withsarahj

[withsarahj]

phnom penh guide

RESTAURANTS 

Mexicano/Itacate - Really yummy Mexican food, probably the best in town, two branches are run by the same owner so if you want to skip the crowd go for Itacate (cooler atmosphere too). Get any of the classic tacos with a side of guacamole and sour cream + one of their lime sodas that come in a huge pot. Cute colourful interior and friendly staff. 

Jaru - Good value Korean food, chicken wings are great and they do a solid stew. Nice banchan and good atmosphere, is always full but you can always get a table.

Tokkiya - Homey Korean food for cheap, their Bimbimbap is the best I’ve tried. Low-key and very casual. Feels like your Korean grandma is cooking for you. 

Enso - Great for breafast/brunch. Australian style, healthy, fresh and has something for everyone. I always either get the mushroom omelette or the pancakes. Their bakery is pretty good too. Yummy smoothies.

Lot 369 - Along the same vein as Enso, Aussie style cafe, a bit more pared down. Nice ambiance and has a good range of food, service sometimes unreliable in the busier hours though. 

Java Cafe - One of the first cafes in town ever and still going strong. Go for the bagels, mushroom burger and huge salads. Friendly staff and very approachable with cool interiors. 

Backyard Cafe - Healthy food to the max but I love it when I’m in that mood. Huge portions, lots of veggies, salads and good for you food. Cold-press juice + healthy desserts too. 

The Shop - A Phnom Penh classic. Perfect breakfasts and even more perfect lunches. Go for the Benedict and the mango and passionfruit pancake. Smoothies and juices, I love their lychee mint one + they do a mean eclair. 

Origami - On the pricier side but they do set lunches for less than 10 if you’re on a budget. Great quality fish and good service. Feels like you’re in Japan.

O-san Ramen - The only acceptable ramen in the city. A super solid bowl of noodles. Hole in the wall kind of feeling, business guys getting off work and having dinner.

Shiva Shakti - Best Indian food in PP, a bit pricier but really worth it. Order your favourites + sweet lassi. 

Sesame Noodle Bar - Cute and quirky interiors, draws a nice crowd. Cheap and small menu. Star is the sesame noodles + Thor buns. 

Brooklyn Bistro - If you want to pig out, get the pepperoni pizza and the ribs. I can only go there when the mood hits since the food is on the heavier side.

Kravanh - Great Khmer food. Pricier side with traditional yet chic interior. 

Sakana Lab/Sushi Lab - Owned by the same people but different vibe. Sushi Lab for a one-time omakase experience. Sakana Lab for great japanese food for good value. Nice atmosphere and crowd.

Luna - My favourite pizza in town. Tuna salad + the seafood pasta is a favourite. Desserts are also great. 

Adachi - Solid Japanese food on the pricier side. Great service, super reliable and very high quality. You can get small Japanese style booths. Lively atmosphere usually. 

Fuwari - Small Japanese bakery. Best cream puffs and the mille feulle is wow. Takeaway is best, their seating is pretty limited.  

DRINKS

Tini - Tiny spot but beautiful and minimalist interiors. Nice coffee and artsy books to look through. Small menu + a few cakes. 

Kinin - Converted wooden house turned bar/restaurant. Nice open atmosphere, don’t really dig the food but the drinks are great. Mocktails are one of the best here too. 

Bassac Lane - Quickly turning into PP’s own Pub St so some areas can be seedier but Harry’s and Le Boutier are definitely the highlights. Yummy cocktails and a good vibe. Very hipster.

Sundown Social Club - Overlooks Russian Market, good spot for people watching. Nice cocktails and bar food but mainly go there for the beautiful interior and atmosphere. 

Brown - The ultimate local coffeeshop/brand. Brown is a PP icon. Delicious cold drinks and frappes. Ice lemon tea or ice latte is a go-to. Go for the great interiors, vibe and service, the food is not a highlight IMO. You’ll get a sense of the local coffee culture here.

Koi - Bubble tea is big here, so go for a takeaway cup. Oolong tea + their house grass jelly is my favourite. Another local fave is the green tea macchiato that you get a baby knife to cut and drink out of at a 45 degree angle. Extra but so yummy !

THINGS TO DO  Rooftop swim at Penh House or Patio: Rooftop swims are a big thing in the city, spend an afternoon just lounging around, drinking a coconut, eating too much from the poolside menu while watching the sunset. These two spots have the best views and ambience but can get crowded so go earlier.

Spa and massage at Bliss/Champei: Bliss has gorgeous interior and a super serene atmosphere, the building inside is very unique. Champei gives a good massage but on a budget. Cambodia is well-known for their spa-game so this is a must !

Russian market - Probably the most popular market in PP, I usually go for swimsuits, silver jewelry and sports clothes. They also have a food market inside, get the freshly squeezed orange juice to cool off.

Games cafe - So many games to play for cheap, paid hourly. I always have a good time here, there’s also a food and drink menu to order off of. 

Factory - Very cool and interesting co-working space + a bunch of other things. Huge place with coffee shop, basketball, games room + bikes for getting around. Trampolining is also here + a skatepark. 

Odom park - Relatively new park and one of the only truly green areas in the city. A space of calmness, draws a really diverse crowd. Has a cafe and some markets on the weekends. Worth it to check out. 

Now.here - Sweet studio run by a creative duo/couple. They do workshops, have prints and have other things for sale. 

Wander around in front of the Royal Palace - The street is blocked off from traffic, very rare in the city. Nice for people watching and has an otherworldly vibe.