Must-Try Foods In Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 Prison) (Phnom Penh) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 Prison), Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, once known as S21 Prison, is a somber reminder of the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979. During this dark period in Cambodian history, food scarcity was widespread, and starvation was a tool used by the regime to control and punish. The prisoners of S21 were given minimal food, often watery rice porridge, and the nutrition was barely enough to sustain life. This tragic past starkly contrasts with Cambodia's rich culinary heritage, which has been influenced by the country's history, including French colonialism and its neighbors, Thailand and Vietnam.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Phnom Penh Near Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 Prison)

1. Amok Fish (Non-Veg): A traditional Cambodian dish, usually made with fish, coconut milk, and a blend of Khmer spices.
2. Banh Chiao (Non-Veg): A Khmer-style pancake that often contains shrimp or pork and bean sprouts, served with fresh herbs and a dipping sauce.
3. Morning Glory Stir Fry (Veg): A simple yet flavorful dish of stir-fried water spinach with garlic, chili, and soy sauce.
4. Khmer Red Curry (Non-Veg): Less spicy than its Thai counterpart, this coconut milk-based curry usually includes chicken and is served with bread or rice.
5. Mango Sticky Rice (Veg): A dessert made with glutinous rice, ripe mango, and coconut cream.
6. Vegetarian Curry (Veg): A veggie-packed curry made with coconut milk and Cambodian spices.
7. Fresh Spring Rolls (Veg/Non-Veg): These can be made with vegetables alone or include shrimp, and they're served with a tangy sauce.
8. Lok Lak (Non-Veg): Stir-fried beef slices in a savory sauce, served with rice and often paired with an over-easy egg on top.
9. Nom Banh Chok (Veg/Non-Veg): A breakfast noodle dish often served with a fish-based green curry sauce but can be found in vegetarian versions.
10. Kuy Teav (Non-Veg): A popular noodle soup dish that can be made with pork, seafood, or chicken, garnished with herbs and bean sprouts.

Top Famous Restaurants in Phnom Penh Near Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 Prison)

Malis Cambodian Restaurant

136 Norodom Blvd, Phnom Penh - Famous for its upscale Cambodian seafood dishes and vegetarian options (Non-Veg/Veg)

Romdeng

74 Street 174, Phnom Penh - Renowned for its Mekong lobster and a range of traditional Khmer dishes, with vegetarian options available (Non-Veg/Veg)

Friends the Restaurant

215 Street 13, Phnom Penh - Offers a variety of Cambodian fusion dishes, including many vegetarian choices (Veg/Non-Veg)

Vegetarian Restaurant

158, Street 19, Phnom Penh - As the name implies, serves exclusively vegetarian dishes, perfect for non-meat eaters (Veg)

Backyard Cafe

11B, Street 246, Phnom Penh - Known for fresh and healthy eats with a wide selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes (Veg)