A food lover’s guide to Phnom Penh, Cambodia

A recent trip to Phnom Penh has inspired our senior dining writer, gastronomically speaking

While tourists often flock to Siem Reap to visit the Buddhist temple Angkor Wat, a visit to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, should most definitely not be overlooked. Rich in both culture and architecture, the city boasts fabulous local food, a growing art scene, and most notably, a generous selection of bars and distilleries.

Here is a blend of recommendations from knowledgeable locals as well as some of my most memorable meals and experiences in the hospitable city.

Sip on crafted cocktails at Sora Bar

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Combining Japanese mythology with native Cambodian ingredients, Sora Bar’s new menu, The Book of Yokai, features cocktails such as the signature Sora.75, made with Cambodian Kampot pepper, passionfruit sherbet, and sparkling sake. Visit for its innovative cocktails but don’t leave without trying the food (which comes from Iza, the neighbouring izakaya-style Japanese restaurant) as it pairs exceptionally well with the drinks.

Sora Bar

Address: Vattanac Capital Mall, 66 Level 37, Phnom Penh. +855 23 936 860

Dine at Nesat for fresh Cambodian seafood

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Nesat’s seafood comes delivered from Krong Kampot daily so it is no wonder that locals frequent the modern Cambodian restaurant. Don’t miss the Crab Kampot Pepper, BBQ seafood, and steamed fish.

Nesat

Address: St 446, Chamkarmon, Phnom Penh. +855 77 683 003

For a special occasion, visit Cuts

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Known for artisanal steaks and fine wines, Cuts is also famed for its Wagyu Mayura Beef, fed with a blend of grains that include chocolate. Private rooms with luxurious views are also available for booking.

Cuts

Address: Level 38, Vattanac Tower, Preah Trapeang St., Phnom Penh. +855 23 936 860

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Experience locally-made rum at Samai Distillery

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Samai Distillery is Cambodia’s first and only rum distillery, incorporating local sugarcane and molasses. Don’t miss the Samai Kampot Pepper Rum, which is made with red Kampot pepper. The distillery welcomes guests on Thursday evenings and brand ambassador Sam Dalcourt tells me their most popular drink comes with a stick of sugarcane to chew on.

Samai Distillery

Address: 9b, Street 830, 830 Samdach Sothearos Blvd, Phnom Penh. +855 77 479 912

Try river ants at Maloop

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Located within a garden, Maloop is loved amongst locals for its use of daring ingredients, which include river ants that lend a citrusy and nutty taste to dishes. A new addition to the menu is Loklak (Cambodian pepper beef) with Kampot pepper.

Maloop

Address: 209, Ta Phon street, 12BT, Phnom Penh. +855 92 420 205

Book an exclusive experience at Mawsim

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Open only upon reservation, Mawsim is a hidden gin distillery and bar that boasts handcrafted, unfiltered gin made with local spices, herbs, and fruit. The Tropical Citrus gin was awarded World’s Best Flavoured Gin 2023, pairing well with its fever bark tonic.

Mawsim

Address: Sk. Sras Chhork, 133E1 Street 108, Phnom Penh. +855 11 255 927

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