If you love food and travel like I do, mark your calendars for September 11 to 14, 2025. Rosewood Phnom Penh is hosting the second edition of its Taste of Cambodia festival, and it is shaping up to be one of the most exciting culinary events in the region.
Last year’s debut was already a hit, but this year promises even more. Think international chef collaborations, creative cocktail pop-ups, traditional Khmer desserts with a twist, and a finale brunch that will leave you planning your next trip back.
Cocktails With a View at Sora
The festival kicks off with a Nikka Whiskey takeover at The Whisky Library, where guest mixologist Takuya Matsumoto from Osaka will be shaking up cocktails for just USD12.
But the real cocktail highlight happens at Sora, Rosewood Phnom Penh’s rooftop bar (and the first in Cambodia to land on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list). For two nights, bartenders from across the country will come together, from Siem Reap to Koh Rong, serving creative cocktails for USD7 each. It’s a chance to taste Cambodia’s bar scene in one place, all while soaking up those panoramic skyline views.
Afternoon Tea With a Khmer Twist
For something a little different, the hotel is teaming up with Il Nodo Cambodia, a jewelry house inspired by Khmer heritage. At The Living Room, you can indulge in traditional Khmer sweets like Num Angsom Chek and Khmer Layer Cake while browsing jewelry pieces that echo the flow of the Mekong River. It’s not your typical afternoon tea, and at USD56 for two, it’s a stylish experience to share with a friend.
Michelin-Starred Dining at CUTS and Zhan Liang
Foodies, this part is for you. Chef Alexis Moko, from Michelin-starred MOKO in Kyoto, is making his return to Phnom Penh with exclusive three- and five-course menus at CUTS. His dishes combine Japanese precision with French finesse, imagine horse mackerel with dill yogurt, grouper with zucchini, and a hazelnut gâteau that might just ruin all other desserts for you.
Over at Zhan Liang, the hotel’s Chinese restaurant, Chef Teng Kam Seng is teaming up with the Michelin-starred team from Lingnan House at Rosewood Guangzhou. Together, they’ll present refined dishes like wok-baked lobster with basil and abalone fried rice in lotus leaf. It’s fine dining that bridges two culinary traditions in one memorable night.
Giving Back Through Food
One of my favorite things about Taste of Cambodia is its commitment to the community. On September 13, the festival will host the IBC Annual Ball in support of the Indochina Starfish Foundation, which provides education and healthcare to vulnerable communities. A lineup of Cambodia’s top chefs will join Chef Moko for a one-night-only charity dinner, proof that food can truly bring people together for good.
The Perfect Ending: Sunday Brunch
No food festival is complete without brunch, and Brasserie Louis is closing the weekend with a feast. The spotlight will be on Chamkar Damnak lamb from Kep, served in everything from tartare to slow-braised shank. At USD70 per person, it’s a generous spread, and you can add on free-flow drinks starting at USD20 if you want to make it a boozy Sunday.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
Whether you’re a cocktail lover, a foodie chasing Michelin-starred experiences, or just someone who enjoys discovering local flavors, Taste of Cambodia at Rosewood Phnom Penh is worth traveling for. It’s not just about eating and drinking; it’s about connecting with Cambodia’s growing culinary scene, meeting inspiring chefs, and celebrating culture in the most delicious way possible.
For reservations, email phnompenh.fnbreservation@rosewoodhotels.com or call +855 23 936 860.
