If you were to do one class in Cambodia - let alone Battambang - do your self a favour and do it here. there are a few around - but in a tiny group with great stories being told by a cook with very good english, it doesn't get better than this.

While staying in Battambang for several days, I found that I had some bonus time on my hands. So I decided to try out two different cooking classes to compare. Yeah, it sounds weird but I like cooking. I figured I would learn twice the amount. So I sampled both the food and classes from Smokin' Pot and Nary's. I'm glad I did. I learned a lot from both, but had a far better experience with my second class: the one I took at the Smokin' Pot (I also posted a review of Nary's).

I first sampled lunch at the Smokin' Pot. The restaurant is not much to look at, but the food was fantastic. The sweet soup was something really special. This little restaurant really seemed like the place to go if you are looking for an authentic Khmer food experience.

The actual cooking course was exceptionally well organized. The course is only offered in the morning, but that was fine. The instructor knew how to manage eight students and to keep us always moving. While we were chopping, he prepped the next batch of veggies. The food was tasty and I learned a lot. I am especially excited to go back and make Lok Lak when I return to the states (my favorite Khmer dish). The sauce is simple, but very tasty.

Without hesitation, I recommend this class. If you are going to do only one cooking class in Battambang (as most people would), I'd recommend the Smokin' Pot. They're very professional and do wonderful things with food.

We had an excellent dinner at smokin' pot. The service was excellent and the main and salad both tasted so fresh.

We also attended the cooking course the next morning. This was excellent value and we got to witness the restaurant buying their food at the market in the morning. The fish was still alive and the vegetables were obviously fresh from the day before.

Overall it was fantastic.

the location seems quite poor, but the food is definitely excellent.

While vacationing in Cambodia with my boyfriend at the start of 2011, we went to the Smokin' Pot for both lunch and to attend their cooking class. We were happy with both experiences. Smokin' Pot was the first place we went to for lunch upon our arrival in Battambang. It's a small street corner restaurant with a few tables out front. The menu is quite extensive with a smattering of Cambodian food. I recommend the Lok Lak and Fish Amok as they are the most well known Cambodian dishes, but anything you have there will be good. The beef sweet soup was delicious.

Besides amazing food, sign up for the cooking class. You won't regret it. It was really efficiently run and we walked away with a recipe book full of other things to try when we get back to the states. Plus, with the class only costing $8, it's a great way to spend a morning.