Phnom Penh isn’t just about temples and markets; it’s also a fantastic place to learn authentic Khmer cuisine through cooking classes. The city’s lively markets, fresh ingredients, and local culinary traditions make it an ideal setting for hands-on food experiences. We particularly like the Khmer Cooking Class Half Day because it combines a market visit with personalized instruction and a delicious meal—perfect for travelers wanting a taste of real Cambodia without a big time commitment. If you’re after a more immersive experience, the Phnom Penh’s experience: cooking class and stay over offers a rural escape that pairs cooking with staying in a traditional setting. These classes give you not just recipes but a chance to see local life up close.
Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned foodie, Phnom Penh’s diverse options cater to all tastes. From quick lessons to full-day adventures, this list covers the best ways to learn Khmer cooking, explore local markets, and enjoy your culinary creations.
Quick Overview
This list features half-day and full-day classes, countryside experiences, and even vespa adventures that combine culture, scenery, and cooking. Highlights include private instruction, market visits, and the chance to take recipes home. For example, the Khmer Cooking Class Half Day offers a quick yet comprehensive introduction, while the Silk Island Cooking Class & Culinary Vespa Adventure blends countryside exploration with cooking. You’ll find options for all schedules and budgets, from around $26 to $79 per person.
Below, each tour is explored in detail, helping you choose the one that fits your interests and trip plans best.
1. Khmer Cooking Class Half Day (AM or PM)
For just over $35, the Khmer Cooking Class Half Day offers an excellent introduction to Cambodian cuisine in about four hours. The class kicks off with a visit to a local market, where you’ll see and select fresh ingredients—an eye-opening peek into daily life. Your private chef then guides you through preparing three traditional Khmer dishes, with clear instructions suitable for all skill levels. The emphasis on hands-on participation means you’ll chop, stir, and season as you learn the techniques behind Cambodian flavors.
What makes this class stand out is the personal attention from your private instructor, ensuring you get tailored help. The food you cook is served as your lunch or dinner, and you leave with the recipes to recreate at home. Many reviews highlight the enjoyable market visit and the friendly, knowledgeable chef. It’s ideal for travelers who want a manageable, authentic experience without taking up an entire day.
Bottom Line: A compact, fun, and informative class with excellent value—perfect for those with limited time but big culinary curiosity.
2. Khmer Cooking Class Full Day
Spanning about eight hours, the Khmer Cooking Class Full Day deepens your understanding of Khmer dishes and local produce. The day begins with a trip to the market, where your guide introduces you to fruits, vegetables, and herbs integral to Cambodian cooking. After selecting your ingredients, you move into the kitchen, where a chef helps you create a variety of dishes such as spring rolls, mango salad, and fish amok.
The longer format allows for a more relaxed pace and the chance to master multiple recipes. You’ll receive a set of recipes and a certificate of completion, making this a good choice for foodies wanting a comprehensive experience. The class is praised for its detailed instruction and the opportunity to learn about Khmer ingredients and cooking techniques.
If you want to spend a full day immersed in Cambodian culinary culture, this class delivers enough content to satisfy your curiosity and skill-building needs.
Bottom Line: Great for serious food lovers interested in detailed, hands-on Khmer cooking, with the added benefit of a certificate to prove your skills.
3. Phnom Penh’s experience: cooking class and stay over
Looking for an authentic Cambodian countryside experience? This combined cooking class and stay over offers more than just a lesson in Khmer cuisine. Located about 15 minutes from Phnom Penh, it includes a visit to a local market, where you pick fresh herbs and vegetables. Then, you’ll cook a traditional meal in a village setting, followed by an overnight stay in a traditional guesthouse.
What makes this experience special is the chance to connect with local life and learn about rural Cambodian culture firsthand. One reviewer appreciated the welcoming atmosphere: “Sophors treats guests like family,” and the stay in the rural setting provides a refreshing contrast to the city’s hustle. The cooking portion introduces fundamental Khmer techniques, making it suitable for those looking for a culture, not just a cooking class.
This tour is perfect if you want a genuine taste of rural Cambodia combined with culinary skills and cultural insights.
Bottom Line: An enriching overnight experience that combines rural hospitality with Khmer cooking—ideal for travelers seeking cultural depth beyond the city.
4. Cooking Class in Phnom Penh
This Spice Cooking Class in Phnom Penh is a straightforward, hands-on experience focusing on traditional Cambodian dishes. In just about three hours, you learn to prepare a variety of authentic Khmer recipes using fresh, local ingredients. The instructor guides you step by step, emphasizing techniques that help you recreate dishes like amok or Khmer curry.
Beyond cooking, the class includes a presentation on Cambodian culinary culture, enriching your understanding of its history and regional influences. The small class size and clear instruction make it accessible for beginners and experienced cooks alike. Some reviews mention the friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to learn about Cambodia’s rich food tradition.
At around $31, this class offers good value for a concise yet authentic cooking experience.
Bottom Line: A compact, culturally informative class suited for those new to Khmer cuisine and looking for a quick, practical lesson.
5. Phnom Penh’s Hands-On Khmer Cooking Class in the Countryside
Escape the city with this countryside cooking class near Phnom Penh, where you’ll learn to cook three classic Khmer dishes with a local guide. The experience begins with a visit to a local market to see fresh produce and learn about ingredients. You then head to Sophors’ countryside kitchen, where you’ll harvest herbs from her garden and prepare Khmer favorites.
What makes this class unique is the blend of culinary instruction with a chance to experience rural life. The setting is peaceful, and the focus is on genuine, traditional Khmer recipes. Reviewers mention the authenticity and the friendly guide who shares stories about local customs. It’s perfect for travelers who want to combine cooking with culture in a relaxed environment.
This class is ideal if you want a hands-on approach to Khmer food in a rural setting, away from the city noise.
Bottom Line: A charming countryside choice for those wanting to learn Khmer dishes while experiencing rural Cambodian culture.
6. Phnom Penh: Village Tour w/ Cooking and Essential Oil Class
For a multi-layered culture, this village tour combines cooking, a village stay, and an essential oil workshop. Over 1.5 days, you’ll stay overnight in a peaceful village across the Mekong, visit local markets, harvest herbs, and learn to distill your own Cambodian scent. The cooking session includes preparing three traditional Khmer dishes with Sophors’ guidance.
The highlight here is the chance to create your own essential oil, a unique souvenir that adds a fragrant touch to your trip. The overnight stay allows you to relax into village life, away from Phnom Penh’s hustle. The reviews praise the warm hospitality and the authentic experience of rural Cambodia.
This tour suits travelers interested in combining culinary skills with traditional crafts and cultural exchange.
Bottom Line: A multi-day, immersive experience that blends Khmer cooking, rural life, and essential oil making—great for those wanting a full cultural package.
$79 per person
7. Siem Reap Cooking Class & Culinary Vespa Adventure
This Vespa culinary tour in Siem Reap offers more than a cooking class—it’s a lively journey through Khmer food and countryside scenery. Over about four hours, you’ll visit markets, learn about local ingredients, and ride through scenic villages on a Vespa. The highlight is the hands-on cooking session where a local chef guides you in preparing authentic dishes.
The Vespa ride adds a fun element, taking you off the usual tourist trail to backstreets and hidden villages. Tasting local snacks and desserts along the way enhances your understanding of Khmer flavors. The trip is suitable for adventurous food lovers who enjoy combining culture, cuisine, and a bit of adrenaline.
While this tour focuses on both sightseeing and cooking, it’s best for active travelers comfortable on a scooter.
Bottom Line: An energetic, flavorful experience combining Vespa rides, market visits, and Khmer cooking—perfect for those who want a fun, multi-sensory adventure.
$59 per person
8. Silk Island Cooking Class & Culinary Vespa Adventure
Leaving Phnom Penh’s urban environment behind, this tour takes you to Silk Island for a day of cultural discovery. You’ll explore silk weaving traditions, visit local markets, and enjoy a hands-on Khmer cooking class with a local chef. After preparing your meal, you’ll taste your own dishes paired with refreshing drinks, all while enjoying island scenery.
The tour combines rural exploration with culinary experiences and a scenic Vespa ride through the countryside and city streets. The visit to Silk Island provides insight into traditional crafts, and the cooking session emphasizes local ingredients and techniques. The overall experience is about 5.5 hours and is praised for its variety and cultural depth.
Ideal for travelers who want a mix of island scenery, local craft, and Khmer cuisine in one seamless day.
Bottom Line: An engaging combination of Silk Island exploration, Khmer cooking, and Vespa adventure—best for those craving a full-day cultural and culinary outing.
$65 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Phnom Penh Cooking Class
When selecting a cooking class, consider your budget, available time, and interest level. If you want a quick taste of Khmer cuisine, the Khmer Cooking Class Half Day offers excellent value and flexibility. For those with more time and enthusiasm, the Full Day Class provides a more in-depth experience.
If culture appeals more, the countryside classes like the Experience with stay or the Village Tour with oil making are compelling choices, especially for those looking to connect with local life. Adventure lovers might prefer the Vespa tours or the Silk Island day trip, which combine scenery, activity, and food.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular classes and tours, to ensure availability during your travel dates. Consider the length of each experience and how much time you want to dedicate to food versus culture.
Final Thoughts
From quick, hands-on lessons to full-day countryside experiences, Phnom Penh offers an impressive variety of cooking classes that reveal the heart of Khmer cuisine. For travelers with limited time, the half-day class is a fantastic way to learn and enjoy authentic food. Food enthusiasts who want a deeper dive should consider the full-day courses or the rural experiences, which add cultural depth and memorable scenery.
No matter your choice, these classes provide a delicious, practical way to connect with Cambodian culture. Be sure to book early, especially for the more popular experiences, and get ready to bring home some tasty recipes and stories to share.