From Washington to Phnom Penh: Savuthy Dy's Journey to Creating Pacific Pasta Co.

Savuthy Dy’s story is one of incredible transformation—both personally and professionally. Born in Cambodia in 1979, Savuthy’s early life was marked by his family’s escape from the country at the tail end of the Khmer Rouge regime. Settling in Washington State, USA, he initially pursued a career in finance and accounting, following a traditional path. But one night, a realization struck him: his true passion lay in the culinary arts.

“I had an epiphany,” he shares. “I knew I needed to follow my dreams and become a chef.” This pivotal moment propelled him into culinary school in San Francisco, igniting a 21-year career in the world of fine dining.

Savuthy’s culinary journey took him from prestigious French restaurants to hotels across the US, and even to Asti, Italy, where he spent two years as the sous chef at Piola y Crota. It was in Italy that Savuthy’s love affair with pasta began. “Working in Italy made me realize that I wanted to focus my career on Italian food,” he recalls. His time there shaped his philosophy of cooking, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, simplicity, and authenticity.

Fast forward to 2018: Savuthy found himself visiting Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the city of his birth. While exploring the food scene, he noticed a gap—there wasn’t the kind of Italian food he had grown to love and perfect. “I couldn’t find the Italian food that I enjoyed eating,” he says, sparking the idea for what would become Pacific Pasta Co., his ode to authentic Italian cuisine with a West Coast twist.

A Taste of Italy in Phnom Penh

Opening its doors in July 2020, Pacific Pasta Co. was a concept born out of Savuthy’s desire to bring high-quality, handmade pasta to Phnom Penh. “We focus on 100% house-made plates of pasta,” he says proudly. The restaurant imports a pasta extruder from Italy that allows them to create fresh batches of pasta using semolina flour, local duck eggs, and water.

With influences from Roman and Northern Italian cuisine blended with West Coast flair, Pacific Pasta Co. has quickly become a beloved spot for Italian food lovers in Phnom Penh. The menu boasts 20 pasta dishes, a variety of appetizers, and entrées, all made fresh to order. With prices starting as low as $5, the restaurant offers an affordable yet authentic Italian dining experience.

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Navigating the Phnom Penh Market

Though Savuthy arrived with a wealth of culinary experience, he quickly learned that running a restaurant in Phnom Penh had its unique challenges. “The Phnom Penh market is quite unique,” he explains. “From food preferences to pricing strategies and management styles, I’ve had to adjust and adapt.”

One of the aspects Savuthy is most proud of is the team he has built. “I’ve been able to teach my cooks how to prepare everything from scratch and to understand the value of fresh pasta.” His approach extends beyond the kitchen, as he has also worked hard to instill a customer-first mentality in his front-of-house staff, teaching them how to interact confidently with diners—a challenge in a culture where such interactions can sometimes feel intimidating.

His dedication to quality and teaching has not gone unnoticed. “Compared to other high-end Italian restaurants in Phnom Penh that may or may not use fresh pasta, I feel Pacific Pasta offers great value,” he says. “And it’s not just about the food—it’s about the experience of being transported to an Italian restaurant without having to buy a plane ticket.”

Coming Full Circle

Beyond the food, living and working in Cambodia holds deep personal significance for Savuthy. “I absolutely love everything about living here,” he shares. “After spending most of my life in the States, Cambodia is a breath of fresh air.”

Savuthy feels a strong spiritual connection to his birth country and sees Pacific Pasta Co. as a way to contribute to Cambodia’s burgeoning food scene. “There are huge opportunities to help grow the food scene here, and I’d love to be a part of that transformation.” His long-term dream is to expand his restaurant concept across Cambodia, each iteration reflecting the unique tastes and preferences of its location.

Savuthy’s journey has also inspired him to pass down his knowledge to the next generation. “Being able to teach my fellow countrymen and impart valuable culinary skills has been a huge source of pride for me,” he says. “I hope they look back at their time at Pacific Pasta with fondness and appreciation.”

And while Pacific Pasta Co. is thriving, Savuthy is already thinking about his next move. He dreams of one day writing a book that chronicles his family’s escape from Cambodia, blending food and culture with personal history. “I want to explore the special foods from each region we passed through, and develop recipes that tell the story of our journey,” he reveals.

Where to Find Pacific Pasta Co.

Pacific Pasta Co. is located in the Khalandale Mall on K5 Street in the Bueng Kok area of Phnom Penh. Open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., it’s the perfect spot for lunch, dinner, or even a special occasion. With daily lunch specials and set menus available, you can experience a little slice of Italy right here in Cambodia. And for those who prefer to dine at home, Pacific Pasta Co. is also available on the Nham24 and Food Panda apps.

Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional Roman pasta dish or something with a West Coast twist, Savuthy Dy’s Pacific Pasta Co. offers a dining experience that brings a taste of Italy to Phnom Penh.

Location: Khalandale Mall on K5 street in the Bueng Kok area of Phnom Penh.

Contact: 095 398 249.

Opening Hours: Every day from 10:30am -9:30 pm.