Everything you need for delicious tacos and burritos at La Cita in Phnom Penh.
In case you’re worried that you’ll be giving up the simple pleasures of the Western world when you move to Cambodia, let me be the first to assure you: yes, we do have tacos.
There’s a plethora of California and Texas-style Mexican food in Phnom Penh, which is perhaps one of the greatest advantages to the surprising number of American expats there are in town.
Many Phnom Penh bars offer a Mexican food menu; Garage is at the top of my list — the owner, Jeff, hails from Southern California and cares deeply about the authenticity of his offerings. You won’t find lettuce on his tacos, just heaps and heaps of carnitas and al pastor marinated in pineapple juice, cilantro and onions. At just $3.50 for two, they’re great value.
My favorite Mexican joint in town is La Cita. It used to go by the name La Cita Rendez-vous, which was good for chuckle, but they’ve recently changed the name to La Cita Urban Mex, probably because everyone thought it was a brothel before. The owner, Richard, is from Chile and he’s constantly tinkering with the menu and the marketing of the place. His style is not that of a California taco truck, but it’s delicious. His tacos may be made with flour tortillas but they’ve got the best fillings in town — try the carnitas — and the burritos are even better. Priced at $7.49 for a small (and a small is BIG) the place even satisfies picky Californians who think they know more about Mexican food than you do. They also serve a few Chilean specialities.
Dark horse in town is Viva! I say dark horse not because it’s little-known, quite the opposite. Originally from Siem Reap, Viva! opened a branch in Phnom Penh last year to much ho-humming. The place was known for being boring and bland, and most expats went there for one thing and one thing only: $1.50 frozen margaritas. But I’ve caved in and ordered the wet burrito a few times and it’s actually pretty damn good and only $5.50 (be sure to ask for sour cream on the side for an extra $0.50). They also have $1 tacos which aren’t the best tacos in the world but are quite large and make a good-value snack after a few margaritas.
Garage, 9 Street 110; T: 012 754 763
Viva!, 11Eo Sisowath Quay: T: 093 678 888
La Cita Rendez-vous, 13 Street 282; T: 092 388 123
Edit 10/31/2013: Since this post was written, I have a new favorite, Alma Cafe. Check out the Move to Cambodia review here.
It seems that Alley Cat just won’t get a mention from Lina even in the comments. Alley Cat has been producing some of Phnom Penh’s best Mexican since 2002. On the specials board now Gorditas and Tamales!!
You did get a mention in the comments. ;)
I haven’t been to Alley Cat in a while, I’ll try it again and report back.
Thanks. :)
Cantina has the most authentic “Baja Tacos” in Cambodia! Even Rubio’s in California can’t compare! Everything fresh with hand made tortillas(!)! Yeah! Who could ask for anything more? Oh well, could mention the great selection of tequillas and margarrrritas too!
[…] given up on attempting to try them all. So while I’m not longer willing to declare what Phnom Penh’s best Mexican restaurant is, I’m going to review the opening of a new branch of one of my favorites, La Cita. If this […]
Tried Cantina a few nights ago and thought it was just OK.
Though the tequila selection was good (viva Hornitos! Though I’d love to find some Tres Generaciones around here…) and the flour tortillas and pico de gallo was tasty I thought the refried beans were really bland. As if they didn’t have any salt or lard in them. Same with the guacamole.
And yes I am one of those picky Californians from Los Angeles