The Alchemist

The Alchemist is a coffee spot in Riverside, Phnom Penh that regulars come back to. The pull here is consistency more than novelty, which is exactly what you want when you are booking somewhere you have not tried.

The food and the setting

The kitchen leans into asian, deli and healthy. It sits at the upmarket end of the scale, so it works best for a treat or a special evening. Portions and prices are aimed at regulars rather than one-off tourists, and the menu changes little from week to week, which regulars seem to like.

What people think

It holds a 4.4 rating across 7 reviews, which is a solid sign for somewhere that is not trying to be fancy. It is worth reading a handful of the recent reviews before you go, since they will tell you which dishes people order twice and which to skip.

The neighbourhood

Riverside is one of the parts of Phnom Penh visitors actually walk around, and The Alchemist fits the pace of it. Phnom Penh is compact enough that you can pair this with a museum, a market or the riverfront in the same afternoon.

How to get there

A tuk-tuk or a Grab / PassApp ride is the simplest way in. Save the map pin from the top of this page, since street numbering is loose and the name plus the neighbourhood usually gets you there faster. A short walk is fine in the cooler part of the day, but pavements are uneven and often blocked, so most people ride the last stretch even when it is close.

Good to know

It is open every day. If you are building a day around it, aim for slightly off-peak: the room is calmer and the kitchen has more time for your table. Worth pencilling in if you find yourself in Riverside.