Le Langka — Restaurant in Khan Boeng Keng Kang

Uncomfortable Experience for Interracial Couple

My partner and I were excited to celebrate our anniversary at Le Langka, so we made a reservation five days in advance. Although the food and service were satisfactory, our experience was overshadowed by an unfortunate incident at the beginning of the evening.

After we were seated and while ordering our drinks, the waiter asked my us, "How are you going to pay the bill, sir?" We found it strange but didn't think much of it. However, when a second waiter asked us the same question when we were ordering our food, we became uneasy. As an interracial couple (black and white) who have lived and worked in Cambodia for years, we have never encountered someone asking us how we are going to pay the bill before we even received our drinks or food. We asked the waiter why they were asking us this question, and she explained that the female manager wanted to know. What really bothered us was that two other tables (a Khmer group and a white couple) arrived, and neither of them were asked this question.

Despite the incident, we tried to enjoy our anniversary dinner. However, we felt disappointed and uncomfortable throughout the meal. It's not ethical or appropriate to ask someone how they are going to pay as soon as they arrive at a location, especially one table only. The food and service were great, but one person ruined our night. We're not sure why we were asked the question twice, but we wanted to share our experience with other interracial couples who plan to dine at this restaurant...

Le Langka really feels like a hidden gem in Phnom Penh. Tucked away in a quiet lane, the atmosphere is cozy, warm, and perfect for an intimate dinner.

For mains, I ordered the veal tenderloin and the boneless chicken with yoghurt sauce. The veal was beautifully cooked—tender, juicy, and full of flavor, complemented by a red wine reduction sauce with peppercorns that elevated the flavour of the veal which was not gamey at all. The braised boneless chicken was surprisingly memorable too; the yoghurt sauce gave it a refreshing tang that lifted the whole plate.

To finish, I had the almond crème brûlée, and it was the highlight of the evening. Creamy, delicate, with the perfect crack of caramelized sugar on top, it balanced indulgence with a subtle nuttiness in the aftertaste that made it stand out from the other crème brûlées I’ve had in the past.

Service was attentive yet relaxed, which added to the charm. Prices may be little higher than the average Phnom Penh restaurant, but for the quality of food, cozy ambiance and excellent service provided by its’ staff it is more than fair.

Overall, Le Langka is a place I’d recommend for anyone looking for a refined yet welcoming dining experience in the city. When I visit Phnom Penh again I’d definitely return to explore more...

Intimate French-fusion restaurant in the heart of Phnom Penh. Cash and credit cards accepted. Some English spoken.

Small but very diverse menu offerings for appetizers, mains, and desserts. They also offer a cocktail menu in addition to beer and wine options. Their Samai Beauty cocktail is made with a locally produced rum mixed with grapefruit and lime juice. Very refreshing!

Ceviche is delicious and not what you might expect if you're familiar with the Mexican version of it. Still chock full of citrus-cured seafood bits but served around a birds-nest of dry fried noodles. Their duck breast is tender and served with a zesty sauce that complements it nicely. The accompanying potatoes au gratin are cooked perfectly and equally tasty.

Save room for dessert. The almond creme brulee was good but the custard was a bit less creamy than expected and the almond flavoring was not obvious. The chocolate fondant is extremely rich and chocolatey - too much so for my tastes but still fantastic. Accompanied with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The apple crumble was delicious - an appropriately massive amount of crumble compared to apple bits. The apple was a bit on the mealy side but still delicious.

Highly recommended spot if you're looking for something a...