Princella’s Place: Blending Culinary Traditions and Cultural Exchange in Cambodia
When Princella’s Place opened its doors on December 6, 2017, it wasn’t just another restaurant. It was a family-run labor of love, housed in a charming three-story French-style house in Phnom Penh. The ground floor served as a haven for authentic Pakistani and Indian cuisine, while the upper floors offered a vibrant cultural experience, hosting henna art classes, traditional dance sessions, and community events.
“Our story began when my family moved from Pakistan to Cambodia,” shares Princella Anum Gill, co-founder of Princella’s Place. “Exploring the possibility of introducing the rich flavors of our heritage, we decided to open our first eatery. My late father, the visionary behind this endeavor, insisted on naming it after me, while I added ‘Flavors of Saffron’ under my mother’s watchful eye. We built a restaurant where every meal felt like a warm embrace.”
Building Bridges Between Cultures
From its early days, Princella’s Place was more than just a restaurant. It became a cultural bridge between Pakistan and Cambodia, hosting rooftop dinners, participating in street festivals, and collaborating with schools and markets to share the vibrant flavors and traditions of Pakistan.
However, the journey was not without its challenges. In 2020, Princella lost her father to cardiac arrest in Phnom Penh. “His vision and love continue to guide us,” she reflects. “The outpouring of support from the local and expat community during those challenging times was beyond anything we could have imagined. It became the reason we stayed strong and kept going.”
A New Chapter in Tuol Tompoung
In 2020, Princella’s Place relocated to the heart of Tuol Tompoung. Weekly buffets, creative collaborations, and cultural exchange activities transformed the space into a hub for community connection. “Customers became family as we created a vibrant space for cultural exchange—sharing dances, stories, and recipes straight from our hearts,” Princella explains.
Evolving with the Times: The Cloud Kitchen Era
In late 2023, Princella’s Place transitioned to a cloud kitchen model, allowing the team to focus on deliveries and special buffet takeovers. “Our cloud kitchen has given us the freedom to be more dynamic and flexible,” says Princella. “We now cater to private and public buffets, events, and gatherings, deepening our engagement with the community.”
Collaborations with unique venues like Toss It in Phnom Penh and Ground Zero Yoga and Martial Arts Cafe Siem Reap have enabled Princella’s Place to share Pakistani cuisine with even more people. “These partnerships don’t just share food—they bring cultures together, inspire communities, and draw tourists to Cambodia,” she adds.
Blending Heritage and Health
While sharing her family’s culinary legacy, Princella is also pursuing her passion for health sciences. “I’ve developed a growing interest in community-based nutrition, science education, and art and cultural programs,” she explains. “This has allowed me to blend my passions for food, education, and well-being to engage with Cambodia in meaningful ways.”
In 2024, Princella expanded her reach by moving to Siem Reap. “Through events, pop-ups, catering, and community markets, we’re connecting with a new audience while holding onto the essence of what makes Princella’s Place special: pure heartfelt food and the joy of shared traditions.”
Hope for Biryani and Beyond
The Hope for Biryani Project is one of the many ways Princella’s Place gives back to the community. This initiative supports local families by providing food, clothing, and educational resources. “We support families not because they are in need, but because they are in hope—for a better life and future for their children,” Princella explains.
Looking ahead, Princella is excited to launch a new venture: Vibe & Verse Cambodia. “This brand will blend Pakistani and Khmer flavors, creating experiences that celebrate diversity and cultural exchange,” she shares.
Celebrating Culture and Community
Princella’s Place isn’t just about food—it’s about sharing the richness of Pakistani culture through dance, art, and laughter. From Bollywood workshops to stand-up comedy, Princella has brought joy and creativity to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. “In Siem Reap, we’ve hosted stellar comedy acts, vibrant dance workshops, and unforgettable buffet nights. It’s been an incredible journey, and there’s so much more to come!”
A Love Letter to Cambodia
“For me, Cambodia just feels like home,” says Princella. “The warmth, support, and opportunities here have allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. This is where my family’s dream became a reality, and I’m proud to share our culture and traditions with my Cambodian homies.”
From the bustling streets of Phnom Penh to the tranquil beauty of Siem Reap, Princella’s Place continues to bring people together through food, culture, and community. “It’s all about love,” she concludes.
Stay connected with Princella’s Place:
- Instagram: @princellas_place2017
- Facebook: Princella’s Place
- Telegram: Princella’s Place 2017
Join Princella on her mission to share the flavors and traditions of Pakistan with the Kingdom of Wonders!
 | Cambodia |
 | https://www.cambodialifestyle.com |
 | +855 9 678 01791 |
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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.
