Vegan Restaurant in Phnom Penh | Bong Bonlai Plant-Based Dining & Garden Sanctuary​

​​A Vegan Sanctuary in Phnom Penh

In the heart of Phnom Penh, within the dynamic Tonle Bassac neighborhood, lies Bong Bonlai. This establishment was conceived to be more than just a restaurant; it is a dedicated sanctuary for plant-based dining. For travelers, digital nomads, and local residents seeking an authentic vegan experience in Phnom Penh, Bong Bonlai offers a consistent and reliable option. The name itself, rooted in the Khmer respectful word for addressing someone close to your age or slightly older ("Bong") and vegetable ("Bonlai"), offering a dining experience that is both cultu)rally mindful and culinarily ambitious. This guide details everything you need to know about our vegan restaurant, from our signature dishes to our unique library and garden environment.

Our Philosophy: Rooted in Cambodia, Committed to Vegan Cuisine

The decision to open a 100% vegan restaurant in Phnom Penh was a deliberate one. After a personal journey that included over a decade of vegetarianism, our founder transitioned to a vegan lifestyle, recognizing the alignment of its values with personal and environmental well-being. The existing space at the guesthouse presented an opportunity to fill a niche in the city's dining scene. The goal was clear: to create a vegan restaurant in Phnom Penh that stood out not just for its food, but for its atmosphere. The name "Bong Bonlai" was chosen years prior, reflecting a vision to create a place that respectfully provides plant-based nourishment, much like the vegetable seller who are essential to local markets. This philosophy informs every aspect of our operation, from ingredient sourcing to our peaceful ambiance.

The Menu: A Comprehensive Vegan Culinary Experience in Phnom Penh

Our menu is the core of the Bong Bonlai experience, designed to demonstrate the depth and appeal of plant-based cuisine. ​Many items, from our bread to our ice cream, is made in-house, ensuring quality and freshness.

Signature Main Dishes
We offer a range of internationally-inspired dishes, but several have become staples for our guests:

  • Tempeh Skewers: A protein-rich option, grilled to highlight the nutty flavor of tempeh, and served with our barbecue sauce.
  • The Incredible Burger: A house-made patty that has become a benchmark for vegan burgers in Phnom Penh, satisfying both vegans and non-vegans alike.
  • Tofu Amok: Our plant-based interpretation of Cambodia's iconic ​dish. This allows visitors and locals to experience a classic flavor in a completely vegan form, making it a must-try for anyone seeking vegan Cambodian cuisine.

Beverages and Bakery
No meal is complete without a drink or dessert. Our beverage program is carefully curated:

  • Teas: We offer a huge range of herbal teas from Demeter
  • Smoothies & Juices: Our smoothies are uniquely made with a base of creamy cashew milk, and we also serve a selection of fresh, cold-pressed juices.
  • Coffee, Beer & Wine: We serve coffee from Three Corner Coffee Roaster, a selection of local Cambodian craft beers, and wines.

Our in-house ​product list keeps growing! Daily, we produce:

  • Fresh bread
  • Cupcakes
  • Cashew Cheesecake
  • House-made Ice Cream

These items are available for dine-in or takeaway, providing a sweet conclusion to any meal.

The Rotating Pre-Order Menu
For those seeking variety, we operate a separate, rotating menu of ten dishes that changes weekly. This menu is available exclusively for pre-order and delivery, offering regular customers and those planning their meals a constantly evolving selection of vegan dishes in Phnom Penh.

The Space: Library, Garden, and Art Gallery

Bong Bonlai's environment is a key part of its identity as a unique vegan restaurant in Phnom Penh. We have designed a multi-functional space that caters to different needs.

  • The Library and Rustic Decor: The indoor seating area is designed as a cozy, rustic library, housing a collection of over 2,000 books. This creates a quiet, intellectual atmosphere perfect for solo diners or those looking for a calm meal.
  • ​Garden Sanctuary: Our outdoor area is a tree-filled sanctuary, featuring a large mango tree and other greenery. This garden seating provides a peaceful escape from the city, making your dining experience truly tranquil.
  • ​Art Gallery: The space also includes a rotating art gallery, allowing guests to view works from local artists, adding a cultural dimension to their visit.
  • Designed for Productivity and Comfort: Recognizing the needs of modern patrons, we have equipped the space with reliable, high-speed WiFi and numerous power outlets, making it an ideal spot for locally based freelances, students, and digital nomads to work from.
  • Family and Pet Policy: We are a family-friendly and pet-friendly establishment. We welcome families but note that the space is open with direct street access and features a pool, so parental supervision is advised.

Location, Hours, and Practical Information

Finding Us
Bong Bonlai is located at 13A Street 830, between Street 21 and Sothearos Boulevard, in the Tonle Bassac area of Phnom Penh. We are situated in a quiet alley, close to key landmarks including Bassac Lane, Aeon Mall 1, and Wat Svay Popey, and just minutes from the Independence Monument. The easiest way to find us is to search for "Bong Bonlai" on Grab or other ride app, or Google Maps.

Transportation and Parking

  • Scooters & Bicycles: We have ample and secure parking for scooters and bicycles.
  • Cars: Our alley is quite narrow. While car drop-off is easy, parking is best found on the larger Street 21, just around the corner.

Pricing and Reservations

  • Price Range: Our menu is designed to be accessible, with items priced between $3 and $10.
  • Reservations: We accept reservations for any group size and for specific table requests. We have one large table that can comfortably seat groups of up to 12 people, as well as more casual couch seating. Please message us to make a reservation. 
  • Service Style: To maintain the tranquil atmosphere, our staff provides friendly but unobtrusive service. Each table is equipped with a bell, allowing you to request assistance discreetly, without the need to wave or call out.

​Your Next Destination for Vegan Dining in Phnom Penh

Bong Bonlai was created to be a cornerstone of the vegan community in Phnom Penh. We provide a consistent, high-quality, and unique dining experience that goes beyond just food. From our 100% plant-based menu featuring vegan versions of local flavors to our serene library and garden environment, every element is designed with intention. Whether you are a long-term vegan, exploring plant-based options, or simply looking for a peaceful spot to work and dine, Bong Bonlai welcomes you. We have built this restaurant to be a sanctuary, and we invite you to become a part of our story.

Visit us today and discover why we are consistently rated as a top vegan restaurant in Phnom Penh.

Check us out on Facebook for latest updates, and ​we would love it if you could leave us a review ​there, on Happy Cow, TripAdvisor, Google Maps or anywhere else you see us.