The Best of Cambodia & Laos

76
PHNOM PENH
5
WHERE TO DINE
Happy Herb’s Pizza WESTERN/INTERNATIONAL The first of the famous
“Happy” Phnom Penh pizza joints has a great location overlooking the river. It serves
Khmer food, salads, pasta, and, of course, pizza. “Happy” Pizza is sprinkled with marijuana,
just so you know. Happy Herb’s has been much copied but never bettered. The
feta salad is superb and the regular pizza, with absolutely no marijuana, remains the best
in Phnom Penh by a long shot.
No. 345 Sisowath Quay. & 012/921-915. Main courses $3.50–$5.50. No credit cards. Daily 11am–midnight.
Huxley’s INTERNATIONAL Huxley’s may not actually be a brave new world, but
it certainly is a leap in the right direction. It is a surprisingly authentic English pub with
long stretched hardwood stairs, complemented by a waterfall, wood paneling, and smatterings
of British knickknacks. Although a few Cambodian-fare items are sprinkled in,
Huxley’s menu is distinctly English, offering daily specials such as scotch egg (an English
delicacy, despite its name, consisting of a hard-boiled egg wrapped in pork sausage meat,
breaded, and lightly fried), bangers and mash, and steak and stout pie. Their cottage pie
is also excellent although the signature dish is, not surprisingly, fish and chips. On Sundays,
Huxley’s serves a traditional English roast dinner of either pork or beef. The downstairs
bar is a little small and cramped but the upstairs area sports rattan chairs, balconies,
and sports on big-screen TVs. They do not accept credit cards but there is an ATM in
the pub.
No. 30–32 corner of sts. 136 and 5. & 023/986-602. Main courses $5–$10. No credit cards. Daily 11am–
1am.
K West WESTERN/KHMER In the lobby of the Amanjaya Hotel, one of
Phnom Penh’s coolest boutique properties (p. 63), is this chic little international bar and
bistro. It is French owned and managed, and the menu covers all the bases. They feature
an array of savory salads. Fine pastas are made fresh and cooked to order, and there are
seafood specials and a host of good Khmer dishes, as well as snacks and sides. Dessert
includes a lime-and-lemon torte, banana splits, and a dish called “The Colonel” with
lemon sherbet and vodka. The air-conditioned double-height interior has cozy wooden
booths for privacy and is flanked by a long wooden bar area, popular among expats. The
place is a busy catwalk in the evening.
No. 1 St. 154, Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh. & 023/214-747. Main courses $5–$30. MC, V. Daily 6:30am–
midnight.
Kandal House WESTERN/KHMER This small eatery exudes understated
elegance. The food ranges from British fish and chips to Italian pasta and American burgers.
Where it really excels, however, is in the quality of its excellent traditional Khmer
dishes. The amok here comes highly recommended. They also have a good handle on
Thai food and do a good job with both green curry and yellow curry. A friendly atmosphere
prevails, making this a popular gathering place, especially for breakfast and lunch.
You can also call for free delivery if you want to spend a night in.
239BEo Sisowath Quay. & 016/800-111. Main courses $4.50. MC, V. Daily 9am–11pm.
La Croisette WESTERN This slick, air-conditioned haven offers an eclectic menu
with a French/Khmer slant, though they also branch out into Italian and more exotic
fare. Try the Persian fried shrimp with ginger. The fresh pumpkin soup is also very good,
and the ham and cheese croissant is food for the gods. It is quite expensive and you’re
certainly paying a little more for its excellent riverside location, though the prices are not