Diya N.
Google
If you want good Cambodian food, do not come to Eleven One Kitchen. It used to be high quality and friendly, but that seems to have changed.
Let me share our experience from last night. I had out-of-town guests and made a reservation in advance for a table of four. When we arrived, the guard initially refused to let us in and stood there with his arms crossed. I’m not sure what instructions he was given, but that is not how beloved Cambodians typically welcome guests — especially paying customers with a reservation.
We ordered three starters, but only one arrived on time. The other two were simply forgotten. After significant delay and repeated follow-ups, the second starter arrived about 30 minutes later. By then, I was already embarrassed in front of my guests.
When we tried to order our main courses, the server seemed completely confused and did not understand us. Eventually, a more senior staff member came over and took our order. The mains — fish amok, fried rice, and a chicken stir-fry — arrived quickly, but were incredibly tasteless and poorly prepared.
Fish amok is a steamed, custard-like dish. After many years in Cambodia, we know what it should taste like — fragrant, delicate, and beautifully textured. What arrived were large chunks of fish sitting in a thin sauce at the bottom of a banana leaf bowl. It was deeply disappointing.
I can guess why this happened. There were two or three large tour groups of 20–30 people each that evening. The kitchen must have been overwhelmed and likely understaffed. I understand that running a restaurant is not easy. But if you are fully booked with tour groups, please do not take additional reservations — and please inform regular Cambodia-based customers. We would happily go elsewhere.
From now on, I’ll stick to other Cambodian restaurants. My favorites include Baisor at the Tribe Hotel, Kravanh, Kinin, and Nesat Seafood. I’m open to other suggestions — but I won’t be returning to Eleven One Kitchen.
