Restaurants and food in Kampot
Restaurants in Kampot for expats — Khmer cuisine, PGI pepper gastronomy, riverside cafés and local markets.
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In 3 bullets
- Remarkable food scene for a city of 40,000 inhabitants: expat-run restaurants, artisan bakeries, riverside cafés — one of the best food scenes outside Phnom Penh.
- PGI Kampot pepper: in every dish at quality restaurants — a rare gastronomic product, used fresh or dried.
- Very affordable prices: full meal at the market 1–3 USD, expat restaurant 6–15 USD.
Dining areas
Riverside (by the river)
The most lively area for expats. Restaurants with riverside terraces, relaxed atmosphere, sunsets. Varied cuisine — Khmer, French, Italian, Indian, Vietnamese. The concentration of independent expat-run restaurants is exceptional for a city of this size.
Old town (around the clock tower)
More central area, a few good local restaurants and cafés. More local feel than the Riverside.
Local markets
- Phsar Krong Kampot: main market for fresh produce. Local food available from 5am (soup, Khmer sandwiches, bai sach chrouk). Very low prices.
Kampot pepper in the kitchen
PGI Kampot pepper is omnipresent in the city’s quality restaurants:
- Fresh green pepper (in season): used in stir-fries, sauces and marinades. Unique grassy, fruity flavour.
- Kampot black pepper steak: the local take on the classic, with freshly crushed pepper. Delicious at several Riverside restaurants.
- Kampot pepper crab: the iconic combination with the neighbouring Kep crab.
- Direct purchases: buy only from KPPA-member producers (PGI logo visible on packaging).
Food budget
| Type | Average price | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Street food / market | 1–3 USD | Soup, Khmer sandwiches, fresh fruit |
| Local Khmer restaurant | 3–7 USD | Fish, meat with pepper, fried rice |
| Expat restaurant | 6–15 USD | Pizza, burgers, fusion cuisine, French |
| Gastronomic restaurant | 15–30 USD | PGI pepper tasting menu, creative cuisine |
| Artisan bakery | 1–4 USD | Croissants, breads, pastries |
| Supermarket (monthly shop) | 100–180 USD | Market + some imported items |
2025 estimates — price per person excluding drinks. Kampot has one of the best food offerings in Cambodia outside Phnom Penh.
Cafés and coworking-friendly spots
Kampot has many cafés with stable wifi, appreciated by digital nomads:
- The Riverside area concentrates most of the work-friendly cafés (wifi 20–50 Mbps, power outlets, calm atmosphere).
- Expat-run cafés: several establishments offer quality coffee, light meals and a workspace-friendly atmosphere.
FAQ
Is Kampot known for its gastronomy?
Yes — despite its small size, Kampot has a gastronomic reputation thanks to its independent expat-run restaurants and the presence of PGI pepper. The food scene far exceeds what one would expect from a city of this population.
Can you find French cuisine in Kampot?
Yes — several restaurants offer French or Franco-Khmer cuisine. The presence of a tight-knit French-speaking community supports this offering. Easier to find than in Sihanoukville or Battambang.
Are there bakeries?
Yes — Kampot has a few artisan bakeries run by expats, offering croissants, breads and pastries of decent quality. A rarity outside Phnom Penh.
Sources (2)
Every fact in this guide comes from official documents or government sites. An access date is recorded for each source.