Stir-fried Duck with Holy Basil and Fried Egg Phnom Penh

Stir-fried Duck with Holy Basil and Fried Egg by the Tonle Sap River in Phnom Penh

If you have followed mr.hotsia's travels, you might know that Phnom Penh is not only about historical sites or beautiful palaces but also has the charm of spicy Thai food that impressed foreigners like me. Especially the dish “Stir-fried Duck with Holy Basil and Fried Egg” that I found at a Thai restaurant namedChiang Mai riversideBy the road along the Tonle Sap River, an important river flowing through the center of Phnom Penh

This is a small restaurant with no more than a dozen tables but a great atmosphere because it is located by the river. You can see the Khmer lifestyle with people strolling in the evening, music playing, and groups dancing aerobics mixed with Khmer traditional circle dance creating a fun atmosphere. I have visited Phnom Penh many times, but this time dining here was truly a great experience.

A flavor not easily found in Thailand

The dish I recommend is “Stir-fried Duck with Holy Basil and Fried Egg,” which is hard to find in Thailand because duck stir-fried with holy basil is not a common dish there. Moreover, in Northern Thailand, there is a belief that eating duck causes quarrels. But here, it is made spicy in the authentic Thai style, served with crispy fried egg and chili fish sauce on the side. When I eat it, I feel like I am back home.

There are also other dishes such as Thai papaya salad with a slightly sweet taste, which Thai people will definitely like. The restaurant has one staff member who speaks Thai, making ordering easy even abroad.

Riverside atmosphere and Phnom Penh lifestyle

After eating, I took a walk along the Tonle Sap River and saw locals gathering to dance, playing music for fun and exercise. This atmosphere reminded me of the changes in Phnom Penh from previous visits when few people walked by the river. This time, it was lively and full of life, a scene I highly recommend travelers like you to experience.

Travel tips and additional recommendations from mr.hotsia

For those interested in visiting Phnom Penh and trying this special dish, I recommend planning your trip well because Phnom Penh is also a convenient hub for traveling to other provinces in Cambodia, such asBus from Phnom Penh to Takeo ProvinceI have used Soraya company’s service and found it convenient and reasonably priced. You can also research aboutPhnom Penh Bus Stationfor smooth travel.

Phnom Penh is a city that perfectly blends international and traditional elements, whether it is the fresh market where you can closely observe Khmer daily life or historical sites likeTuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison)which is a painful but important learning site.

Summary of experience from mr.hotsia

As a traveler who loves trying new things and following delicious food, I can say that “Stir-fried Duck with Holy Basil and Fried Egg” from Chiang Mai riverside is a dish that makes me feel at home. I also enjoyed the unique evening atmosphere by the Tonle Sap River in Phnom Penh. If you have a chance to visit this city, don’t forget to stop by this restaurant and take a riverside walk.

For more details, photos of the restaurant atmosphere, and travel videos I recorded, you can click to watch atStir-fried Duck with Holy Basil and Fried Egg Phnom Penh clipI must say this is one of the spots where you can truly experience Phnom Penh as I, mr.hotsia, have experienced it.