El Taco Bar: Phnom Penh’s Go-To Spot for Authentic Mexican Flavors
For those craving a taste of Mexico in Phnom Penh, El Taco Bar offers an authentic, late-night dining experience that’s hard to beat. Established by Ronnie, a passionate restaurateur from Amsterdam with deep Mexican roots, the bar brings generations of Tijuana family recipes to Cambodia’s capital’s vibrant streets.
A Family Tradition of Mexican Cuisine
“I grew up in my grandmother’s Mexican restaurant in Amsterdam,” says Ronnie. “She came from Tijuana, and the bold, rich flavors of her cooking surrounded me as a child. It’s what inspired me to bring these flavors to Cambodia.”
Ronnie’s culinary journey began in 2015 when he moved to Sihanoukville and opened Palm Beach Burgers on Beach Road. But after the area’s rapid development, he relocated to Kampot, where El Taco Bar was born in 2018. “We were a big hit right from the start,” he recalls. “While most places closed by 9 or 10 p.m., we stayed open until 3 a.m. and became the go-to spot for late-night food.”
Adapting and Thriving in Phnom Penh
Like many businesses, El Taco Bar faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. “When Kampot went quiet during the lockdown, we decided to move to Phnom Penh and focus on deliveries,” Ronnie explains. “We partnered with NHAM24 and kept our loyal customers by delivering the same quality food they knew and loved.”
Today, El Taco Bar remains a staple in Phnom Penh’s food scene, offering a mix of dine-in and delivery services. “We’ve survived because we never compromise on quality. We use fresh ingredients and my grandmother’s secret recipes, which have been passed down through four generations. That’s something you can’t find anywhere else,” Ronnie adds.
The Taco Bar Experience: Birria Thursdays and Taco Tuesdays
One of El Taco Bar’s unique selling points is its Taco Tuesday promotion, where customers can get an extra taco for free. But that’s not all. “We were the first in Cambodia to introduce Birria tacos,” says Ronnie proudly. “Now, every Thursday is Birria Thursday—buy one, get one free. Our Birria tacos are a fan favorite.”
Beyond the food, Ronnie says the real joy comes from seeing customers enjoy the experience. “It’s all about connecting with people. When you see someone genuinely enjoying your food, it’s the best part of the job.”
Supporting the Local Community
El Taco Bar isn’t just about serving great food—it’s also about supporting the local community. “We hire only local staff and teach them Western standards of service and hygiene. It’s important to us that we contribute positively to the community,” Ronnie emphasizes.
A Love for Cambodia
So what makes Cambodia special? For Ronnie, the allure of the Kingdom of Wonder is undeniable. “Like so many others, I came here for what was supposed to be a short stay—just a month, almost ten years ago. I fell in love with the place and never left,” he laughs.
Find El Taco Bar in Phnom Penh
Currently, El Taco Bar is open from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m., offering both delivery and dine-in options. You can order through NHAM24 and Grab, or contact Ronnie directly at 0962001842 (also available on Telegram and WhatsApp).
Whether you’re a Phnom Penh local or a visitor looking for authentic Mexican cuisine, El Taco Bar offers a unique dining experience, filled with the rich flavors of Tijuana. With its dedication to quality, community, and great service, it’s no wonder that El Taco Bar has become a beloved fixture in Phnom Penh.
 | Cambodia |
 | https://www.cambodialifestyle.com |
 | +855 962 001 842 |
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
