This sampling of Cambodian, Thai, Korean, Vietnamese and Malaysian restaurants will give you some idea just how sophisticated Vancouver's Asian palette is.

If you aren't accustomed to authentic Asian food, then go for the most familiar items on the menu. If you like adventure, then ask for suggestions from the person who serves you or try some of the more exotic menu offerings.

But don't let that keep you out of Phnom Penh if you want inexpensive, healthy, fresh soups and noodle and rice dishes.

You may also be put off by the exterior which doesn't look that inviting. But be brave. Once inside, you'll be surprised at the difference. The inside is comfortable, clean, peaceful and friendly, and more upscale than you could imagine from the outside.

Simply Thai 1211 Hamilton Vancouver 604-642-0123 The best downtown Thai food. Fresh, imaginative lunches and dinners with friendly staff and excellent takeout. Located in Yaletown at the corner of Hamilton and Davie.
Montri's Thai 3629 West Broadway Vancouver 604-738-9888 Often voted the best Thai restaurant in Vancouver, Montri's Thai is fresh, friendly and serves extremely well prepared dishes with flair.
Jang Mo Jib 1043 Kingsway Vancouver 604-872-0712 Korean family-style food with many different kinds of kimschee and excellent tofu.
Cho Sun 3486 Kingsway Vancouver 604-434-1222 Best Korean barbecue in town where you get to barbecue right at your table.
Banana Leaf 820 West Broadway & 1096 Denman Vancouver 604-731-6333/604-683-3333 Excellent, inexpensive daily specials and the best crab in town.
The Mekong 1414 Commercial Drive Vancouver 604-253-7088 A neighborhood favorite, this place serves excellent Vietnamese comfort food.
Phnom Penh 244 E. Georgia St. Vancouver 682-5777 You may resist this restaurant for a couple of reasons. First it's a Vietnamese and Cambodian restaurant right in the middle of Chinatown. So you may think you ought to eat Chinese when in Chinatown.

But don't let that keep you out of Phnom Penh if you want inexpensive, healthy, fresh soups and noodle and rice dishes.

You may also be put off by the exterior which doesn't look that inviting. But be brave. Once inside, you'll be surprised at the difference. The inside is comfortable, clean, peaceful and friendly, and more upscale than you could imagine from the outside.