Eating street food and knowing that it’s 100% vegetarian can be difficult; however, veggies will have no problem finding healthy meat-free meals in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh. In recent years, there has been a health boom with restaurants catering to those who prefer no meat in their diet.
Heralding the ‘earth-to-table’ approach, all food at Backyard Cafe is ethically sourced and presented in a clean and creative way. The café also works with local suppliers of organic produce and incorporates ingredients believed to have medicinal and healing properties into its dishes. An example is the Earth Bowl, which features lentil, roasted cauliflower, brown rice, roasted red peppers, pickled beetroot, guacamole, spinach, activated almonds and salad – all washed down with a botanical healing tea, made from calendula flower, rose petals, and lavender. Meat options are also available.
Fresh, organic and locally sourced ingredients make up the menu at ARTillery. The eatery prides itself on its menu, built around creating dishes from the highest quality food they can find. And the clever owners have concocted dishes to suit all diets, from vegetarian and vegan to paleo, gluten-free and raw. Hidden along the back lane of Street 240 1/2, ARTillery has a relaxed vibe and is a great spot to chill. You can also find a second ARTillery on Street 278.
This restaurant boasts a lush leafy courtyard with a tractor, free range hens running about and potted plants for sale, giving it a farm-like edge and making it a great family escape within the city. As the brainchild of the team behind ARTillery, Farm to Table’s aim is to promote organic food and farming within Cambodia, boasting a range of healthy meals that take in breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as fruit and vegetable shakes. Vegetarians have plenty of options on the menu, and if you fancy a bit of live music, then 6 p.m. on a Friday is the time to go.
The Vegetarian is an awesome spot for vegetarians on a budget. Boasting a relaxing tropical garden, with seats in the dappled shade as well as a small indoor eating area, the restaurant serves only meat-free food, with dishes starting from $1. The dishes on offer are mainly Khmer, with the menu taking in delights such as lotus root in cashew cream and tofu puffs.
Another joint that won’t break the bank is Mi Chay Vegetarian. This basic Taiwanese-Chinese vegetarian restaurant also serves vegan options, with fake meats, dumplings, soups and rice dishes on the menu. Popular with locals, the owners and staff speak little English; however, the menu does feature about half of the items in English, making ordering slightly easier.
Popular with the locals, especially students, due to its super low prices, fast service and location close to Norton University, Evergreen specialises in vegetarian, vegan and lacto Khmer and other Asian dishes. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a special set menu that includes rice, noodles, hot pot soup and a drink. Limited English is spoken, but the menu is easy to navigate.
Café Soleil has been serving the vegetarian crowd for years and is renowned for its wide selection of options, ranging from spring rolls, papaya mixes and pumpkin salads to yummy home-made yogurt. Wanting to ensure all dishes are as healthy as possible, Cafe Soleil also uses brown rice over the widely used white rice, with the wholegrain having higher nutrition – another boost for the health-conscious among us.
