Malis Restaurant

Malis Restaurant — Quick Facts

What is it?

experience — Cambodia's Benchmark Fine-Dining Khmer Restaurant

Where?

Phnom Penh , Cambodia

Entry Fee

No entry fee; mains roughly $8–20 USD

Opening Hours

Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, typically 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM

Time Needed

1.5–2 hours

Best Time

Dinner, when the garden courtyard is lit and at its most atmospheric

Don't Miss

Fish amok and Kampot pepper crab fried rice, drawn from a near-encyclopaedic Khmer menu

What to See at Malis

Chef Luu Meng built Malis around a single mission: documenting and reviving traditional Khmer recipes that risked being lost. The result is a menu running to nearly 100 dishes, from classic fish amok and lok lak to regional specialities most visitors won’t otherwise encounter — Kampot pepper crab fried rice, khor pork with bamboo shoots, and m’chou prey sour soup among them.

The Setting

A tropical garden courtyard on Norodom Boulevard, with open-air and covered seating around ponds and greenery — formal enough for a special occasion, relaxed enough for a casual dinner.

The Wider Group

Malis has grown into something of a Khmer fine-dining institution, with sister locations extending the same approach across the city.

How to Get to Malis

Malis sits on Norodom Boulevard in central Phnom Penh, a short tuk-tuk ride from the riverside, Royal Palace, and Independence Monument.

Tuk-tuk or Grab: The easiest option from anywhere in the city centre
On foot: Walkable from BKK1 and the Independence Monument area

Practical Tips

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends
Portions are generous and designed for sharing — order family-style across several dishes
The breakfast menu is also well regarded, if you want a quieter first visit