Conjuring up images of a stunning location on the banks of the mighty Mekong, the fluttering saffron of the monks robes and the radiant spires of the royal palace, Phnom Penh is one of the undiscovered gems in Asia. It is also adapting to a fast paced development frenzy which will ultimately result in a classically modern metropolis. An eclectic amalgamation of the modern and the medieval, it is the largest city and the capital of Cambodia, a country known for its distinctive cuisine.
Popularly known as Khmer cuisine, noodles, rice, various soups and tropical fruits are among the main features of Cambodian food. Whilst the countrys staple food is rice, a wide array of stir fries, soups and curries are served as side dishes. With a palpably seen influence of Thai and Vietnamese cuisines, Khmer dishes have also drawn upon influences from French and Chinese cuisines.
Travellers to Phnom Penh will be spoilt for choice when dining out. The city boasts an excellent array of dining venues ranging from budget noodle and rice shops to American style bars and chic French restaurants. The emphasis of most of the restaurants is obviously on Khmer cuisine, thus the ideal place to sample authentic Cambodian dishes is undoubtedly Phnom Penh.
Most of the citys restaurants have unique and elegant decor accentuating the local designs. The city is dotted with high-end restaurants such as Yi Sang as well as budget-priced dumpling shops lining the Street 136. Given that Cambodia has had connections with the gastronomic traditions of the Gallic countryside in France, it comes as no surprise that some of Phnom Penhs most outstanding and finest dining venues are French. However, there is a significant concentration of classy Italian and German restaurants in addition to contemporary cafs and delis.
Dozens of dining venues are located along the Boeung Keng Kang 1 and the Riverfront. Among some of the most popular dining venues in the city are Garden Centre Cafe, Friends Restaurants, Frizz Restaurant and Khmer Surin Restaurant.
Dining in the city can be made a whole lot more interesting and convenient if you opt to stay at an ideally located
hotel in Phnom Penh such as the legendary Raffles Hotel Le Royal. A top choice among royalty, celebrities and dignitaries, this exceptional
Phnom Penh hotel includes several graceful restaurants and bars offering you the finest of local and international cuisines, for an unforgettable dining experience.
