Tuk Tuk Trails

A Phnom Penh shopping mall can either be the best thing you’ve ever experienced or make you have the worst day ever.

If you come from a country where you have access to basically everything basically all of the time, Cambodia is not that, and to many, it is a bit of a shock.

But if you’ve lived here long enough, you start to realise that you actually can find almost-everything IF you know where to look!

Today, we’ll be looking into Phnom Penh shopping mall options, more specifically, where the best places are to buy groceries in Phnom Penh (as an immigrant).

Hopefully, especially if you are new or planning on moving to Cambodia soon, this guide will save you a lot of frustration and take away a bit of that homesick feeling you get after a couple of weeks.

If you’re looking for more detailed guides about existing in Phnom Penh, you can check out my MANY blog posts. This guide on Thrifting in Phnom Penh is especially handy!

What Is It Like Looking for Groceries at a Phnom Penh Shopping Mall?

Shopping in Cambodia is… let’s call it an adventure. When you first move here, the biggest shock will likely be the prices, so I’ll start with that.

Now, before we get into ANY of this, I will preface this entire article by saying this guide is not for old white men who live off of $30 because they buy everything at the local markets.

I frequently get these a-holes spamming my posts with comments like “$100 a week for 2 people? That’s crazy!” and “You can live off $30/week for a family of 10” blah, blah, blah.

This is not how normal expats experience it. If you love food, cooking, having variety in your diet, having a taste of home, and not wanting to risk daily diahhrea, chances are you’re not going to be buying your meat for $1/kg at the local market (where it’s hanging exposed to tropical weather unrefrigerated 24 hours a day until it sells 3 days later).

While there are MANY ways to save a ton of money on groceries in Phnom Penh, the average expat just won’t want to live off of $30 a week.

Reality No. 1: Prices Are Higher Than Everyone Expects

Cambodia is not Thailand, and it is not Vietnam. While groceries may be super cheap in those countries, and you’d expect Cambodia to also be super cheap as another Southeast Asian nation, it is not.

And that’s arguably the biggest shock people experience.

So, while it is totally possible to save money buying certain things at the local street market, I really wouldn’t recommend doing that for all groceries.

Also, especially if you are new and vendors can sense you’re new, you get charged foreigner prices (which end up being the same as in-store prices anyway or more expensive).

Now, compared to South Africa, everything here is expensive. So many people say “Ah, well that’s why you think it’s expensive in Cambodia.”

But, all of our UK, US, and Aussie friends and co-workers say that the prices are comparable to back home for staples, while many things are MUCH more expensive.

Tea (other than green tea) costs about $3 for 20 bags (if you’re lucky enough to find cheap options), whereas back in the UK you can buy 80 bags for the same price. Fresh 2-litre milk is about $4.80, a loaf of bread is $1.80–$2.50, 250g mozzarella is about $2.50, and 10 eggs are $1.80. Just a rough idea.

So why are things so expensive? Even basics?

Because Cambodia isn’t a massive producing country. For decades, until very very recently (after a certain conflict), Cambodia imported almost everything. Milk, flour, soda, alcohol, candy, grains and pulses – you could literally even buy dragonfruit (something that grows in ABUNDUNCE here) imported from Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia.

Now, in a good turn of events, the conflict forced Cambodia to become more self-sufficient, and thus, a massive overnight boom in locally produced products and produce.

Back to the bad news: the prices aren’t lower than the imported counterparts. Imported milk costs $4.80 while locally produced milk cost $4.80, if not more expensive.

The Upside

The prices in Cambodia are VERY stable. Since we moved here in 2022, 1kg sugar cost $1.10, and you can still find sugar for $1.10.

Also, while prices differ between brands, the same item will cost more or less the same price, even at different stores.

If you are very tight on cash, cents do add up. But if you have wiggle room, you don’t have to worry about it.

Reality No. 2: Phnom Penh Shopping Mall Does Not Offer Variety

Don’t expect a massive variety in the stores. Even if you shop at a store that sells mostly imported products, there are maybe 2 or 3 options for the same thing. Over the years, more options have come in, but it’s sloooow.

Knowing where to shop is the key.

For expats, I always recommend Super Duper, as in my opinion, they have the most imported options and also continuously import new products.

You can find most things there, from taco seasoning to wonton wrappers, beef jerky, Bugles crisps, and puff pastry sheets.

You won’t necessarily be able to find all of these products in, for example, a Phnom Penh shopping mall like Chip Mong or Aeon.

Now, all that being said, your options are still limited at these more “international” stores.

At Super Duper, for example, I have only ever seen the Black & Gold puff pastry sheets, never any other brand. But at least I can find them somewhere, right?

Reality No. 3: Not Finding Everything at One Store

This is, unfortunately, the bane of my existence when shopping in Cambodia as an expat. You will likely have to visit two to three stores when you do a big weekly/monthly grocery shop.

For example: Angkor Market sells cheaper boxed 1-litre milks than Super Duper does (like significantly cheaper). So, we buy milk at Angkor, and then more difficult-to-find items like puff pastry and Heinz Ketchup at Super Duper.

And then, we also go to the wet market to buy fruits and vegetables because at virtually every major Phnom Penh shopping mall and grocery store, you cannot buy single units. Only bags of produce.

So, we like to make one big shopping trip once a week, visiting various stores to buy what we want.

Best Places to Shop for Groceries in Phnom Penh

Now, let’s get to it! What are the best Phnom Penh shopping mall options for groceries?

1. Super Duper (Top 3)

My most recommended stop in Phnom Penh for expats who love to cook, want a taste of home, or want to find unique (aka international) products.

Their prices, despite what many people think, are on par with other shops. How do I know?

I’ve literally done a price comparison of many products from the biggest grocery stores and supermarkets in Phnom Penh. And Super Duper wasn’t the most expensive. In fact, many products were the cheapest there.

There are several branches throughout Phnom Penh, making them easily accessible. And they are open 24/7. You can also find a huge variety of imported cleaning supplies and toiletries. And a big plus: they actually sell tampons, which is SUPER hard to find in Cambodia.

2. Angkor Market (Top 3)

This is my other absolute favourite for two reasons: many of their products are much more affordable than the majority of other grocery stores, and secondly, they do stock a huge variety of imported AND local products (far more local products than Super Duper).

The store layout in Phnom Penh sucks though. It feels dirty and grimy. But look past it. It is clean. It’s just a terrible weird layout.

Aaaaand big bonus: on Tuesdays you get 10% off your shop if you spend more than $20 (some things excluded).

Angkor doesn’t have as big an imported selection as Super Duper, which is why we still often head over to grab what we need. For example, Super Duper have an amazing frozen foods section (especially vegan plant-based proteins). Super Duper also stocks better quality and variety of fresh meat than Angkor Market does (in my opinion).

3. Thai Hout (Top 3)

Thai Hout is kind of weird because they definitely do stock loads of imported products, but not often the same ones as Super Duper and Angkor Market. So if you cannot find something at those two, you can give Thai Hout a try.

For example: Thai Hout stocks different flavours of Ben & Jerry’s than we could find anywhere else in Phnom Penh. They also have more olive oil and jam options to choose from. I know it sounds kind of niche, but keep in mind this article covers all the info about the options, so I’m mentioning these things to put the points into context.

Thai Hout also has a bigger selection of charcuterie and cheese (at some branches). Their fruits and vegetables variety is basically non-existent though, and you can only buy in packs. So that sucks. But they have loads of fresh herb options (which you won’t find, for example, at Angkor Market). A great example of this is sage, rosemary, and thyme.

4. Lucky Supermarket

I love Lucky Supermarket as well. They do sell some produce individually, which is great, and they do have a good variety. However, I’ve never managed to buy everything on my list from Lucky in one go. Most of their stores are small, poorly stocked, and lack variety.

The Lucky Pavilion branch is the best hands down, with the most options.

One thing I do love about Lucky is their discount sections. If products are damaged (like crushed) or near their expiry date, they put them on massive discounts on display.

They don’t have many Western imported options, but you can find a couple of things.

5. Aeon (arguably the biggest Phnom Penh shopping mall option)

Now, if you love Asian and Southeast Asian products, this is one of the biggest suppliers and stockists of imported Japanese and Korean ingredients or products.

As for Western-imported products, not so much. You might find some here and there, but you’re more likely to find the Asian alternative.

For example: you won’t find Western Cheetos, but you will find the Thai-made Cheetos (it’s the same thing). Or you can find a completely different product that is basically the same.

But if you want a taste of “home,” for example, buying Captain Crunch cereal, you won’t find it here.

Aeon has a big selection of fruits and vegetables, and you can buy them individually. However, I’ve found their products in general to be more expensive than at places like Super Duper, Angkor Market, and Thai Hout. And for staples like potatoes, onions, milk, cheese, and bread, all usually more expensive.

But Aeon often has deals and discounts.

6. Chip Mong Mall

I really wouldn’t recommend it unless it’s a matter of convenience for you. Chip Mong has a weird selection of products, but not really what people want. You’ll find unique imported candies, but you’ll struggle to find a normal slab of Cadbury milk chocolate. They are also, from the prices I’ve compared, the most expensive of all the stores.

The only time I buy anything from Chip Mong is if I’m already in the mall and want a drink or snack.

7. Wet Market (Local Cambodian Markets)

We exclusively buy fruits and veggies from markets or street vendors.

It’s cheaper, often fresher, often has more variety, and you can buy exactly how much you want.

I hate buying a pack of four onions if I only need one, because either it goes off in the fridge before I use it, or I’m forced to find ways to use it. Which sucks, especially if you’re only cooking for one or two people.

Now, as I mentioned earlier, if you are new, they might charge you the foreigner price at first (not always). But if you consistently go back to the same place, they’ll start charging you like a local.

Tips for Buying Groceries at a Phnom Penh Shopping Mall and Market

• Know your prices in-store so that you know if you’re being charged foreigner prices.
• Don’t argue about prices at markets if you’re not happy with them. Just move on to a different vendor or buy at a grocery store. You’re not winning by bargaining for 4,000 riel ($1) discount. Vendors have families to feed. Don’t be a prick.
• Find a vendor that looks busy and has a wide variety of products. That’s usually a good sign.
• Use your phone’s calculator to confirm prices. Often, vendors don’t speak English, and communication regarding price takes place using calculators.
• Take reusable shopping bags. They will double-bag one mango in plastic, and the plastic waste is already so bad in Cambodia. Don’t contribute more.
• Use GRAB app (the Mart feature) to look for products you cannot find at your regular Phnom Penh shopping mall. There are many smaller importers.
• If you still cannot find something, search the Facebook group Where to get stuff in Phnom Penh. USE THE SEARCH FUNCTION before asking in the group.

Final Thoughts on Buying Groceries from a Phnom Penh Shopping Mall

Look, shopping for groceries in Phnom Penh isn’t always easy, as you can see. You’ll have to visit multiple stores, you’ll pay more than you expected, and you’ll probably never find that one specific brand of mustard you loved back home.

But once you know where to go, it becomes second nature. You learn which Phnom Penh market has the freshest herbs, which Phnom Penh supermarket stocks your favourite pasta, and which shopping area has the best deals.

The key is to be patient, explore a little, and build your own routine. Before you know it, you’ll be navigating the aisles like a local.

Now I want to hear from you!

Have you found a hidden gem for groceries in Phnom Penh that I missed? Or maybe you’ve got a burning question about where to find something specific?

Drop a comment below! I read every single one and I’d love to help.

And if you found this Phnom Penh shopping guide useful, share it with a friend who’s moving to Cambodia or struggling to find their favourite snacks.

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