Places to eat in Phnom Penh: From $2.50 to $29: Dining for Every Budget in Cambodia's Capital

From a variety of all-you-can-eat hotpot and grill spots to coffee eateries and Khmer cuisine, here's my recap of places to eat in Phnom Penh. Whether you're a local, expat, or traveler, this guide should give you some ideas for your next food destinations.

Tian Tian Hotpot & BBQ Buffet

Located on the corner of Street 163 and Street 456, this Chinese hotpot and BBQ restaurant offers great value with its $9.90 all-you-can-eat buffet. The selection includes hot dishes like fried rice, noodles, and vegetables; seafood such as squid, shrimp, and prawns; and quality beef and lamb from Australia and the USA. Free-flowing soft drinks and desserts are included. You can choose between two soup bases—chicken or spicy mala. I highly recommend making a reservation as this place is always fully booked. Facebook | Map

Kyoto Yakiniku

Located at the corner of Street 173 and Street 424, just a few streets behind the Chinese Embassy in Phnom Penh, this restaurant offers Japanese-style yakiniku all-you-can-eat for only $8.80. The price includes seafood, meat, and free-flowing soft drinks and draft beer. Unlike the restaurant mentioned above, Kyoto Yakiniku is an open-air establishment. In my opinion, it offers the best deal—not only does it include free-flowing draft beer, but they also offer flower crab as part of their seafood options. Reservation is advise. Facebook | Map

Pka K’nhey

Pka K'nhey (ginger flower) is one of the newest Cambodian restaurants in Norolane Mall, serving authentic Khmer cuisine. Most dishes are meant for sharing, though they also offer rice or noodle options for individual diners. Prices range from $2.50 to $6.00 per dish, with an average cost of about $4.00. Here you can enjoy all the traditional staples of Khmer cuisine, from amok to prahok ktis and samlor kako. Facebook | Map

Selepak Coffee and Eatery

Located in Toul Tom Poung on Street 155, Selepak a breakfast and brunch cafe (which means "Art" in Khmer) offers vegetarian and gluten-free options alongside their regular menu. Food prices range from $3.75 to $6.50 and are more towards Western style dishes. Coffee lovers will appreciate their selection of beans from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Brazil, with dairy-free options available for $2.50 to $3.50. Facebook | Map

Chew and Bash

Located at Coconut Park in Koh Pich, Chew & Bash is where entertainment meets gourmet European and Asian food. Situated on the rooftop, it offers a great dining experience to enjoy your night in Phnom Penh. The menu features cocktails and craft beers from Hops Craft Brewery. Food prices range from $6.00-$12.00 for appetizers, $8.00-$10.00 for salads, and $8.00-$14.00 for soups and stews. Fish, seafood, and meat dishes cost between $9.00-$20.00. They even have sharing platters starting from $29.00. Facebook | Map

Whether you're craving an unlimited hotpot experience at Tian Tian, enjoying Japanese-style yakiniku with free-flowing beer at Kyoto Yakiniku, sampling authentic Khmer dishes at Pka K'nhey, or indulging in gourmet cuisine at Chew and Bash, Phnom Penh truly offers something for every palate and budget. Have you visited any of these spots? What was your experience like? Until my next food blog.,