Review
Cuisine Wat Damnak has received plenty of accolades since its opening in 2011 and they’re well deserved. With 2 degustation menus updated each month, French chef Joannes Riviera takes his diners on a culinary adventure that’s full of delicious surprises.
Expect new flavours but don’t be nervous. If our experience was anything to go by, they’ll be a delight to any palate accustomed to the flavours of Asia.
The 6 dishes on our $28 menu didn’t hit a wrong note and included enticing names like rice paddy crab yellow curry with Mekong langoustine and tamarind shoots, and pan fried kay fish, green star fruit salad and fresh water krill.
Riviere has been in Cambodia for more than ten years. He doesn’t set out to provide a “greatest hits” of Khmer cuisine. This is his very original culinary take - wholly inspired by the flavours and fresh produce of Cambodia.
On our most recent visit to Cuisine Wat Damnak in 2016, we had a chance to sit down with Riviere and his partner Carole. One of the most impressive things about this couple is that their success hasn’t changed them. They may now be the proud owners of one of the region’s most successful restaurants, but they’ve kept faithful to their original vision, maintained very reasonable prices and they’re still working incredibly hard each day to make sure everything’s right.
The only difference is that they’re making sure they take a few well-earned breaks with their young family each year now. So make sure they’re open during your visit.
The location is around 10 minutes from the Old Market area behind Wat Damnak in a traditional Khmer House with indoor and outdoor dining. The staff were part of the charm.
Two set menus are priced very reasonably at $26 and $28USD. If you’re a big eater, you might like to top up the meal with a bowl of rice.
Check out the website for the menu of the monthly menu. Highly recommended.
Disclosure
Rusty Compass recommendations are always independent. We recommend the places we think you should know about. That's it. We've paid our way on all visits to Cuisine Wat Damnak and no money changed hands for this listing.
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