Floating Between Two Worlds: The Culinary Delight of Floatation in Phnom Penh
- Coin gourmand
- Oct 19
- 2 min read
Ah, Phnom Penh! Its bustling alleys alive with energy, a kaleidoscope of aromas, and on that evening, after my day at the Water Tower with my husband, I ventured towards Floatation, this floating restaurant that seems to glide between sky and river, promising a pause where gastronomy harmonizes with the whisper of the waves.
At water’s edge, the wooden bungalows and the boat-restaurant form a floating village scene imbued with serenity and natural charm. The terrace opens onto the river, offering an unobstructed view of the Koh Norea bridge which, at nightfall, bursts into tricolor light. The atmosphere, both intimate and joyful, attracts Cambodian couples in search of romance — and those shared moments immortalized with a smile and a selfie.
The design, elegantly understated, celebrates wood and raw materials.
Here, no urban clamor disturbs — only the gentle lapping of water and the caress of a breeze.
The service, attentive without being intrusive, adds to this feeling of discreet and efficient hospitality. Floatation is not merely a place to dine; it is an escape, a suspended moment, a breath of fresh air.
The menu, accessible on a tablet, opens onto a captivating array of Asian and Western flavors. I started with a salmon salad — delicate, balanced, and airy.
The fish, impeccably fresh, melted under the tongue, embraced by a subtly lemony vinaigrette, promising a sensory journey without jarring notes.
Next came a Mediterranean-inspired seafood pizza. The crust was crisp to perfection, the center soft, with a generous topping of shrimp and squid: a happy marriage of simplicity and generosity. A hearty dish we could share between two.
Then came the surprise — raw shrimp from Koh Kong, dazzlingly fresh with a discreet yet fitting seasoning, offering a silky texture reminiscent of the ocean’s vitality.
Around me, the Mekong lights danced on the water, and I let myself be carried along, almost moved by this delicate harmony between taste, landscape, and moment. The service, attentive without weighing down, completed this discreet and efficient hospitality. Floatation is not just a dining spot; it is a fugue, a suspended instant, a breath.
As for prices, they pleasantly surprise: between 5 and 12 USD per dish, a perfect balance of refinement and accessibility. A culinary escape both light and profound, just like the waves upon which it is written. In any case, it was a splendid end to the day and a conclusive experience.
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