Magnolia Restaurant
Magnolia
My name is Lee, and I am the Founder of Champa Restaurant, which opened inns in 2008 at No. 55 Pasteur Street, corner of Street 242.
The Magnolia building was originally constructed as a villa shortly after Cambodia gained its independence in 1953. The structure beautifully combines modern and traditional elements, embodying the distinctive architectural style popularized during that period by the renowned Cambodian architect, Vann Molyvann.
Magnolia (“Champa in Khmer language”) is the name of a flower I have always loved. To me, it symbolizes the harmony between Eastern and Western cultures. The pure white color of the Magnolia blossom represents purity, elegance, nobility, and loyalty.
Cooking has always been my greatest passion. Since childhood, the kitchen has been more than just a place to prepare food—it has been where I find joy, express love, and channel creativity. I have always believed that each dish is not merely a meal, but a bridge that connects people, evokes emotions, and brings warmth and happiness.
Banh Xeo: Crispy Vietnamese Pancakes
🌾 Magnolia Bánh Xèo – Authentic Crispy Pancake from the Mekong Delta
Bánh Xèo is a signature dish of the Mekong Delta in Southern Vietnam. Known for its large size, crispy golden crust, and generous savory filling, this traditional Vietnamese pancake is made with coconut milk–infused batter and fresh local ingredients. Our Magnolia Bánh Xèo represents the rustic charm and warm hospitality of the Delta culture…
PHỞ (ហ្វឺ )
PHỞ is the classic Vietnamese noodle soup, eaten for breakfast or at any time of day. We simmer the broth – based on beef bones, oxtail and flank steak – all night to achieve the intensity of flavour, adding charrred onion, charred ginger, cinnamon, star anise, coriander seed, fennel seed and cloves. Chicken Phở, is made the same way with broth based on pork bones and chicken. At the last stage we add the thick, soft rice noodles and your choice of meat: pre-cooked beef, fresh beef (i.e. cooked quickly in the broth), fatty beef, beef meatball, or for Chicken Phở the meat can be boneless or on-the-bone as Asians generally prefer.
We serve Phở with a large side helping of Vietnamese herbs which we grow ourselves as well as lime, fresh chilli and lemongrass and chilli paste. Add the herbs and flavourings you want and dip in fish sauce or chilli paste for extra seasoning.
