EuroFeast 2026: A Starlit Celebration of European Flavors in Phnom Penh
- Editorial team
- 21 hours ago
- 8 min read
Hundreds of guests gathered under the stars for a night of gastronomy, music, and unforgettable encounters. The great European rendezvous of Cambodia once again exceeded all expectations.
There was something electric in the air that Saturday evening—a promise of celebration held until the very last note of music. EuroFeast 2026, organized by the European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (EuroCham), brought together several hundred visitors at Coconut Park on Koh Pich to celebrate, for one evening, the best of European cuisine and culture in the heart of the Khmer capital.
From 3 PM, the first stands came to life under their white tents pitched in the shade of Coconut Park's tall trees. Stands of Spanish wines, artisanal bakeries, spices from La Plantation, kebabs skillfully turned on the spit, Cambodian-style bagels, Dutch bitterballen, craft beers, French espresso in capsules, "handmade with love" ice creams—the scene resembled a European market magically landed in the tropics, with the first notes of the sound system preparing in the background.
Europe in Flavors, from Sourdough to Gin
What strikes you immediately at EuroFeast is the density and diversity of the offerings. In just a few dozen meters, you go from warm artisanal bread to Spanish Torres wines from Celliers d'Asie, from La Plantation spices to ultra-loaded bagels from Cambodia Bagels, from Khéma Go sandwiches and sausages to Dutch bitterballen from Holland House and stews from Eggplant Bear's Kitchen. Each stand was carefully manned, the teams in uniform smiling under the heat.
The first thing you notice when approaching Eggplant Bear's Kitchen is the smell. Steaming moussaka, golden roasted chicken, stuffed vegetables confit, homemade charcuterie—the table overflowed with dishes prepared with care by a chef in a striped apron who chatted with the curious with the passion of a Greek cook in his neighborhood trattoria. The stand lived up to its slogan displayed in red: "Let me taste... Eggplant Bear's Baked Goods."
A few steps away, Holland House proudly displayed its national colors—bright orange on the tablecloth, tulips on the stand. Its founder, calmly settled behind her trays, offered crispy bitterballen accompanied by Hellmann's mayonnaise and stroopwafels, those caramel waffles that delight the Dutch. A piece of Amsterdam planted right in the middle of Phnom Penh.
For craft beer lovers, Botanico Brewing Company had brought its black food truck container with industrial graphics—painted pipes, suspended Edison bulbs, aligned draft taps. On the table, bottles of craft beer with colorful labels and a golden wooden barrel to set your glass. An address that resolutely stands out from big commercial brands.
Towards the end of the day, for hot drinks, the Malongo Café stand lit up in the falling night. The French espresso brand—"The French Espresso"—had deployed its compact capsule machines, its ranges of colorful pods, and its two young team members in red polo shirts serving with enthusiasm. A strong coffee after a long day of tasting: no need to look further.
The palette of flavors didn't stop there. Nescafé—"Global Brand from Switzerland"—held a stand all in scarlet red, Blend & Brew range displayed on immaculate shelves, promoter in impeccable uniform. The Swiss brand fit naturally into the European lineage of the event, proof that EuroFeast also celebrates the everyday as much as the premium.
And then, in the aisles, an unexpected and charming sight: two young women dressed in hanfu—these traditional Chinese dresses with delicate embroidery, enhanced by hairstyles adorned with jewelry and flowers—were seated at the wooden tables in deep conversation with their companions. The striking contrast between their period costumes and the festive hubbub of the festival perfectly illustrated what Ambassador Messerer said: EuroFeast is not an event solely for Europeans.
The visitors themselves rose to the occasion: curious, adventurous, happy to move from one stand to another, glass in hand. The lawn, dotted with bistro tables and red umbrellas, took on the air of a tropical beer garden. Families with strollers, expat couples, professionals in bermuda shorts, passing tourists—EuroFeast gathered a representative and colorful slice of Phnom Penh's international life.
"From 7 to 77 Years Old"—Martin Brisson, EuroCham Director
It was Martin Brisson, director of EuroCham Cambodia, who carried, with his teams, the EuroFeast project from its first sketches. Met in the early afternoon amid the site's effervescence, he explained the philosophy of the event.
What’s happening today at Coconut Park?
Today is Europe Day. As EuroCham, we wanted to organize a festival really open to everyone, celebrating European cuisine, drinks, culture, and music.
We have twenty stands distributing food products, drinks, beers, European wine—of course, Italian, French. We also have many members, Khéma, Bellini, Celliers d'Asie, who took stands to introduce their cuisine to a very broad audience, from 7 to 77 years old.
Tell me about the animations and the music program
There are lots of things for children, first. A bouncing castle, caricatures, face painting. And then, there’s a whole concert program—from 4 PM until midnight with a Berlin DJ who will liven up the end of the evening.
Otherwise, it’s all day drinking and eating!
Why is it important to celebrate Europe in Cambodia?
I think there are a lot of clichés about European culture in Cambodia. I wanted us to do something a bit more authentic, and that brings people together.
For Europe Day, I thought organizing a very public festival, where we could also give visibility and sales opportunities to our members, was really the best way to do it.
"I wanted us to do something a bit more authentic, and that brings people together—for Europe Day."
"Happy President!"—Tassilo Brinzer, EuroCham President
Tassilo Brinzer, President of EuroCham Cambodia, was beaming at the start of the evening. The crowd exceeded all projections, the stands were full, and the stage was warming up. He confided in us, with disarming frankness, why this moment matters to him.
Why is it important to organize such an event?
I think it’s very important that we come together—outside of our daily work in the business community, outside of advocacy, outside of all the work we do for EuroCham members—to provide a platform where the European community can come together, celebrate, and have a good time, at least once a year.
May 9th is a good day for that, because it’s Europe Day. And we have many European companies, sellers, restaurants that form Phnom Penh and Cambodia’s culinary scene—I’m very happy they’re all here.
What makes you particularly proud tonight?
In addition to the gastronomic stands, there are many European groups, musicians. It’s really an open event, to bring the European community and the cultural community closer to everyone in Phnom Penh.
There aren’t many similar events. There’s of course the French market—but for Europeans in the broad sense, it might be this event. I hope. And people really like it, they come. So, we’re happy. Happy President!
"It’s really an open event to bring the European community and the cultural community closer to everyone in Phnom Penh."
"It’s Not Solely an Event for Europeans"—Stefan Anton Messerer
The German Ambassador to Cambodia, Stefan Anton Messerer, did not come as a mere diplomatic observer. He planned to stay until the end of the evening—and he said it with a smile.
Why is it important for you, as an ambassador, to be present tonight?
For me, it’s important because there are only a few opportunities to bring together all connected European companies. It’s a good atmosphere, people have a good time—the food, the drinks—and that’s what matters, from my point of view.
Are you going to stay all night to listen to the music?
Of course, I’m staying! The program is really full. The food, the drinks, but also the music. It’s a very good program.
I’m surprised by the large crowd here tonight. I hadn’t expected such attendance—and it’s good to see that the cooperation of companies under the EuroCham name is so close.
I really hope this event will be repeated next year. It’s the first time, at least in four years, that I’ve attended this event with so much anticipation. It must be repeated—it’s great. I’m having as much fun as everyone else!
As a diplomat, do you think this kind of event is really useful?
Absolutely, because it brings people together. It’s not solely an event for Europeans—and that’s what matters.
When I look around, there are so many Cambodians having fun with their European friends, whether French, Germans, of course—all nations are represented here. And that’s great. That’s how it should be.
"I’m surprised by the large crowd here tonight. It’s not solely an event for Europeans—and that’s what matters."
The Afternoon Networking Space—and the Fantini Wines, Bellini Italian Stands
Celliers d'Asie: "We Want Them to Be Impressed"
At Celliers d'Asie, the three hostesses in red attracted gazes with their carefully selected Spanish selection for the occasion. Vannary Bou Montessuis, a long-time saleswoman, presented her house and the cuvée of the day.
Who are you and what are you doing here?
My name is Vannary, I’m from Celliers d'Asie. It’s a wine and spirits company based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, for over 30 years. We’re not just in Phnom Penh—we’re also in Siem Reap, Vietnam.
And you, how long have you been part of the "family"?
More than 10 years. Yes, I’m happy to be part of it!
What are you offering today—your best-sellers or novelties?
It’s not really new, but it’s something special. Today, we’re using Torres 10 years old, combined with Sangre de Toro—a Spanish wine. We’re focusing on Spanish products.
The good point is that we have a sangria made with Torres 10 years. I hope lots of people will come and try it.
Do people know sangria well here?
Yes, they know it—but I just want them to be impressed that we’re using Torres 10 years. Normally, it’s a high-end product, a premium brand. We just want to promote and have people come try our products.
And it’s not just sangria! We sell wine, sparkling, cava, rosé—the selection is complete.
"I just want them to be impressed that we’re using Torres 10 years. It’s a high-end product, a premium brand."
La Plantation: When Cambodian Spices Seduce Asia
La Plantation de Kampot is an institution in Cambodian gastronomy, known for its world-renowned pepper. But that day, Vannarith Kim, manager of the Phnom Penh shop, was betting on a novelty: mustards and vinaigrettes with local spices, developed with Maison Clarence. And her assessment, after a year and a half in position, testifies to a remarkable evolution.
What novelties are you presenting today?
We want to introduce our mustards and vinaigrettes, made with Cambodian spices. For the mustard, it’s a collaboration with Maison Clarence—a French recipe. We’re very happy to present that here.
I was told that Cambodians are starting to discover La Plantation products, whereas before it was mostly expats?
Yes, that’s exactly it. I’ve been in position at the Phnom Penh shop for a year and a half. The first six months, we really saw European, American customers, or from Russia.
And now, over the last six months, we’re starting to have Cambodians, Japanese, Koreans, Malaysians—who are grouping in Asia. Not necessarily for the pepper, but for the mangoes, the sugar, a lot for turmeric too.
What product is selling best right now?
The mango. Dried mango—it’s our current best-seller.
"The first six months, it was Europeans, Americans. Today, we’re starting to have Cambodians, Japanese, Koreans. Not necessarily for the pepper—for dried mangoes, turmeric."
Comments