Phnom Penh Travel Guide
Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, is a quintessential Southeast Asian city: a buzzing whirl of saffron robes, heaving markets and golden spires.
The hectic flurry of motorbikes and street life, however, is counteracted by Phnom Penh’s focal points – from the peaceful grandeur of the Silver Pagoda to the broad waters of the Mekong. While the city might be overshadowed by the temples at Angkor, after time it’s hard not to be won over by the sheer energy of Phnom Penh.
Even now, some four decades after the murderous Khmer Rouge era began, the country’s modern history is hard to ignore. Most visitors still take the time to visit the harrowing Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, set in a former prison. Many also head out to the area known as the Killing Fields, on the city outskirts.
As much as anything, visiting these sites gives a fresh admiration for the spirited attitude that today’s Cambodia has become renowned for, but a trip to Phnom Penh is about much more than the horrors of the past.
This is a seriously lively, even hip, city – a status shown by its array of nightlife options and restaurants, including some great rooftop bars. On a related note, the city’s often mouth-watering food scene is one of the most under-rated in Southeast Asia. Try the fresh curries and noodles at Phsar Thmey (the Central Market), where food stalls share space with textile vendors and spice sellers.
Long before Pol Pot, the Khmer Empire was a proud and powerful realm, and its history can be explored at the Royal Palace complex – home to the city’s single most impressive attraction, the Silver Pagoda. Take a trip to the National Museum too, to admire the art and relics of times gone by.
Set-piece sights aside, Phnom Penh is at its most captivating along the riverside. Its waterfront promenade, with its entertainers and food hawkers, is the best place to enjoy the balmy, Cambodian evenings.
The modern capital of Cambodia still lives in the shadow of one of the darkest periods of late 20th century history.
Brutalised under the
Khmer Rouge after 1975 (
Website: www.bbc.co.uk ).
The city’s population was forcibly displaced, sent on death marches or to the Choeung Ek killing fields just outside of the city, where murder and genocide became commonplace.
Everyone in Phnom Penh was affected by this tragedy and its rawness remains to this day. Locals still talk of the horrors of the S21 torture camp, housed in the former Tuol Sleng High School, which is now a museum and monument to the fallen.
Prior to the city’s annexation by Pol Pot and his henchmen, Phnom Penh played a key role in the Vietnam War, swelling with refugees from the conflict and providing cover for North Vietnamese fighters. U.S. bombs rained down around the city as Cambodia became the focus of a secret bombing campaign by the Americans.
It wasn’t until the Vietnamese drove the Khmer Rouge from power and into hiding in the north of Cambodia that their reign of terror began to come to an end. Cambodia’s recovery, though, has been slow and painful and it remains a poor country struggling with many political issues.
Phnom Penh only become the administrative centre of Cambodia in the 1860s and was soon developed by the colonising French into the city it is today. There remains a distinct French influence despite the best efforts of the Khmer Rouge to destroy Phnom Penh, although the uniquely Cambodian Royal Palace, built at this time, still stands.
Today’s Phnom Penh is a fast–changing town. The influx of Chinese money has seen rapid development, especially along the Mekong waterfront. Such development has been tempered, however, by complaints of worker exploitation in the country’s vital garment industry.
2014 saw ageing Khmer Rouge leaders, including
Nuon Chea (
Website: www.theguardian.com ).
Pol Pot’s number two, jailed for life for their involvement in the genocide of the 1970s. The wounds of the past are finally being healed, although they will never be forgotten.
Phnom Penh only became the Cambodian capital in 1865.
Only 7 people survived the torture chambers of Tuol Sleng. 17,000 were imprisoned during the Khmer Rouge’s rule.
Phnom Penh only had 50,000 residents left by the time the Khmer Rouge were overthrown in 1979.
Located in the tropical zone north of the equator, Phnom Penh has a wet and dry climate, meaning it has two distinct seasons: rainy and dry.
Rainy season (May to October) sees high temperatures and humidity, with brief (often daily) downpours making an appearance before the sun reappears.
Dry season (November to April) is comfortable with temperatures hovering around 25°C (77°F) in January and almost no rainfall. This is the best time to visit.
The Cambodian New Year, which takes place around April, is also a good time to visit. Despite it has two distinct seasons, Phnom Penh is widely considered as a year-round destination.
Getting around Phnom Penh
A public bus service was introduced in 2014, although services are limited.
Phnom Penh Sorya Bus
Address: Charles de Gaulle Blvd (217), Phnom Penh.
Telephone: +855 8190 8022
Phnom Penh City Bus Terminal
There are a few metered taxi companies in Phnom Penh, of which is
Global Taxis
Telephone: +855 11 311 888
More common are the unmarked taxis that wait outside hotels or can be arranged through the hotel. Fix a price before you leave. Taxi companies which you can book in advance include
Choice Taxis
Telephone: +855 23 888 023
Phnom Penh Taxi Driver
Telephone: +855 16 886 544
Their rates are fixed by distance or destination. Motorbike taxis, or motodops, wait outside the hotels and cruise the streets offering their services to pedestrians. You should negotiate fares before starting the journey and be aware that the fare is higher at night.
Also be absolutely clear about your destination as many of the motodop drivers are unfamiliar with Phnom Penh. Cyclos also cruise the streets and wait outside the hotels; these are ideal for shorter journeys or leisurely sightseeing tours, but tend to be more expensive than motodops.
Cycling is common in the city but the traffic, which mainly consists of motorbikes, is chaotic. Many guest houses hire out bicycles very cheaply for the day. You can also hire bikes from
The Vicious Cycle
Address: Areykhsat, Riverside Path, Phnom Penh.
Telephone: +855 15 997 939
Silk Island Bike Rental
Address: Koh Dach Commune, Ksach Kandal District Phnom Penh.
Website: www.vanatravel.com
Things to see in Phnom Penh
Attractions
This is one of Phnom Penh’s original and most important pagodas, dating from the 15th century and located close to the Royal Palace. It was once home to hundreds of monks and an extensive religious library, but suffered greatly at the hands of the Khmer Rouge. Many of the religious artefacts were thrown into the river during the Khmer Rouge years, but a few were eventually retrieved. The temple was built to house an important religious relic: an eyebrow hair from the Buddha.
Address: Samdach Sothearos Boulevard, Phnom Penh.
Telephone: +855 17 363 391
Opening times: Daily 06:00-18:00.
Admission Fees: No
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
This stunning complex of buildings, built in traditional Khmer style, includes a Throne Hall and the intriguing iron house, which was donated by the French to King Norodom in 1876. The Throne Hall was used most recently in 2004 for the coronation of the new king, Norodom Sihamoni. Several pavilions have been added over the years. During the Khmer Rouge years, the former king, Sihanouk, was held prisoner in the palace. The royal family still reside in part of the complex.
Address: Samdech Sothearos Boulevard, Phnom Penh.
Telephone: +855 23 223 724
Opening times: Daily 08:00-17:00.
Website: www.canbypublications.com
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
This delightful pagoda, next to the Royal Palace, gets its name from the 5,000 silver tiles on its floor that weigh a formidable 6,000kg (6 tonnes). It’s home to several priceless Buddhas, including the Emerald Buddha, Wat Preah Keo, and a life-sized gold Buddha decorated in thousands of precious gems. The wall surrounding the temple is covered in murals depicting the epic tale of the Ramayana, although damaged in places. In the grounds are a number of stupas containing the ashes of former kings as well as a model of Angkor Wat.
Address: Oknha Chhun St. (240), Phnom Penh.
Telephone: +855 23 223 724
Opening times: Daily 08:00-17:00.
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
Located on the top of a small hill, reached by a flight of steps with nagas (mythical serpents) on either side, this temple marks the spot where Phnom Penh was founded. It is one of the most important landmarks in the city, drawing a constant stream of visitors who come to pray for good luck. The interior is decorated with frescoes depicting the life of Buddha, and the story of the Ramayana.
Address: Intersection of Street 96 and Norodom Boulevard, Phnom Penh.
Opening times: Daily 07:00-19:00.
Website: www.watphnom.net
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
This pseudo-Khmer style building, constructed by the French in 1917, houses an extensive collection of Khmer sculptures from the pre-Angkorian period (7th century) to the post-Angkorian period (14th century). In addition, there are bronze objects depicting religious activities, ancient Khmer ceramics and wooden statues. The art is displayed in chronological order and the English-speaking guides can help identify the subtle changes in style.
Address: Street 13, Phnom Penh.
Telephone: +855 23 217 643
Opening times: Daily 08:00-17:00.
Website: www.cambodiamuseum.info
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
- Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide
A notorious prison under the Khmer Rouge, Tuol Sleng (known also as S-21) is a harrowing but essential stop off inPhnom Penh. Originally a high school, thousands were tortured and killed here in the 1970s under Pol Pot’s brutal regime. The school was surrounded by barbed wire and the classrooms were used to house manacled prisoners in crudely built cells. Other rooms contain a single bed frame and graphic photo of occupants left to die when the Khmer Rouge fled with the Vietnamese army approaching in January 1979. Most chilling are the photos of unidentified prisoners that cover the walls.
Address: Street 113, Phnom Penh.
Telephone: +855 93 388 988
Opening times: Daily 08:00-17:00.
Website: www.tuolslenggenocidemuseum.com
Admission Fees: Yes
Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No
Tourist Offices
- Phnom Penh Tourist Information Centre
Address: 262 Monivong Boulevard, Phnom Penh.
Telephone: +855 23 218 585
Opening times: Mon-Sat 08:00-17:00.
Website: www.tourismcambodia.com
Tourism Cambodia has an office located in the centre of Phnom Penh, above the Mittapheap Tours office. Head here to find a wealth of information on transport, accommodation and sights within the city. It also covers destinations across the country, allowing you to plan trips to Siem Reap, Battambang and beyond.
Things to do in Phnom Penh
- Cook up a tasty dish at a Cambodian cookery class
Once you’ve tried the tasty Khmer cuisine, find out how to do it yourself with
Cooking class
Telephone: +855 12 524 801
Website: www.cambodia-cooking-class.com
Starting with a trip to the local food market, choose fresh ingredients from an array of colourful vegetables before a Cambodian chef will show you how to create a delicious dish.
- Get up and running with the Hash House Harriers
Found wherever there are substantial communities of expats, the
Hash House Harriers
Telephone: +855 99 353 325
Website: www.p2h3.com are a social outfit that organise runs in the Phnom Penh countryside. Join them for a 10km run; they meet every Sunday at 2pm outside the railway station and always end with some food and drink. No need to book.
- Go to war with your conscience
Considering Cambodia was in the midst of a civil war within living memory, some may have issues of conscience to contend with. For those that don’t.
Cambodia Extreme Outdoor Shooting Range
Telephone: +855 10 951 771
Website: www.cambodiashootingclub.com gives visitors the chance to fire a range of weapons from AK-47s to bazookas and even a rocket launcher.
- Scuba dive in a stretch of paradise
Learn to dive in Phnom Penh at the
Scuba Nation Diving Centre
Telephone: +855 34 933 700
Website: www.divecambodia.com Cambodia’s first 5-star Instructor Development Centre. Teaching takes place in an air-conditioned classroom with practical tutorials in their training pool. Once complete, the centre offers dives in and around the paradisiacal islands off the shore at Sihanoukville.
- Swing toward Sihanoukville for a round of golf
A round of golf is a popular activity in any part of the world and the
Royal Cambodia Phnom Penh Golf Club (
Telephone: +855 023 366 689 ) is just 9km south of the city. Surrounded by lush rice paddies and swaying coconut palms, it is in an idyllic setting. Booking is recommended for non-members.
Phnom Penh tours and excursions
Phnom Penh tours
Lunch, sunset and dinner cruises are available on the Kanika catamaran and are an ideal way to watch life on the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers during the day. They are also good for seeing the sun set over the Royal Palace or for views of Phnom Penh lit up at night. The lunchtime cruises offer an Asian buffet and dinner cruises offer an extensive Asian and Western a la carte menu.
Telephone: +855 92 290 077
Website: www.cambocruise.com
Tours by car with a guide can be arranged through Exo Travel (formerly Exotissimo Travel) and Diethelm Travel. A standard tour will take in the National Museum, Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in the morning and an afternoon excursion can be made to the killing fields at Choeung Ek or Tuol Sleng.
Telephone:
+855 23 218 948 ,
+855 23 219 151
Website: www.exotissimo.com
Phnom Penh excursions
An hour west of Phnom Penh is the abandoned royal city of Udong, which was the capital of Cambodia from the early 17th century until 1866. Several temples, stupas and other buildings cover three hills from which there are sweeping views of the Cambodian countryside. One of the stupas contains the remains of King Monivong (1927-1941). Many of the stupas are badly damaged after they were blown up by the Khmer Rouge, but there is on-going renovation work.
- Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre
This is the location of one of the many killing fields to be found around Cambodia, situated 15km (9 miles) from the city. Thousands of people were executed here, many brought from the notorious Toul Sleng prison in Phnom Penh, and there are 129 mass graves where around 9,000 bodies were exhumed. A moving memorial stupa contains the skulls of many of the victims found at the site. The location itself is very tranquil but it is disturbing to walk along the paths between the excavated pits, as evidence of small human bones and remnants of clothing still remain.
Telephone:
+855 23 305 371
Website: www.cekillingfield.org
At the base of one of the hills is a memorial to the Khmer Rouge victims who were found in mass graves nearby.
Shopping in Phnom Penh
Cambodian artisans are very skilled and there is no shortage of articles to buy when shopping in Phnom Penh. Unique to Cambodia is the krama, a checked scarf made of cotton or silk. Silk is still hand-woven in Cambodia and can be purchases as lengths of material or in the form of scarves, bags or purses. Silver boxes are traditional souvenirs, many in the shape of animals.
There are a number of interesting art galleries, silk dealers and souvenir shops on Street 178. Also look out for shops such as NCDP Handicrafts and Wat Than Handicrafts, both on Norodom Boulevard, selling handicrafts to raise money for disadvantaged Cambodians.
The Central Market, an art deco building, is well worth a visit as it sells fruit, vegetables, meat and fish as well as clothes, gems and gifts. The Russian Market in the south of the city, on the corner of Streets 155 and 444, is a maze of narrow, dark alleyways crammed with stalls holding a vast selection of bargain souvenirs including clothing, silverware, jewellery, silk, bags, DVDs, CDs and ceramics.
For a taste of the west, head either to Sorya, close to the Central market, Sovanna on Street 271 or City Mall on Monireth Boulevard near the Olympic Stadium. They are all air-conditioned complexes offering clothing, electronic and jewellery shops plus fast-food outlets and supermarkets.
Bargaining is expected in the markets, which are open daily from around 07:00 to 17:00. Shop opening times vary.
Restaurants in Phnom Penh
The restaurant scene in Phnom Penh is booming, so you won’t have any trouble finding somewhere to suit your taste or budget. Offering everything from street food to fine dining, the city is really upping its culinary game with a host of good places to eat. The restaurants below have been grouped into three pricing categories:
Expensive (over US$25)
Moderate (US$15 to US$25)
Cheap (up to US$15)
These prices are for a three-course meal for one, including tax and service.
Expensive
Cuisine: Cambodian
Treat yourself at this fine Cambodian restaurant, which has served some of the world’s high fliers. Connoisseurs will enjoy the beautifully presented traditional Cambodian dishes, served with a twist. The food uses the freshest ingredients, sourced locally, such as Kampot crab with green pepper. Savour the food in an elegant setting on the terrace, by the water garden or in the air-conditioned restaurant.
Address: 136 Norodom Boulevard, Phnom Penh.
Telephone: +855 15 814 888
Website: www.malis-restaurant.com
Cuisine: French
One of Phnom Penh’s finest restaurants serves a mixture of French and Thai cuisine and boasts an excellent wine cellar. Topaz is contemporary and elegant with stylish, wooden floors, pastel colours and crisp white tablecloths, and is decorated with local artworks. Sample the red tuna tartare in the smart dining room or on the open-air terrace which is shaded by a luxurious garden.
Address: 162 Preah Norodom Boulevard, Phnom Penh.
Telephone: +855 15 821 888
Website: www.topaz.thalias.com.kh
Cuisine: French, Khmer
Taking its cue from Cambodia’s French colonial past, La Residence is Phnom Penh’s swankiest restaurant right now. The dining room is stunning and the food matches up to expectations, with impressive fusion of Cambodian ingredients and French style.
Address: 22-24 Street 214, Phnom Penh.
Telephone: +855 23 224 582
Website: www.la-residence-restaurant.com
Moderate
Cuisine: Asian
Sombok showcases the exceptional talents of the famed Kimsan. This pioneering chef has created an entirely new category for authentic Khmer fine dining which she first started at a Siem Reap restaurant called “Embassy”. She has brought their culinary skills to Phnom Penh at Sombok Restaurant.
Address: Street 154, Preah Sisowath Quay Phnom Penh.
Telephone: +855 93 575 157
Website: www.sombok.asia
Cuisine: Western
Previously well-known as Damnak Steakhouse, one of travellers’ top ranked restaurant on TripAdvisor, Ox Club is a Mediterranean modern steakhouse situated in the elegant Art Deco dining room. Featuring here is a comprehensive menu of premium selection of beef, seafood, and our incredible homemade pasta and risotto, alongside with the expertly crafted cocktails and scrumptious desserts.
Address: Street 71 corner street 400, Phnom Penh.
Telephone: +855 155 09 222
Website: www.oxclubrestaurant.com
Cuisine: Italian
Our signature Italian flair in the capital. Couldn’t find the time to travel to Siem Reap for your favourite Italian food and wine? We’ve brought our best to you, right here in Phnom Penh.
Address: #11 Street 302, BKK1 Phnom Penh.
Telephone: +855 10 660 515
Website: www.ilforno.restaurant
Cheap
Cuisine: Fusion
At Toss It!, we celebrate diversity in food and people. Our inclusive pictures caters to vegetarians, vegans, and those exploring plant-based cuisine. Every meal is a celebration of taste, health, and inclusivity.
Address: 72 Street 113, Phnom Penh.
Telephone: +855 7043 8098
Website: www.tossitkh.com
Cuisine: French
Khéma is a dine-in/dine-out French café-restaurant and gourmet delicatessen dedicated to serving fine foods, minus the fuss. We focus on smart, affordable dining in a cosmopolitan atmosphere as well as creating and sourcing unforgettably good gourmet deli foods.
Address: House 41 Street 13, Phnom Penh.
Telephone: +855 158 41 888
Website: www.khema.thalias.com.kh
Cuisine: Khmer, Western
Perched on the banks of the Mekong, Bopha (also known as Titanic) is where adventurous eaters looking for unique Khmer dishes should head (water buffalo, anyone?). The dining room is chock full of Cambodian art, with traditional apsara dancing in the evenings while you eat. A Western menu is also available.
Address: Sisowath Quay.
Telephone: +855 23 427 209Phnom Penh Nightlife
Nightlife in Phnom Penh is pretty vibrant and there are a large number of bars to choose from. There are only a few live music venues, although some of the international hotels have bands from the Philippines. Most nightlife in Phnom Penh can be found along Sisowath Quay, on Street 104, and also on Street 51 between Streets 174 and 154, known as The Strip.
Culture in Phnom Penh revolves around the traditional Cambodian apsara dancing, which is very slow and graceful. Skills have been retained despite the loss of many dancers during the Khmer Rouge years. You can find information on performances in the Friday edition of the:
Bars in Phnom Penh
Right at the top of Phnom Penh Tower, Eclipse Sky Bar offers unrivalled views of the city. The martinis here are spot on, and while it’s not quite as swanky as The Fifth Element, it’s still an essential stop for anyone who enjoys a sundowner or two after a hard day’s sightseeing.
Address: 455 Monivong Blvd, Phnom Penh.
Telephone: +855 23 964 171
Website: www.rooftop-bars-in-phnom-penh
At Le Moon Rooftop, we do not only offer an extensive selection of cocktails but also serve a delectable array of culinary delights. Nestled in the heart of Phnom Penh’s tourism hub, our location boasts an unparalleled 270-degree panorama of two rivers and sections of the city. Our skilled bartenders are adept at crafting both classic and international cocktails, and they’ve even concocted a unique series of original drinks exclusive to our menu. But the experience doesn’t stop at drinks; our food menu is equally enticing, featuring a variety of dishes that promise to tantalize your taste buds. Coupled with the expansive open space and refreshing breeze on our terrace, you’re guaranteed a comfortable and unforgettable dining experience without ever feeling overheated.
Address: 154 Dekcho Damdin St. (154), Phnom Penh.
Telephone: +855 87 600 163
Website: www.le-moon-rooftop.com
- The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Cambodia
This is a popular hangout with journalists, diplomats, travellers and the occasional movie star. The bar is set within a boutique hotel with sweeping views of the Mekong River. Most people passing through Phnom Penh have heard about the FCC, so stop for a drink, especially during the daily happy hour, and play a game of pool.
Address: Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh.
Telephone: +855 23 210 142
Website: www.fcccambodia.com
Clubs in Phnom Penh
Head to this glitzy entertainment resort, a chic location where the city’s young and trendy like to see and be seen. It has a huge range of cocktails and imported wines, while DJs and a resident live band perform nightly. For a change of scene, try a bit of karaoke in Club 88 or try not to lose your shirt in the casino.
Address: Samdech Techo Hun Sen Park, Phnom Penh.
Telephone: +855 23 26 3031
Website: www.nagaworld.com
This is a late night dance spot with a reputation for partying into the early hours. It’s a western style club, so expect to find ex-pats and travellers rubbing shoulders with locals on the dancefloor.
Address: 38 Pasteur, Phnom Penh.
Telephone: +855 77 837 777
Website: www.heartofdarknessclub.com.kh
Phnom Penh’s hottest nightspot, Pontoon, attracts international and local DJs. There’s a more laid back vibe during the week, but things can get pretty hectic on Fridays and Saturdays. This is a place for serious clubbers and those looking to let their hair down.
Address: Street 172, Phnom Penh.
Telephone: +855 10 300 400
Website: www.pontoonclub.com
Live music in Phnom Penh
Harry’s Bar & Restaurant satisfies every wanderlust, dishing up amazing comfort food and vibrant vibes in both Cambodia’s top cities. Fuel your adventures with hearty breakfasts at 8.30am (Phnom Penh) or 11am (Siem Reap), then dive into legendary burgers, sizzling ribs, amazing steaks and salads. Share plates with friends over crisp pizzas and pasta perfection, all while soaking in the lively atmosphere. Sundowners on the Phnom Penh Riverside? Harry’s has all your drinking needs cover, Ice Cold Beers, Classic Cocktails, Fine Wine and a great section of Whiskeys, Rums, Vodka and more, alongside genuine Cambodian hospitality.
Address: #219, st:, Preah Sisowath Quay.
Website: www.harrysphnompenh.com
CRAFT is a bar and restaurant providing a wide selection of Craft beers, assorted with grilled meat, seafood or burgers. Come try some local craft beers or our signature cocktails. Friday or Saturday night local and international bands come to play. Every Sunday for lunch we offer both Seafood or American style BBQ.
Address: 82E0 St 244, Phnom Penh.
Telephone: +855 69 248 606
Website: www.palacelane.com
Good live music is hard to find in Phnom Penh but this venue, situated in the upscale Little Susie bar, hosts anarray of local and international performing jazz and soul music. It’s a sophisticated place to enjoy music or relax on the open-air terrace with a good selection of spirits, cocktails, an excellent wine cellar and a Cuban cigar room.
Address: 26 Street 23, Phnom Penh.
Telephone: +855 10 764 754Phnom Penh Food and Drink
Food In Phnom Penh
- Balut: Fertilised duck eggs, served as a snack; you’ll see them sold all over the country, but with a whole chick inside. It’s an acquired taste.
- Prahok: Fermented fish paste, used as a seasoning for stir fries, but never for soups.
- Fried tarantula: A speciality of Skuon in North Cambodia, and a popular dining dare for travellers.
- Amok trey: Fish in a thick coconut curry sauce, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.
- Babor: Rice porridge with chicken broth often served with an omelette or dried small fry.
- Kuy teav: Rice noodle soup with pork stock, thought to originate from China. It comes topped with all sorts of vegetables, garnishes and meat cuts and is a popular breakfast.
- Bai chha: Khmer fried rice with sausage, pork, garlic and herbs.
- Kralan: Sticky rice flavoured with sugar, beans and grated coconut, steamed inside a bamboo pole.
- Lok Lak: Stir-fried beef in a lime, salt and pepper sauce, often served with fried potatoes and an egg.
- Mee katang: Cantonese-style wide rice noodles cooked with meat and vegetables in oyster sauce.
- Nom banh chok: Curry-style noodles often served with shredded fish, turmeric root, lemongrass, citrus, mint, and chilli.
- Pleah sach ko: Beef ceviche with peanuts and garlic, in a lime and palm sugar dressing.
Drink In Phnom Penh
- Fresh coconut juice: A refreshing and popular beverage.
- Green tea: China’s influence again.
- Rice wine: Often served infused with spices as sombai.
- Beer: Angkor and Anchor are the lagers to look out for.
- Golden muscle wine: Made from herbs and deer antlers (yes, really).