A Perfect Day of Eating in Phnom Penh: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
This is your ultimate Phnom Penh food guide.
If you’re visiting Phnom Penh and wondering where to eat for an authentic Cambodian experience, we’ve mapped out the perfect day for you.
From local street stalls to creative cocktail bars, this guide takes you through the vibrant flavors of Cambodia’s capital, one meal at a time.
Phnom Penh food guide: Breakfast
Coffee first at Yolo Coffee
Start your day right with a coffee at Yolo Coffee, the perfect first stop in Phnom Penh.
Tucked away in the city, this stylish little café creates a calm oasis amid the bustle.
Freshly ground beans greet you with their rich aroma the moment you step inside.
Locals and expats alike love Yolo Coffee for its minimalist décor and friendly staff, making it a must-visit on any Phnom Penh food guide.
Yolo brews strong and refreshing cold brews and crafts cappuccinos with perfect foam and robust flavor.
They also curate a range of artisanal blends sourced from both local and international roasteries.
Settle in at one of the cozy outdoor tables and savor your drink as Phnom Penh slowly comes to life.
If you’re feeling a little peckish, Yolo serves light pastries and freshly made breakfast sandwiches daily.
You must try their signature almond croissant — it flakes perfectly and bursts with just the right amount of sweet almond paste.
But don’t fill up too much — the real breakfast adventure in your Phnom Penh food guide still awaits.
In addition to coffee, Yolo has a strong reputation for its refreshing smoothies and seasonal specials.
If you’re visiting during the hot season, consider grabbing a mango smoothie that is both hydrating and packed with tropical flavor.
Starting your morning here sets a luxurious but accessible tone for your food adventure.
Cambodia Bucket List ordered the US$2 double espresso.
Yolo Coffee
33 Oknha Chhun St. (240), Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Cambodia Bucket List was unable to find a website or social media presence for this business.
Be careful not to confuse it with other businesses in Phnom Penh sharing the same name.
A Traditional Cambodian Breakfast: Bai Sach Chrouk
After your caffeine fix, it’s time for something truly local: Bai Sach Chrouk.
This simple yet soulful dish — grilled pork served over broken rice — is a staple breakfast for Cambodians and offers a hearty start to the day.
Head to the street stall in the alley opposite the Cambodian Post Office.
Finding it is part of the charm: you’ll spot the small crowd of locals seated on tiny plastic stools, chatting animatedly and savoring their meals.
The experience captures the spirit of a true Phnom Penh food guide.
The dish itself is deceptively simple but utterly satisfying. Thin slices of marinated pork, slightly charred from the grill, are served over a bed of fluffy, fragrant rice, accompanied by pickled vegetables, a soft-cooked egg, and a small bowl of savory broth.
What makes Bai Sach Chrouk exceptional is the attention to detail.
The pork is often marinated overnight in a mixture of coconut milk, garlic, and palm sugar, resulting in a subtle yet profound flavor profile.
Sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with locals, you’ll hear the clink of utensils and lively chatter, a true Phnom Penh morning ritual.
The street vendors who prepare Bai Sach Chrouk often represent generations of culinary tradition, and you’ll taste that heritage in every bite.
It’s moments like these that make any Phnom Penh food guide unforgettable.
Cambodia Bucket List paid US$1.5 for our plate of Bai Sach Chrouk.
Morning Exploration: Discovering Phnom Penh’s Charm
After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through Phnom Penh’s historic center.
Visit Wat Phnom, the city’s namesake temple perched on a small hill, or explore the French Colonial architecture that lines the bustling boulevards.
This little morning walk will not only help you digest but also deepen your connection to Phnom Penh’s rich history and vibrant street life, essential experiences in any well-rounded Phnom Penh food guide.
Phnom Penh food guide: Lunch
A Noodle Delight at Khmer Noodles Restaurant
By lunchtime, it’s time to dive into one of Cambodia’s most beloved dishes: Nom Banh Chok.
For this, we head to the Khmer Noodles Restaurant, a highlight in any Phnom Penh food guide.
Unlike the modest street stalls, Khmer Noodles Restaurant offers a bit more comfort while maintaining an authentic vibe.
It’s casual, affordable, and full of local families enjoying hearty meals.
The friendly female chef is known for her warm smile and welcoming spirit, making every guest feel right at home.
With years of experience and a deep love for traditional Cambodian flavors, she prepares each dish with care, turning simple ingredients into comforting, memorable meals.
Nom Banh Chok is often referred to as “Khmer noodles.”
It’s a beautifully light dish featuring fresh rice noodles topped with a green fish curry gravy and lots of fresh herbs.
The delicate interplay of fresh herbs, creamy curry, and bright condiments makes this dish endlessly satisfying and refreshing.
At Khmer Noodles Restaurant, the noodles are hand-pressed each morning, ensuring a chewy yet delicate texture that captures the broth beautifully.
Traditional toppings such as banana blossom, cucumber slices, and crisp beansprouts add both crunch and freshness, elevating the experience.
The restaurant’s ambiance is laid-back, with simple wooden tables and colorful murals showcasing Cambodia’s rich culture.
Don’t be shy to strike up a conversation with the locals — many are happy to share recommendations and their personal favorites from the menu.
Every bite affirms why this place deserves a spot in your Phnom Penh food guide.
Cambodia Bucket List paid US$2.5 for our Nom Banh Chok.
Khmer Noodles Restaurant
2 Samdach Phuong St. (264), Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Cambodia Bucket List was unable to find a website or social media presence for this business.
Phnom Penh food guide: Afternoon Interlude
Cocktails and Snacks at WILD Phnom Penh
After exploring the city, it’s time for a well-earned break.
For a unique and whimsical experience, head to WILD Phnom Penh — another gem in your Phnom Penh food guide.
WILD is part cocktail bar, part garden escape.
Set in a charming, lush courtyard, it feels like stepping into a dream world.
Order the Alice in Wonderland cocktail, a gin-based drink infused with floral and citrus notes, and a plate of their famous spring rolls.
The spring rolls are perfectly fried to a light crisp and served with a trio of dipping sauces — sweet chili, peanut, and ginger-lime.
A choice of meat or vegetarian spring rolls are on the menu.
Every bite bursts with flavor and texture, making them an ideal snack to accompany your whimsical cocktail.
The beauty of WILD isn’t just the menu — it’s the vibe.
Twinkling fairy lights, cozy hammocks, and eclectic furniture create an atmosphere that’s both relaxing and Instagram-worthy.
WILD Phnom Penh hosts events regularly, from poetry slams to acoustic nights, enriching your Phnom Penh adventure.
The laid-back vibe, eclectic menu, and warm service make WILD an essential stop in your Phnom Penh food guide.
Cambodia Bucket List paid US$5.50 for the Alice in Wonderland cocktail.
On this visit, we were full from our noodle lunch and decided to postpone ordering the heavenly crispy spring rolls until our next visit.
On our next visit, we ordered the vegetarian spring rolls, and that is why we can confirm that they are, indeed, heavenly.
Cambodia Bucket List is editing the Phnom Penh video, so watch the video to see the succulent spring rolls.
Phnom Penh food guide: Dinner
Classic Cambodian Cuisine at Khmer Women’s Food
When the sun begins to set over Phnom Penh, it’s time for a traditional Cambodian dinner.
Khmer Women’s Food is the perfect place to experience Amok, Cambodia’s national dish — a staple in any Phnom Penh food guide.
Located in a cozy setting that celebrates Khmer culinary traditions, this restaurant is owned and operated by a collective of women passionate about preserving authentic Cambodian flavors.
Amok is a steamed fish curry, made with coconut milk, Kaffir lime, lemongrass, and a blend of aromatic spices.
At Khmer Women’s Food, the dish is beautifully presented in a banana leaf cup, garnished with a touch of fresh herbs.
The texture is silky, the flavors delicately balanced between creamy and citrusy, and the fish is incredibly tender.
The dish is usually served with a side of fragrant jasmine rice, making it a comforting, heartwarming meal.
Dining here is more than just a meal — it’s an immersion into Cambodian culture, flavors, and hospitality.
It’s places like these that truly complete a Phnom Penh food guide.
Beyond Amok, Khmer Women’s Food also offers a selection of other traditional dishes like beef stir-fried with Kampot pepper and green mango salad, allowing you to broaden your culinary exploration.
Cambodia Bucket List paid approximately US$8 for our Amok with rice, along with a freshly prepared coconut.
We also tried the Somlor Koko, which is considered by many to be the true national dish of Cambodia, and we thoroughly enjoyed a plate of Lok Lak as well.
This is our go-to restaurant in Phnom Penh for delicious, home-cooked food.
Khmer Women’s Food
30 Abdul Carime St. (21), Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Khmer%20Women%20Food/338952403569711/#
Phnom Penh food guide: Evening Drinks
Discovering Bassac Lane and Bassac Street
No day in Phnom Penh would be complete without a foray into its dynamic nightlife.
After dinner, make your way to Bassac Lane and Bassac Street, two essentials in any Phnom Penh food guide.
Bassac Lane is a compact maze of narrow alleys filled with tiny, stylish bars, each with its own personality.
From jazz-themed lounges to speakeasy-style hideouts, Bassac Lane offers something for every kind of night owl.
Just around the corner, Bassac Street offers a slightly bigger and buzzier atmosphere with lively pubs and late-night eateries.
It’s the perfect place to bar-hop, meet fellow travelers, or simply enjoy a cocktail under the stars.
Whether you prefer craft beer, fine whiskey, or innovative cocktails, you’ll find something to savor.
The area’s energy is contagious, with live music, DJ sets, and spontaneous street performances adding to the vibrant nightlife experience.
(We have an entire blog post dedicated to exploring Bassac Lane and Bassac Street in depth:
https://cambodiabucketlist.com/bassac-lane-and-bassac-street-phnom-penh/
Sip a craft cocktail, sample a local beer, and toast to a perfect day of culinary discovery in Phnom Penh, guided by your trusted Phnom Penh food guide.
Cambodia Bucket List would like to note that the featured photo for this blog post was taken at Phnom Penh’s Central Market.
It was the most photogenic food image we had available at the time.
We will be covering food at the Central Market in another blog post, featured in the Phnom Penh “Markets” category:
https://cambodiabucketlist.com/category/phnom-penh/markets-phnom-penh/
We would also like to point out that, despite using a rich variety of herbs and spices, Cambodian cuisine tends to shy away from hot spices.
If spicy food is essential for you, consider bringing a bottle of hot sauce or a compact jar of chili peppers when you eat out.
Final Thoughts
Phnom Penh offers an extraordinary culinary journey that reflects its vibrant culture and welcoming spirit.
By following this itinerary, you’ll experience authentic Cambodian dishes, local hidden gems, and the creative energy of Phnom Penh’s dining and nightlife scenes.
From your first sip of coffee at Yolo Coffee to your last cocktail on Bassac Lane, this day is designed to immerse you fully in the flavors and rhythm of Cambodia.
Every meal tells a story, every street corner offers a new flavor, and every smile welcomes you deeper into the heart of Phnom Penh.
Let this be your ultimate Phnom Penh food guide.
So pack your appetite and an adventurous spirit. Your unforgettable food journey through Phnom Penh awaits.
Happy eating — and enjoy every delicious moment!
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