As a food photographer based in Phnom Penh, I’ve spent over a decade capturing Cambodia’s diverse and ever-evolving culinary scene. From fine-dining restaurants and boutique hotels to creative local chefs, Phnom Penh offers endless opportunities for rich, visual storytelling through food photography.
Unlike Siem Reap, where much of the work is tourism-driven, food photography in Phnom Penh reflects the growing strength of Cambodia’s domestic market. With an expanding community of chefs and restaurants focused on presentation and innovation, the city has become one of Southeast Asia’s underrated hotspots for gastronomy and visual branding.
Over the years, I and many other local venues. Each project highlights the city’s unique mix of creativity and flavor — beautifully plated dishes that deserve equally refined, light-driven imagery. My goal is always the same: to showcase food in a way that enhances brand identity and inspires customers to book, visit, or taste.
I’ve photographed menus for Ox Club Phnom Penh on numerous occassions, a modern steakhouse led by star chef Rann, I am lucky enough to have tried many of the dishes whilst shooting the menu!
See some of my work below, followed by other recent photography projects in Phnom Penh.
I also recently had the chance to photograph the food menu for Hops Brewery in central Phnom Penh, near Independence Monument. The restaurant/pub worked well with some natural greenery that was indoors as a backdrop to the food shots.
We also then did the same items on plain white which is common to make the food items easier to cut out and use on menu designs.
After that we did some cocktail photos of their latest project, Chew and Bash. This is a rooftop bar overlooking the river, a great place to relax and meet friends. It was great fun to incorporate the city background into some of the photos, along with creating some ambient night time cocktail photos.
After that we did some cocktail photos of their latest project, Chew and Bash. This is a rooftop bar overlooking the river, a great place to relax and meet friends. It was great fun to incorporate the city background into some of the photos, along with creating some ambient night time cocktail photos.
This was a versatile shoot requiring a lot of adaptation to the different photography styles needed in each venue.
Luckily with my experience I was able to adapt quickly and think on my feet as well as being prepared for different lighting situations and subjects.
Written by Geoff of Exposure Photography, Food photographer in Cambodia.