TikTok Discovery Turned Into One of Our Best Food Finds in Cambodia
When you’re living or traveling in Phnom Penh, discovering new food spots becomes part of the adventure. And if you’re a Pinoy like me — mahilig sa masarap, homey, and comforting meals — then you’ll understand the joy of finding a restaurant that genuinely surprises you.
Recently, I stumbled upon La Baab Restaurant on TikTok. Alam mo yung algorithm na kilala ka masyado? 😂 The food looked good, the comments were promising, and the vibe of the place felt warm. So, syempre, I showed it to Kenn and said, “Tara, try natin!”
And wow.
This is one of the best accidental food discoveries we’ve had in Phnom Penh.
This review is based on our actual dining experience — no sponsorships, no freebies, no PR talk. Just genuine DigiLamon honesty.
Location & Vibe: Calm, Clean, and Surprisingly Cozy
Pagpasok pa lang namin, I already felt the calm atmosphere. The place is clean, tastefully decorated, and free from the usual hustle of Phnom Penh traffic. If you’re a digital nomad, traveler, or someone who enjoys slow dining, La Baab instantly makes you feel at ease.
The lighting is warm, the tables are well-spaced, and the ambiance is peaceful enough to eat, chat, or even work quietly. Perfect para sa mga sanay sa coffee shop setup — but craving real food.
What We Ordered (At Hindi Mina-Feelings!)
We ordered three dishes — and all three delivered.
1. Pineapple Fried Rice with Shrimp
Rating: 10/10
This was the star of our meal.
Served in a carved-out pineapple, the rice was fragrant, buttery, and packed with flavor. The shrimps were fresh and cooked perfectly — not overdone, not chewy. You get sweetness from the pineapple, savory notes from the spices, and that umami kick na sakto, not overwhelming.
If you’re the type who orders Pineapple Fried Rice in Thailand, Vietnam, or Cambodia, you’ll immediately recognize when it’s done right.
And this one? Winner.
Definitely a must-try.
2. Spring Rolls (Freshly Fried & Crispy!)
Rating: 9.5/10
Good spring rolls are harder to find than you think. Some are too oily, some are bland, and some taste like reheated frozen rolls.
But La Baab’s spring rolls?
Crispy, clean-tasting, and packed with actual filling — not just wrapper and air! 😂
The sauce that came with it elevated the whole experience. We finished the whole plate easily.
If you’re traveling in Cambodia and want a safe, reliable appetizer — this is it.
3. Vegetable Green with Coconut
Rating: 9/10
Their vegetable green with coconut was creamy, aromatic, and comforting. Perfect with rice, perfect even on its own. Not too spicy (unless you want it to be), and the flavors were beautifully balanced.
You can tell they use fresh herbs because the basil aroma hits you instantly.
This is the kind of dish that warms your soul — lalo na if you’ve been traveling the whole day.
Spicy Bamboo Shoot Salad with Shrimp & Squid
Rating: 9.7/10
This dish was such a pleasant surprise!
If you love Southeast Asian salads with that perfect balance of fresh herbs, citrus, spice, and crunch, you’ll enjoy this one. The bamboo shoots are sliced thinly — tender but still crunchy. The herbs (especially the fresh basil) bring out that signature Khmer-Thai aroma na sobrang nakaka-addict.
The shrimp and squid were both fresh and perfectly cooked — hindi rubbery, hindi overdone.
The dressing was a mix of spicy, tangy, and slightly nutty… the kind of flavor profile that wakes up your appetite. Isa ito sa mga ulam na “Ay ang ganda ng combination, bakit ngayon ko lang natikman?” 😅
If you’re a traveler who enjoys refreshing local salads similar to Thai yam dishes, highly recommended to try this. It’s flavorful, healthy, and refreshing — perfect pang-balance sa fried rice and curry.
Clean Plate Certified: Literal Naubos!
Here’s the best sign that the food is good:
Ubos. As in clean plates.
Our table after eating looked like we had a “Food War.” No leftovers, no untouched dishes. That alone says everything you need to know.
Travelers take note — if you’re worried about food quality, stomach issues, or sanitation abroad, La Baab passes all the checks. Clean eating experience from start to finish.
Service & Hospitality: One of the Best We’ve Experienced in PP
One thing that made our visit memorable was the manager. Super accommodating, very warm, and genuinely attentive. No pretentiousness, no forced friendliness — just authentic hospitality.
As a Pinoy abroad, I appreciate places where the staff make you feel welcome.
Here, you actually feel cared for.
Digital Nomad-Friendly Spot in Phnom Penh
Not many restaurants in Phnom Penh offer both good food and a peaceful environment where digital nomads can work comfortably.
La Baab is one of the few that does:
✔ Quiet ambiance
✔ Comfortable seating
✔ Clean tables
✔ Not too crowded in the afternoon
✔ Great food = mas masarap magtrabaho
✔ Stable atmosphere for laptop work
If you’re a remote worker staying in the city, this is a great spot for a slow workday lunch.
Why Travelers Should Add La Baab to Their Phnom Penh Food List
✔ Perfect for Pinoys abroad
Flavors are familiar, comforting, and sulit.
✔ Safe for tourists
Clean kitchen, clean presentation, fresh ingredients.
✔ Affordable for the quality
You pay for real ingredients, not hype.
✔ Great for photos
Their plating (especially the pineapple fried rice) is very Instagrammable.
✔ Easy to recommend
Whether you’re alone, with a partner, or with family — the food caters to all tastes.
Helpful Travel Tips Before You Go
Here are practical, traveler-friendly tips for your visit:
🌟 1. Visit during off-peak hours
Lunch at 11 AM or early dinner works best.
🌟 2. Expect generous servings
Especially the fried rice — pang-sharing talaga.
🌟 3. Bring cash
Some smaller restos in Phnom Penh prefer cash or local e-payment.
🌟 4. Ask for recommendations
Their staff really know which dishes people love.
🌟 5. Comfortable for foreigners
English-friendly menu + clear service = less stress for tourists.
Final Verdict: Highly Recommended by DigiLamon
La Baab Restaurant is more than just a random TikTok find — it’s a legit hidden gem in Phnom Penh that delivers on:
✔ Flavor
✔ Freshness
✔ Hospitality
✔ Ambiance
✔ Consistency
✔ Value
If you’re a traveler in Cambodia, an OFW, a Pinoy abroad, or a digital nomad hopping around Southeast Asia, this restaurant deserves a spot in your food itinerary.
Me and Kenn loved everything about our visit — and yes, we’ll definitely come back to try more of their dishes.
La Baab — DigiLamon-Approved. ✔🔥
Hi, I’m Jean Palabrica, but most people know me as Jin Grey — a name shaped by two things that define my approach to work: “Jin” from Jean, and “Grey” from my preferred style of ranking and problem-solving, Grey Hat SEO.
I call myself the Chief Everything Officer because, as a solopreneur, I’ve learned to manage every part of the business. I think, create, optimize, execute, and lead with intention and strategy.
For more than 17 years, I have worked across SEO, digital marketing, content strategy, analytics, and online business development. I help brands rank higher, scale smarter, and succeed sustainably through real, data-driven, experience-based strategies. I’ve been in the trenches of the industry—handling organic search, technical SEO, content systems, affiliate marketing, and high-competition niches like iGaming.
Today, I also work as an SEO, iGaming, and Digital Marketing Consultant, assisting businesses, entrepreneurs, and online brands in navigating complex markets and accelerating their growth.