Vintage Khmer Cafes in Phnom Penh: 6 Hidden Design Gems

September 1, 2026 6 Min Read

Phnom Penh has always known how to blend old and new. In fact, you can really feel that in its cafe scene right now. Throughout the city, vintage Khmer cafes are taking inspiration from classic Khmer houses, old cinemas, and family living rooms. Moreover, they bring these together with espresso machines, matcha lattes, and playlists that make you want to stay just a little longer. If you love places that tell a story through design, these vintage Khmer cafes are going to be hard to leave.

These are not just pretty photo backdrops. In addition, they are spaces where Cambodian heritage shows up in the tiles under your feet. Similarly, it appears in the framed movie posters on the walls. Furthermore, it comes through in the way owners talk about their concept. Whether you live in Phnom Penh or are visiting, spending time in vintage Khmer cafes is an easy way to feel the city’s character. As a result, you get to enjoy a good drink at the same time.

In this guide, I am sharing six vintage Khmer cafes in Phnom Penh that I keep coming back to. Additionally, I recommend them to friends regularly. Each one has its own personality. For example, you will find matcha-focused menus at some. Meanwhile, others have pottery workshops. Similarly, some offer riverside views. And several have old cinema vibes. Grab your notebook, camera, or favorite person. Then start planning your next cafe day.

Vintage Khmer Cafes Worth Visiting

1. Kun Cafe 2: Vintage Khmer Living Room Vibes

Kun Cafe 2 feels like stepping into a Khmer family living room from another decade. First, the warm wooden furniture greets you. Furthermore, soft lighting makes you want to slow down. In addition, little details are everywhere, inviting you to pause. The atmosphere is calm and unhurried. As a result, settling in with a book is easy. Moreover, opening your laptop to focus works perfectly. Their coffee is smooth and comforting. Additionally, you can pair it with simple snacks if you plan to stay. This is the kind of vintage Khmer cafe I recommend when friends want somewhere with character. Finally, you can still hear yourself think here.

Wooden interior with soft lighting at Kun Cafe 2

2. Rattikall Cafe: Vintage Khmer Arts Culture

Rattikall Cafe has a strong sense of Khmer identity. To begin with, traditional motifs appear throughout the decor. Furthermore, the way the space is arranged feels intentional. Overall, it manages to feel both curated and comfortable. In fact, vintage style pieces sit alongside modern cafe elements. Additionally, the cafe connects to Mealai Khmer arts studio. As a result, there is often creative energy in the air. It is more than just somewhere to grab a quick drink. For this reason, come here when you want your coffee to come with a side of culture. Similarly, you will feel like supporting a place that keeps local arts close to its heart.

Vintage Khmer style decor at Rattikall Cafe

3. Lumiere Phnom Penh

Lumiere Phnom Penh sits inside a French era building on Street 110. Immediately, you can feel that cinematic history as soon as you walk in. The concept plays with film culture. To begin with, it shows in the decor on the walls. Moreover, it shows in the way light falls across the room. This fits the name Lumiere perfectly. The Hanuman Group runs this vintage Khmer style cafe. As a result, it combines thoughtful design with solid coffee. The atmosphere is relaxed and makes you want to linger. For example, you might linger between errands or after a neighborhood walk. You will find it at 185 Preah Ang Duong Street. In short, it is a lovely stop if you enjoy places where the building itself becomes part of the experience.

French colonial building housing Lumiere Phnom Penh

4. Gather Grounds Coffee and Eatery Riverside

Gather Grounds Coffee and Eatery Riverside has an amazing location. First of all, your drink tastes better when you are looking toward the river. The vintage details inside are subtle. In addition, the choice of chairs contributes. Moreover, the lighting matters. Furthermore, wall accents add to the feeling. Overall, together they create a calm and slightly nostalgic feel. The menu goes beyond coffee. Additionally, you can order a proper meal. In fact, brunch plates are hearty and good. As a result, you can really settle in here. Moreover, slower weekend mornings are especially nice. It is a favorite for both locals and expats. For this reason, people want a relaxed catch up spot that still feels connected to the city around it.

5. Veranda pottery & cafe

Veranda Pottery and Cafe is on Street 312 in Tonle Bassac. Notably, it brings together two very soothing things. First, you get a good drink. Additionally, you get the quiet focus of working with clay. The space has a handmade feeling. Furthermore, shelves of pottery line the walls. In addition, natural textures appear throughout. Details reflect the care of the people who run it. Moreover, you can sit with a coffee or tea. In addition, you can watch others shape their pieces. Alternatively, you can join a session yourself. As a result, turn your cafe visit into a creative afternoon. This cafe fits beautifully into the vintage Khmer style. In particular, it works especially well if you appreciate objects that are crafted slowly. Mass production does not apply here.

Pottery shelves at Veranda Pottery and Cafe

6. Apsara Fairy Cafe

Apsara Fairy Cafe celebrates Khmer mythology in a very open way. Specifically, references to Apsara dancers appear throughout the decor. Furthermore, traditional patterns are visible everywhere. The space feels carefully put together for photos. At the same time, it still works well as a place to sit. Moreover, you can talk here. In addition, you can enjoy a drink without feeling like you are only there for the camera. The menu includes both coffee and beer. For this reason, it works for a slow afternoon. Additionally, it works as a gentle start to the evening. Use it when you are not ready for a loud bar. In conclusion, if you are looking for somewhere that proudly shows its Cambodian identity while still feeling modern, this vintage Khmer cafe is an easy one to add to your list.

Vintage Khmer style decorations at Apsara Fairy Cafe

Why These Vintage Khmer Cafes Matter

These six cafes show how quickly Phnom Penh’s coffee culture is growing. Notably, it is starting to draw from local history and design. Each visit feels a little different. For example, you might be drinking matcha in a minimal corner. Alternatively, you might be working in a quiet wooden room. Or you might be taking a break between pottery sessions. As you move between them, you start to see how much creativity there is. Indeed, cafe owners are reimagining what a Cambodian cafe can look and feel like.

If you visit any of these spots, I would love to hear which one you liked most. Additionally, feel free to share your favorite in the comments below. You can also send this guide to a friend who is always looking for new cafes. Furthermore, plan your next Phnom Penh cafe day together. The city keeps changing. However, these vintage Khmer cafes make it easy to slow down. In the end, you will appreciate the layers of culture right in front of you.

Vintage Khmer Cafes in Phnom Penh: 6 Hidden Design Gems

Vintage Khmer Cafes Worth Visiting

1. Kun Cafe 2: Vintage Khmer Living Room Vibes