The Green Taste of Phnom Penh: Inside Eleven One Kitchen’s Sustainable Food Revolution
Eleven One Kitchen is a premier, women-owned culinary landmark in Phnom Penh that successfully bridges traditional Cambodian yu kitchen flavors with healthy, eco-conscious Western café dining. Founded in 2014 by local entrepreneur Soklim Srun, this popular expat and tourist hub has transformed the capital’s food scene. It proves that commercial success and strict environmental responsibility can thrive hand in hand.
A Strict Philosophy of Health and Sustainability
What sets Eleven One Kitchen apart from standard urban eateries is its unwavering dedication to the environment and clean eating.
- 100% MSG-Free Cooking: The kitchen completely bans monosodium glutamate (MSG). Chefs rely entirely on fresh herbs, local spices, and natural reductions to build rich flavors.
- 99% Plastic-Free Operations: The restaurant pioneered the green movement in Cambodia’s dining sector. It serves all takeaway or delivery orders in 100% biodegradable and recycled packaging. This commitment earned them an official Eco Award from Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment.
Culinary Highlights: Fusion Meets Tradition
The restaurant’s expansive menu accommodates a diverse crowd, balancing creative East-meets-West fusion with authentic Cambodian home cooking.
🍔 Khmer-Western Fusion
- Beef Lok Lak Burger: Tender, lime-and-pepper-marinated Khmer beef stacked inside soft burger buns. It comes paired with a side of creamy mashed potatoes.
- Fish Amok Burger: A clever spin on Cambodia’s national dish. It packs the lemongrass-and-coconut flavors of a traditional steamed curry into a hearty burger format.
🥗 Plant-Based & Healthy Eating
- Avocado Fresh Spring Rolls: Crisp, seasonal greens and avocado wrapped tightly and served with a tangy homemade dipping sauce.
- Mushroom and Tofu Amok: A rich, satisfying vegetarian alternative to the standard seafood curry.
- Fresh Salads: Vibrant, texture-rich options like the Lotus Root Salad and the Grilled Seafood & Pomelo Salad.
🇰🇭 Authentic Khmer Specialties
- Traditional Fish Amok: Consistently rated by travelers as some of the smoothest, most authentic amok in the capital.
- Ken Fish in Bamboo: A regional specialty where delicately spiced fish is packed into bamboo shafts and slow-cooked over heat.
Two Urban Oases: Locations and Hours
Eleven One Kitchen manages two central branches in Phnom Penh. Both are open daily from 7:00 AM to 9:30 PM and feature open-concept kitchens where diners can watch the culinary staff work.
🗺️ Eleven One Kitchen Network
├── 📍 Toul Tum Poung (Russian Market) Branch
│ └── Vibe: Bohemian, quiet, immersive green garden courtyard
└── 📍 BKK1 Branch (Street 334)
└── Vibe: Upscale embassy quarter, AC dining rooms, lively courtyard
Atmosphere and Inclusive Community Value
Step inside either branch, and the chaotic noise of Phnom Penh traffic instantly fades. The spaces are designed as tropical sanctuaries filled with lush potted greenery, rustic wooden tables, and soft, natural lighting.
This welcoming environment draws a highly diverse community. On any given afternoon, the tables are shared by remote-working expats with laptops, international tourists, corporate groups on lunch breaks, and local Khmer families. With generous portion sizes and average main meal prices ranging between $10 and $15, Eleven One Kitchen offers exceptional value without compromising on quality or its green ethical standards.
