, the Thai fusion fishcake and Moroccan mezze platter.
If you're a westerner seeking a taste of home, beautifully battered fish'n'chips is the idea behind Fish across the street from the Night Market. Be sure also to check out Fish & Co just a few doors down for some affordable and interesting lunch deals with its range of battered fish stuffed with different cheeses and flavors.
Lovers of all things Latin should visit the Latin Quarter on St 178, where a tantalizing selection of freshly prepared South American, Spanish and Italian dishes await you in a beautifully restored colonial building. Another south American favorite is Samba on Sothearos Blvd where high quality meats are prepared using a unique type of barbecue cooking call Churrasco, a tradition of Brazilian Gauchos. The all you can eat buffet is a must.
Ocean specializes in fresh seafood and as an interesting $9 set menu. Make sure you try the seafood spaghetti and the chocolate mousse with vanilla custard. The latest addition from Ocean is Ludwik Beergarden, which specializes in a range of German cuisine and Paulaner beer under the trees of an airy beergarden. La Marmite has been offering a taste of classic French since opening in 2001. The restaurant serves affordable daily specials as well as typical French cuisine. Manu the helpful owner is always on hand to help.
If it's red meat you're after then also head to one of the city's steak houses. A top place is Armand's, which is deservedly popular with steak aficionados.
There's also a long list of eateries where the staff are mostly former street kids learning a trade. These include Lotus Blanc, Friends and previously mentioned sister restaurant Romdeng, Hagar and Le Rit's, where the prices may be a bit higher but it's for good cause.
Then there are the high-end restaurants. These range from fine Cambodian cuisine at Malis on Norodom Blvd to a variety of French specialties. Also serving fine French cuisine is La Résidence, which offers a $15 three course lunch menu and is one of the classiest French-style restaurants in town. Set in a mansion boasting stunningly classical decor and well-manicured gardens, the St 214 restaurant is a truly sophisticated affair.
Indochine Bistro recently opened its doors in the tranquil Bassac garden, next to Sofitel. Their back rib served with fries is a hit with diners.
Lovers of cuisine from the land of the rising sun will find fine Japanese fare at Bekkan Ramen (St 334). Phnom Penh's original Ramen noodle house; it serves a number of authentic noodle and BBQ dishes from across Japan.
The Sushi Bar (St 302) has well and truly made a name for itself on the sushi scene, offering everything from bento sets and sashimi to grilled dishes and delicious sushi rolls. Alternatively, try Rahu (157 Sosowath Quay) for "fusion sushi Rahu style" together with an impressive range of hand-crafted cocktails.
Fans of Italian cuisine are spoilt for choice here in the capital. Luna has been serving excellent pasts and pizza in a beautiful garden setting for many years. Terrazza is an authentic and very promising Italian restaurant. Diners can enjoy simple cooked, fresh food with fine wine, and there's also a deli selling Italian produce. A latest addition to the roster of great Italian restaurants is Aperitivo. Don't miss out on the unique and superb pasta combination platters! Zino on St 294 is another Phnom Penh newbie and one of a string of wine bars to open recent months in the capital. Its variety of wine combined with top-notch Mediterranean menu has led to it receiving instant rave reviews from the expat community as well as tourists.
If it's fresh and healthy meat-free cuisine you're after then head to Vegos, which now has a second location on St 294 offering wraps, bagels and salads as well as a new range of rice and noodle dishes. Maru Shabu recently opened its door in the capital and offers a range of salads with over 40 ingredients, with chicken as additional option.
If it's tasty panini you're after, then the real deal is being served at Da Sandro Panini Bar. With Italian ciabatta and paninis with hight quality fillings imported from Italy on the menu, it has quickly become a firm favorite on the local restaurant scene. Dine in the Dark offers a totally different experience to diners. Enjoy meal with only your sense of taste and smell in total darkness. Three three-course option ($18) are available in Western, Khmer and vegetarian. Le Saint Malo is the first French-style seafood platter restaurant in the Kingdom. They offer lots of fresh fish, expertly prepared in their house specialties, but meat lovers fear not, there is plenty on the menu to satisfy your hunger.
Don't miss The Restore One Café, which is part of a training center for vulnerable women and does an amazing burger. East West Curry is a stalwart and popular with locals and expats.
Source: PocketguideCambodia
