Phnom Penh’s Unexpected Fine Dining Scene?

Phnom Penh might not immediately come to mind as a hub for fine dining, but the city is quietly transforming into a culinary destination that can rival some of the most sophisticated food scenes in Southeast Asia. Beyond its lively street markets and local Khmer specialties, Phnom Penh offers a growing selection of world-class dining experiences that often surprise even seasoned travelers. Among these gems, Raffles Hotel Le Royal stands out, and this February, it will host an extraordinary event that food enthusiasts won’t want to miss.

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For three days only, from February 12-14, the historic Raffles Hotel Le Royal will welcome Michelin-starred French Chef Jerome Brochot to its iconic Restaurant Le Royal. Known for his culinary expertise rooted in Burgundy, Chef Jerome’s visit coincides with the Valentine’s Day season, making it a perfect opportunity for couples and food lovers alike to indulge in a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience.

Chef Jerome brings with him a legacy of French gastronomy shaped by years of training with legends such as Alain Ducasse and Georges Blanc. During his visit, he will present a curated selection of his finest dishes, each meticulously crafted to showcase his mastery. Highlights include Hokkaido sea scallops with brown butter and sea urchin, line-caught sea bass with Burgundy crémant, and a rich squab stuffed with mushrooms and melanosporum truffle purée. Desserts are no less impressive, with creations like a fine chocolate tart infused with Tonka bean leaving diners with a truly sweet memory.

What makes this event even more remarkable is the setting. Restaurant Le Royal, located in a 96-year-old heritage hotel, offers an atmosphere of timeless elegance. Chef Jerome’s 5-course dinner, paired with optional fine wines, promises to be an intimate and memorable evening. For those seeking something lighter, a 3-course lunch menu is also available, delivering the same exquisite flavors in a more casual midday setting.

The pinnacle of the event will be Chef Jerome’s Valentine’s Day dinner, where couples can savor an indulgent meal complete with a welcome glass of Champagne. This one-night-only experience elevates romantic dining to an art form and exemplifies the level of sophistication that Phnom Penh is quietly building in its culinary landscape.

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Raffles Hotel Le Royal isn’t the only place redefining fine dining in the city. Other standout options include Malis, a contemporary Cambodian restaurant that reinvents traditional recipes with flair, and Topaz, known for its classic French cuisine and luxurious ambiance. Then there’s the Japanese fine dining scene at Sushi Ryu, which showcases the artistry of omakase-style sushi. These venues, along with Restaurant Le Royal, are part of a growing list of establishments proving that Phnom Penh has far more to offer than its reputation for casual dining and street food.

Whether you’re a local looking to explore new flavors or a visitor seeking to uncover the city’s hidden gems, Chef Jerome’s visit to Raffles Hotel Le Royal is a culinary experience that shouldn’t be missed. It’s a reminder that Phnom Penh, a city better known for its vibrant markets and riverside cafes, is quickly earning its place on the map for fine dining enthusiasts. 

For those planning to attend, reservations are essential—because for just three days, Phnom Penh will be the setting for a truly world-class dining event.

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Tom Starkey
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.