Phnom Penh Guides: Awesome Restaurants for Vegan and Vegetarian

1. The Rise of Vegan and Vegetarian Dining in Phnom Penh

Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable rise in vegan and vegetarian dining options available in Cambodia's capital city, Phnom Penh. An increasing number of locals and expatriates are adopting plant-based diets, driving the demand for more cruelty-free and sustainable food choices. Thankfully, creative chefs and conscious business owners have stepped up to meet this demand.

Why Phnom Penh is Becoming a Plant-Based Food Haven

Phnom Penh's tropical climate is perfectly suited to growing a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and herbs - providing an abundance of healthy, locally sourced ingredients for meat-free meals. Coupled with the influence of foreign travelers, this has inspired chefs to experiment with plant-centric Asian and international cuisine. Whether you crave Indian, Mexican or Southeast Asian flavors, you'll find tasty vegan-friendly dishes across the city. The low cost of living also means you don't need to break the bank to eat vegan in Phnom Penh.

Cambodian Vegan and Vegetarian Dishes to Try

Be sure to sample some traditional Cambodian vegan delights during your visit. Must-tries include:

• Vegan Tom ka talay (coconut soup with toftofu)
• Samlor korko (noodles with a rich nut and vegetable sauce)
• Banh chiao (fresh spring rolls packed with your choice of vegan proteins and herbs)

Many noodle and rice dishes like kuy teav and bai sach chrouk can be easily made vegan by:

• Omitting fish sauce
• Choosing meat-free toppings

Phnom Penh's lively food scene offers the perfect balance of local flavors and global plant-based cuisine.

2. Vibe Café

Phnom Penh’s First 100% Vegan Café

Vibe Cafe holds the distinction of being Phnom Penh's pioneering fully vegan restaurant. Open since 2015, it helped spark greater awareness and interest in plant-based dining in Cambodia.

Must-Try Dishes: Buddha Bowls and Smoothies

To this day, Vibe is renowned for its gorgeously presented and nutrient-packed Buddha Bowls, piled high with grains, greens, and creative toppings alongside a protein. Their colorful and crave-worthy smoothies, blended with fresh tropical fruit, are also a staple. 

With delicious menu innovations, Vibe remains a go-to hotspot for vegans, vegetarians, and health-focused visitors alike looking to dine, meet, and energize surrounded by inspiring plant-based décor in the city's busy café Quarter. Its early success helped pave the way for Phnom Penh's now thriving vegetarian and vegan food scene.

3. Backyard Café

A Healthy Haven for Vegans and Vegetarians

Tucked away in a peaceful riverside location, Backyard Café has earned a loyal following among Phnom Penh's health-conscious residents and visitors.

Organic and Locally Sourced Ingredients

Everything on the daily-changing menu is made using organic, seasonal ingredients sourced directly from Cambodia's farms and markets. Enjoy filling salads, wraps and bowls featuring superfoods, as well as indulgent homemade desserts. Fresh juices, smoothies and coffee are also artisanally prepared. Health and sustainability are core focuses - it's the perfect place to unwind knowing your meal has minimal impact. 

Backyard also offers weekly yoga classes ($5) and monthly full moon guided meditations to nourish both body and spirit.

4. ARTillery Café

Artistic Vibes with a Plant-Based Menu

Located in the vibrant arts district of Phnom Penh, ARTillery blends creative cocktails and Southeast Asian small plates with a daily rotating gallery showcasing local artists.

Special Vegan Brunch and Gluten-Free Options

In addition to the plant-centric lunch and dinner options featuring dishes from across Asia and the Mediterranean, ARTillery hosts popular events. Every Saturday and Sunday they offer an indulgent vegan brunch featuring global comfort foods and Southeast Asian twists made with gluten-free flours. 

Weekly events include life drawing sessions, poetry nights, and live music. It's the ideal place for art lovers, vegans, and omnivores alike to dine, cocktail, and immerse themselves in vibrant Khmer culture.

5. The Corn

Famous for Its Vegetarian and Vegan Cambodian Cuisine

A Phnom Penh staple since 2008, The Corn delivers authentically tasty Cambodian fare with vegetarian and vegan adaptations of classic dishes.

Signature Dishes: Vegan Amok and Fresh Spring Rolls

Must-tries are the restaurant's renowned vegan amok (coconut curry) made with jackfruit instead of fish, and their paper-thin banana blossom spring rolls. Every Sunday they host a cooking class ($15) where you can learn to make traditional Khmer dishes to take home. 

With friendly staff a peaceful garden and al fresco dining area lit with lanterns, The Corn is a top choice for experiencing traditional flavors while avoiding meat and seafood.

6. Masala Dosa Street Kitchen

Vegan and Vegetarian Indian Delights in Phnom Penh

This humble eatery brings the authentic flavors of South India to the Cambodian capital. Run by an Indian family, it's a haven for those seeking Indian spicing without dairy or meat ingredients.

Savor Authentic Dosas, Curries, and More

Must-tries include thin, crispy rice-lentil dosas served with coconut chutney. Try the Mysore masala dosa, stuffed with a spicy potato filling. Rich vegetable curries like palak paneer (sans paneer) are served over basmati rice. Street food snacks like sev puri and bhel puri are also freshly made daily. It’s the perfect low-cost spot to fuel up delicious Indian flavors between Phnom Penh adventures.

7. Eleven One Kitchen

Eco-Friendly, Plant-Based Dining Experience

More than just a restaurant, Eleven One Kitchen seeks to educate guests about sustainable and compassionate living through delicious vegan cuisine. Housed in a restored colonial-era building, diners are transported to another era whilst enjoying artisanal dishes crafted from local, organic, and ethical ingredients.

The elegant setting features recycled wood decor elements and an airy garden space illuminated by lantern light. Professional waitstaff are on hand to discuss their passion for plant-based wellness and explain the conscientious considerations behind each creative dish.

Local Ingredients and Delicious Vegan Options

Guests can sample chef specials highlighting seasonal produce and native superfoods, alongside menu mainstays like vegan 'chicken' satay skewers, lemongrass noodle salads and cocoa milk shakes. An elegant wine list and local artwork for purchase further contribute to an enlightening fine dining experience aligned with principles of environmental and social justice. It's undoubtedly one of Phnom Penh's most thoughtfully executed vegetarian and vegan destinations.

8. Tips for Vegan and Vegetarian Travelers in Phnom Penh

How to Find Vegan-Friendly Local Dishes

• Look out for fresh vegetable spring rolls, steamed rice pancakes, and noodle soups which can often be made vegan by omitting fish sauce or meat toppings.
• Inquire with restaurants about vegetable amok or banana blossom filling which are traditionally vegan.
• Market stalls sell fresh coconut ice cream, young coconut, and tropical fruit perfect for vegans with a sweet tooth.

Apps and Resources for Finding Plant-Based Restaurants

• Download HappyCow, the world's largest vegan/veggie guide to locate certified vegan and vegetarian eateries.
• Check Facebook groups like 'Phnom Penh Vegans' for local tips and reviews.
• Ask hotel/hostel staff for plant-based recommendations as many cater well to special diets.
• Websites like ilovevegan.com keep an updated Cambodia listing of vegan restaurants and cafes.

Other tips include planning meals around market shopping to assemble fresh baguette sandwiches or salad ingredients. Many Phnom Penh chefs are eager to accommodate special diets, so don't hesitate to communicate your needs. With a little research, you'll enjoy delicious vegan and vegetarian fare around every corner in this blossoming plant-based paradise.

Conclusion

Why Phnom Penh is a Must-Visit for Vegan and Vegetarian Food Lovers

With its thriving mix of authentic Cambodian dishes and global vegetarian fare, Phnom Penh offers vegans and vegetarians inspiration and enjoyment like few other Asian destinations. The affordability and accessibility of plant-based cuisine means you can truly immerse yourself in this city on a plant-based lifestyle budget.

Exploring the Vibrant Plant-Based Food Scene in Cambodia’s Capital

Foodies and ethical eaters alike will find culinary adventure and discovery during a visit to experience Phnom Penh's diverse and ever-evolving vegetarian and vegan scene. Interested travelers can even explore further with ThreeLand Travel's custom Cambodia tour plant-based itineraries. In addition to visiting the top vegan hotspots highlighted here, we also include excursions to organic farms, cooking classes, and trips to nearby Angkor Wat - ensuring an enlightening Cambodian plant-based adventure unlike any other!

Also Check Phnom Penh street food tour : Top street food that makes young people crazy

9. FAQs About Vegan and Vegetarian Dining in Phnom Penh

Are vegan and vegetarian options easy to find in Phnom Penh?

Yes, it's become very convenient to enjoy plant-based cuisine thanks to many dedicated vegan/veggie restaurants popping up in recent years. However, do check HappyCow or ask for recommendations as some menus offer limited choices.

What local Cambodian dishes are naturally vegan or vegetarian?

Coconut-based curries like tomato amok and soups like tom ka talay can be made vegan. Rice noodle salads like num banh chok are meat-free, as are dishes featuring fresh vegetables and tofu like loak korko or banh chiao spring rolls. Fresh tropical fruits are also widely available