Tucked in the heart of BKK1, Roka Vietnamese Noodle Bar is one of those rare spots that checks every box — great food, great drinks, a relaxed vibe, and a location you can actually reach without planning an expedition. If you're looking for the best Vietnamese restaurant in Phnom Penh, this is where I'd send you first.

A menu worth exploring — all of it

I've worked my way through most of the menu over multiple visits, and the consistency is impressive. The pho and noodle soups are fragrant and generous — proper Vietnamese comfort food. The grilled dishes are cooked with care, and the spring rolls have that perfect crunch. What stands out beyond the flavours is the presentation: every plate arrives looking like someone put real thought into it.

Drinks that steal the show

The drinks menu deserves its own mention. On every visit, I end up ordering more than I intended. Two highlights I always come back to:

• Egg coffee — silky, subtly and sweet. Roka is, as far as I know, the only place in the city where I've had one that truly hits the mark.
• Passion cream — bright, tangy, and perfectly balanced. The ideal counterpoint to a steaming bowl of pho.

A space that invites you to linger

The interior is warm and inviting without feeling cramped. The seating is comfortable, the room is air-conditioned and spacious enough that you're not elbow-to-elbow with the next table — which matters more than people realise when you're settling in for a proper meal.
It's also one of the most family-friendly restaurants in Phnom Penh: tolerant of kids and relaxed enough that nobody's going to stress about a bit of noise.

When to go

Roka works equally well for lunch and dinner, making it a genuinely versatile address in a city where that's not always the case. Whether you're a first-timer looking for a reliable spot or a regular craving a bowl of pho in BKK1, you won't leave disappointed.

For more dining options across the city, browse our best restaurants in Phnom Penh or check out Ha Noï Corner for another take on Vietnamese food in Phnom Penh.