"Phnom Penh"

Cambodia's capital is the frenetic heartbeat of the nation; a city of chaotic streets abuzz with motorbikes and car horns that can frazzle at first glance. Deserted completely during the Khmer Rouge madness and left to wither and decay, Phnom Penh has bounced back to become one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic cities. For visitors, this is Cambodia's most cosmopolitan destination, with a café and restaurant scene unrivaled in the rest of the country. It's also home to a scattering of important historic sites that help unravel both Cambodia's modern and ancient history.

Food in Phnom Penh

1. Le Deli Bistro Gourmet

Le Deli Bistro Gourmet offers fresh and handmade items, with the bread, yoghurt, jam, and even the mayonnaise all being homemade. They serve a wide selection of gourmet salads, soups, hot and cold sandwiches, paninis, burgers, wraps, patés, and omelettes. Refreshing beverage selections include fruit juices, smoothies and vegetable juices, among others.

2. Lucky Burger

Lucky Burger is the largest and most popular fast food chain in Cambodia. LB for short, the local company serves up surprisingly good food, somewhat comparable to international chains. As the name implies, Lucky Burger offers a selection of burgers, but they also have items like fried chicken, chilli dogs, popcorn chicken and pizza. Individual set menus and family sets are available, with discount promotional offers from time to time. They are in several locations spread throughout Phnom Penh. 

3. Piccola Italia Da Luigi

Piccola Italia Da Luigi is arguably the best place for pizza in Phnom Penh. Also referred to as Luigi’s, Piccola is the star of the Tonle Bassac bar and restaurant district on Street 308. With Napoli-style thin crusts and margaritas (both the pizza and the cocktail), you’ll also find delicious pesto and deli products available to dine in or take away. Run by one of Phnom Penh’s many Italian restaurateurs-turned-locals, Luigi’s is busy most nights, and on weekends it’s best to book to ensure a table. Moderately priced for Phnom Penh, definitely try a Piccolapizza with your favourite topping.

4. Sesame Noodle Bar

Sesame Noodle Bar is not so much a traditional Asian noodle bar as it poses as a modern, hip hangout with food to match. The freshly made noodles, coupled with salads and meats of your choice, are a refreshing change from the often heavily fried street variety, but the prices are still backpacker-friendly. It’s a little off the regular tourist track, but well worth the visit if you’re checking out Russian Market or BKK1 while you’re in Phnom Penh. The pork (“Mighty Thor”) buns are great, and if you have a sweet tooth, make sure you try the chocolate sesame balls!