The Lazy Gecko - Phnom Penh - TravBuddy

If you've been traveling around Asia for a while and need a change of pace, the Lazy Gecko is a refuge to be taken advantage of.

The menu is filled with Western food, mostly English and Aussie based, but far better than any other Western food we've had yet. I love Pad Thai, but a burger and fries once in a while to clense the pallet is a must.  Megan had a curry-veggie burger, healthy portion of fries and a salad for $3US.  I had a Deluxe Burger, with cheese, bacon and BBQ sauce, plus fries for $4US.  Though expensive for Cambodia, the water and ice are safe, the veggies are all washed in bottled water, the meats are high quality and the fries are excellent.

In addition to the food, each page of the menu holds advice for newcomers to Phom Phen, including places to see, other restaurants and bars to check out, things to avoid, etc.  The owners pay their Cambodian employees well, giving them sick leave, grieve pay, maternity leave and they match any tips they receive.

If you're in need of a drink, try the 8am-7pm happy hour with house whisky or vodka and mixer for $.50. For dessert I recommend the banana split, two bananas and two scoops of ice cream for $1.50.  The cakes, pies and toasties sounded great, but with a wheat allergy I couldn't partake.

The Gecko also has 100's of DVD's you can take advantage of in their private movie room.  Order drinks or dessert and lounge on comfy pillows while watching anything from the latest theater releases to The Killing Fields.

We also found the Western staff filled with good advice and willing to answer questions, so if you need to know how much a moto-taxi should cost, or the best places to stay, feel free to ask.