The skinny on Christmas dinner in Phnom Penh and elsewhere in the Kingdom this year

Christmas. A time for family, for spiritual reflection among those so inclined and….oh sod that, let’s get real here. For most expats in the Kingdom, the most pressing concern come the big day is “Who’s got a proper Christmas dinner on?”

And with that in mind, here’s the Khmer Nights guide on where to find a decent Christmas dinner in Phnom Penh and beyond.

As for how we came up with this list? Our criteria included things like the restaurants should be ones we know and like, said restaurants should have gone to the trouble of sending us their menu for the evening and we needed to see value for money given that Covid is the grinch that keeps on giving.

How much are Christmas dinners going for in Phnom Penh and the Kingdom?

There’s no definitive answer to that question I am afraid. The high end hotels are charging prices that look more like home so they’re out for our recco. We’ve found the median price range to be $14-30 and that largely depends on how deeply into the holiday “spirits” you are looking to get.

Without further ado, here’s our curated list of Christmas dinners in Phnom Penh et al, in no particular order

Located down by the riverside, this is a proper English style pub. Their Christmas dinner is priced for value at $14.50. No dessert included in that but they are forgiven based on having one of the best prices in town.

The Big Easy

This sports bar on Street 172 seems to be the place to go if you want a boozy Crimbo. Two hours of free-flow beer and soft drinks offer may not leave a lot of room for a proper nosh, but you won’t really care by then, will you?

The Box Office

This Phnom Penh gem has one of the better kitchens in town. Their Christmas dinner is on the more expensive side at $29 but includes starter, main and dessert course choices, as well as unlimited wine, local beers and soft-drinks.

You can read about their pickled eggs here .

Brooklyn’s Pizza Restaurant

A favourite with several KN staffers, Brooklyn’s Christmas dinner is a good value at $14.99. That doesn’t include drinks though but you could combine it with their $15 all you can drink craft beer deal. Christmas dinner is on the menu from the 24th-26th.

Seekers Spirit House

An interesting option with BBQ roast pig taking centre stage. Novel approach to the free flow drink packages as well.

Tacos Kokapeli

No, tacos are not on the Christmas menu, but if you ask nicely my guess is they will rustle some up for you’re if so inclined. $16.50 for the set meal. $26.50 if you want to add free flow booze (wine/local beer). 

Christmas Dinner in Siem Reap – Star Bar

Flights might have resumed, but Siem Reap is not exactly buzzing yet. Fear not though, as always Star Bar is ready to come to the rescue! They are offering Christmas dinner, with a Christmas movie, for $25!

You can read our review of Star Bar here

Christmas Dinner in Kep – Raingsey Bungalows

Famous for both their outdoor movie nights and fine food, this menu is decidely on the high end of the scale fro inlcusion here. That said? They are offering a unique menu that has vegan options and a well-priced and crafted kids’ menu. Kudos for that.

You can read about their cinema nights here. 

Christmas Dinner in Koh Kong- Santa Cruise Tropical Christmas

When in Rome as they say! If you happen to be in Koh Kong, having a Christmas buffet on the beach is the way to go. It’s priced at $15, with the buffet and “pleasure cruise” combo coming in at $40.

Want to list your Cambodian Christmas Dinner?

There is still time to be included on our list. To do so simply get in touch .