Profiled by de Groots MediaNamed for the capital city of Cambodia, walking into Phnom Penh is like entering a rainforest. Plants and flora abound between the tables, creeping up the walls and flowing over the rims of pots. This little green haven is a welcome relief from the greyscape of Luxton Street, however the parking lot outside the restaurant compensates for its aesthetic weaknesses with its convenience and proximity. Reopened in November 2006 under new management, the restaurant specialises in Cambodian and Southeast Asian cuisine. The predominant cuisine in Cambodia is Khmer cuisine, typified by Indian and Chinese influences (notably in curry and noodle dishes). Often compared to Thai cuisine, you’ll find liberal use of shrimp paste, fish sauce, lemongrass and coconut milk in the dishes with chilli addition left to the individual.
Phnom Penh’s specialties include three kinds of amok – a type of coconut curry steamed in banana leaf cups – and sizzling Cambodian barbeque lamb. For something different try the banana buds chicken soup, or go for an old favourite like chicken satay sticks. There’s a huge range of $10-$15 dishes, so bring a few friends and order for the table. For families there’s a small kids menu which unfortunately includes French fries and fish nuggets, but we’ll forgive them seeing as they allow BYO as well as being fully licensed.
Sarah Theeboom, June 2007
