A Taste of Cambodia in the Heart of London's West End

If you're a business traveller looking to explore London's vibrant food culture, Mamapen in Soho offers something truly unique. As the only dedicated Cambodian restaurant in London, it delivers a refreshing take on Southeast Asian cuisine, perfect for a lunch break or a client dinner. Here's why you should add Mamapen to your list of must-visit West End restaurants.

A Unique Cambodian Experience

Mamapen is not your average Asian restaurant in London. It offers authentic Khmer flavours that you won't find anywhere else in the city. Chef Kaneda Pen, the mastermind behind Mamapen, blends traditional Cambodian recipes with modern and Scottish influences—thanks in part to his Scottish girlfriend. His inventive approach brings new life to classic dishes, introducing London diners to a whole new flavour palette.

The restaurant, currently a pop-up residency at The Sun & 13 Cantons in Soho, gives a relaxed, informal vibe. Perfect if you're looking for a casual spot to impress clients while enjoying great food.

Menu Highlights

Mamapen’s menu is where the magic happens. It features a range of bold and vibrant dishes that strike a perfect balance between sweet, sour, and spicy. Some of the standout options include:

• BBQ Khmer half-chicken with Shaoxing teriyaki glaze
• Braised beef tattie mince noodles – a Cambodian-Scottish fusion dish that perfectly embodies Chef Pen’s culinary vision
• Deep-fried panko pork toast with fried egg and drunken master XO sauce

If you're stopping by for a quick bite during lunch, the chicken thigh bowl with soy-cured egg and pickles over rice is both filling and packed with flavour.

While Cambodian cuisine shares some similarities with other Southeast Asian restaurants, Mamapen’s dishes shine with their own distinctive touch. Ingredients like kroeung, a fragrant Cambodian herb paste, infuse the dishes with layers of complex flavours that stand out in the London restaurant scene.

A Spot to Take Clients

Mamapen’s laid-back atmosphere and vibrant dishes make it the perfect business travel restaurant. Whether you’re looking to impress a client with something different or simply relax after a long day of meetings, this Soho gem has you covered. The pub setting offers a warm, casual environment that’s far from the stuffy formality of some high-end restaurants, yet the food is elevated enough to make a lasting impression.

At around £40 per person including drinks, it’s reasonably priced, especially for a West End restaurant. And with its central location in Soho, it's a convenient spot for business travellers staying nearby or looking for places to meet in London.

Why Mamapen Stands Out Among Southeast Asian Restaurants

What makes Mamapen different from other Southeast Asian restaurants in London is its ability to fuse tradition with innovation. While restaurants like Tampopo and Facing Heaven excel at delivering more familiar Southeast Asian dishes, Mamapen brings something unexpected to the table. Dishes like panko pork toast with XO sauce and tattie mince noodles show a fusion of flavours that you won’t find anywhere else, making it a unique experience even for seasoned foodies.

Wrapping Up Your London Culinary Adventure

If you're a business traveller asking yourself what to do in London between meetings or after hours, exploring its food scene is a must. Mamapen is a standout choice, offering something truly different in the heart of Soho. Its combination of authentic Cambodian cuisine, modern twists, and a casual, friendly atmosphere makes it a top pick for a memorable dining experience.

Next time you’re in the West End or searching for social travel options to connect with clients or colleagues over a meal, Mamapen should be at the top of your list. It’s the perfect example of how business travel can be more than just work—it’s an opportunity to enjoy some of the best culinary experiences London has to offer.

For a Cambodian restaurant in London that pushes boundaries while still offering a comfortable, welcoming vibe, Mamapen is the place to go.

Take a look, now!