Ka-nom is a self-described ‘fashion bakery’ with several outlets found in Bangkok and around Thailand. It appears to have developed something of a cult following for their delicious egg tarts, and for good reason. We’ve already been back to Ka-nom several times – the tarts are deservedly revered for their crispy, flaky pastry and fresh eggy custard filling. The cafe and bakery also serves Lavazza coffee and some pretty tasty Thai dishes too. Hmmm…more tempting eats conveniently located in our neighbourhood (at 122 Sukhumvit Soi 49).

For lovers of Southeast Asia’s sweet tasty fruits, it’s the perfect time of year. Piles of purple mangosteens and spiky red rambutans can be found all over Bangkok (and in the markets back in Phnom Penh too). For those who come from lands where apples and oranges are the norm it’s hard not to over-indulge. In Bangkok street stalls and even supermarkets both fruits are currently being sold for under US$1 a kilo. So when my iberry obsession dies down I can indulge in the real thing with added health benefits too!

One of the first places I visited after arriving in Bangkok is one of my favourites – iberry at J Avenue on Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor). A Thai homegrown success story, the chain was founded by two Thai siblings and has grown into a much loved ice-cream empire, albeit only found in Thailand (so far!).

Featuring delicious ice-creams, icy fruity drinks (‘Smoothberries’) and bakery treats at the Mousses & Meringues counter, the J Avenue iberry is a cool, all white haven from the heat with some whimsical vintage-look touches. The Thai inspired sorbet flavours (like mangosteen) are particularly good, and next time I might try the tamarind or salted plum. Luckily (or dangerously) I’m staying within walking distance so can return whenever the mood strikes – which could be daily!

Last night I ate at Romdeng Restaurant’s new location on Street 174. Run by the street kid charity Mith Samlanh Romdeng is one of the classiest (and tastiest) restaurants serving Cambodian food in Phnom Penh.

Its new home is an impressive two-storey colonial building complete with a small swimming pool on the grounds. While definitely grand the restaurant’s interior features the same cheerful paintings and warm wooden furniture of the old spot, and the ever-charming and efficient staff add to the casually elegant atmosphere.

As for the food the menu remains the same, with its mix of traditional and slightly more innovative Khmer dishes. We had the pork and taro spring rolls, the rice and chive cakes with papaya salad, the Khmer beef salad and the fish amok, topped off with coconut and pineapple-chilli sorbets – delicious!

+ Lasagne at Pop Cafe

+ Chocolate Rainforest icecream at Swensen’s

+ Metro fries at Metro – it’s all about the chilli salt seasoning

+ Goat cheese salad at Van’s Restaurant

+ Beef burger at Garden Centre 108

Note the unhealthy bent and appalling lack of Asian dishes due to pregnancy cravings!

The twin Japanese restaurants Ku-Kai and Happa were highlights, housed in one cute thatched roof building with a low dividing wall between the two. Happa features teppanyaki with small plates of vegetables or meats cooked with your choice of sauce in the centre of the restaurant (the teriyaki chicken, miso-sesame prawns and garlic ginger beef we ordered were all delicious). Neighbouring Ku-Kai has a Japanese menu featuring all the usuals (tempura prawns, miso soup etc.), though they were out of sashimi while we there – word has it that it’s really fresh and fantastic though, maybe next time!

We also checked out Reef Resort’s Mexican menu with their tasty jalapeno poppers a standout, and paid several visits to Holy Cow for really reasonably priced, fresh and tasty cafe fare. The spicy pumpkin soup even inspired us to make our own once we got back to Phnom Penh.