SWAGAT Indian Restaurant — Restaurant in Khan Boeng Keng Kang

In the many years that I have been visiting this restaurant with a surprisingly large variety of South Indian and North Indian dishes on its menu, the masala dosa has been my favorite item, for both its taste and value. For the masala dosa, when well-made, is an exquisite culinary creation, rich in a multitude of flavors artfully combined: the rice-and-lentil pancake is not crispy-thin like a wafer, but halfway between crispy and soft, spongy, with a delightful texture and rich taste, and folded around a fair quantity of filling. When you can taste the slightly sour dosa batter, the dosa has a homemade quality to it. It reminds me of the divine masala dosas I used to have as a child at Mohini Vilas restaurant in Mangalore, and that was one of my Top Five Foods— the other four being cheese, chocolate, mutton cutlets, and ice cream. While Swagat’s quality is not uniform, the best masala dosas I have eaten there rival any I have eaten worldwide, and often include green peas, beans, and slices of carrot; when the potatoes are good and fresh, the taste can be outstanding. Also recommended: the idlis, the uppama, and the curd rice (I hear this from my friends) as—and, occasionally, the onion dosa. I have also loved the North Indian thali, but it tends to be a bit on the spicy side for me. Yet another outstanding feature of this restaurant is its classy, upbeat atmosphere, aided by lots of glass windows, skylights, and high ceilings. Cleanliness, spotless cutlery and crockery, and harmonious furniture, along with the natural and artificial light contribute to an uplifting atmosphere. The prices are reasonable ($3.00 for a masala dosa) and non-exploitative Also worthy of special mention and recognition: the owner of Swagat, who often eats in, seems to have a genuine empathy for the customer on a limited budget, and treats all customers with great courtesy and equal warmth, never making you feel that your welcome—or lack of it--will be directly in proportion to the size of your bill. I have often ordered just a plain dosa, costing $1.50 or $2.00, but have never been made to feel bad. I had many years of being in a very tight situation, eating most cheap Khmer restaurants, but have never felt less respected for that. This is a rare quality, and you realize that, for him, this not just a business (he is the country manager for a drug company), and not a business as much as an ethical and artistic undertaking, one that would make meals of which he would be proud. He explains to me how he believes in treating every guest, whether a frequent or a first-time visitor, with a warm welcome and hospitality, an Indian tradition that is slowly dying out. It’s also a rare quality for a restaurant’s owner to go around to the customers and ask them for their frank opinions on the food’s taste and quality, and often offer to change something or make good in some other way. This sensitivity to a customer’s needs and opinions shows both humility and wisdom. Thanks to his lead, the wait staff members, who often include two attractive Khmer young women with gracious smiles, are always warm and extremely courteous. Though I hesitate to give five-star reviews, this one deserves one for its five-star service, cleanliness, sincerity and dedication to quality, and the value and taste it offers most of the time. Recently, I was in a traffic accident and unable to go out, and ordered Swagat’s idlis on Food Panda, requesting “Less spice, please.” We are unique as individuals, and it is foolish and superficial to say that Indian food must be primarily burning hot spicy. My friend goes around ordering food with no MSG, and is nearly always obliged. Many other Indian restaurants will at least respectfully try to accommodate your request—even if it means lightening the masala with warm water. Not only did I get a sambar that was outstanding and exquisitely nuanced with a variety of flavors and tastes, it was rich in vegetables such as peas and carrots. I was so moved that I decided not to delay the review I had decided to give...

I recently visited Swagat Restaurant in Phnom Penh, and I had a great dining experience. We tried a variety of dishes including chicken biryani, mutton curry, butter naan, fish curry, and mutton biryani. Every dish was full of flavor and reminded me of authentic South Indian cuisine—especially the use of spices, which felt just right and not overpowering. The taste was excellent, and if you enjoy South Indian food, you'll definitely appreciate what Swagat offers. The butter naan was soft and fresh, and both the chicken and mutton biryani were aromatic and well-cooked. The fish curry had a rich, home-style flavor that stood out. Service at Swagat was also impressive. The staff were friendly, attentive, and made sure we were comfortable throughout our meal. If you're staying in or around Babay (Boeung Keng Kang/BKK area maybe?), Swagat Restaurant is a must-visit. It’s a great spot for anyone craving flavorful, homestyle Indian food...

THE BEST INDIAN FOOD IVE HAD SINCE I TRAVELLED TO INDIA!! 🤤 I don’t write reviews too often but my gosh, I just had too. This place is a hidden gem! The service was 10/10, super kind, attentive and he understood me well. He asked what level spice and the food came out in the perfect amount of time. The entire feel is very relaxed and calming. Plus it is air conditioned! The seating is also comfy and restaurant is clean. The food is absolutely delicious. I had the Haryali chicken entree and for main I had Butter chicken + tandoori roti & rice. The food tasted fresh and truly authentic, it literally took me back to India!! Oh and not to forget the complimentary pappadum and small salad which was also nice. I’m completely stuffed and with the portions being a decent size I’ve got take away organised too. I’ve added my photos but they do not do the quality and taste justice! A must visit!

And the prices are a great bang...