Text by Wan Azfarozza Wan Athmar
Photos by Eric Gonzales
Travelling while sticking to a clean, wholesome diet isn’t easy—especially when your friends think you’re picky or just “not into food.” But clean eating doesn’t have to mean bland food, and Cambodia has some incredible spots to prove it. Here are four restaurants in Cambodia where the flavours are as vibrant as the commitment to health, ideal for travellers who want to enjoy authentic Cambodian cuisine without the guilt.
1. Navutu Dreams Restaurant, Siem Reap
Nestled within the serene Navutu Dreams wellness resort, this restaurant is a sanctuary for body and soul. With ingredients sourced from their own organic garden, dishes here are refreshingly wholesome, bursting with natural flavours and vibrant colours. Menu highlights include Detox Salad, Herbal & Seafood Soup, and Vegetable Gazpacho, all of which taste as good as they look. For an extra boost, try the fresh juices made without any preservatives. Plus, if you visit on the weekends, you can join a free yoga session to complement your nourishing meal.
2. Lum Orng – Farm to Table, Siem Reap
Lum Orng offers an authentic, farm-to-table experience on the outskirts of Siem Reap, where Chef Sothea Seng combines traditional Khmer recipes with modern presentation. Ingredients are handpicked from his farm and sourced from local markets, bringing the best of Cambodia’s culinary heritage to each plate. From vibrant, aromatic dishes to beautiful plating, every bite reflects Chef Seng’s dedication to clean eating and cultural preservation. This is where you can savour Cambodia’s roots, both in flavour and authenticity.
3. Pinakpou, Siem Reap
For travelers seeking genuine Khmer flavours with a healthy twist, Pinakpou is the place. This charming eatery, founded on traditional Cambodian family recipes, offers dishes that are as close to home-cooked as you’ll find. The Num Kruk—scallion rice dumplings with beetroot and galangal—is a must-try, as is the Num Banh Chok K’Darm, a classic rice noodle dish with crab and Tonle Sap veggies. Owner Votey is often on hand to share stories about Khmer cuisine, giving guests an added slice of Cambodian culture with each meal.
4. Sombok Restaurant, Phnom Penh
You can’t leave Cambodia without trying Amok Fish, and Sombok Restaurant in Phnom Penh does it right. Here, the catfish is delicately cooked in coconut milk with a signature yellow amok paste, creating a creamy, fragrant dish that’s unforgettable. For those looking to sample more, Sombok’s Samlor Korko offers a medley of seven vegetables in a nourishing green curry broth, while the caramelized duck leg in coconut juice, palm sugar, and green mango is a true taste explosion.
