Restaurants and food in Sihanoukville
Restaurants in Sihanoukville for expats — Khmer cuisine, fresh seafood, local markets and recommended addresses in the Otres Beach area.
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In 3 bullets
- Fresh seafood: Sihanoukville’s main draw — fish, crab and shrimp straight from the port, at prices well below Phnom Penh.
- Otres Beach area: the best concentration of quality restaurants for expat residents — varied cuisines, relaxed atmosphere.
- Phsar Leu market: the local market for daily shopping, with fresh produce cheaper than supermarkets.
Dining areas
Otres Beach
The most recommended area for resident expats. Varied beachfront restaurants — Khmer cuisine, seafood, international. A calmer, higher-quality setting than the touristy town centre.
Town centre (Serendipity Road and around)
A livelier, more touristy area, with a concentration of restaurants but more variable quality. Best avoided for quiet family dinners.
Phsar Leu (local market)
Sihanoukville’s market for local residents. Fresh produce, local food stalls, very low prices.
Sihanoukville specialities
Seafood is the local speciality thanks to the nearby fishing port:
- Whole grilled fish: sea bass, grouper, snapper — order by the kg at beachfront restaurants.
- Ginger crab: a local speciality, served with rice or noodles.
- Garlic-fried shrimp: ubiquitous in local restaurants.
- Seafood platter: shrimp, crab, clams, squid — available in most Otres restaurants.
Food budget
| Type | Average price | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Street food / market | USD 1–3 | Khmer soup, sandwiches, bo bun |
| Local Khmer restaurant | USD 3–7 | Grilled fish, lok lak, rice |
| Seafood restaurant | USD 8–20 | Platter, ginger crab, whole fish |
| International restaurant | USD 8–18 | Pizzas, burgers, fusion cuisine |
| Supermarket (groceries/month) | USD 120–200 | Local products + some imported |
2025 estimates — price per person excluding drinks. Seafood is markedly cheaper than in Phnom Penh.
Groceries and supermarkets
- Phsar Leu: the main market for fresh produce and local food. Open from 5am.
- Local grocery shops: present in the Otres area and town centre for daily needs.
- Modern supermarkets: fewer than in Phnom Penh — expats sometimes top up with deliveries from the capital.
FAQ
Do restaurants close in low season?
Some restaurants in the central tourist zone reduce their hours in low season (May–October). The spots frequented by residents (Otres Beach, Phsar Leu) stay open year-round.
Can you find French cuisine in Sihanoukville?
A few restaurants offer Franco-European cuisine, mainly in the Otres area. The offering is markedly more limited than in Phnom Penh or Kampot.
Is the seafood safe to eat?
In established restaurants recommended by the expat community, yes. Avoid dubious street stalls, especially in the hot season. Prefer restaurants that turn over their stock quickly.
Sources (2)
Every fact in this guide comes from official documents or government sites. An access date is recorded for each source.