AsiaLIFE Cambodia April 2016

042016 ISSUE112

Full STEAM Ahead?

note from the editor AsiaLIFE Group

Marissa Carruthers Education is undoubtedly the greatest gift anyone can give. It builds the foundations for the future, as well as equipping youngsters with the skills they need to pave a successful path in life. On a more social level, it can help – as Cambodia hopes – lift a country out of poverty and into the realms of a middle income country.

It is well-known that Cambodia is lacking when it comes to certain skills, and as the digital age sweeps across the globe, coupled with a rise in technology, and the Kingdom’s desire to steer away from being an agriculturally-driven economy to light-manufacturing based, the need to fill these gaps is essential.

This is where STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) comes in, and, sadly, is where Cambodia lags. With a swathe of students opting to study the “easier” art subjects, the STEM fields are being forgotten, with experts predicting the gap in skills will only widen if the issue is not addressed.

While grand plans to radically revamp the national curriculum are underway, and a series of measures to promote STEM subjects are taking place across the Kingdom, the future is looking brighter for the younger generation. But in some parts of the world, the shift has changed towards another acronym: STEAM. Some argue the arts form an essential part of STEM – take the iPhone. While it took a technical mind to create the masterpiece, it also needs to look good to sell. Then there’s the debate that the arts refers to the innovation, creativity, problem solving and critical thinking that is essential to any walk of life.

For this month’s cover feature, we take a look at the measures being taken to overhaul the education system and steer Cambodia into a new, more prosperous realm.

Elsewhere in the issue, we get the lowdown on this month’s Urban Art Festival, delve into the world of craft beer, and I take a trip to Kampot to watch the stunning Epic Arts’ performance of Come Back Brighter, which runs until May. We’ll also be making a few changes to the magazine during the coming issues, with this month seeing the introduction of a few new columns, as well as our NGO Focus section, which is launching with an update on Friends International.

www.asialifemagazine.com

4 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

FOR SALES ENQUIRIES: Ratana Sorn Tel: 010 222 240

Group Editor-in-Chief / Director Cambodia: Mark Bibby Jackson mark@asialife.asia

Group Director Sales & Marketing / Director Vietnam: Jonny Edbrooke jonny@asialife.asia

Managing Editor Cambodia: Marissa Carruthers marissa@asialife.asia

Director Thailand: Nattamon Limthanachai (Oh) oh@asialife.asia

Associate Editor: Joanna Mayhew

Art Director Cambodia: Thang Pham L.C.

Siem Reap: Sarah Brown

Photographers: Charles Fox & Lucas Veuve & Lim Sokchanlina

Accountants / Distribution Seang Seiha 012 887 118 Distribution: Son Veasna 096 222 7231 Printing: Sun Heang Printing House

Sales Director Cambodia: Chantha Sorn chantha@asialife.asia Chhorn Ny chhanny@asialife.asia 015 604 405 Accountants: Sorn Rathana

Special thanks to: Darren Gall, Paul Dodd, SOS International, The Giving Tree School, Ryan Drewe Taylor and Cambodian Living Arts for their contribution.

042016 ISSUE112

Full STEAM Ahead?

On the Cover Design & Art Direction: Thang Pham L.C. AsiaLIFE is a registered trademark.

No content may be reproduced in any form without prior authorisation of the owners. © 360º Media.

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042016 ISSUE112

front

10 Picks of the Month 12 Openings

getaway

42 The Long And The Short Of It

food

44 Enso

style & design

46 Behind the Design

back

53 Listings

16 Street Smart 20 Phnom Penh Calendar 22 Photo Essay 26 Q&A: Hout Dara

on the cover

28 Full STEAM Ahead?

storyboard

34 Draught Craft 36 Found In Translation 38 Urban Art

45 Poki Poke

48 Cool For The Summer

78 Phnom Penh Map 86 Pub Quiz

40 An Epic Show

28 6 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

34 36

38

Apr 2016

News & Events Bomb Plucked from Tonle Sap

Cambodian Mine Action Centre’s (CMAC) Dive Unit has plucked a 500lb aircraft bomb and four 105mm artillery rounds from the Tonle Sap River, near Preak Pnuv. The discovery was made after a fisherman

reported it, following a British Embassy funded community outreach programme to engage communities living along the waterways. The explosives have now been taken to CMAC-Golden West Explosive Harvesting Programme in Kampong Chhnang for disposal.

Inaugural Property Awards

Nearly 300 of the Kingdom’s top real estate professionals gathered to celebrate the best of the best in the Cambodia property sector at the first Cambodia Property Awards.

The ceremony saw 13 awards given to 15 of the best

8 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

developers and developments in Cambodia, including one for Worldbridge Land chairman Rithy Sear, who was named Real Estate Personality of the Year by the editors of Property Report, the only award not voted on by the judging panel.

The Borey Penghuoth Group collected five awards, winning in all the categories in which it was shortlisted. Last year saw massive growth in the industry with around $33 billion of construction projects getting the go-ahead in Cambodia, a 33 percent increase on the previous year. “Cambodia now joins the other leading economies

of ASEAN in hosting its own awards programme,” says Terry Blackburn, founder of the Asia Property Awards programme.

“It is a testament to the strength and quality of the local industry that we have so many fine developments on the shortlist.”

Dancers 1973

On the occasion of a rare classical dance performance during the Cambodian civil war 43 years ago, a photographer wandered into the theatre dressing room and took a few candid photos. The dancers didn’t notice him; 33 years later, one of them met him by chance

in Tokyo, Japan, where she had come to perform. This led to a chain of events whereby the other dancers in those pictures were rediscovered one by one when photographer Colin Grafton finally returned to Cambodia. Their stories of hardship, perseverance and survival, and the renaissance of the dance tradition which is the spirit of Cambodia, form the core of this exhibition. Dancers 1973 runs from Apr. 1 to 28 at the Bophana Centre, Street 200.

the first silkscreen print club in Shanghai. In November, they initiated a continuing collaborative silkscreen exhibition series Tale of Two Cities. The first featured FrenchFourch from Paris. Each exhibition comprises the latest works of two studios - IdleBeats and one from another city. For this exhibition, they are teaming up with Sticky Fingers Art Prints Cambodia. Apr. 30, from 2pm to 6pm at Space Four Zero, 40 Street 118.

Tale of Two Cities

Precision Cars (Cambodia) Ltd, Porsche’s authorised Cambodian dealer and distributor, hosted

by Himawari Hotel, held a test drive weekend to showcase the performance, practicality and efficiency of the brand’s top two Sport Utility Vehicles available to the Cambodian market. The brand new Cayenne S E-Hybrid and the compact SUV Macan were available for test drives throughout the weekend. The S E-Hybrid is capable of offroading and fording water up to 50cm depth. Other aspects of the new plug-in technology are Cayenne S E-Hybrid’s fuel efficient consumption, on demand torque and strong performance; benefiting both customers and the environment producing fewer pollutants. This was followed by a party to mark the centre's first anniversary and to launch the 2016 Porsche 911 Carrera model. To celebrate, the 919 Hybrid model was flown in to be exhibited.

Two in one - the exhibition is a juxtaposition of two different cultural backgrounds, two means of reimagining and reinventing the screen printing technique, two ways of thinking, approaching and expressing city life. Together as a whole, a tale of two cities is printed on a single screen. In July 2015, IdleBeats opened

Porsche Test Drive

Shake It Off

Epic Arts has followed up on the success of its Happy and Uptown Funk parody videos with a new release – a version of Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off. Epic’s versions of Ronson/Mars’ and Pharrell’s hit videos went viral, garnering between 120,000 and 150,000 YouTube hits each. The organisation is hoping for even greater exposure for their latest release, produced in partnership with Cambodia Living Arts, Phare Ponleu Selpak, Tiny Toones and Amrita Performing Arts. The latest video features Epic Arts’ senior manager Onn Sokny in the lead role. Sokny has worked her way up in the Cambodian arts scene to become one of its major voices, particularly in the fields of inclusivity, diversity and the integration of people with disabilities. Sokny, who contracted polio as a child, is proof that with the right support, disability need not be a disadvantage in the arts world.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 9

PICKS OF THE MONTH Relax: Yoga! Bliss Break

Eat: La Pergola

If you’re still looking for something to do during Khmer New Year, then why not head to Kep and immerse yourself in a relaxing few days with Yoga! Phnom Penh. The group’s latest outing takes yogis to The Vine Retreat in Kep for three nights of yoga fun, relaxation, delicious healthy food, good company, and a swimming pool for when the heat gets too much.

Running from Apr. 14 to 17, the retreat serves up different aspects of a balanced, healthy and informed yoga practice. And whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned pro, the break is open to all levels. Yoga! Bliss Break costs $250 per person, based on sharing. Single room options are available on request. Prices include all yoga sessions, accommodation, food and group travel.

For more information, visit yogaphnompenh.com.

To mark the overhaul of its menu by new French chef, Olivier Guillon, the Plantation’s fine dining restaurant, La Pergola, is hosting a tasting event to showcase the new eats on Apr. 23. The sumptuous spring/ summer menu serves a choice of four starters, four main dishes and four desserts, each taking in Guillon’s passion for fine food. Invitations will be part of an online contest on social media, and the event will also take in a live art performance: the redecoration of the veranda and its terrace with an art installation signed by Sothea Thang, Cambodian architect, designer and artist who exhibited at the Lotus Pond Art Gallery last year. A new weekly promotion will also run at the restaurant with 50 percent off bottles of wine every Wednesday evening.

Read: I Take Nothing Strong, Only Lightning

Stay: Samsara Villa

Whittling down a collection of almost 400 poems to 31 is no easy feat, but it’s one that Nathan A. Thompson has taken on with aplomb for I Take Nothing Strong, Only Lightning.

Written during the last decade, the poems chronicle an early adulthood given over to drugs, furious pursuits and meditations on “the simple, spiritual things that promise salvation” – as writer, Shane Levene notes in his blurb – before resting in the groundless, ambivalent spaces of life. Having started penning poems at a young age, making his publishing premier at the age of 14, Thompson hopes this collection will be worthy of an appreciative audience. I Take Nothing Strong, Only Lightning, will be released at a book launch at Meta House on Apr. 21 at 7.30pm.

Staycations are all the rage, and with Khmer New Year coming up, those wanting to stay in the city and lap up the peace and quiet, should get their heads down for a few nights at Samsara Villa. Tucked away on Street 466, to the south end of Street 63, the intimate hotel is a tranquil haven, and sits a million miles away from the capital’s chaos. Built in 1963 as a villa, the property was renovated in 2013, adding a new wing to host more luxurious rooms. Boasting a total of 20 rooms, unique architecture, tropical gardens and a swimming pool to tame the sweltering heat, guests can relax in the stylish surroundings and enjoy the top notch hospitality from staff. The food menu is also extensive, offering a range of Western and Asian dishes. For more information, visit samsaravilla.com.

Watch: Tini Tinou International Circus Festival For a feast of jaw-dropping acrobatics and live entertainment, Tini Tinou makes its annual return to Cambodia to mark its 10th anniversary with a bigger and better line-up.

From Apr. 28 to May 10, the contemporary circus will be wowing audiences throughout Cambodia. As well as featuring breath-taking performances from home-grown talent at Phare, The Cambodian Circus, troupes from Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Nepal, and France will take to the big top. Phare, The Cambodian Circus CEO Dara Huot says, “We’re pleased to bring contemporary performers from all over the world to see and participate in our vibrant arts scene.” Performances take place in Phnom Penh from Apr. 28 to May 1 at Chenla Theatre, from May 3 to 6 at Phare Ponleu Selpak in Battambang and from May 8 to 10 at Phare, The Cambodian Circus in Siem Reap.

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Foiled Robber A teen scored a job after foiling a robber as he stole from the till during an interview at a New Orlean's restaurant

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Dog Miracle A German shepherd who fell off a fishing boat into the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Celmente Island was found alive five weeks later.

Toddler (2-3 years old) Pre-Nursery (3-4 years old) Nursery (4-5 years old) Pre-School (5-6 years old)

Alligator Rescue A woman is fighting to keep a rescued pet alligator she had for 11 years after Florida Wildlife Commission say it has grown too big.

Martian Meal Tomato crops have been grown in the Netherlands, using soil from a volcano in Hawaii designed to mimic conditions found on Mars.

No-Dough Zone About 80,000 fewer bread loaves were fed to ducks over the past year in the UK after an appeal to dish out healthier treats.

Summer and winter camp programs Kids Clubs Open for children of all ages. Sign up now - 3pm to 4pm weekdays.

Mandarin Chinese Club Spanish Club Hip Hop Dance Club Arts & Crafts Club

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3/28/16 3:55 PM

Easter Rage A shopping mall Easter bunny got in a scuffle with an angry father in New Jersey after his toddler slipped while getting her photo taken.

Hail Hell A violent hailstorm that dropped ice pellets the size of golf balls killed eight exotic birds at a zoo in the US state of Texas.

Stolen Taxidermy A thief stole $160,000 of stuffed animals, including lions, a zebra and a sloth, from a taxidermy warehouse in the UK. Brussels Attack A total of 31 people are killed and about 300 injured during a series of deadly bomb blasts at metro stations and Brussels airport.

Dog Rat A gas engineer stumbled across a rat bigger than his dog, near a child’s playground, as he worked at a block of flats in London.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 11

OPENINGS

BY KIMCHHAY CHANRY

ROOTS & BURGERS

HEALTHY INDULGENCE

Health is at the top of the menu at Roots & Burgers, which offers steaming bao buns, tasty burgers, root vegetable-based sides and a range of herb cocktails. Boasting comfortable and elegant indoor seats, tables are made from recycled wood, with an aluminum wall to one side. On the menu the Asian burger is a hit, with steamed buns packed full of an array of options ($3.95 to $6.95). Roots & Burgers also place an emphasis on sourcing quality produce from local farmers, selecting the finest chemical-free and organic ingredients where possible. And the “healthily indulgent” dining is complimented by a range of delicious cocktails, such as the Bao Swizzle and the Sweet Potato Old Fashioned.

80 Street 454, Phnom Penh. Tel: 023 986 452.

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 7.30am to 11pm.

MALIS

POPULAR DINING Following in the footsteps of popular Malis restaurant in Phnom Penh, celebrity chef Luu Meng has opened up his second offering in Temple Town. Designed by young Cambodian architect Vivoath Yan, and inspired by the nearby temples of Angkor Wat, the white building features high ceilings, striking wooden finishes, polished sandstone walls, and views of a central water garden with a dedicated area for Apsara dancing. As well as seating for 200 downstairs, and 100 in the six upstairs VIP rooms, a cooking suite is set to open where up to 10 people can cook Luu’s Cambodian staples given a modern twist. Offering a similar menu to that of its sister restaurant, signature dishes include the Royal Mac Mee ($9) and Kampot red crab curry ($22).

Pokambor Avenue, Siem Reap Riverside, Siem Reap. Tel: 015 824 888.

Open daily from 6.30am to 10.30pm.

SKELLEY Original designs and punk-influenced fashion are available at Skelley. At the helm of the new adventure sits young designer Skelley Lang, who injects her own personality into her clothing. A sleeveless shirt is one of the playful, stylish designs for both male and female in black, white and grey, and encapsulates the urban theme that also runs through her extensive line. As well as incorporating a heavy punk feel, Skelley’s offerings draw on Cambodian themes, with Apsara print design tops and modernised kramas. The young designer has also carefully crafted a range of accessories, including necklaces, metal jewellery and bags. The range is affordable, costing between $5.70 and $34.75, meaning all fashionistas can create their own unique look.

17 Street 174, Phnom Penh. Tel: 085 276 660.

Open daily from 8pm 12 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

PUNK STYLE

THE 19 BAR & LOUNGE

CHILL TIME For those seeking a place to grab a few drinks and hang out with friends, The 19 Bar & Lounge is the perfect place to kick back and relax. Boasting indoor and outdoor seating, the chilled out atmosphere has an arty vibe,with painting on the walls, comfy couches dotted throughout the venue, which often hosts live music and other events. The drinks menu is lengthy, taking in fruit shakes ($2.50 to $3.50), beer, wine and cocktails ($4.50). Thursday nights see cocktail prices drop to $3.50, and on Fridays, red wine ($4) is offered with free cheese, tapas or crackers. A happy hour runs daily from 5.30pm to 7.30pm with a 50 percent discount on all drinks.

213AB Street 19, Phnom Penh. Tel: 096 554 428.

Open daily from 10am to midnight.

TEMPLATION

OPULENT ACCOMMODATION

In keeping with hospitality group MAADS other indulgent offerings , which take in Plantation, The Pavilion and Blue Lime, their latest venture brings a slice of suave sophistication to Siem Reap. Drawing inspiration from the pocket of untamed nature surrounding the quiet residential area where the resort is based, Templation is designed as a modern reflection of the waterways and reservoirs that surround the nearby ancient city of Angkor.

Oozing contemporary chic, each of the villas come complete with their own pool, while studios boast a private terrace and view of the divine pool that sits below. With surroundings such as these, plus a restaurant, bar, spa, gym and shop all on site, it’s all too tempting to never leave.

Rok Rak Street, Modul 3, Phum Sla Kram, Siem Reap. Tel: 063 969 345.

JODHPUR

INDIAN FLAVOURS For a taste of authentic India in the centre of Temple Town, look no further than Jodhpur. Converting a traditional Khmer house into an ancient Indian Haveli, painted blue, Jodhpur puts a modern spin on classic cuisine. Serving simple set meals catering for lunch and dinner, the options include an Indian-inspired cocktail and recipes from the royal households, such as the Shabdegh, Mandore Maas, Amritsari Machli, Batak Karahi and Salan, and are accompanied by a selection of chutneys, breads and vegetables. A small outdoor cafĂŠ also serves coffee from the Attikan Estate in the White Hills of the Nilgiris, and a small shop sells traditional arts and crafts.

Wat Damnak Village, Siem Reap. Tel: 086 408 720.

Open daily from 7am to midnight.

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MR MAB

SUMPTUOUS SEAFOOD Fresh seafood dishes descending from Spring Valley Resort in Kep can now be found in the capital, thanks to the opening of Mr Mab 123 Global Street Food and Mr Mab 360 Restaurant & Bar. Using reclaimed wood and rustic-looking decor, the spacious restaurant is an airy affair. The menu presents a mix of seafood and street food from across the globe, such as currywurst from Germany, Arancini from Italy and delicious dishes from Singapore and Malaysia. The signature dish is, of course, Kep blue crab with green pepper. The nem chakdam with Khmer chilli sauce has also proved to be a hit. Sandwiches, desserts, beers, wines and cocktails are available, with happy hour running from 4pm to 8pm.

69 Street 123 & 110CD Street 360, Phnom Penh. Tel: 087 539 777/ 087 538 777.

Open daily from 11am to 11pm.

SEVENSEA

SEVEN FLAVOURS

Perfecting the country’s passion for seafood, Sevensea caters to the most refined tastes. Created on the ground floor of the new Almond Bassac Hotel, which skirts Koh Pich and the Bassac River, the restaurant offers a range of tastes to tantalise the tastebuds. As another venture from seasoned Cambodian chef Luu Meng, the menu takes in king lobster and Alaska crab, giant oysters from Japan and snails from Cambodia. Drawing on the theme, there is a special menu to cover each of the seven days of the week, as well as seven private dining rooms, seven specialist chefs, and food from seven different countries.

Above the restaurant is Almond Bassac Hotel, which boasts 40 luxuriously decorated rooms spread across five floors.

N2 Sothearos Boulevard, Phnom Penh. Tel: 023 229 922.

Open daily from 6.30am to 10.30pm.

OPENING HOURS 11:30am - 11:00pm

HAPPY HOURS 5:00pm - 7:00pm

+855 63 966 986 +855 15 966 986 +855 17 376 038

info@mahobkhmer.com www.mahobkhmer.com

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Apr 2016

SR News & Events Khmer New Year?

Aside from near-daily dehydration and terrifying electricity bills, skyrocketing temperatures can only mean one thing – Khmer New Year has rolled around again. In recent years Cambodia’s favourite festival has been marked by the evergrander Angkor Sangkran, a largescale three-day festival hosted at Angkor Archaeological Park. In previous years, celebrations have included reproduction traditional houses, cultural performances, Khmer games, and a two-tonne sticky rice cake. Last year, the festivities attracted more than one million local visitors, so if you’re not one for crowds it’s probably best to avoid the temples – or indeed

Siem Reap – during this year’s festivities, which run from Apr. 13 to 15. Otherwise, get stuck-in and enjoy the fun.

Attikan Café

You can never have too much of a good thing, and that’s particularly true when it comes to delightful spots to enjoy expertly brewed coffee and a sweet treat or two. The latest addition to Siem Reap’s ever-expanding array of cafés is Attikan Café, a beautiful spot in Wat Damnak Village opened by the same team behind Phnom Penh’s popular BCBG. Like BCBG, Attikan Café serves up a mouth-watering array of the finest cakes and pastries,

along with coffee brewed from Southern Indian beans and specialty drinks, such as sweet potato lattes, chestnut lattes and pumpkin lattes. Attikan Café shares a space with Jodhpur Indian Modern Dining restaurant.

For more information, visit bcbgcambodia.com/siemreap.

escape the midday heat while browsing brands such as Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, and Louis Vuitton. T Galleria (‘T’ standing for ‘traveller’) shares a building with the Angkor National Museum, meaning it’s is conveniently located on the road to the Angkor Archaeological Park.

T Galleria Opens

Shoppers rejoice, as last month saw the opening of a new luxury shopping venue in Siem Reap: T Galleria. This shiny new shopping complex is the work of DFS Group Limited – the world’s premier luxury travel retailer – and aims to primarily attract tourists looking for an opportunity to

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 15

StreetSmart Street 308 & Bassac Lane

In just a few years, Street 308 has transformed from a mundane back alley to a bustling street of bars and restaurants, taking in vibrant Bassac Lane. Editor Marissa Carruthers and Kimchhay Chanry take a stroll down the short but busy stretch. Photography by Lim Sokchanlina.

Mama Wong’s

Hanger 44

The expansion of their menu last year to take in fusion tapas, mini burgers and other bites, has further fuelled the eatery’s popularity on the street. While the signature dumplings and noodles remain on the menu, new flavours have been added, such as duck and sweet potato and spiced lamb with coriander and cumin sauce. And other tantalising treats, such as pork belly doughnuts with maple syrup, have been added, making it the perfect place to enjoy a few drinks and share a few plates between friends.

An inconspicuous alley turned popular expat drinking spot, Bassac Lane is today a hive of activity, with the brains behind Bar Sito on Street 240 ½ breathing a new lively lease of life into the intimate cul-de-sac. Home to a bundle of businesses and bars, such as Harry’s, The Library and Cicada, a central courtyard space acts as the perfect hangout to congregate and sip on several of the signature cocktails – the Espresso Martini comes highly recommended. With each of the bars boasting its own unique identity, Hangar 44 combines booze with bikes and couples up as Moto Cambodge’s showroom, with a spectacular custom-built motorbike sitting with pride in the front window.

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Paper Dolls & Paperboy Red Bar As one of the first venues to open its doors on Street 308, Red Bar is a no frills watering hole, and has become a popular haunt for the capital’s journalists and creatives.

Serving up cheap drinks – with the owners resisting the temptation to hike up prices in parallel with the street’s rising popularity – Red Bar’s ground floor, and the later addition of an upstairs level, are often heaving at weekends, with drinkers spilling out onto the street. While the basic wooden floors and furniture give a simple feel, Red Bar is packed with heaps of unpretentious personality.

D Wilkins Securing a spot in a wooden renovated wooden Cambodian house above Meat and Drink on Bassac Lane, D. Wilkins crafts some of the finest leatherwear in the kingdom.

With seasoned craftsman Diego Wilkins at the helm, the workshop and showroom offers a selection of quality goods, from soft leather wallets and hip laptop bags to belts and bang-on-trend satchels, all made from quality imported European leather.

Every detail, from the cutting to the stitching is done by hand, meaning the result is a treasured lifelong keepsake that is well worth investing in.

Lemon Tree

Piccolo Italia As a Street 308 staple, Piccolo Italia da Luigi, or Luigi’s as it is affectionately known, helped spark the lane’s trend. Since opening in 2013, people from far and wide have flocked to the restaurant to sample what can undoubtedly take the crown as Phnom Penh’s best pizzas. Again a staunch favourite on the street, the restaurant is often full to the brim with diners packed round tables and chairs to feast on the mouthwateringly good pizzas before them.

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As one of the latest additions to burgeoning Bassac Lane – but certainly not to the capital – Paperdolls and Paperboy relocated to its current home four months ago, adding to the hip and happening lane’s style. Paperdolls stocks one-of-a-kind, affordable fashions that think outside the box, while Paperboys caters to the gents. Both brands support rising local designers as well as established, including Good Krama, 40 Thieves Apparel and Chin F Design. The go-to boutiques for those wanting to stand out among the capital’s cool crowd.

Chez Flo

Sitting at the far end of Street 308 is Lemon Tree, a quaint, colourfully converted Khmer-style wooden house that now serves as a casual restaurant, cafe and bar. With shaded tropical gardens sitting at the front, diners can sit outside or on the comfy sofas on the ground floor. The menu covers salads, sandwiches and shared tapas boards. And in keeping with the quirky vibe, most of the furnishings are made from recycled goods. Take the outside tables, which are made from battered telecommunications wire spools that sit on hefty Khmer earthenware jars.

Opened in November 2014, the French-run bar, which also serves up tapas-style dishes ($3), comes alive at dusk, with the signature cocktails proving popular with punters. Packed full of charm, the bar also specialises in wines and top shelf spirits – all at affordable prices. And as the lane’s popularity has risen, Chez Flo has become the place to be for after-work drinks.

Have an event coming up?

Send information and dates to marissa@asialife.asia

CALENDAR UNTIL APR 17 UNTIL APR 23

Artists Dina Chhan and Frederikke Tu draw their inspiration from the natural world. Their contrasting styles meet to portray the jungles, rivers and skies of Cambodia that are under threat from the modern world. The Insider Gallery, Hotel InterContinental.

After the success of the 2015 festival, Cambodia Urban Art Festival, organised by the French Institute, returns with even more artists, murals and events.

This year, Chifumi, festival artistic director, has invited 14 artists from Cambodia, France and elsewhere to display their art across Phnom Penh. Includes murals, light painting, hip hop music, dance, and cinema. For information, visit institutfrancais-camboge.com.

APR 01-08 09-29

Epic Arts, with music from Kampot Traditional Music School, presents Come Back Brighter, a performance of traditional and modern dances giving the audience snapshots into Cambodia’s golden era, tragic past and exciting future. $10, 7.30pm at the Old Royal Cinema, Kampot.

APR 02

The ONE WORLD Music Festival takes place at The Exchange, featuring Bokor Mountain Magic Band with Lue Thy and Members of The Cambodian Space Project, Kampot Playboys, Conrad Keely, Kong Nay and more. There will be artists, pop-up shops, food vendors. $6 for all-day pass, from 2pm to 11pm.

APR 02

BBQ Pool Party: Enjoy a barbecue pool party at the InterContinental Hotel, featuring grilled specialties and homemade desserts with free flow drinks, and sounds from Cambo Disco Club. $29 for BBQ buffet, add $15.0 for free flow drinks. From 5pm to 8pm.

APR 04

The French Institute is holding a seminar on the mysteries of black holes – invisible, extremely compact and containing more questions than answers. With Jean-Pierre Luminet, astrophysicist, writer, poet, Director of Research at CNRS. 6.30pm.

APR 06

Explorer’s Tales Bar at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra, Siem Reap is giving wine lovers the chance to learn about sparkling rosé wines with a Celliers d’Asie wine expert, complemented by seasonal canapés and live piano music. $22, from 7pm to 9pm.

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APR 010

Following on from the series two marathon, the entire third season of Game of Thrones will be screened at The Flicks 3, from 10am to 5.30pm.

APR 14-17

Join Yoga Phnom Penh for a blissful break at The Vine Retreat, Kep, for yoga, relaxation, healthy food and swimming. $250pp based on sharing, with single room options available.

APR 21

French rapper 12Mé has been performing for more than 15 years worldwide. Noted for his vocal presence, he likes to surround himself with musicians from diverse backgrounds and musical influences. During this concert at the French Institute’s Le Bistrot, he will perform with traditional Cambodian musicians. With Sébastien Adnot (double bass).

6.30pm.

APR 23

If you missed them earlier in the month, then catch the Bokor Mountain Magic Band at FCC Phnom Penh, from 8pm. $5.

Pet Grooming Cambodia and Edgar Allan Paw are hosting a spaw day. For a day of pet pampering, including nail clipping and grooms, phone 095 997 404. 12 Street 830.

APR 25

A celebrational kick-off starts weekly screenings of the sixth season of Game of Thrones at The Flicks 1 at 6pm. Followed by weekly screenings at 6.30pm, 7.45pm and 9pm.

APR 27

The Plantation launches its latest exhibition, Psar Idyllic,

by Cedric Delannoy. The colourful show features a photography montage of the capital’s market stands.

APR 28 MAY 10

Tini Tinou International Circus Festival marks its 10th anniversary edition with an expanded international line-up from along with Cambodian artists from Phare. From Apr. 28 to 30 at 7pm and May 1 at 5pm at Chenla Theatre, Phnom Penh; May 3 to 6 at 7.30pm at Phare Ponleu Selpak, Battambang; May 8 to 10 at 6pm at Phare, The Cambodian Circus, Siem Reap.

APR 30

Photographer Laure Vasconi’s exhibition showcases her personal work following her residency here in Phnom Penh and her work with the Studio Images students. Opening party on Apr. 30, 5pm, at the French Institute.

APR 30

The Tale of Two Cities exhibition opens in collaboration with IdleBeats and Sticky Fingers Art Prints Cambodia at Space Four Zero, 40 Street 118, from 2pm to 6pm.

EVERY MONDAY

Mad Monday at The Empire, 6pm • Yoga Phnom Penh, 8am vinyasa flow, 12.15pm power yoga and 6pm vinyasa beginners • Margarita Mondays at Riverhouse Lounge from 7pm until late.

EVERY TUESDAY

Yoga Phnom Penh classes at 8am ashtanga, 12.15pm slow flow, 6.30pm power yoga and 6.30pm fly fit yoga • Swing dancing at Doors with lindy-hop specialist Janice Wilson from 7pm. Classes are $3 or $25 for 10 lessons • Latino Time at Cabaret on Street 154 at 6.30pm • Two for 2-sday at Riverhouse.

EVERY WEDNESDAY

Trivia in the garden at The Willow, $2 entry and 7.30pm • Acoustic music at Kep’s Sailing Club from 6pm to 9pm • Classes at Yoga Phnom Penh at 8am ashtanga, 12.15pm slow flow and 6.30pm fly yoga • Wicked Wednesday at Riverhouse from 7pm • Tempting Thai at La Coupole, Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, from 6pm to 10pm, $32.

nd drinks m ad e f r o m t h e F o od a

EVERY THURSDAY

Art House Sessions at 8.30pm at The Flicks 1. Enjoy the secret treasures on the big screen for only $3.50 • Steak Night at The Empire • Movie nights on the beach at Kep’s Sailing Club from 7pm • All About Jazz at Cabaret from 7pm, wine and beer happy hour from 5.30pm to 7.30pm • High Heels ladies' night out at Riverhouse • Italian night at Willow Boutique Hotel from 6pm. Choice of pastas, pizzas, desserts and carafe of wine. All $3.50 • Ladies Night at Cambodiana Hotel's QBA. Buy one, get one free.

EVERY FRIDAY

Seafood Haven at Korean Grill restaurant, NagaWorld, from 5.30pm to 10pm. $20 per person excluding beer, $30 per person including free flow draft beer. Tel: 023 22 88 22, www.nagaworld.com • Rhythm sessions at Doors from 9.30pm • An evening of music with Sylvie and Senastien Jazz Acoustic at Knai Bang Chatt in Kep, from 5pm to 9pm.

• Yoga Phnom Penh, 8am fly yoga, 12.15pm yoga for well-being and 6pm hatha.

EVERY SATURDAY

Cine Saturday at Bophana Center, 64 Street 200, at 4pm • Art classes for children and adults at Romeet Gallery on Street 178, costing $8.50 per session or $65 for 10. Register interest with Sreymao at romeetgallery@gmail.com or by calling 077 55 07 59 • Yoga Phnom Penh. Vinyasa flow 10am and yoga for stress at 1pm • An evening of music with Sylvie and Senastien Jazz Acoustic at Knai Bang Chatt in Kep, from 5pm to 9pm • Dim sum brunch at Fu Lu Zu, Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, from 10.30am to 2.30pm, $19.80/ $28.

EVERY SUNDAY

Escape at the InterContinental Hotel’s Regency Café from 11.30am to 3pm. Free-flow wine at $36 plus taxes • Phnom Penh Hash House Harriers’ run, 2.15pm at the railway station • Sunday Rave Party at Riverhouse, from 6pm.

EVERY DAY

Daily half day $55, full day $110, photography tours around Phnom Penh with professional photographer Michael Klinkhamer. Start at FCC, Sisowath Quay at 9.30am and 13.30pm. Tel: 060 873 847 or visit cambodiaphototours.asia.

EVERY MONDAY TO SUNDAY

A world of flavours international dinner buffet at The Pangea Fusion restaurant, NagaWorld, from 5.30pm to 9.30pm, adults $19.90 or $29.90 with free flow drinks. nagaworld.com. • Yoga Phnom Penh, 9.30am fly yoga and yoga for well-being.

EVERY WEEKEND

Fishing trips on the Tonle Sap river from 3.30pm to 6.30pm • Kids' films at The Flicks 1, Saturday and Sunday 10am.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 21

Photo Essay

E U BL 22 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

By

Ar

a kS

roj

A

rk Saroj is a film director, photographer and creative director at Trasher Bangkok. He is known for the abstract nature of his films, which are influenced by classic cinema such as film noir. He is also influenced by masters, such as Hitchcock, Antonioni and David Lynch. The style of his films portrayed in his use of vintage colouring, composition, cinematography and classic characters but represents a contemporary issue.

Recently, Saroj’s short film Venus was selected as an official selection at Phoenix Film Festival, Melbourne, and one of the finalists of David Lynch’s Film competition scholarship at MUM, USA. Photography for filmmakers is like a brother and best friend; a visual diary for directors to express through images. Intuition of oneself has been practice with lights and compositions of objects, people and scene. This set of photography is a collection from Saroj’s trip around asia from the last two years, included Bali, Mumbai and Japan, fragments of people he meets, and life in Bangkok. The series is called Blue, which is a primary colour.

The artist attempts to make images look like Japanese Fuji film-style prints. While some of the images are not blue, they express calmness – the emotion blue represents.

To contact Saroj, email arksaroj.dir@gmail.com or visit arksarojdir.wix.com/arksaroj

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 23

24 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 25

HOUT DARA

Phare, the Cambodian Circus has been wowing audiences in the Kingdom and abroad for more than 10 years. Now the organisation’s social enterprise, led by CEO Hout Dara, is taking the show to new heights. Writing by Joanna Mayhew. Photography by Charles Fox.

Tell me about Phare.

Phare Performing Social Enterprise is the revenuegeneration arm for NGO Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS). About 50 artists perform every night at the big top in Siem Reap and in international tours. The social enterprise was created three years ago, to provide a sustainable income to young artists, financially support the mother NGO school [PPS] in Battambang – a great organisation that is more than 20-years-old and has helped many young Cambodians from disadvantaged backgrounds transform their lives – and revive the appreciation of Cambodian performing arts.

What is the history of circus here?

Cambodia is a country with thousands of years of history.

There are many forms of art that have been practiced for many years. Circus in particular appears in the history on and off since the 7th century. We have found evidence of [bas relief] carvings in 7th century temples, and then in the 13th century in the Elephant Terrace. There are also Buddhist pagodas that have

26 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

paintings on their walls about circus. In fact, circus is registered in UNESCO by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, recognised as a Cambodian traditional art form. But it [was] lost, especially during the Khmer Rouge, where artists and intellectuals were targeted and killed. So many Cambodians have the perception it’s a foreign art form, because they don’t see it in mainstream entertainment, concerts or media.

But we have evidence that it is a traditional Cambodian art form.

What is contemporary circus?

People are rediscovering circus now as a tool for education and for helping young people deal with social issues. Circus in the traditional sense is fun, clowns, technique and silliness, which has lost its popularity.

It has been revived, revitalised, reformed and is becoming more and more popular. Cirque du Soleil has helped make it known.

It’s a form that mixes amazing feats of circus skills by human beings only, with live music, dance, theatre, storytelling and costumes. Different troupes have their own flair. The performances of Phare [are] about energy, positivity and hope. The artists own the show because it’s their ideas. That is what makes Phare unique, and what makes Phare the top attraction after the temples in Siem Reap. It tells a uniquely Cambodian story.

How did you get involved?

Fourteen years ago I was a student of Phare. My parents would not pay for music classes, because that’s not what they

value. I got to see the very first group of young performers [and] was inspired by them. For 13 years I spent my career climbing the corporate ladder. [Then PPS] contacted me and asked for help. They introduced me to the concept of social business. As an ambitious young Cambodian, I want a villa, a nice car, [for] my family to live comfortably, and I thought only then I can help. But social enterprise is interesting because I can make the change I want to see, at the same time earning an income that supports my family. So here I am.

What do you hope people take away from the shows?

I hope for young Cambodians that Phare artists are their inspiration to achieve things in their life. Because if young, underprivileged Cambodians see Phare artists jump 10 metres into the air, land on the shoulder of a human, with confidence, with trust, that says something. And if they know that these people were street kids before, or were from difficult social backgrounds, the message is, I can do that too.

And I think Phare [helps] change the image of Cambodia [as] landmines, violence and Khmer Rouge [to a] country that is positive, vibrant and hopeful.

Tell me about the upcoming Tini Tinou Festival.

Tini Tinou is, through our research, the only international annual circus festival in Southeast Asia focusing on contemporary circus, and [more] on collaborations than

competition. We hope to lead the crowd in making Cambodia known as the destination of arts and culture; Tini Tinou is one platform to make that happen.

This year we have an amazing line-up of troupes from Canada, Australia, France, Afghanistan and Indonesia. People can expect a buffet of experiences, from different performers, in three different cities. Apart from official performances, people can also experience performances in public places, [or] pop-up shows. The festival starts Apr. 28 in Phnom Penh for four days, then moves to Battambang and Siem Reap.

What makes you passionate about Phare?

When I was [first] contacted

by Phare, I was invited to visit and rediscover [PPS]. A group [came] to hug me and say thank you. I asked them, how do you remember me, it’s been 13 years. They said they wouldn’t forget someone who would buy them clothes when they didn’t have clothes to wear. At that time [when] I was a student, I didn’t have a lot of money. But I bought them second hand clothes in the market, because they needed specific clothes that allowed them to stretch. And they remembered. And I thought, wow, I don’t remember. Which means something small and, for me, insignificant means a lot to somebody. Today [those people] are educators, they write stories, they inspire. And that’s why I’m passionate.

For Tini Tinou International Circus Festival tickets, visit www.tinitinou.com.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 27

28 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

Full STEAM Ahead?

As the STEM versus STEAM debate rages across the globe, editor Marissa Carruthers takes a look at the scene in Cambodia.

Photography by Lucas Veuve.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 29

A

loud bang reverberates through the air, followed by a chorus of screams. The large crowd of young Cambodians gasp and giggle as a whoosh of fire stretches to the sky before disappearing into thin air. This is not a magic show; it’s the final day of the country’s second Science and Engineering Festival, which attracted a record-breaking 17,500 Cambodians during the three days.

To one side of the Institute of Technology of Cambodia's (ITC), spacious ground floor, students gather around a collection of cardboard boxes, attempting to create the optimum office space. Another group crowds around tables filled with robots, miniature housing developments and gadgets spectacularly spun from 3D printers.

“STEM requires creativity,”

says Allen Tan, a staunch advocate of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and founder of NGO STEM Cambodia, which organises the festival. “That’s why we have included the Mini Maker Faire at this year’s festival.”

While STEM has been increasingly inching towards the top of the country’s education agenda for the last year, with Education Minister Dr Hang Choun Naron pledging to overhaul the curriculum to encourage more Cambodian students to take up the subjects and fill the widening skills gap, in other parts of the world it is argued that something is missing – the A for arts. “All STEM subjects require creativity and innovation,” adds Tan. “That is where STEAM comes in.”

Starting with STEM

“Cambodia needs more young people, skilled and qualified in these [STEM] subjects to develop our human resources, the economy, and drive our nation’s development. Our nation needs STEM graduates to become more competitive in the region and the world.”

That was the plea from Dr Hang at a conference in October addressing the urgent need for educational reform if Cambodia is to fill the widening skills gap in these fields, and fulfil its ambition of transforming from a least developed country to a lower middle income country.

“Recently, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in business graduates, creating a surplus in job seekers in that sector and a skills shortage in STEM sectors,” he adds.

And the statistics back up the need for change. According to figures from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, just three percent of the 250,000 post-secondary school graduates in 2014 came from technical and vocational fields, such as agriculture, science and engineering. In the same year, five percent of Grade 12 students passed their mathematics examination, with that figure doubling to a still measly 10 percent last year.

“There is a real skills gap in areas that require these subjects, and that is only going to grow in the future,” warns Deputy British Ambassador Bryony Mathew, who is leading a series of initiatives to stimulate STEM study in schools. She adds civil engineers, medical laboratory technicians, chemists and water sanitation experts are just a handful of the jobs that currently require recruiting foreigners.

“It’s shocking the lack of technical skills and knowledge in Cambodia,” says Carlo Figa Talamanca, CEO of Sustainable Green Fuel Enterprise, which produces eco-friendly coal and struggles to find Cambodians equipped with the right people to fit skilled roles. “Many companies here would prefer to employ Cambodians but right now, they just can’t.”

Adding the A

“Creativity and innovation are 30 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

two very important things,” says Jeffrey Holte, learning cocoordinator at Liger Learning Centre on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, a school that takes a fresh, unconventional approach to tackling education through STEAM subjects.

With the main aim of creating the country’s next generation of leaders and “change agents”, the school is close to completing its rigorous, twoyear selection process to find its second batch of students from across the country.

Travelling to government schools in all provinces, the Liger team selects those who have the potential to transform their country in the future, selecting just 50 Grade 6 students to enroll in the six-year scholarship programme.

Having opened in 2012, the school runs a practice-based curriculum that leans heavily towards STEM subjects while also pushing the importance of creativity and innovation.

“We want these children to be the next generation of leaders, and to do that they need to be problem-solvers,” adds Holte. “They need to be able to connect the dots, be creative in their thinking and resourceful, with good entrepreneurial skills.”

Typical classes are diverse, and, as well as the usual subjects, take in a range of others, such as robotics and coding, with practical exercises that stimulate the thought process. An Innovation Centre is home to a hive of materials, from Play-Doh to bamboo poles, where students are let loose to invent, build and create whatever they like. “We are seeing kids of 13 who are already achieving some of these change agent goals,” says Holte.

In January, a set of students launched a 140-page, bi-lingual Illustrated Guide to Wildlife of Cambodia, which is being distributed by the Ministry of Education to schools across the country as well as being sold on Amazon. “This is a prime example of STEAM,” says Holte. “It takes in science, bio-diversity, creativity, language, team work.”

As well as nurturing the leadership and innovative skills the country needs to move forward, Liger’s ambition of

creating change agents comes coupled with sparking a pride in their country. “We don’t want to teach these kids the skills for them to go and work in Singapore or America,” says Holte. “To do this, we need to make them proud of their country and give them knowledge about Cambodia.

We are certain those jobs will be there in five to 10 years from now, and we’re really working to get the kids ready for those creative, innovative jobs. That’s why STEAM is important.”

The A Debate

With the UK being a frontrunner in the global STEM surge, during a nationwide push to promote related subjects in schools, in 2011, Lord David Puttnam, the British Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Cambodia, wrote to the country’s Education Secretary urging them to add the arts into the acronym.

“We developed STEAM and pushed very hard for it to become a subject in the UK curriculum,” he says. “We lost that battle because we found many maths teachers couldn’t get their head around working with people in the arts so I retreated to STEM.”

This is a sentiment semiechoed by Mathew, who is spearheading the British Embassy’s campaign for STEM in Cambodia. This has seen a team of STEM ambassadors recruited to visit schools in the provinces as well as hosting roadshows, teacher training sessions and activity days at Kids City in Phnom Penh.

In a bid to further break down these barriers, the embassy has produced an advice booklet listing the top 20 STEM careers, such as construction site supervisors, architects and automation technicians, with case studies and information on subjects that need to be studied, training, starting salary and hours of work, which is being distributed throughout schools.

Earlier this year, Mathew launched Sky Pods in Phnom Penh, a colourful bilingual book that follows a young Cambodian girl’s AsiaLIFE Cambodia 31

journey to become a successful engineer, which is being distributed in schools and libraries. And in March, a maths app aimed at boosting the pass rate of Grade 12 students was launched by the British Embassy.

While Mathew agrees that creativity and innovation are essential skills, she argues adding the A dilutes the message about addressing the urgent need for STEM skills in the country.

“A lot of it depends on how people interpret what is meant

by STEAM,” the neuroscientist says. “I don’t think it’s the right time to be talking about STEAM in Cambodia if we’re talking about promoting these subjects. A lot of students don’t choose STEM because they think it’s too difficult and opt for the arts because it’s a safe option.”

With 70 percent of pupils already studying art-related subjects, and just 20 percent STEM, Mathew says that in Cambodia the focus should be on STEM, not STEAM. “Of course, if you are talking about the arts being the creative side and promoting innovative

32 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

thinking, then that is important,” she adds. “But adding arts can be confusing, plus critical thinking and problem solving are part of STEM anyway. For example, science is all about coming up with new ideas.”

Radical Reform

If Cambodia is to achieve the goals set out to become a middle income economy by 2030 – with its GDP currently standing at $1,081 per capita – radical reform to the education system is essential. “The labour market needs more people working in science, more engineers,” said Dr Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister of Women’s Affairs at the second ASEAN Forum Question Time debate on STEM education in Cambodia, held in February.

“We don’t find this for the moment in Cambodia. We have to reform the whole system of education, beginning with the quality of education, improving the quality of teachers, what they teach and their knowledge, and review the curriculum.”

To address these issues, last year the government unveiled its Teacher Policy Action Plan, stating that by 2020 all

teachers will have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree to ensure they can educate the next generation of students to their full potential. Careers advisors are also being placed in schools to offer guidance to youngsters about their future, and, to curb the problem of a surplus of business and finance graduates, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports has temporarily suspended issuing licenses to launch new programmes that are business or finance related to enable universities to shift their emphasis towards subjects, such as engineering and science.

Another challenge is getting more young females interested in STEM subjects, with just one percent of graduates from the ITC being women last year. “The question is how to attract young people, especially women because it is not the traditional vision of parents to send girls to do STEM,” adds Dr Kantha. “How can you change the vision of society to see women can pursue a career in STEM fields?”

With a lack of female role models in Cambodia for

youngsters to look up to, Mathew hopes small steps, such as using a female as the protagonist in Sky Pods in Phnom Penh, will help engage more young women.

And government officials are working with careers advisors to spark interest in female students and show them the potential these fields hold.

Back at the Science and Engineering Fair, it’s hard to believe there is a lack of interest in STEM subjects as the crowds grow bigger throughout the day. Tum Sopheak, 21, is studying chemical engineering and food technology, and is acting as a STEM ambassador, talking to youngsters in the provinces and at the festival about his own experiences to kindle an interest in the subjects.

“There is a huge need of human resources in this area.

It is all about awareness and information, and letting people know what is available. Just look around you; the interest is there,” he says, pointing to the thousands of students eagerly engaging in the festival’s activities.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 33

The Kingdom is now home to a growing number of microbreweries, serving up handcrafted beers that would be at home in any hipster hub. Writer Joanna Mayhew taps into the art of beer.

Photography by Lucas Veuve.

34 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

W

ith amber ales, chocolate stouts and hoppy India pale ales on tap, poured cold and served alongside artisan beer cheese at Biergartenstyle tables, Botanico feels out of place – in the best possible way – in Cambodia.

Tucked away amid overgrown trees and potted palms, the capital’s newest craft beer haven is a world away from surrounding streets plastered with neon-lit Angkor signs.

Opened at the end of February as the new face for Cerevisia Craft Brewhouse, the beer garden is emblematic of the rise in craft beer across the Kingdom.

“People come here because they want something different,” says founding partner Erich Phillips of the specialty beers.

Cerevisia, which started brewing in 2013, has in many ways led the craft charge.

Starting as a wholesaler out of founding partner and brewmaster Chad Richman’s home, the company has since expanded to a separate brewhouse and now bar, and supplies a dozen eateries and watering holes with the company’s mainstays – American pale ale and Irish Red. “We’re part of the leading edge,” says Phillips.

Tapping the Market

But Cerevisia is not the only player in the brewing game. Thailand-chain Spark and Tawandang German Microbrewery offers lager, weizen and dunkel beer, and Munich Microbrewery serves up the company’s signature brew fermented with malt, houblon and yeast. Further afield, Sihanoukville’s Five Men brewery – run by a German-trained Cambodian brewmaster – creates pale ales and stouts, and retails bottled beer and kegs. And in Kampot, Rumblefish opts for a different approach by brewing craft ginger beer.

At Phnom Penh’s Himawari Microbrewery, large silver vats used to boil, cool and ferment beer are visible behind the high wooden bar hosting hotel guests,

expats and locals. Operating since 2012, Himawari has four craft mainstays – the light Aspara Gold pale ale, malty Jem and Jade pale ale, IPA-esque Centenniale and not-too-bitter Oats stout.

“There are more and more people interested in craft beer,” says the hotel’s marketing and events manager, Melissa Seet. She adds that visitors often want to drink something unique to the country, but up until recently have only had the typical Anchor and Cambodia options available.

“The great thing about microbrewery is it is made in Cambodia, but you’re able to taste that kind of quality and freshness.”

In response to the demand, Himawari is now wholesaling and bottling for some of the city’s bars and restaurants.

Botanico, too, is a natural outcome of growth, as Cerevisia saw a need for a place to supply more experimental beers and better connect with customers to get feedback. “It represents what’s happening in the craft industry,” says Bob Oudemans, founding partner of the beer garden. “There’s a maturity of the sector; a level of sophistication.”

Art Perfected

While growth in the sector is welcome, individual breweries say they are limiting volume intentionally to maintain the craftmanship. “Craft brewery by design is a relatively small batch, capable of moving from style to style,” says Richman. “The focus is not on production volume; it’s on quality. It’s about bringing something new to the table.” Already, Cerevisia is at capacity, with a waiting list of 30 restaurants.

“When you brew a beer, you have to give it time to rest and for all the ingredients to ferment, so we don’t rush things,” adds Seet. “If we’re out, we’re out.”

Staying small allows Cerevisia to be more experimental, and soon they plan to test out new offerings such as a local coconut porter and jasmine IPA. Over the

years, the team has rolled out 60 beers ranging from heavy to light, to appeal to a wide spectrum of customers, from those who want a “sessionable” beer to those who “want something that’s going to blow their socks off”, says Phillips. But slightly larger Himawari sticks to the basics of using malt and hops, to avoid inconsistences between batches, and rolls out a new beer every six months.

And though the industry’s rise means additional competition, this is embraced among brewers. Due to limited production, supply chains for imported ingredients – from New Zealand, Germany and the US – remain a challenge, particularly with taxes. “There are no economies of scale,” says Seet, adding even bottles, caps and glasses need to be bought from outside.

According to Phillips, synergies in the sector would help overcome these problems.

Hopportunity Calling

While craft beer has been heartily embraced among expats looking for a taste of home, breaking into the local market has been more challenging. “Cambodia is underserved; we do want to build that community,” says Phillips, adding Khmer restaurants are their priority for expansion. Cerevisia wants to do further research into which craft beers will have greatest local appeal. “There are beer snobs that say, you can’t put ice in your beer. [But] drink it however you want.”

Himawari is also seeking a local market, particularly to have a more steady output rather than relying on the influx of tourists.

As an entry point to this audience, the brewery offers a sampler of its four mainstays at a lower cost ($3.99).

But until craft beer becomes more of a Khmer mainstay, brewers maintain that the budding industry is an important contributor to the local economy. “It’s not about profitability; it’s about sustainability,” says Phillips. “It’s only going to grow.”

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 35

©UNICEF Cambodia/ 2015/ Charles Fox

FOUNDIN TRANSLATION Cambodia’s indigenous populations have long lagged in learning opportunities, but sweeping multilingual education programmes now mean everyone can make the grade.

Writing by Joanna Mayhew; photography by Charles Fox.

36 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

D

own a rust-coloured dirt path and over an aged bridge in Cambodia’s Kratie province, a small school represents a big change for the country’s ethnic minority groups. The simple, three-room building, panelled in crude wood slats and roofed with tin, provides unprecedented opportunities for its 69 ethnic Phnong students.

Opened in 2011, Tei Chamlong community school offers multilingual education from preschool through to third grade, which includes contextualised teaching in the students’ own language, and bridge learning into the national language of Khmer.

In the past, attendance rates among indigenous students were low, dropout rates were high, and very few children advanced to secondary school. The majority of the Kingdom’s 24 ethnic groups,

who speak different languages and make up just 1.5 percent of the population, reside in the northeast provinces, where 64 percent of Ratanakiri’s population are from ethnic minorities.

In these areas, indigenous populations face a myriad of difficulties. Poverty and child mortality is often higher in these communities, health care is limited and ethnic minorities can face discrimination and barriers to employability.

They have also been marginalised from education through practicalities, such as travelling distance to schools and the need to help out at home, as well as through more serious barriers: lessons were taught in Khmer, a language many could not understand, and the Khmer-speaking teachers often had short stints or simply would not come to work, according to non-profit organisation CARE.

“Sending a kid to school means you have less labour.

But many poor people know the value of education,” says the organisation’s programme director for ethnic minority women, Jan Noorlander. “If you have to offset sending your kid to school and he gets quality education, you make sacrifices.

But if you send your kid to school, and they [constantly] come back at 10am because the teacher hasn’t shown up, you just give up.”

Familiar Foundations

But these trends are beginning to change, through a far-reaching programme providing multilingual education in five of the country’s provinces. Started in 2003

by CARE, with support from the government and UNICEF, the approach means ethnic minorities can start their education in their own language and gradually learn Khmer,

before transitioning to Khmer instruction in fourth grade. “[Research] in other parts of the world shows that a child is able to [better] process information through her mother tongue,” says UNICEF Representative to Cambodia, Debora Comini. “Giving them access to bilingual education, to start in their mother tongue, when Khmer is introduced, it [is] much easier for them to become fluent.”

The programme now provides education in five indigenous languages – which first had to be developed and formalised as written languages, since they were primarily oral.

In total, more than 5,500 children have attended or graduated from multilingual education schools. Enrolment doubled between 2009 and 2015, and teaching in two languages has led to higher literacy rates among ethnic minorities, says CARE.

The approach has included setting up community schools, for ease of access to remote populations, training teachers, who are often from the same communities, and developing colourful and contextualised local language textbooks.

In March, the government launched a three-year Multilingual Education National Action Plan, which will significantly expand the efforts, boosting multilingual preschools by 88 percent and primary schools by 100 percent. But the significance of the plan is found less in the numbers and more in what it says of ownership promised by the government.

Though the government is already a long-term programme supporter – since 2008 it has introduced it in state schools, provided teacher salaries and overseen schools – the plan now publicly affirms support for ethnic communities over the long term.

“It’s amazing they are committing themselves,” says Noorlander. “The leadership has given enormous support.”

Learning Ahead

Back at the community school, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport Dr Hang Chuon Naron surveys how the programme is working. For a high-ranking government official, he maintains a handson approach, hearing concerns from teachers and encouraging students by reading along with them.

In the same classroom, 12-year-old Chhean Srey Meth says she wants to someday become a teacher. “I’m happy to be studying,” she adds.

While some nationalists are critical of the multilingual programme – fearing it could lead to secession in a country marred by decades of civil war – the minister is quick to defend it as the best route to an integrated Cambodia.

“Exclusion can create social problems,” he says. “Education is the only equalizer. Maybe they’re poor, or they are rich, but once you have education, it equalizes opportunity.”

Of course, challenges lie ahead. CARE and UNICEF both warn that quality needs to be maintained as the programme expands, and say the need for better-trained teachers is great. And, despite progress, the majority of minorities remain unreached.

But it’s hard to deny the impact made to date. Having lived in the same rural area in Ratanakiri his whole life, 64-year-old Dar Song says the programme has changed the reality for his Tampeun village.

“Now the community better understands the advantages of education,” he says. “And all of the children have access to school."

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 37

T R A

As the Urban Art Festival prepares to make its second annual outing, editor Marissa Carruthers gets an insight into the bubbling art scene.

A

crowd of young Cambodians gather around a freshly painted white wall in a once-forgotten part of Phnom Penh. Kneeling in front of them, one of their peers dips his brush into a pot of paint and adds a splash of colour to the wall, as if by magic transforming the shabby spot into a stunning work of art.

The youngster is one of a growing number of street artists who are starting to make their mark on the capital.

While the urban art movement has exploded across the globe, it remains in its infancy in Cambodia.

However, the nascent scene is on the rise as more of the younger generation are exposed to the art form through international artists, the internet and the launch of festivals, such as Develop Beung Kak Art’s Art Festival last month and the current Cambodia Urban Art Festival.

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“Street art is a way in which I am able to paint what I want with no rules or terms and conditions that I need to follow,” says 20-year-old Kimchean Koy, who first started dabbling with the form two years ago. “I am the one who paints what I want to paint, and it is this freedom that I find intriguing in street art.”

Humble Beginnings

Artists Lisa Mam and Peap Tarr helped kick-start the movement after a chance meeting four years ago. Art had run through the veins of Cambodian Mam, who started sketching at the age of six but was put off by her parents, who wanted her to follow a more economically fruitful career.

As a teenager, she was unable to ignore her artistic streak and once again picked up a paintbrush, and at the age of 21 was introduced

to established street artist, Cambodian-New Zealander Tarr. “I saw his work and was amazed,” she says. The couple hit it off and started an art collaboration that continues today.

Their signature style, which can be seen across the capital in bars, coffee shops and restaurants, draws on Khmer culture, such as the hand gestures of Apsara dancers and the five-headed dragon, Naga. “We are inspired by our Khmer heritage and visually translate that into street art,” says Tarr, who now works with Mam on an international scale.

Positioned in prominent places, their work pricked the interest of a new wave of intrigued local artists, who were also captivated by the murals emerging across the city by foreigners bringing their skills to the country.

“It’s amazing to help a new urban art movement grow in my hometown of

Phnom Penh,” says Mam, who remains Cambodia’s only female street artist. “I want Khmer graffiti, and also the creativeness of the future Khmer urban movement, to be seen around the world.”

Nurturing Talent

On Mar. 31, the country’s second Urban Art Festival opened, following in the footsteps of Develop Boeung Kak Art’s Art Festival, which saw three renowned graffiti artists from Thailand work alongside Cambodians to add more colour to the once dilapidated lakeside area.

“I really want to try and develop the street art scene in Cambodia, and that’s my most important goal,” says Theo Vallier, who relocated to Cambodia from France, in 2007, and co-organised the Urban Art Festival with the French Institute and fellow street artist, Chifumi. “It was hard when I first got here

because nobody really knew about it or understood what it was about.”

In April last year, Cambodia Urban Art Festival made its debut in Phnom Penh, taking in live painting performances, exhibitions and a series of gigs. Vallier and Chifumi also gathered a handful of local and international graffiti artists, including Tarr and Mam, and invited them to paint murals across the capital on designated walls. A tuk tuk tour of the work was held, with the 50 reserved vehicles filling up within minutes of opening.

This year’s outing follows a similar format, with the event set to be even bigger and better than last year. Until Apr. 23, a series of exhibitions and events will be dotted across the capital, with a tuk tuk tour taking visitors to this year’s freshly painted murals.

David Ou, a CambodianAmerican who moved to Cambodia seven years ago,

will be taking part in the festival for the second time.

He says events, such as the Urban Art Festival, are helping to propel the urban art scene into new realms throughout the Kingdom. “It shows others what street art is all about.

That it isn’t a bad thing; it’s a form of expression that is seen by the masses,” says the 20-year-old, who goes by the name of Strange the Rabbit.

With the hype surrounding this year’s festival already mounting, hopes are high that the scene will continue to grow into the future. Kimchean, who will also be putting in his second festival appearance this year, adds, “The street art scene seems to be growing rapidly as people are seeing the potential. More and more pieces are popping up here and there, with no signs of slowing down. The future seems bright and, obviously, colourful.”

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The latest show from Epic Arts is a powerful piece that traces Cambodia’s recent past. Editor Marissa Carruthers travels to Kampot to watch the performance.

AN EPIC SHOW 40 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

T

he applause is silent, but the silence has added poignancy. Instead of the rapturous sound of clapping the show deserves echoing around the Old Royal Cinema in Kampot, the audience frantically wave their hands in the air at the eight performers taking a bow on stage.

The lack of noise is not because the show went unappreciated – there was barely a dry eye in the house.

Instead, it is because the majority of the performers are deaf, and just moments before the curtain closed on Epic Arts’ latest show, Come Back Brighter, the audience was taught a few simple words in Khmer sign language, including how to clap.

Fusing traditional and modern dance, Come Back Brighter takes the audience on a journey through Cambodia’s turbulent history, told via a breath-taking combination of theatre, video and dance. Broken down into three acts, it gives the audience a snapshot into Cambodia’s Golden Era, its harrowing war torn days and the exciting time it is entering today – all performed by a troupe who have refused to

let their disabilities hamper their capabilities.

Show-stopping

Having premiered in the UK and Singapore last year, and put in an appearance at the Acts of Memory Festival in Phnom Penh, it seemed only fitting that the troupe, Epic Encounters, stage a run of the show on home turf in Kampot.

“For the performers themselves, it’s a fantastic opportunity to show what they can do, telling the story of so many people in this beautiful land, while celebrating the inclusive and diverse nature of Cambodia’s growing arts and cultural landscape,” says Onn Sokny, of Epic Arts’ senior management team.

Choreographed by Amrita Performing Arts’ Nam Narim for the original Epic Encounters’ UK tour last year, senior managers Laura Evans and Onn invited Nam back to develop the show further. Epic Arts’ Anthony Evans added to the mix and compiled the moving projections that intersperse the show, and UK award-winning filmmakers, Suzanne James and Darren Teale, created a short

documentary tracing the history of the venue and the Cambodian couple who moved into it in 1984 in a bid to rekindle the country’s quashed arts scene.

Performed in the fitting surroundings of the old cinema – a decaying relic of what was once a thriving cultural hub – the show offers a compelling snapshot into the country’s past, present and future. Opening in the Swinging Sixties, the performers recreate the vibrant Golden Age, twisting and shaking on the dance floor to the rock ‘n’ roll sounds that captivated the country.

But all this is quickly cut short, as the show moves to Year Zero and the dark days that saw the Khmer Rouge take hold, and destroy the people, the culture, the art and the landscape, leaving “scars on the body and minds”. The harrowing ordeal of this era is underpinned by the dark turn the dancing takes, the pain on the performers’ faces and in their tortured, desperate movements, and the withered dancers, who like dominos, fall to the ground, but fail to get up.

Paying testament to its name, and the efforts of Cambodia to rebuild itself, the final act holds hope as the Kingdom enters a new age. Developing at a rapid pace, the country is once again finding its feet, art is starting to blossom and its rich culture is being reborn. “Cambodia is rediscovering who it is again, its people are discovering their soul, and the arts are thriving,” is emblazoned on the screen towards the end of the show

Epic Future

Aiming to trace the rise, demise and resurrection of the arts scene in Cambodia, the

performers themselves are evidence of this movement.

Despite the majority being deaf, not a beat is missed during their synchronised dancing, and the jaw-dropping moves pulled off by one of the main players from his wheelchair are impressive.

Launching in Cambodia in 2006, Epic Arts main aim was to provide opportunities for disabled people in the Kingdom.

Seeing a desperate need for facilities within the arts, they set up shop in Kampot, opening Epic Arts Café, then the town’s first art centre to nurture the scene.

Epic Encounters was later formed as a social enterprise for Epic Arts, with the talented group of performing artists being Southeast Asia’s first and only fully inclusive dance company.

Ork Savy, 30, who stars in Come Back Brighter, has been a part of the troupe since it formed two years ago, having trained with Epic Arts for four years. He has not let his deafness prevent him from becoming the company’s performance co-ordinator and a keen choreographer.

“To be part of this is an amazing opportunity,” he says, wearing a broad grin after successfully pulling off another top show. “I work with such talented people and it is inspiring. This is a show about our history, our art and our identity.”

Come Back Brighter can be seen at the Old Royal Cinema, Kampot, every Friday until May 6 at 7.30pm. A Saturday show takes place on Apr. 9. Tickets are $10, children $7, Khmer adults $2.50 and Khmer children $1. To book, phone 078 719 816.

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THE

Long THE

Short

It

OF

A

s a child Jaws terrified me. The music, the title sequence and particularly the scene where a half-eaten head falls through the hull of a boat terrorised me. I had nightmares for months. So it was with much trepidation that I decided to go swimming with whale sharks.

“Don’t worry, they are completely harmless,” assured Allan Santos the general manager of Bopol Beach Club Resort who was hosting me on the boat trip. “Gentle giants.”

The Philippine town of Oslob is famed for the large fish who gather here each morning to feed on plankton thrown to them by local fisherman; whale sharks do not eat flesh, either fish or human apparently.

Still, as our flimsy catamaran joins the other vessels tied in a circle around the feeding animals – like cowboys waiting for rampaging Indians – I

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hesitate before plunging in.

“After you,” I say to my boat companions, a Dutch couple, as I intentionally fumble with my snorkel straps.

I jump in to confront the creature that had tormented my youth. Its vast gilled body – up to 12 metres long – is intensified by my flask. I bolt for the side of my boat as one whale shark veers its vast frame towards me.

Fortunately, these jaws remind me more of Wilfrid Brambell in Steptoe and Son – sans false teeth – than the blood-thirsty predator that did for Robert Shaw. More Gums than Jaws. Eventually I am able to relax in the waters, even managing to swim towards the creature to get a closer look.

Oslob’s fish feeding is not without its critics, who say it encourages whale sharks to associate humans with feeding, that it harms them and has led to a change in migratory

patterns and nutrition. On the other hand it does provide valuable tourist income for the locals. And at $20 for a 45minute ride, that quickly mounts up.

Before setting sail, we are instructed not to approach within four metres of the whale sharks – despite being dropped off a metre or so from them – and to remove our sun lotion, which is harmful to them. Still, some around us swim right up to the animals within breathing distance of their mouths, and I am left wondering whether I should really be here.

Despite these reservations, I found the experience truly invigorating, as did my Dutch companions.

“It was great,” Ben Gosman, one half of the couple, tells me once we have returned to our boat. “We were very happy and the experience exceeded our expectations. We especially

bought a GoPro for recording the Whale Sharks, hopefully our videos are as good as the live experience.”

Earlier that morning we had left our resort to the most glorious sunrise. Rounds of sandwiches and an esky full of soft drinks sustain us as we navigate the two-hour crossing of the Cebu Straits from Bohol to neighbouring Cebu.

Our captain, dressed like Jonny Depp in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, helps us aboard, before steering our catamaran through the shallow waters. The passage is calm and I am able to catch up with my missed sleep.

On the return leg, we dive once more into the waters to swim with sea turtles. I follow a baby turtle for a hundred metres or so until it decides to put on a spurt leaving me alone to admire the glorious coral, sponges and colourful starfish. In the

The Philippines is home to the most amazing flora and fauna, some of which is in danger of extinction. Words by Mark Bibby Jackson. Photos by Trude von Liebenstein.

distance an adult pair of turtles are making their slow swim out to the ocean.

As we return to our vessel, storm clouds are gathering, and the trip back takes on the form of a nautical rodeo ride with our catamaran riding the waves.

Water floods on to the deck each time we crash into one of the huge swirls.

The previous day we had taken a trip around Bohol, an island renowned for its Chocolate Hills. Given this name – originally they were called the Carmen Hills – by an American professor after the Hershey bars they resemble, it’s only in the dry season, as the vegetation dries, that the hills take on a chocolate brown hue. When we

visit they are still relatively green.

Legend has it that the giant Arrogo created the hills when he fell in love with a mortal called Aluya. Sadly, she was already betrothed and Arrogo’s forlorn tears created the 1,268 chocolate hills.

Unfortunately we are not allowed to climb the hills, and although the view from the top of the 214 stairs at the visitor centre is pleasant enough, the overall experience is very touristy; certainly not one for the individual traveller or anyone wishing to get back to nature.

The visit to The Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary and Research Centre is much more impressive. Founded in 1997, to protect the small primates,

which can also be found on Sumatra, Sulawesi and Borneo, the centre is very much the work of Carlito Pizarras, “the tarsier man”, who has devoted his life to the preservation of the endangered primate.

“When we started The Philippine Tarsier Foundation [in 1996], there were less than 10 and now there are more or less 100,” says Pizarras, adding that the animals are still endangered due to the destruction of their habitat, illegal hunting and the introduction of domestic cats.

“We need a big space for them,” he says. “We have to protect them. I’m hoping that we can get some more land.”

Quietly, we walk up close to the endangered nocturnal

creatures, trying not to wake them, as they have been known to die when subjected to too much noise. At night they walk the kilometre or so through the trees to seek their prey before returning the following morning after a night out in the jungle.

One of the smallest primates in the world, the contrast with the bulk of the whale shark is all too apparent. But, at least here I have no misgivings as to my own presence.

Pizarras is having success in preserving the much endangered creature, and as opposed to the fishermen of Oslob, his motives seem totally altruistic.

“I love animals,” he explains.

Long may his love continue.

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ENSO 50B Street 240, Phnom Penh. Tel: 078 626 240.

Open daily from 7am to 8pm.

On the hunt for new brunch options, editor Marissa Carruthers and photographer Charles Fox head to Enso to satisfy the craving.

“We’ve brought a bit of Melbourne to Phnom Penh,” says Enso co-owner and Australian restaurateur Glenn Thompson of his latest eatery. His comment is an understatement, with the hip surroundings – high ceilings and simple but elegant décor dotted with industrial furnishings – resembling something straight off the streets of the vibrant Aussie city.

The menu is the same, paying testament to a diverse range of options, all bursting with flavour, minus any signs of the airs and graces of pretention.

The all-day breakfasts are undoubtedly the specialty, taking in healthy options, such as quinoa porridge with vanilla, lemon, raisins, blueberry compote and pistachio ($5), and sautéed field mushrooms 44 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

and spinach with goat cheese and basil dressing ($4.50).

For those looking for something sturdier, dinner is also catered for with equally mouthwatering meals on the menu – think pork belly ravioli with seared scallops and soy beurre blanc ($8.50) and red snapper, potato and leek pie, served with a mixed salad ($8.50).

Tempted by the brunch offerings, first up was the chak chouka ($6.50), a lunch and breakfast dish all rolled into one. Here, Tunisian baked eggs sit alongside spicy sausage, tomatoes, peppers and olives, served as an omelet-style feast.

Packed with so many flavours, the dish punches you wide awake, with the chilli, cumin and chorizo sausage adding a spicy kick alongside the olives

and gentle notes of coriander.

The zucchini and pea fritters with streaky bacon, eggs and salsa verde ($5.50) is another dish worth waking up for. The fritters are given an extra flair by using grated ricotta, lemon and self-rising flour to give a thick and fluffy texture before being fried to add the outer crunch. This is served with lashings of crispy bacon, yoghurt that is hung to rid it of excess moisture, and salsa verde made from mint, coriander, chilli, olive oil and garlic, which adds a mellow calm. The wow factor comes in the form of the eggs, which are boiled at a precise 62C. “This holds the protein in the egg,” says Thompson.

Moving onto the mains and the summery sounding tuna tartar with avocado and tomato

jelly ($8.50) was calling. Served in a classic prawn cocktail glass, the dish offers the freshest of ingredients. Take the sashimi grade tuna, which is dipped in liquid nitrogen to keep it fresh.

The tomato and avocado jelly with basil offers a refreshing addition, with the cumin adding a welcome zing to each bite.

Sticking to the healthy agenda, a smoothie bar sits outside, offering a range of energy drinks, such as the green boost made from banana, mango, spinach, moringa and fresh coconut water – the perfect hangover cure – and the rejuvenate, which is packed full of beetroot and ginger.

With each dish having gone down a treat, and plenty more options up for grabs, a return trip to Enso is definitely on my menu.

POKI POKE 71 Sothearos Boulevard, Phnom Penh. Tel: 017 570 923.

Open daily, from 10am to 9pm.

The capital’s first poké outlet serves up fresh seafood bowls at a bargain, keeping things simple and scrumptious.

Writing by Joanna Mayhew. Photography by Lucas Veuve.

With one primary dish on offer, Poki Poke has put all its eggs in one basket. Luckily, the basket – or, in this case, bamboo bowl – appears to deliver, with the straightforward and healthy dish packing a serious punch of flavours.

At the small outlet, poké – a variation of raw fish salad – takes centre stage, served atop rice and customised to order with a smorgasbord of fixins.

Opened last October, Poki Poke’s laid-back vibe jibes well with its signature dish’s home turf: Hawaii.

While influenced strongly by Japan, the offering is distinctly Americanised, reminiscent of evolutions such as TexMex or the California roll. “It’s very difficult to categorise,” says restaurant director Takao Nishikawa.

Traditionally, the dish refers to chunks of tuna served with soy sauce and wasabi, but poké – as opposed to delicately sliced sashimi – can refer to anything cut into chunks and marinated like ceviche.

“I felt really impacted,” says Nishikawa of the first time he tried the dish in California. “I [immediately] wanted to open [a] poké [restaurant] in Southeast Asia.”

The eatery calls its evolved version of poké “sushi in a bowl”, and customers follow simple steps to select their rice, fish, toppings and sauce of choice. “Poké is very easy to cook,” says Nishikawa, adding the most important aspect is the freshness of the fish.

Poki Poke sources salmon from Norway, tuna from Thailand and shrimp and squid locally,

changing out the fish and seafood twice daily to maintain quality.

And while traditional sushi is primarily paired with soy sauce, poké eaters have more fun, with condiments taking in wasabi, hot chilli mayonnaise, sesame soy and ponzu, a Japanese vinegar and soy sauce.

One colourful poké bowl includes white rice with salmon, shrimp and squid, topped with onion, cucumber and masago egg, and coated in sesame soy sauce.

The strong-flavoured dish had a nice array of textures, with crunchy veggies and seaweed strips offsetting the rich salmon. Another variation, using brown rice, saw the same seafood combination contrasted with strong chillies and citruscoated avocado salad, with a sprinkling of sesame seeds and

a welcome dab of wasabi.

Poki Poke’s understated and quirky space has a handful of low wooden tables with even lower stools, seating just 20 people inside. Though small, the restaurant, with a vaulted ceiling, bowl pendant lights and large potted plants, makes for a cosy escape. And while there are no frills or whistles, it has a growing fan base among Westerners, with Nishikawa saying young Khmers too are gradually trying the dish.

The simple-menu eatery also boasts a welcome and surprisingly diverse array of beers, serving Chimay, Duvel, Hoegaarden, Budweiser, Heineken and Corona. And with large poké bowls priced at just $3.50, Poki Poke, can claim – at least while it still has a monopoly – being one of the best deals in town.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 45

BehindtheDesign

James Ou: Kool As U

Words by Marissa Carruthers Photography by Charles Fox

46 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

Since starring in AsiaLIFE’s cover feature on fashion designers of the future two years ago, James Ou has gone from strength to strength, recently relocating his boutique to a lofty space on Street 208 ahead of launching his latest line of clothing.

Having started life working in the garment factories that dot the outskirts of Phnom Penh, the Cambodian fashionista picked up the tricks of the trade during his nine year stint working on producing clothes for designer labels, such as Gap, Mulberry, Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger.

Equipped with insider’s knowledge on standards, design and sewing high quality clothing, in 2008 the 35-year-old followed his dream and quit his job to start his own tailoring business, receiving private classes on fashion design and teaching himself online in his spare time.

His hard work and commitment, led to him launching his own menswear label in 2013, Kool As U, opening his first boutique in late 2014 on Street 19. Last month, he changed location, shifting his clothing – which has now expanded to take in women’s wear – to a spacious upper floor in a hidden spot on Street 208.

“Things are going really well,” he says, standing amid rails of floaty dresses, patterned T-shirts and funky, fitted suits. His ultimate aim was to bridge the gap between expat and local fashion, originally producing a range of casual slim-fit T-shirts, shirts and trousers.

“I want to showcase good quality, Cambodian-made clothing to the world,” he says. “Here in Cambodia, we have a young, modern population, and I aim to reflect this in my designs.”

As well as taking in on-the-rail clothing, Ou now offers custom-made clothing and couture pieces that make their owners stand out from the crowd. In May, he will showcase his latest collection of about 20 to

30 pieces, which takes in floaty fabrics, denim-galore and navy colours.

“I’m very excited about the new collection,” he says.

“It has taken a lot of hard work and thought, and I’m very pleased with the result.”

Using Illustrator to create his designs, Ou sources all of his fabrics and materials locally, adding to the uniqueness of each piece. “When I find material I like in the markets, I buy it all,” he says. “When it’s gone, it’s gone; you can’t get any more.”

Drawing inspiration from his surroundings, as well as scouring the internet for new trends across the globe, Ou is also exporting some of his goods to Australia and Malaysia, showing the world what fashion from Cambodia is all about.

23E1 Street 208, Phnom Penh.

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IF ONLY FOR A DAY Photographer: Luke Ding Model: Melissa Rendon Hair, make up and styling: Ryan at The Dollhouse Assitant: Dara Pen Location: Silk Island

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Dress Ambre Pearl necklace Paperdolls

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Dress Natacha Van Earnings Paperdolls

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Dress Ambre Ring Paperdolls

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escape

LISTINGS

Silk Air Regency Complex C, Suite 2-4 Samdach Monireth Blvd Tel: 023 988 629

hotel & travel Airlines Air Asia Domestic Terminal Arrival Office A17 Phnom Penh International Airport Tel: 023 890 035 Asiana Airlines Room A16 Phnom Penh International Airport Tel: 023 890 441

Hue Festival Fun If you’re planning on heading to Hue in Vietnam to celebrate the annual cultural festival, which runs from Apr. 29 to May 5, in style, then check out La Residence Hotel & Spa’s Memorable Hue Festival package. For $300, guests can enjoy two nights’ accommodation, daily breakfast for two, a one-way airport transfer, 45-minute back-and-shoulder or foot massage, and one ticket per person to one of the festival events. The package also offers a 50 percent discount on car service, and is available for all stays between Apr. 15 and May 15. Visit la-residence-hue.com for reservations.

Tranquil Kep

Enjoy a weekend break in the soothing surroundings of Knai Bang Chatt in Kep if you’re a Cambodian expat or local for $169 a night. The deal includes breakfast, with the chance to upgrade, depending on availability. Whatever you do, don’t forget your passport. Prices include VAT but exclude a five percent surcharge. Visit knaibangchatt.com for reservations.

Heart of Darkness

Khiri Travel has introduced two new, off-the-beaten track tours linking Laos with Vietnam. The eight day/ seven night trip takes in the rural charms of Laos, crossing into Vietnam at Nam Can border, connecting to Ninh Binh and onwards to Hanoi. The second is a highly evocative 11 day/10 night trip following a similar route but including visits to Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area, and Xam Neua, home to Laos’ revolution-era caves. The trip connects with Mai Chau and later Hanoi via the Na Meo border crossing. Both journeys traverse iconic Indochinese mountain landscapes that played an important role in the Indochinese wars between the 1950s and 1975. For full itineraries email sales.laos@khiri.com or sales.vietnam@khiri.com.

Sail Away

Paradise Hotels and Cruises is dropping an anchor in the 4-star sector by taking leadership of La Vela Cruises. In operation since 2008, La Vela Cruises tours Vietnam’s Halong Bay with two steel boats of similar size but different style — the 28-cabin La Vela Classic and the 21-cabin La Vela Premium. La Vela will offer one- and two-night itineraries that begin at a private pontoon on Tuan Chau Harbor.

Destinations include massive Sung Sot Cave, scenic Cua Van Floating Village and storied Titov Island. Guests can also enjoy Vietnamese cooking demonstrations, morning Tai Chi sessions and exquisite buffet lunches. Other distinguishing aspects of the fleet include Jacuzzis in the highest room categories and spas.

For more information, visit lavelacruisehalong.com.

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Skywing Asia Airlines IOC building Monivong Blvd.

Tel: 023 217130

Bangkok Airways 61A Street 214 Phnom Penh Tel: 023 722 545 Bassaka Air 335 Preah Sihanouk Blvd.

Phnom Penh Tel: 023 217 688 Cambodia Angkor Air 206A Preah Norodom Blvd. Phnom Penh Tel: 023 666 6788 Cambodia Bayon Airlines 174ABCD, Mao Tse Toung Blvd.

Phnom Penh Tel: 023 231 555 Cebu Pacific Air 333B Preah Monivong Blvd Phnom Penh Tel: 023 219 161 China Airlines 32 Preah Norodom Blvd. Phnom Penh Tel: 023 222 056 China Eastern 68 Street 606 Phnom Penh Tel: 016 985 668 / 016 985 304 China Southern Room F-G-H-I, Ground floor 53 Phnom Penh Hotel, Monivong Blvd Tel: 023 424 588 DragonAir 168 Monireth Blvd Phnom Penh Tel: 023 424 300 Eva Air Suite 11-14B Street 205 Phnom Penh Tel: 023 219 911 Jet Star Asia 333B Monivong Blvd Phnom Penh Tel: 023 220 909 Korean Air 254 R03 Monivong Blvd.

Phnom Penh Tel: 023 224 047 / 023 224 049 Lao Airlines 58B Preah Sihanouk Blvd.

Phnom Penh Tel: 023 222 956 Malaysia Airlines 35-37 Street 214, Phnom Penh Tel: 023 218 923 / 023 218 924 Myanmar Airways International 90-94Eo Charles de Gaulle (Street 217) Phnom Penh Tel: 023 866 404 Qatar Airways 296 Mao Tse Toung Blvd.

Ground floor, Intercontinental Hotel Phnom Penh.

Thai Airways 294 Mao Tse Toung Blvd.

Phnom Penh Tel: 023 214 359 Tiger Airways 296 Mao Tse Toung Blvd.

Intercontinental Hotel, Suite 16B Phnom Penh Tel: 023 5515 888 Vietnam Airlines 41 Street 214 Phnom Penh Tel: 023 215 998

Battambang Bambu Hotel Phum Romchek 5 Tel: 053 953 900 / 053 953 905 Email: bookings@bambuhotel.com 16 rooms arranged in four traditional inspired buildings with swimming pool, bar and restaurant.

Battambang Resort Wat Ko Village, Battambang Tel: 012 510 100/ 053 666 7001 Email: info@battambangresort.com Café Eden 89 Group 5, Mapei Outsapeea Village Tel: 053 731 525 Eclectic café with incredible food that overlooks the river. Non-profit boutique with handmade local crafts that focuses on training Cambodians. WiFi, AC, Local Art. Happy hour 3pm-7pm. Open Wednesday - Monday 7.30am-9pm Jaan Bai Restaurant Road 2 (near Psar Nat Market) Tel: 097 398 7815 For those with a passion for food and an interest in supporting Cambodian youth.

Using seasonal organic produce sourced from their own kitchen garden, local farmers and neighbouring markets. Open Tuesday – Sunday 11am–9pm.

Kinyei Café Street 1 and 1/2, Phum 20 Osaphea Tel: 017 292 119 Social enterprise with the best coffee in town, serving snacks, lunch, breakfast and other drinks, friendly staff, free space for small open workshop. Won the National Barista Championship 2012 - 2013.

Open daily from 7am-7pm.

La Villa 185 Pom Romchek 5 Tel: 017 411 880 / 053 730 151 lavilla.battambang@gmail.com Beautifully restored 1930s colonial house with six rooms. A premium hotel in the country’s second city and with an excellent kitchen and bar.

Sangker Villa Hotel Pool Restaurant 200 Street, Romchek4 Village Ratanak Commune Tel: 097 764 0017 Sangker Villa has seven rooms and one balcony suite. It is a 10 minute walk from the city centre. The hotel combines the charm of the countryside with the advantages of the city. Swiss management, speaking English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.

Kampot Bokor Mountain Lodge Riverfront Tel: 033 932 314 /017 712 062 Beautiful French colonial building situated on riverfront with well-fitted air-conditioned rooms. Has a good restaurant and bar.

Epic Arts Café Old Market Street Employing deaf staff, this café next to the old market has a good range of bagels, shakes, brownies and coffee. Is also the centre for the community arts programme. Open from 7am-6pm.

Les Manguiers 2km north of Kampot Tel: 092 330 050 Small resort with bungalows and rooms set in beautiful gardens overlooking the river with a restaurant which has daily changing menu and freshly prepared food.

Mea Culpa 44 Sovansokar Tel: 012 504 769 Email: meaculpakampot@gmail.com Accommodation established by the former manager of Bokor Mountain Lodge set in the French Quarter. Six rooms have AC, hot water, DVD and TV. The large garden has a patio pizzeria and bar.

Rikitikitavi Riverfront Tel: 012 274 820/012 235 102 www.rikitikitavi-kampot.com Western food served in large portions in this river-facing restaurant, bar and threeroom guesthouse. A more upmarket venue for Kampot, the upstairs seating affords great sunset views. Restaurant and bar open daily.

Rusty Keyhole Riverside Road Tel: 012 679 607 Friendly British owner has recreated the atmosphere of a rural British pub in outer Kampot, or at least as close as it gets.

The ribs remain as good as ever. Open 8.30am until midnight.

Kep Knai Bang Chatt Resort Tel: 078 888 557 www.knaibangchatt.com An exclusive resort offering personal service in private grounds housing a collection of remodeled 1960’s style colonial villas. Offering 18 rooms, infinity pool, spa and media centre. All rooms refurbished to international standards. Choice of two dining options – upscale The Strand or the adjoining Sailing Club.

Le Bout du Monde Tel: 011 964 181 www.leboutdumondekep.com Individual and separate bungalows in traditional Khmer architecture located on a hill-top with good views and nice gardens. Serves French and Khmer cuisine. Rooms have hot water, mini-bar, fan and safe.

Spring Valley Resort /Mr. Mab Tel: 036 666 6673 mrmab.com www.springvalley-resort.com Spring Valley Resort, at the base of Kep National Park, is just a short walk to the beach. The rooms are scattered throughout vibrant green gardens, connected by walkways that wind through vines, trees and flowering plants.

Their restaurant, Mr Mab takes a fresh look at traditional Khmer street food.

Villa S’aat Tel: 017 383 185 www.villa-kep.com Elegant and spacious villa for rent in Kep during holidays and weekends. Located around 2km from the crab market, with spacious rooms, fully equipped kitchen, swimming pool, large terrace, garden and household staff. Maximum capacity of 12 guests.

Kirirom Kirirom Pine View Kitchen Tel: 078 777 284

www.vkirirom.com The restaurant is surrounded by pine trees, located in Kirirom National Park.

Serves special Khmer and western dishes, overlooking this beautiful nature.

Open daily from 7am-10pm.

Mondulkiri Mayura Hill Resort Tel: 077 980 980 www.mayurahillresort.com Mayura Hill Hotel & Resort has 14 exclusive private bungalow villas embodying the northeastern province’s lifestyle. The first eco-tourism resort in Sen Monorom city located just 1km from downtown, surrounded by wonderful views of the highlands.

Pailin Memoria Palace Resort Tel: 015 430 013 / 015 430 014 Email: reservation@memoriapalce.com www.memoriapalace.com Memoria Palace Resort features 16 beautiful bungalow, three unique ecolodges, a hilltop saltwater swimming pool, restaurant, bar and conference room. The perfect environment for peaceful relaxation or adventurous outdoor activities in the Cardamom Mountains.

Phnom Penh – Apartments Bellevue Serviced Apartments 68 Tonle Sap Street Tel: 023 432 999 www.bellevueservicedapartments.com Located in a deluxe hotel complex on the riverbank of the Tonle Sap, Bellevue offers spacious, contemporary accommodation 10 minutes away from the city.

Himawari Hotel Apartments 313 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 214 555 Email: reservation@himawari.com.kh www.himawarihotel.com Choose from panoramic views of the Mekong Delta or the city skyline backdrop with the Royal Palace, the spacious and well-appointed suites are a home away from home, both for tourists and long-stay guests. Amenities include fullyequipped kitchen, daily housekeeping services, international pool, fitness centre, tennis court, spa and various food and beverage outlets.

Season Residence Apartments 109-133, Street 144 Tel: 023 990 628 / 012 457 408 www.seasonresidence.com Season Residence is self-catered accommodation located only 9km from the airport. Featuring spacious apartments with free Wi-Fi access.

Silvertown Metropolitan 251 Street 63 www.silvertowncambodia.com Located in BKK1, one of the most vibrant neighbourhoods of Phnom Penh, the fully serviced apartments take everyday living and lifestyle at the highest quality.

Features include a tranquil rooftop skybar and infinity swimming pool.

Sokea Suites Extended Stay 168 Monireth Blvd. www.sokeasuites.com The 21 apartments ranging from 37 m2 to 95 m2 are designed with one idea in mind: to make guests feel at home in Phnom Penh.

TAMASA Serviced Apartment Located next to Cambodia Country Club Tel: 023 995 594 The 26 rooms all have different designs and layouts. A café is located on the ground floor of the building and it also has an infinity pool on the top floor, which is opened for residents and guests.

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Phnom Penh – Deluxe InterContinental 296 Mao Tse Toung Blvd.Tel: 023 424 888 www.ihg.com One of Phnom Penh’s most luxurious 5-star hotels, the 346 air-con rooms have all the expected facilities including in-room safes and king size beds. Also has a large swimming pool, a fitness centre and spa.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal Street 92 Tel: 023 981 888 www.raffles.com/phnom-penh/ Emanates the same class as its more famous namesake in Singapore. The Elephant Bar is a popular expat haunt during the 4pm to 8pm happy hour.

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra 26 Old August Site, Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 023 999 200 www.sofitel.com Set on the riverside amongst landscaped gardens this 12-storey, 5-star colonial style hotel is close to key attractions, embassies and the central business district.

Sokha Phnom Penh Chroy Changvar Peninsula Tel: 23 685 8888 www. sokhahotels.com/phnompenh An blot on the horizon or testament to the rising wealth of the capital - you choose.

Located on Chroy Changvar peninsula opposite the Royal Palace the views are quite spectacular, but the opulent interior can not disguise the distance to Phnom Penh’s bars and restaurants.

Phnom Penh – Mid Chateau the Meliya 10B Street 264 Tel: 023 987 212 Hotel and serviced-apartments, in a great central location, close to Independence Monument, Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum and Riverfront. 54 units (studio, one bedroom and two bedrooms), with contemporary design and amazing city and river views.

The Billabong Hotel 5 Street 158 Tel: 023 223 703 www.thebillabonghotel.com Phnom Penh’s premier boutique family hotel with 41 well-appointed rooms surrounding a large free form salt water swimming pool. Poolside alfresco dining.

The Laneway Boutique Hotel 2 Street 278 Tel: 089 985 956 The Laneway Boutique Hotel is located in the heart of Phnom Penh and offers all the essential comforts you would expect from a first-class leisure hotel, including a cocktail bar, swimming pool, grill restaurant and recreational facilities.

Mito Hotel 11 Street 174, corner Monivong Blvd.

(North of Wat Koh Pagoda) Tel: 023 213 999/ 023 220 188/ 023 220 199 Email: reservation@mitohotel.com www.mitohotel.com Mito Hotel is a newly renovated business hotel in the heart of Phnom Penh. Blessed with premier central location, diverse international clientele of business men, entrepreneurs, adventures with affordable luxury. Mito Hotel is the preferred choice for business and leisure travellers.

Pandan Boutique Hotel 15A Street 282 Tel: 012 373 78 www.pandanboutiquehotel.com Ideally located in the heart of Phnom Penh, at walking distance from the shopping and business district, 5 minute walk from Independence Monument. 26 rooms with unique and classy design.

Rambutan Resort 29 Street 71Tel: 017 992 240

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www.rambutanresort.com Urban modern oasis located in a quiet residential area only 5 minutes from all major sights in Phnom Penh. Deluxe pool view and garden rooms with outdoor bathtubs. Salt water pool and private spa room for some unwinding treatments.

Villa Srey 16 Street 306 Tel: 023 213 219 www.villasrey.com Charming hotel, six rooms with terrace and swimming pool. Very quiet in the heart of Phnom Penh.

The 252 Boutique Hotel 19 Street 252 Tel: 023 998 252 www.the-252.com Conveniently located close to major attractions, the small boutique hotel offers a quiet and peaceful retreat from the bustling city. Spacious and stylishly decorated rooms with all amenities, swimming pool surrounded by a leafy tropical garden, outdoor restaurant and bar.

Le Rit’s 71 Street 240 Tel: 023 213 160 Small & charming 6-room guesthouse with spacious rooms is managed by NYEMO NGO, part of its hospitality training.

Rooms equipped with queen-sized bed, cable TV, private bathroom.

Mid-Range Almond Hotel 128f Sothearos Bld. Tel: 023 220 822 Owned by Cambodia’s top chef, Luu Meng, this hotel boasts 70 guest rooms, and is aimed at the visiting business community. Tasty dim sun is served from the ground floor restaurant, YiSang. Sister hotel about to open close to Aeon Mall.

The Artist Guesthouse 69 Street 178 Tel: 023 213 930 www.the-artist-guesthouse.com Located across from the National Museum, The Artist is an 11-bedroom guesthouse has a modern feel.

The Quay Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 224 894 www.thequayhotel.com Five-storey, 16-room riverside boutique hotel has beautiful contemporary rooms designed by Gary Fell. The stand-out features are the roof-top Jacuzzi and the very contemporary ground-floor bar and Chow Restaurant with WiFi. Samsara Villa Boutique Hotel 43z5, Street 466, Phnom Penh. Tel: 011 562 629 / 023 219 136 www.samsaravilla.com Located in a quiet alley, between Aeon Mall and Russian Market, 15min from Riverside and Central Market, Samsara Villa is charming, peaceful with a small but luxurious garden, a pool, 20 rooms, restaurant & bar open from 7am to 10pm, transportation & tours.

Tama Hotel Phnom Penh Tower – The H22 Phnom Penh Tower, 22nd Floor Tel: 023 964 020 www.d22h22.com Many of the rooms feature large windows allowing guests to easily take in the beautiful city view from your room on the 22nd floor of PPT. Room available from $25.

TEAV Boutique Hotel 14 Street 310 Tel: 023 981 818 / 017 989 191 Email: stay@teavgroup.com www.teavboutiquehotel.com Located in a quiet, peaceful setting in the prestigious central heart of Phnom Penh near the Independence Monument, the uniquely designed art deco style TEAV Boutique Hotel provides single travellers, couples, families, leisure and business with a relaxing and highly personalised stay.

Villa Borann 235A Street 19 Tel: 023 211 518 www.villa-borann-boutique-hotel.com Business boutique hotel in the historical centre of Phnom Penh with 14 rooms, swimming pool, bar and restaurant.

Nicely furnished rooms. Colonial style.

Villa Samnang 15 Street 302 Tel: 023 221 644 www.villa-samnang.com Boutique hotel with 14 rooms, swimming pool, bar and restaurant.

Phnom Penh - Budget

Sihanoukville Café Sushi 25 Street Ekreach, near Golden Lion Tel: 012 777 476 (Khmer/English) 097 516 5727 (Japanese) Cafe Sushi serves up fresh sushi prepared by a master Japanese “itamae” in a stylish, air-conditioned lounge. Choose from an authentic range of sashimi, nigiri and other Japanese favourites, with both locally-caught and rare, imported fish, or go for more westernised choices. Open daily from 11am-2pm & 5.30pm-10pm.

Mick & Craig’s Restaurant Serendipity Beach Tel: 034 934 845 www.mickandcraigs.com A small, friendly restaurant serving comfort food from around the world since 1997. Open daily from 7am-11pm.

Reef Resort Road to Serendipity Beach Tel: 012 315 338 www.reefresort.com.kh Guesthouse set around a beautiful pool with well apportioned AC rooms, in-room safe and cable TV, family rooms also available. Has a welcoming bar with excellent TV screen.

Scuba Nation Lane off road to Serendipity Beach Tel: 012 604 680 / 012 715 785 www.divecambodia.com Five-star PADI centre offering daily trips to the area’s many islands and reefs, including the decent dive sites.

The Secret Garden Otres Beach Tel: 097 649 5131 www.secretgardenotres.com Modern beachside AC bungalows with hot water, TV, WiFi and swimming pool.

Restaurant run by professional Australian chef.

Travel Cambodia Uncovered 11B Street 370 Tel: 012 507 097 www.cambodiauncovered.com Offers village and cultural tours in Phnom Penh and surrounds including road trips, Mekong cruises, accommodation, cooking classes and other activities.

City Tour Hop on Hop off Tel: 016 745 880 Visit 10 popular attractions in Phnom Penh. Unlimited hop on hop off. English commentary, free Wifi and water. Departs hourly from the Night Market. Shuttle bus to Genocide Museum and Killing Fields: 9am and 11am from the Night Market.

Discover the Mekong Suite 1844, Canadia Tower 18th Floor Monivong Blvd.

Tel: 023 962 468 Email: dmc@discoverthemekong.travel Discover the Mekong offers unique adventures into the heart of Cambodia.

Exotissimo Travel 66 Norodom Blvd.

Tel: 023 218 948

www.exotissimo.com Excellent French-owned agency specialising in adventure tourism, flight bookings, package holidays and a range of tours of Southeast Asia.

Helicopters Cambodia 10 Street 310 Tel: 012 814 500 www.helicopterscambodia.com Over 12 years’ experience operating in the Kingdom offers scenic flights around the Temples of Angkor and beyond. Is a wholly owned subsidiary of Helicopters New Zealand Group.

Intrepid Travel 468 Sivutha Blvd.

Tel: 063 966 655 For travellers with a yearning to get off the beaten track, Intrepid opens up a whole new world of adventure travel. With a huge variety of tours available.

Scuba Nation Lane off road to Serendipity Beach Tel: 012 604 680/012 715 785 www.divecambodia.com Five-star PADI centre offering daily trips to the area’s many islands and reefs including the decent dive sites at Koh Rung Samloem and Koh Kong.

Travel Indochina 43-44EO Street 108 Tel: 023 991 978 www.travelindochina.com.au Australian-owned travel company specialising in small group journeys around Asia that can tailor trips for individuals.

LISTINGS

siem reap Bars AHA The Passage Tel: 063 965 501 Sophisticated and beautifully designed wine bar selling a wide range of wines from around the world and tapas, as well as great cheese and Lavazza coffee.

Open 10.30am-10.30pm.

Angkor What?

Pub Street Tel: 012 181 4001 “Promoting irresponsible drinking since 1998,” this graffiti-laden bar is the mainstay of Pub Street. A healthy mix of loud rock, punk and grunge, buckets of vodka and red bull for $6.

Laundry Bar Old Market Extremely chilled music bar just off Pub Street with great mellow decor and extremely cool t-shirts. Free drink during the 6pm-9pm washing hours. Open 6pm until late.

Linga Bar Alley behind Pub Street Tel: 012 246 912 www.lingabar.com Laid back, gay-friendly bar with extremely chilled Buddha Bar tunes and amazing light boxes. Range of cocktails. Open 5pm until late.

Mezze 13a (1st floor) Street 11 Tel: 097 766 7343 mezze.siemreap@gmail.com www.mezzesiemreap.com Enjoy signature cocktails, original Cuban

cigars, fine Champagne and fusion tapas.

Open daily 6pm-1am.

ming pool, spa and international standard 18-hole 72-par golf course

Miss Wong Lane off Pub Street Tel: 092 428 332 Imagine yourself in China at the turn of the last century and you won’t go much wrong in Miss Wong with excellent and original cocktails and dim sum. Open late.

Sokkhak Boutique Resort Kok Chork village, Trorpeang Ses commune, Wat thmey Tel: 063 765 697 / 063 765 698 www.sokkhak-boutiqueresort.com Stay in either one of the two suites, four junior suites or five uniquely deluxe rooms and one classic standard room, decorated in a boutique and homely style that offers simplicity, comfort and relaxation.

Nest Sivutha Blvd. Tel: 063 966 381 Up-market drinking and dining, serving light Mediterranean and Asian food in a unique, highly stylised setting, with loungers and table settings.

The Warehouse Old Market Tel: 012 530 227 Popular expat bar plays great music with good fusion cuisine. Best stocked bar in town and homemade infused vodkas.

Open 10am-3am.

Galleries Diwo Galleries Vat Svay, Tonle Sap Road / between Monument Books and Ta Prohm Hotel.

Selection of refined Khmer statues and Buddhas. The larger Vat Svay location features a gallery exhibition of Thierry Diwo’s photography. Drinks are available in the garden and on the terrace.

Happy Cambodia Gallery 2 Hospital Street, next to Pub Street Tel: 063 963 114 www.happypainting.net The distinctive and highly colourful work created by long-time Cambodian expat artist Stef.

McDermott Gallery I & II FCC Complex Pokambor Avenue / Alley behind Pub Street Tel: 092 668 181 www.mcdermottgallery.com Two galleries devoted to photographic works. With permanent exhibition of photographs taken by John McDermott.

Open 10am-10pm.

Hotels Kingdom Angkor Hotel Tel: 063 760 526 Email: reservation@kingdomangkor.com or info@kingdomangkor.com www.kingdomangkor.com Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa Tel: 063 967 755 www.lynnaya.com A luxury resort equipped with swimming pool, spa and restaurant.

Leisure Angkor Silk Farm Puok District (20min from Siem Reap downtown) Tel: 063 555 5768 www.artisansdangkor.com Learn about the meticulous process of silk-making and traditional silk weaving.

Free shuttle bus departing from Artisans Angkor’s shop in Siem Reap centre to the Angkor Silk Farm from 9.30am-1.30pm.

Open daily from 8am-5pm Helicopters Cambodia 658 Hup Quan Street.

Tel: 063 963 316 Professionally run company with flights over the temples and beyond in modern, safe helicopters.

Phare, The Cambodian Circus Behind Angkor National Museum on Komay Road Tel: 015 499 480.

A unique professional Cambodian theatrical circus show mixing traditional and modern artistic skills. Daily at 7.30pm.

Phokeethra Country Club Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Vithei Charles de Gaulle Tel: 056 396 4600 reservation.angkor@phokeethragolf.com International standard 18-hole, 72-par golf course 16km outside of Siem Reap.

Clubhouse facilities: pro shop, rental equipment, restaurant.

Sam Veasna Centre Wat Bo Area Tel: 063 963 710 Some of the rarest birds in Asia can be seen at Prek Toal and Ang Trapang Thmor, a day-trip from Siem Reap, or combine bird watching with temple trips to Koh Ker and Beng Melea.

Medical

Prince D’Angkor Hotel & Spa Sivatha Blvd.

Tel: 063 763 888 Email: info@princedangkor.com www.princedangkor.com Experience ultimate luxury and bask in the splendor of elegance at the Prince D’ Angkor Hotel & Spa, the perfect base from which to explore the legendary Angkor temples.

Royal Angkor International Hospital National Route 6, Phum Kasekam, Khum Sra Ngea Tel: 063 761 888 www.royalangkorhospital.com Royal Angkor International Hospital is part of the well-known Bangkok Hospital Network. Offering high quality care for all eventualities from routine care to emergency treatment 24 hours a day.

Rambutan Hotels & Resorts Phum Wat Damnak, Kum Sala Komreuk, Krom 10 Tel: 012 654 638 / 063 766 655 Email: bookings@rambutansr.com www.rambutans.info The former Golden Banana resort has been rebranded but contains the same deluxe suites and villas in modern Asian style build around a salt-water pool.

Private balcony or terrace with outdoor bathtub/splash shower. LBGT-friendly.

Pharmacies

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort Vithei Charles de Gaulle Tel: 063 964 600 / 063 964 610 www.sofitel.com Ultimate in comfort and refinement, combining the traditional architecture of Cambodia with elegant French colonial style. Five-star accommodation, swim-

siem reap

U-Care Pharmacies Old market Tel: 063 965 396 /Lucky Mall Tel: 063 966 68 / Siem Reap Airport Tel: 063 766049 / Sivatha Street Tel: 063 763 399 International cosmetic brands, leading imported health and beauty products, only certified medication. Open 8am-10pm.

Restaurants Armand’s The Bistro 584-586 Tep Vong, Sangkat Svay Dangkom (Next to ANZ Bank) Phum Mondul 1 Tel: 092 305 401 A true bistro experience in a cosy woodpanelled space, despite the informal and relaxed ambience it has the menu to even

Quite Corners Sarah Brown For a city as small as Siem Reap, residents and visitors are certainly blessed with quite the selection of drinking opportunities. Whether your poison of preference is a cold beer, a glass of wine, an expertly prepared cocktail or a bucket of alcoholic who-knows-what, you’ll find somewhere in this small city that will gladly meet your demand.

The most obvious destination for those in search of a sun-downer is Pub Street, which somewhat unsurprisingly boasts a staggering array of watering holes all within a short stumbling distance. Quality and ambience vary widely, and while there are no doubt a few establishments that seem to go by the motto “the louder, the better”, there are thankfully a number of hidden gems and quiet corners to be enjoyed for those of us who have finally reached the age of debilitating hangovers.

My most recent favourite is Long’s Bar, an air-conditioned sanctuary from both the sweltering heat and Pub Street throng. There’s plenty of space here to relax over a beer, practice your aim on the dartboard, or sip a signature cocktail or two. I highly recommend the pomelo and basil martini, though my current weakness is Long’s latest creation – an Earl Grey gin and tonic (surely the most

British drink there ever was).

Just a few steps from Long’s Bar is Miss Wong, a steady favourite with both Siem Reap expats and discerning travellers. Arguably the most beautifully adorned bar in the city, Miss Wong is an Aladdin’s Cave of trinkets and treasures, all faithful to the beautifully executed turn-of-the-century Shanghai theme. While beer and wine are on offer, the cocktail menu should not be missed. The Lemongrass Collins is the perfect refresher after a hot day, as is the Elderflower G&T. My favourite treat, however, is the delectable Mocha Martini.

Around the corner is another absolute gem. Asana is a beautifully restored wooden house right in the heart of Siem Reap, offering quirky outdoor seating options and a blissfully chilled out environment just steps from Pub Street.

Asana’s specialty cocktails are inspired by traditional Cambodian flavours, and many incorporate Siem Reap’s favourite home-grown tipple – Sombai infused rice wine. My recommendations at Asana would be the Ginger Mojito, or their take on a whiskey sour – Jack Daniels with sour tamarind juice.

For a little indulgence, the Coco Russian is also hard to beat – a White Russian made with coconut cream.

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satisfy high-rollers.

Chanrey Tree Pokombo Ave. Tel: 063 767 997 www.chanreytree.com Traditional Khmer food in a beautiful contemporary setting. Alongside the river, 50m before Preah Phrum Rath Pagoda.

Open daily. Lunch 11am-2.30pm, dinner 6pm-10.30pm.

Hot Stone Café Old Market area, next to Angkor trade center Tel: 012 926 562 / 063 966 966 Email: info@hotstonecafe.asia www.hotstonecafé.asia The hottest culinary concept in town, with two dining options, cook yourself BBQ selection and Khmer dining.

Il Forno Restaurant Siem Reap Paris Alley, off Pub Street Tel: 063 763 380 Come and try our wood fire pizza and our traditional homemade pastas. New air con room to cool off with a nice Italian wine and a charcuterie.

King’s Road Angkor 7 Makara Road, Achar Sva Street (opposite Old Market bridge) Tel: 093 811 800 www.kingsroadangkor.com A unique dining and shopping village in Siem Reap, comprising of 15 restaurants and cafés and 12 boutiques.

Lava / Sushi Plus / Rio Tel: 085 330 093 / 063 962 952 Email: fb@riverbayvilla.com www.riverbayvilla.com Experience the flavors of the world under one roof. LAVA: sizzling specialized concept of oriental and creative international cuisine. SUSHI PLUS: cozy Japanese restaurant paying tribute to the origin of Sushi. RIO: the outdoor lounge filled with lazy loungers cushions.

Maharajah Indian Restaurant Next to Pub Street, Old Market.

Tel: 063 966 221 / 092 506 622 Authentic Indian vegetarian and nonvegetarian food. Maharajah believes that exclusivity with a touch of simplicity is important in the creation of every dish.

Open daily 11am–10pm.

Mahob Khmer Cuisine Tel: 017 550 206 / 063 966 986 Email: info@mahobkhmer.com www.mahobkhmer.com Mahob is the Cambodian word for ‘food’ serving traditional Khmer cuisine in the new level by using only the freshest local ingredients to tantalise your taste-buds.

Marum 8A-B Phum Slokram, (Between Wat Polanka & Catholic Church) Tel: 017 363 284

A winning mix of creative local cuisine.

Open from 11am-10.30pm (Kitchen closes at 9.30pm).

Palate Angkor Acha Sva Road, Wat Bo Village Tel: 063 965 252 www.palateangkor.com Palate Angkor restaurant and bar, is a recent addition to the Siem Reap culinary scene. Serving delectable Pan Asian cuisine. Open daily from 11.30am-11pm.

feast

Shops Artisans Angkor Boutique and Workshops Stung Thmey Street (2min from the Old Market) Tel: 063 963 330 www.artisansdangkor.com Boutique offering collection of handmade souvenirs such as high-quality silk scarves, clothing and accessories, wooden and stone sculptures Free guided tours of the handicraft workshops.

Open daily from 7.30am-6.30pm Jasmine Boutique FCC Angkor, Pokambor Avenue Tel: 063 760 610 Same sophisticated, stylish boutique as on Street 240 in Phnom Penh.

Smateria The Alley West Tel: 063 964 343 www.smateria.com Boutique specialising in accessories made from recycled materials including a range of bags and wallets made from old cartons, plastic bags and mosquito nets.

Spas Body Tune 293-290 Pokambor Ave. (Next to the old market) Tel: 063 764 141 www.bodytune.co.th When you need to re-balance and rejuvenate your body in between daily routines, Body Tune is the perfect place to regain your energy. Open daily, from 10am-10.30pm.

Sokkhak Spa Sok San Street, Old Market Tel: 063 763 797 A nature-inspired décor with a tranquil atmosphere to relax, refresh and indulge.

Open daily 11am-10pm.

Malis SR Pokambor Avenue, Siem Reap Riverside Tel: 015 824 888 Cambodian celebrity chef Luu Meng has opened a second Malis in Siem Reap.

Serving up sumptuous traditional Khmer cuisine with a contemporary flavour, Malis SR offers signature dishes, such as Kampot red crab curry and Royal Mac Mee. Open daily from 6.30am to 10.30pm.

With the capital bursting at the seams with restaurants and bars, there are deals galore to be snagged. Here are a few of our favourites.

Khéma

If you fancy a tipple or two of fine wine, then get yourself down to the Oak 51 wine cellar, which offers one of the widest selections of French wines in Phnom Penh. Before buying, you can peruse the collection in the lofty walk-in cellar, with wines from many regions, including Bordeaux, Loire Valley, Languedoc and Beaujolais. Wine lovers can enjoy a 20 percent discount on purchases of one to 11 bottles and 30 percent off for 12 bottles take away. Browse the full wine list online by visiting khema-restaurant.com/wine-menu.

La Pergola

The Plantation’s fine dining restaurant, La Pergola, welcomes a new French chef, Olivier Guillon, who has given the already mouth-watering menu a revamp. Seeking new adventures, Guillon arrived in Cambodia in 2015 and joined The Plantation a few months later, going on to refresh the entire menu of the poolside restaurant, including daily homemade bakeries, and is gearing up to launch a new version of La Pergola. The springsummer new menu serves a choice of four starters, four main dishes and four desserts. To officially introduce the new chef and menu, La Pergola is hosting a tasting party on Apr. 23. The event will also include live art performances by Sothea Thang, the Cambodian architect, designer and artist. A new weekly promotion will also run, offering 50 percent off on all bottles of wine every Wednesday evening. La Pergola, 28 Street 184, Phnom Penh. Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 6pm to 10pm.

Indochine

Indochine restaurant at Naga World in Phnom Penh has launched a new menu, taking in a range of traditional and modern dishes from Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. Diners can now tuck into their choice of curry, pho, fried rice, and many other cuisines from the Southeast Asian countries. Indochine is open daily from 11am to 11pm. Tel: 023 228 822 for reservations.

Luxury Eats

Naga World id urging diners to cast their vote in this year’s World Luxury Restaurant Awards. Bistro Romano and Fortune Palace have been shortlisted for Best Italian and Best Chinese cuisine. Votes must be cast before Apr. 18 by visiting luxuryrestaurantawards.com.

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LISTINGS

food & drink Cafés Art Café 37 Sothearos Blvd. Tel: 012 834 517 Elegant bistro in the style of a European coffee house is now transposed to the Meta House with regular classical music performances.

Blue Pumpkin 245 Sisowath Quay, and at Monument Books on Norodom Blvd.Tel: 023 998 153 At multiple locations in Phnom Penh, serving breakfast sets, Asian and Western entrées and an array of ice cream flavours in air-conditioned comfort.

Open daily from 6am-11pm.

Brown Coffee & Bakery 17 Street 214, and other locations throughout the city.

Tel: 023 217 262 Stylish, locally owned café with bakery on the premises serves a variety of coffees and pastries, with the green tea latte a house speciality. Open 7.30am-8pm.

Café Le Point Tel: 077 974 921 Enjoy the cosy and relaxed atmosphere under a big mango tree. Located near KFC on Norodom Bvd, next to La Clef de Sol shop. Healthy, natural and delicious.

Open Monday to Saturday, from 7am7pm.

Café Yejj 170 Street 450 Tel: 012 543 360 / 092 600 750 Quiet, cosy café serving bistro-style Western cuisine, with extensive range of coffees, pasta dishes, pannini and wraps and fabulous cheesecake, making this an ideal spot to escape the bustle of the nearby Russian Market. Open every day from 7am-9pm.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf 30 Street 57 Tel: 023 988 027 Peaceful coffee shop with different locations in town (BKK1, Phnom Penh Tower, Vattanac Tower & Aeon Mall) provides you good quality products and excellent service.

Cupcake Rush 23A Street 57/306 Tel: 087 696 988 Sweet treats galore at this cute, specialist cupcake shop. Open daily from 8am-8pm.

Crowded at lunchtime, but the small, cool courtyard at the back creates a perfect haven from the sun. Has a Chocolate Shop three doors along, and a second outlet in Tuol Kork. Open 7am7pm Mon to Sat, 7am-3pm Sun.

Daughters of Cambodia 65E0 Street 178 / 130A Street 430 Tel: 077 657 678 www.daughtersofcambodia.org The café serve light lunches, a few main courses, home baked goods, desserts, coffee and some original smoothies.

Provides vocational training, where trainees have the opportunity to graduate to top end restaurants and hotels.

There’s also a shop selling clothing, accessories and jewellery made on site, or relax in the spa which offers head, shoulder, face and foot treatments. The Street 430 venue also has a children’s play area.

Cambodian

Gloria Jean’s Corner of Street 51 & Street 310 Tel: 092 404 365 Sisowath Quay along Phnom Penh Port Tel: 092 555 973 Canadia Tower Monivong Blvd.

Tel: 092 555 937 Popular coffee shop that serves hot and cold drinks and snacks. A great place to chill and relax, or to catch up with all those lost emails.

Java Café & Gallery 56 Sihanouk Blvd. Tel: 023 987 420 Great coffees, salads, mix-and-match sandwiches and juices served in an elegant setting. The upstairs terrace, overlooking the Independence Monument, is a good place to watch the chaos below, while the downstairs space is a great place for coffee and catching up on your emails. Has exhibitions both upstairs and down. Open 7am-10pm.

Kiriya Café 174, St.51, Cnr St.370 Tel: 016 363 730.

This Japanese café chain offers good locally sourced coffee, delicious desserts and a relaxing atmosphere. Open daily 6am-2am.

The Deli 13 Street 178.

Tel: 012 851 234 The Deli is a simple Bistro Gourmet where the chef changes half the menu every few weeks and the wines per glass are selected to sit alongside the dishes to help customers make the perfect pairing.

The Shop 39 Street 240, Tel: 092 955 963 / 023 986 964 Stylish café, with a wide range of fresh bread, tempting patisseries and juices, excellent salads and sandwiches.

Dot Grill 8 Street 144 Tel: 023 996 402 Dot serves delicious Cambodian grill specialties, prepared and served on large skewers made to order on an open grill in the restaurant’s centre. The menu includes the best of local cuisine as well as international all-time favourites. Open daily from 7.30am–10pm.

Garuda Khmer Restaurant 21 Street 466 Tel: 092 877 345 / 092 710 097 Authentic homemade Khmer cuisine served at International standard and a museum where you can eat. Open daily from 11.30pm–2:30pm and 5pm-10pm.

Khmer Surin 9 Street 57 Tel: 012 887 320 Elegant restaurant featuring wood and silk décor with a tropical garden that serves Cambodian and Thai favourites.

Dishes are well prepared and large enough to share.

La Table Khmère 11E Street 278 Tel: 012 238 068 www.la-table-khmere.com Taste the flavour of traditional Khmer specialities and fusion cuisine in a stylish ambience and atmosphere on Street 278. Also serving Western dishes. Open daily from 11am-11pm.

Malis 136 Norodom Bvd Tel: 023 221 022 www.malis-restaurant.com Beautiful modern Khmer restaurant with a courtyard set around narrow water channels and decorated with terracotta floor tiles. Has air-con rooms inside for those who find the midday sun too much. The cuisine is modern Khmer, with no MSG. Open 6am-10pm.

Restaurant Le Royal Raffles Hotel Le Royal Tel: 023 981 888 (see also restaurants, French) Romdeng 74 Street 174 Tel: 092 219 565 Romdeng serves Cambodian food that ranges from almost forgotten recipes from the provinces to contemporary creative Cambodian cuisine. It is set in a beautiful colonial building featuring wooden carvings, tables, chairs and unique lights all hand-made in Cambodia. Open daily from 11am10.30pm (kitchen closes at 9.30pm).

Chinese Emperors of China 19 Street 163 Tel: 097 929 2699 Up-market Chinese restaurant, popular with the capital’s large Chinese community, private dining rooms, specialises in Peking duck and dim sum.

Fortune Palace NagaWorld, Hun Sen Park Chinese restaurant with authentic Greater Chinese cuisine and all-you-caneat Dim Sum buffet on Sundays. Open from 11am-3pm and 5pm-10pm.

Fu Lu Zu Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra 26 Old August Site, Sothearos Blvd Tel: 023 999 200 x 6613 Elegant Chinese restaurant specialising

in contemporary Cantonese delicacies and dim sum with private rooms for intimate ambience. Open from 11.30am2.30pm and 6.30pm-10.30pm. Dim Sum weekend from 8am-2.30pm.

Hua Nam 753 Monivong Bvd. Tel: 023 364 005 Large Chinese restaurant that specialises in seafood and duck and has a good selection of wines, with VIP rooms. Open 11am-2pm and 5pm-10pm Sam Doo 56-58 Kampuchea Krom Tel: 023 218 773 The place for dim sum in Phnom Penh, baskets of steamed prawn dumplings, pork buns and more go for a pittance.

The wonton soup and other tasty meals are a steal. Open 7am-2am.

Tsui Wah 157 Street 63 Tel: 023 986 133 Offers a variety of roasted meats, including duck, pork and goose. Open 21 hours, serving Hong-Kong-influenced food. Open daily from 6am-3am.

World Dining 2/F Aeon Mall, 132 Samdach Sothearos Blvd, Tel: 023 90 17 77 Food Court that brings streetfood to the sanctuary of the Mall with 12 booths serving food from Cambodia and around the World. The Cambodian cuisine includes some fantastic, fresh and cheap bahn chhev pancakes, while there are steaks, Indian, Italian, Singapore chicken and rice, pho and chinese food from Yi Sang as cosmopolitan alternatives. Open 9am to 10pm.

Xiang Palace InterContinental Phnom Penh 2/F, 296 Mao Tse Toung Blvd Tel: 023 424 888 x 3562 Xiang Palace is locally acclaimed for its authentic Cantonese cuisine and delicious dim sum, all prepared with the finest ingredients. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Yi Sang Chinese Restaurant 128F Sothearos Blvd Tel: 023 220 922 www.almondhotel.com.kh Set on the ground floor of the Almond Hotel, this stylish restaurant specialises in Cantonese food that fuses the traditional with the contemporary, including excellent dim sum. Open from 6.30am-10am, 11.30am-2pm and 5.30pm-10pm. Dim Sum not served in the evening.

French Armand’s The Bistro 33 Street 108 Tel: 015 548 966 A true bistro experience in a cosy woodpanelled space, despite the informal and relaxed ambience it has the menu to even satisfy high-rollers. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm-11.45pm.

Comme à la Maison 13 Street 57 Tel: 012 951 869 www.commealamaison-delicatessen.com Sophisticated French restaurant with a beautiful outdoor terrace area at the front, yet secluded from the street. One of the best French kitchens in town.

Small delicatessen at the back of the restaurant. Open daily from 6am10.30pm.

The D22 Dining & Bar Phnom Penh Tower 22nd Floor – Inside Tama Hotel Phnom Penh Tel: 023 964 021 The dining offers French bistro cuisine where you get to enjoy the dishes that

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 57

go well with wines. The bar has a great selection of wines and also offers cigars that can add spice to your night. Dining 6.30pm-10pm, bar 4.30pm-midnight.

K West 1 Street 154, cnr. Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 214 747 Stylish aircon bar and restaurant below the Amanjaya with an excellent steak menu and good value happy hour from 6pm-8pm Fridays. Now has a brasserie menu with daily specials. Also has free WiFi. Open 6.30am until midnight.

La Marmite Cnr Streets 108 & 51 Tel: 012 391 746 This small, reasonably priced French bistro has two adjoining rooms (one non-smoking) creating a relaxed, cosy atmosphere. Serves excellent fish, steaks and offal as well as daily specials, for a taste of real home-cooked French cuisine.

Open 11am-2.30pm, 6pm-10.30pm.

La Residence Restaurant 22/24 Street 214 Tel: 023 224 582 Fine dining on an international scale in this sophisticated restaurant, where French classics meet gourmet, modern cuisine. Open from 11.30am-2pm and 6.30pm-10.30pm.

Le Bistrot 218 Street 184 Tel: 012 495 841 information@institutfrançais-cambodge. com.

Nestled inside the entirely renovated spaces of the Institut Français, Le Bistrot offers great coffee break, lunches and dinner. Le Bistrot is between the media library, cinema, exhibition gallery and garden of the Institut Français. Open Monday to Saturday from 8am-10pm.

Le Gourmet NagaWorld Hotel and Casino, Hun Sen Park.

Tel: 023 228 822 Quality ingredients come together in beautiful presentation on the plate, with the luxury of the surroundings complemented by professional and attentive service. Open daily from 12pm3pm and 6pm-10pm.

Restaurant Le Royal Raffles Hotel Le Royal Tel: 023 981 888 www.raffles.com Treat yourself to the finest French & Khmer cuisine in one of Indochina’s most elegant restaurants. The Chef’s Degustation menu allows you to try a myriad of dishes in a single meal in a refined atmosphere. Private rooms are available on request. Open from 6.30pm10.30pm.

The Wine Restaurant 219 Street 19 Tel: 023 223 527 Excellent fine dining restaurant in the same grounds as Open Wine deli. The fresh food and extensive selection of wines make this one of the exclusive places to dine in town. The set lunch is one of the most attractive packages on offer.

Topaz 182 Norodom Blvd.

Tel: 012 346 555 / 023 221 622 Sophisticated, air-con restaurant with outside dining, upstairs bar, wine shop, cigar room and private rooms. One of Phnom Penh’s finest restaurants. Has a popular piano bar, night club upstairs.

Open 11am-2pm, 6pm-11pm.

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Van’s Restaurant 5 Street 102 Tel: 023 722 067 French fine-dining in a grand setting awaits at Van’s, located on the second floor of a well preserved colonial-era

building near the Post Office. Has an excellent value set lunch. Open daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 5pm-10.30pm.

Indian Sub-Continent Dosa Corner 15 Street 51 Tel: 012 673 276 This small South Indian restaurant has a wide range of very good value dosa as well as thali and biryani dishes. Airconditioned. Open 7am-10pm.

Flavours of India 158 Street 63 Tel: 012 886 374 Relaxing Indian and Nepalese restaurant with friendly staff and a good range of dishes including good value vegetarian and meat thalis. Open 10am-11pm.

Indian Delight 115Eo Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 724 885 / 098 776 543 Delicious North Indian tastes served at a modest yet clean and bright spot on the riverside. Opposite Titanic restaurant.

Open daily 11am–11pm.

Sher e Punjab 16 Street 130, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 092 992 901 Phnom Penh is blessed with a vast array of Indian kitchens, but many expats put this small place at the top of their list. Top Indian food, with an authentic Tandoori oven producing fine breads and grilled meats, also excellent for veggies. Open daily, 10am-10pm.

Indochine / Pan-Asian Indochine NagaWorld, Hun Sen Park With a focus on Southeast Asian cuisine, Indochine offers traditional dishes from Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand in a sophisticated space. Open 11am-11pm.

Lan Pin 281 Norodom Boulevard, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 077 221 195 Located in Tai Ming Hotel, this restaurant serves up sumptuous Asian fusion cuisine.

Lemongrass 14 Street 130 Tel: 023 222 705 A boutique Asian-themed restaurant with an intimate, casual ambiance featuring classical Thai and Khmer cuisine with affordable price. Known for authentic flavours and attractive presentation, only the best local produce and choice seafood and meats are prepared fresh daily. Open daily 10am-10pm.

Ngon 60 Sihanouk Blvd Tel: 023 987 151 www.ngonpnh.com Open air restaurant that features a vast range of Vietnamese food in a garden environment.

Pangea Fusion Restaurant NagaWorld Hotel and Casino, Hun Sen Park Tel: 023 228 822 Pan-Asian fusion restaurant with a western flair that specialises in allyou-can-eat dinner buffets. Open daily 6am-10.30pm.

International Aussie XL Café 205A Street 51 Tel: 023 301 301 Aussie style bistro food with quick lunch menu and a good selection of house wines and retail wines. Open 7am-11pm.

Black Bambu 29 Street 228, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 023 966 895 A not-for-profit training restaurant set up

by Cambodian’s Children’s Fun, focusing on fine dining in the form of tapas-style

REGIONAL EATS

The Three Oldest Eateries in Ho Chi Minh City

Christan Ngo

Thien Nam Restaurant

53 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D1 // 08 3822 3634 // 10am - 10.30pm Only a block away from The Elbow Room is Nha Hang Thien Nam. This family-run establishment has been going strong for three generations and remains largely unchanged since opening in 1961.

Entering the restaurant is like taking a trip into the past. The decor is European-Bavarian with white-cloth tables and stainedglass windows. The walls are bare except for the chalkboard menu which offers a mix of Western cuisine such as beefsteak, escargot and pastas, and Vietnamese / Chinese favourites. Clad in bow ties, white shirts and black slacks, some of the waiters are as old as the restaurant itself.

We ordered the crispy-skin chicken and deep-fried mantou (Chinese steamed buns). Both were divine. Then came baked clams with Swiss cheese.For the finale I decided on the pan-fried pork chop with pomme frites. It was so tasty and tender. Even I have a hard time getting pork chops that tender.

Chuyen Ky Restaurant

65-67 Ton That Dam, D1 // 08 3829 0150 // 9.30am - 9.30pm Since 1948, Tiem Com Tho Cho Cu Chuyen Ky has passed through three generations, from grandmother to mother and now daughter.

The current owner, My, proudly told me that they are the oldest in the city (in truth, they are second).

The name literally means ‘potted rice place in the old market’, but to the locals it is simply known as Chuyen Ky. The signature rice with steamed ginger chicken, cooked in a little clay pot, is the popular choice. The ginger was powerful and made the dish outstanding.

They’re also known for their double-boiled black chicken soup (ga ac tiem). Flavoured with traditional Chinese herbs such as ginseng root, dried red dates and wolf berries, it’s invigorating and nutritious; a great hangover cure if you can get over the blackness of the chicken.

Tan Sanh Hoat Restaurant

322 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D3 // 08 3834 0858 // 4am - 12pm Tan Sanh Hoat is a modest Cantonese establishment run by Mr Phuc and his wife. Mr Phuc’s father opened the restaurant in 1934 during the French colonialist era. This makes it the oldest continuously run eatery in town. For that reason alone, it demands a visit.

The inside is crowded but clean. Don’t expect tablecloths and fine china, but instead homemade dim sum served on mini-plates upon arrival. Menu items such as steamed buns, ha cao (steamed shrimp dumplings), xiu mai (pork dumplings) and chicken feet are not bad, but they are better-known for their old-style noodle soups. These include hu tieu (white flat noodles), mi (egg noodles), mi hoanh thanh (noodles with wontons), mi sui cao (noodles with prawn dumplings) and bun gao (stir-fried vermicelli). Whichever you choose, the broth is outstanding - probably the best I have had in Vietnam. It’s a popular place so visit during off-peak hours.

food. With Al Schaaf in the kitchen you can be assured of the quality of the food on offer. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 8.30am to 11pm.

Brooklyn Pizza + Bistro 20 Street 123 Tel: 089 925 926 A slice of Brooklyn right here in Phnom Penh. In addition to authentic pizza, Brooklyn serves pastas, burgers, ribs, chicken wings and more.

Cabaret 159 Street 154 (near Central Market) Tel: 092 650 980 Email: info@cabaret-restaurant.com Restaurant and lounge bar with live music. Enjoy trendy food, tapas, cocktails and wine in a modern setting encompassing two elegant areas, bar and patio. Fine and casual dining available. Live music four to five times a week, sumptuous variety of wine and cigars.

Café Monivong Raffles Hotel Le Royal Tel: 023 981 888 Wicker armchairs and marble tables covered with crisp white tablecloths create the perfect place to relax and linger over a delightful alfresco breakfast, lunch or dinner. Western and Asian cuisines are available buffet-style or a la carte. Private rooms are available on request. Buffet from 6am-10am, 12pm2.30pm, 6pm-10pm. A la carte from 11am-11pm.

The Chinese House 45 Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 092 553 330 Under new management and having undergone a radical revamp, Chinese House has a fine dining restaurant upstairs serving fusion food, and a bar space downstairs, serving tapas. Still has the uber-cool vibe created by the previous management.

Doors Restaurant 18, Street 47 & 84.

Tel: 023 986 114 www.doorspp.com A hub for music, art, nightlife and food.

Experience world class Spanish cuisine and mouthwatering Tapas cooked by our resident chef. Open 11am until late.

Duplex 3 Street 278 www.duplex.com.kh A Belgian beer tavern in the heart of Phnom Penh. A destination that fuses the elements of a lounge with high energy ambiance.

Est Bar 19z, Street 214 Tel: 023 998 227 Email: indulge@estbar.com www.estbar.com (See bars) FCC Phnom Penh 363 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 724 014 The first stop for newcomers and it’s easy to see why. Set in a beautiful colonial house with sumptuous views across the river on one side and the National Museum to the other, it’s best to come at sunset when the streets below are most crowded, and enjoy the happy hour. Open daily from 7am-midnight.

Fish Sisowath Quay (cnr of Street 108) Tel: 023 222 685 www.fishphnompenh.com Contemporary, modern restaurant specialising in all things oceanic. Menu includes everything from lobster through sushi to gourmet fish and chips for upmarket, but reasonable prices. Open 7am-late.

Fox Wine Bistro 104 Sothearos Blvd & St. 266.

Tel: 098 78 99 61

Casual wine-dining. For passionate food and wine lovers who want an unforgettable dining experience or even just a place to hang-out that’s unlike elsewhere in Phnom Penh. Serving simple yet thoughtful dishes and drinks in a comfortable, hip and trendy atmosphere.

Friends the Restaurant 215 Street 13 Tel: 012 802 072 Friends the Restaurant is a training restaurant run by Mith Samlanh, which has worked to build the futures of former street children and marginalised young people in Phnom Penh since 1994.

Located near the National Museum, it is famous for its legendary frozen shakes and daiquiris and its delicious blend of Asian and Western-style tapas. Free WiFi available and a dog-friendly restaurant.

Open daily from 11am–10.30pm (kitchen closes at 9.30pm).

Hummus House 95 Sisowath Quay Tel: 092 483 759 Authentic Lebanese halal cuisine, offering Middle East flavours including mezze tapas – hummus, shish kebab, baba ganouj, falafel, vegetarian and non-vegetarian kebab wraps. Delivery, takeaway, catering. Open daily from 10am until late.

Irina Russian Restaurant 22 Street 29 Tel: 012 833 524 / 092 833 524 www.irinacambodia.com Russian restaurant of iconic Phnom Penh status. If you can walk out of the restaurant after hitting the vodkas then you are doing well. Open daily from 11am until the vodka runs out.

Java Café & Gallery 56 Sihanouk Blvd Tel: 023 987 420 www.javaarts.org (See cafés) La Coupole Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra 26 Old August Site, Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 023 999 200 www.sofitel.com Casual and authentic Indochinese and French cuisine with live cooking by chefs in an open kitchen concept. Offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and the Sunday brunch, all set in a stunning restaurant with high ceilings and natural light.

La Croisette 241 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 220 554 Riverfront restaurant with an ample outside dining area screened off by trees that serves good, reasonably-priced food, also has a cool, air-con restaurant inside. Often arranges special events.

Open 7am-late.

La Plaza Spanish Tapas Bar 22b Street 278 Tel: 012 825 443 Recreates to perfection the best known and most delicious Spanish tapas, making of seafood Paella its signature dish. Tapas are the result of hundreds of years of Spanish culinary history and evolution. Simple, tasty and healthy dishes have become a standard to be enjoyed with friends while drinking large amounts of sangría. Open 11am-2pm, 5pm-10pm. All day at weekends.

LA Rose Restaurant 164b Norodom Blvd Tel: 023 211 130 / 080 900 900 Revive your strength and restore your health with La Rose Restaurant’s healthy option menu. Cozy ground floor restaurant with experienced chefs serving both Asian and Western cuisine, served in a delightful setting.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 59

Lime Restaurant + Bar 79F Street 128 Tel: 023 998 608/ 610 Email: info@lebizhotel.com, www.lebizhotel.com Located in Lebiz Hotel Lime serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a stylish mix of Asian and Western favourites with a focus on fresh, healthy and local ingredients, with regular changes to the menu.

imbibe

Lone Pine Café 14 Street 282 Tel: 078 949 398/095 949 398 Colossal burgers, Memphis hunk ribs, Cajun gumbo, spicy chili, root beer barbecue pulled pork, po boys, wings, big salads, best beer list, great bourbons and fantastic margaritas. Open daily from 11.30am-2pm, 6pm-10pm (evenings only on Sunday).

Return of the Jedi Darren Gall Winery chateau owner Claude Fournier was recently in Cambodia showcasing some of his extraordinary wines from the region of Sancerre in the Loire Valley of France.

The area is best known for its unique Sauvignon Blanc but it also produces dry, complex, light- to medium-bodied Pinot Noir. Domaine Fournier turns out some of the finest wines from these two varieties made anywhere in the world.

Sancerre’s vineyards rise along the gentle slopes leading up from the banks of the Loire River, the region is just 60 kilometres south west of Chablis. These two regions, along with Champagne, are in the Paris Basin, an ancient sea bed whose chalky soils run all the way to the White Cliffs of Dover in the British Isles.

It is the soils that are important to the wines they produce in Sancerre; the chalk, limestone, schist and flint all lending distinctive characters to the finished wines.

To understand what makes Sancerre’s white wines special think of a light sabre from the Star Wars movies; all bright intensity and sharp, piercing focus. The wines have intense fruit flavours that are vibrant and animated; the acidity has laser like sharpness and a wickedly delicious, mineral tang that lingers on the palate.

If the wines are like light sabres, Claude Fournier the oenological equivalent of a Jedi Knight. Domaine Fournier has vineyards on each of the three main soil types, and his single vineyard wines masterfully display the characters of their geology and unique environment, known in French as terroir.

The minerality and texture of the acidity takes on the characteristics of the soil: from the talc like chalk finish of Mentou Salon, the gunsmoke from the flint, (silex) and schist around the town of Sancerre itself and the sea mineral extracts from the Limestone soils of Chavignol.

Claude Fournier returns regularly to Cambodia and is a great believer in the suitability of his wines to the local cuisine.

Sancerre wines pair very with fish and other seafood dishes, and can handle heat, sourness and bitterness, making them a perfect accompaniment to most local feasts.

Of course for me, the perfect pairing to Sancerre is another primary product for which that region is famous, goat’s cheese.

The creamy texture of the cheese and biting acidity of the wine are perfect foils, fencing for attention all along the palate, a sublime gastronomic experience that I urge everyone to try for themselves.

Darren Gall has spent a quarter of a century involved in virtually every aspect of the wine industry and the passionate pursuit of the next great bottle continues. gall.darren@yahoo.com.

60 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

Lotus Blanc 152 Street 51 Tel: 017 602 251 Run by local NGO Pour un Sourire d’Enfant, this centrally located training restaurant has a monthly changing lunch menu as well as a la carte Khmer dishes.

Serves both Asian and continental breakfast. Open Monday to Saturday, 7am-10pm.

Meat & Drink Street 308 alleyway Bar and grill. A casual setting for drinks and a bite to eat. No reservations. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 5pm-11pm.

Metro Café Cnr Sisowath Quay & Street 148 Tel: 023 222 275 Cool east-meets-west decor and a chic menu offering tapas, starters and mains, comprehensive cocktail menu, favourite among which is the Espresso Martini, Metro also offers a range of classic breakfasts and an elegant lunch spot with free wifi in an air-con and smoke-free (until 10pm) atmosphere. Open daily 9.30am-1am.

Mike’s Burger House Russian Blvd. Tel: 012 633 971 Hugely popular burger bar that serves food with plastic knives and forks and equally plastic French fries with cheese sauce. Ideal for those who believe that American culture starts with a Mc. New York Steakhouse 264 Street 63 (cnr Mao Tse Tung Blvd.)

Tel: 023 987 500 Indulge in a seductive dining experience in the famed Phnom Penh Steak restaurant. The innovative menu features New-York Steakhouse signature prime cuts of beef charred to perfection accompanied by decadent sides and desserts.

Open Daily from 11am-2pm and 3pmmidnight.

Ocean 11 Street 288. Tel: 017 766 690 European managed Mediterranean restaurant that dishes up some of the best fish and seafood in town. Try the red snapper or the squid with rocket.

Often has exhibitions around the understated walls.

One More Pub 16E Street 294 Tel: 017 327 378. (see bars) Oscar Bistro 159 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 215 179 The popular Bangkok Soi 11 bistro has made its way to the Cambodian capital with its familiar formula of great pizzas, classy cocktails and good wine. Expect the DJs to pump out the beats as you consider where to carry on the evening.

Ozone Poolside Restaurant & Bar Floor 5b, Rose Condo, Bassac Gardens

Tel: 092 673 303 Ozone is the new restaurant and bar next to the pool and gym at Rose Condo.

New York style pizza, steaks, premium burgers and more. Enjoy Al Fresco dining or have food delivered to your door.

Paddy Rice 213-217 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 990 321 www.paddyrice.net (See bars) Petra 8 Street 288 (between St 51 & St 57) Tel: 023 666 3222 / 089 990 150 Authentic Arabic cuisine, ambiance and chef with rooftop shisha lounge. Located in the heart of BKK1. Special dining experiences with great costumes. Open daily from 10am–11pm.

Public House Street 240 1/2 Tel: 017 770 754 Offering fresh, simple and delicious cuisine set in a modern take on a pub. Open daily, from 11.30am-late (Saturdays from 10.30am and Sunday brunch).

Regency Cafe InterContinental Phnom Penh 296 Mao Tse Tung Blvd.

Tel: 023 424 888 ext. 3603 Regency Cafe features sumptuous international and Asian buffets as well as a la carte dining for the most discerning palates. Open daily from 6am-10.30pm Restaurant Tell 13 Street 90 Tel: 023 430 650 Up-market eatery that re-creates the genuine feel of an Alpine chalet, has a spacious indoor restaurant and outdoor terrace with rotisserie and bar. European menu with imported steaks, fondue, raclette and an extensive wine list. Open 11.30am-2pm, 5pm11pm.

Rising Sun 20 Street 178.

Tel: 012 970 718 (see bars) Riverside Bistro Cnr. Sisowath Quay & Street 148 Tel: 012 277 882/ 023 213 898 Popular restaurant with expats and tourists alike mainly due to its large outdoor terrace area to view the river.

Serves a mixture of Asian and western food with an emphasis on German cuisine. Has rock music videos and a pool table in the music bar at the back.

Open from 7am-2am.

Riverhouse Asian Bistro 157 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 212 302 www.riverhousecambodia.com Well known as one of the oldest French colonial buildings on the riverfront with breezy views along the Tonle Sap & Mekong River. The elegant restaurant and bar offers a special beverage menu, featuring delectable cocktails, quality wines, single malts and freshly squeezed juices. Open daily from 10am-2am Samba Brazilian Steakhouse 64 Sihanouk Blvd.

Tel: 023 222 599 Experience the unique Brazilian Churrasco way of cooking with a large variety of meats skewered and roasted to perfection and served piping hot direct from the skewers to your plate! Open daily 11am-3pm, 5pm-10.30pm.

Stella Restaurant 55 Street 75 Tel: 099 574 188 / 012 735 002 A cozy restaurant located near Wat Phnom, Stella serves pizzas, grilled food and Asian cuisine in a peaceful garden atmosphere.

Steve’s Steakhouse 8 Street 240 Tel: 023 987 320 Longstanding restaurant specialising in local grain-fed beef as well as a large variety of imported steaks, hamburgers, ribs and Greek cuisine. Has a terraced lounge with pool tables upstairs as well as a sports bar with large screen TV and happy hour from 12pm-7pm. Open daily from 11am-10.30pm.

Stockholm European Restaurant 45 Street 288 (between Streets 63 & Monivong Blvd) Tel: 081 845 957 A warm welcome to everyone who wants to try a home-made Swedish and other European meals. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Closed on Sunday.

Stonegrill 649 Sisovath Quay Tel: 023 999 950 www.stonegrill.com.kh Stonegrill offers a unique interactive dining experience where diners meals are served cooking at the table on natural volcanic stones heated to 400C (752F).

Open daily 11am-midnight.

Sunset Blvd Cnr. Sisowath Quay & Street 148 Tel: 012 277 882 / 012 887 702 River crossing sets off from Riverside Bistro every 30 minutes to this 50s style retro bistro, near Sokha Hotel, Tickets $4.

The Exchange/The Vault 28 Street 47 Tel: 078 886 889 Large colonial mansion contains The Vault, Phnom Penh’s first private member’s club for those who have $1000 to burn. Underneath, the Exchange has elegant exposed brickwork and low lighting as well as an impressive fusion menu.

Open daily, 10am-midnight.

The Tiger’s Eye 49 Sothearos Boulevard After Common Tiger closed its doors in October, chef Timothy Bruyns’ latest venture comes in the form of The Tiger’s Eye, serving up his innovative dishes from the former home of Duck.

The Quay 277 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 224 894 Food is a mix of tapas and more substantial offerings, and excellent malbec. Roof-top bar closed for refurbishment. Open daily from 7am11pm.

The Lost Room 43 Street 21 Tel: 078 700 001 A hidden gem, with eclectic food in an urbane environment. This small restaurant and bar offers small plates of food for sharing. Using imported and local foods, the menu encompasses global foods and unique cocktail and wine listings at reasonable prices.

Caring and experienced staff makes for a pleasant evening. Open from 5pm, Monday to Saturday. Kitchen closes at 10pm. Lunch by appointment only.

The Shop 102 1B Street 102 (Inside Central Mansion) Tel: 077 666 115 The Shop restaurant proposes a large range of fresh bread, pastries, chocolates, Western and Asian food.

At night time, the atmosphere becomes cozier and offers a selection of fine wines and cocktails to accompany the dinner menu. Customers have access to the nearby swimming pool, making it the perfect place for families.

World Dining 2/F Aeon Mall, 132 Samdach Sothearos

Blvd, Tel: 023 90 17 77 (See restaurants Cambodia) Zino Wine Bar and Restaurant 12 Street 294 Tel: 023 998 519 Zino offers a comprehensive wine list by the glass and bottle, professionally made cocktails and a constantly evolving Mediterranean and Asian menu. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Kitchen closes at 11pm.

Italian Aria D’Italia 41EO Street 310.

Tel: 012 840 705 Cute little Italian pizzeria tucked away between Street 57 and Street 63. Wellpriced lunch set menu and homemade ravioli. Home delivery available. Open 10.30am-2pm, 5.30pm-10pm.

Bistro Romano NagaWorld Hotel and Casino, Hun Sen Park Tel: 023 228 822 Best known for its sumptuous Sunday Prosecco Brunch, this stylised Italian restaurant in the NagaWorld complex specialises in Italian cuisine. Open daily 11am-11pm.

Café Monivong Raffles Hotel Le Royal.

Tel: 023 981 888 Indulge in homemade antipasti, fresh prepared pasta and risotto as well as oven-baked, crispy pizzas and pair it all with the finest selection of Italian wines, every Saturday night 6pm-10pm.

Do Forni Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra 26 Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 023 999 200 Sophisticated Italian diner set in the grounds of the Sofitel hotel, dishes up much more than your basic pizza and pasta. Excellent range of wines, dimmed lighting and plush surroundings make this an excellent romantic meal for two option.

Open daily 6.30pm-10pm.

Genova Italian Restaurant 20 Street 118. Tel: 012 390 039 This small restaurant has the feel of an Italian trattoria with food just like mamma made. The spaghetti al pesto Genovese is its signature dish. Good range of meat and fish dishes as well as some Khmer dishes. Open daily 10am-midnight.

Il Forno Restaurant Phnom Penh 11 Street 302 Tel: 081 660 515 Traditional imported ingredients from Italy to keep all of recipes 100 percent Italian.

Wine bar for nice aperitivo, lunch special menus and weekly specials for dinner.

Italian House 2 Street 312 (end of Street 9) Tel: 092 230 207 Italian chef. Wooden fire oven. Pizzeria, antipasti, pasta, salads, desserts, offering delivery and catering around BKK I area.

Open daily from 5.30pm-10.30pm.

La Volpaia 20–22 Street 13 Tel: 023 992 739 Part of a global pizzeria chain that includes Florence, Tokyo, Seoul and Phnom Penh, the cuisine is excellent with pizza and pasta cooked fresh in front of your eyes.

Luna 6C Street 29 Tel: 023 220 895 Stunning garden courtyard with day beds and couches as well as outdoor tables and chairs or air-conditioned interior.

Excellent homemade pasta, wood fired pizza and contemporary Italian cuisine.

Great selection of wines from climate controlled cellar. Now also offering

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a stylish mix of ancient and modern creative cuisine. Open daily, 11.30am– 2.30pm, 5.30pm–10.30pm.

Le Seoul 62 Monivong Blvd. Tel: 012 971 516 Popular up-market South Korean restaurant specialising in BBQ, each table is equipped with its own charcoal burner, with all beef imported from the U.S. Open daily, 11am-2.30pm, 5pm10pm.

Ninja Dining & Bar Ninja 1 BBK1, 14b, Street 278 Tel: 097 772 1556 Japanese dining establishment that is open from 11.30am to midnight Ninja 2 Toul Tom Pong 54, Street 454 Tel: 096 390 6091 Sister establishment to the Ninja Dining & Bar that has slightly different dining hours; open 11am-11pm.

Noodle Bar Osan 27b, Street 294, BKK1 Tel: 097 932 7067 The best Japanese ramen noodle restaurant in Phnom Penh offering you food prepared by a master ramen Chef from Japan who was featured in various TV shows in Japan as one of the leading Ramen chefs. Lunch 11.30am-2pm and dinner 5.30pm-11pm.

Origami 88 Sothearos Bvd. Tel: 012 968 095 Up-market, contemporary Japanese restaurant with a spacious air-con area downstairs and four private rooms upstairs. Specialises in sushi and tempura, and has Asahi, Kirin and Sapporo beers. Open daily 11.30am2pm, 5.30pm-9.30pm.

brunch on weekends.

Pop Café da Giorgio 371 Sisowath Quay Tel: 012 562 892 Sophisticated, small Italian restaurant located next to the FCC that serves light, contemporary Italian cuisine including fresh pasta and pizzas. Delivery service available – last orders 9.30pm. Open daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 6pm-10pm.

Terrazza 1c Street 282.

Tel: 023 214 660 www.terrazza.asia Experience Italy in Phnom Penh. Fine Italian restaurant and Deli shop. Open daily from noon-10pm, deli shop, 9am9pm.

Japanese & Korean

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Fusion Sushi Cnr. Streets 47 & 84 Tel: 023 986 114 Located inside Cara Hotel this beautifully decorated restaurant dishes up excellent Japanese and Korean food.

Hachi Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra 26 Sothearos Blvd Tel: 023 999 200 ext: 6612 A taste of Japan in a Zen atmosphere with tatami rooms and sushi bar. Open daily, 11.30am-2.30pm, 6.30pm10.30pm.

Kan Ji Japanese Restaurant 128f Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 016 318 383 / 016 312 828.

Kan Ji is three floors of Japanese culinary delight in a bright and modern setting.

Open for lunch and dinner, it features

Pepper Lunch AEON Mall, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 015 888 178 www.pepperlunch.com.kh Tasty sound on the hot plate. Well-known beef pepper rice, curry with meat, combo menu of meat and fish. Open daily from 9am-10pm Udon Café Green Bowl 29B Street 288 Tel: 086 426 530 Freshly made Sanuki-style udon noodles offer a real taste of Japan. Noodles and accompanying soups and sauces are prepared from scratch using traditional methods and fresh ingredients. Open from 11am-2.30pm and 5.30pm-9pm.

Closed every second Wednesday.

Yuzu 1 Street 360 Tel: 095 600 400.

Specialising in ramen, tempura and

makisushi in chic surroundings. Open daily from 11am-10pm

Mexican & Tex-Mex Alley Cat Café Off Street 19 (side street behind Royal Art School) Tel: 012 306 845 Small, friendly patio café serving good Mexican food and claiming to have the biggest burgers in town. Weekly specials and live music on Sundays. Alley Cat is down an alley behind the National Museum.

Freebird 69 Street 240 Tel: 023 224 712 Aircon American bar with neon lighting, a variety of memorabilia, comfortable seats and rock music. International menu with good lunch offers, an excellent range of bottled sauces, excellent International, Mexican food and burgers. Open 7ammidnight.

Taqueria Corona 14E Street 51 Tel: 089 281 626 / 012 629 986 Enjoy our Mexican specialties, barbacoa, al pastor, Texas chile, carnitas, pollo and carne asoda in our festive dining room.

Open daily from 11.30am-2pm, 6pm10pm (Sunday evenings only).

Salsa Cabana Buena 46 Street 288 (between St. 57 & St. 63) Tel: 097 697 8810 Home-made Mexican and Latin food nachos, quesadillas, tacos chili, enchiladas, tapas and vegetarian food. $3 Corona, margaritas and mojitos.

Open 11am-2pm, 5pm-11pm. Closed Tuesdays.

Sunrise Taco 171 Street 63 (corner St 282) Tel: 077 85 45 45 Daily from 5pm-7pm buy 1 get 1 free margaritas. Open daily from 11am-10pm.

Vegetarian The Vegetarian 158 Street 19 Tel: 077 900 210 / 012 905 766 With a lush garden space in the heart of Phnom Penh, The Vegetarian provides a relaxing dining experience. Whether it be amok, curry or tom yam, the restaurtant creates vegetarian versions of popular Cambodian, Indian and Thai dishes. Open 10.30am-8.30pm, closed Sundays.

Vego’s 3E0 Street 51 Tel: 012 984 596 Salad bar offering bagels, salads and wraps with a wide array of super fresh toppings. Choose from ready-made or DIY options. Also on offer are a vegetarian soup of the day as well

as fresh-squeezed juices, yogurt and granola.

Bars The Alley Bar Street 240 ½, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 095 222 405 A big bar in a small alley. Spacious inside and with seating on the quaint alley in the open, this lounge bar and eatery is also home to live entertainment in the evenings.

Aristocrat Cigar Bar NagaWorld Hotel and Casino, Hun Sen Park.

Tel: 023 228 822 Club aimed at attracting wealthy expats and Khmers who like a good cigar and glass of wine. Not as stuffy as you might imagine with cigars from $10. Open daily from noon-midnight.

Bar.sito Street 240 1/2 Tel: 077 960 413 Cocktail bar, serving especially designed cocktails, ice-cold beers, red and white wines, champagnes and spirits. Open daily, 5pm-late.

Cadillac Bar and Grill 219 E0 Sisowath Quay.

Tel: 011 713 567 Riverfront air-con bar and restaurant.

Has good American cuisine as well as a riverfront vantage.

Chez Rina Cocktail Lounge 6 Street 98 Round the corner of Brown’s Riverside Tel: 017 259 955 Phnom Penh’s coolest lounge in a beautifully restored 1890s space in the historic old French Quarter around the Post Office. The focus is on cocktails and conversation. Open 5pm-12pm. Closed Sunday.

The Chinese House 45 Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 092 553 330 (See Restaurants international) Elephant Bar Raffles Hotel Le Royal Street 92 Tel: 023 981 888 The wicker chairs and carpet may have gone, but the newly re-styled Elephant Bar still exudes the character of a time gone by – you can imagine Jackie Kennedy drinking here. Its many signature cocktails, including the former First Lady-inspired femme fatale, make this a popular place with expats especially during the two-for-one happy hours (4pm-8pm). Open 2pm-midnight from Monday to Friday. Saturday and Sunday from noon to midnight.

Eluvium Lounge 205a Street 19

Tel: 023 986 221 Nestled on the rooftop of Aura Hostel, this elegant lounge bar pairs great views with specialty cocktails and wine, daily from 5pm to midnight.

Live music once a week.

Est Bar 19z, Street 214 Tel: 023 998 227 Email: indulge@estbar.com www.estbar.com Cocktail bar/ supper club offering sophisticated indoor and outdoor drinking and dining (tapas and charcuterie) from 6pm-2am Mon-Sat, ideally located for those who want to take in a premium vodka or excellent light snack before hitting one of the nearby clubs.

FCC 363 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 724 014 (See Restaurants international) Freebird 69 Street 240 Tel: 023 224 712 (See Restaurants, Mexican & Tex-Mex) Grand River Restaurant Corner of Street 178 Tel: 023 220 244 / 012 962 616 / 012 248 694 Khmer and Western Food. Variety of wines and cocktails. Happy hour 4.30pm-7.30pm. Open daily from 7ammidnight.

Hangar 44 Bassac Lane, off Street 308 Tel: 077 555 447 Not just a bar but also home to Moto Cambodge’s showroom, this venue is full of vintage and classic motorbikes and accessories. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 5pm-11pm.

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Harry’s Bassac Lane, off Street 308 Tel: 077 555 447 As well as being a rooftop martini bar, the downstairs of this vintage outlet doubles up as an antique shop flogging everything from pocket watches and boots to aviator sunglasses and cufflinks.

Just ask the owners if you have anything valuable you wish them to pawn for you.

Open Tuesday to Sunday, 5pm-11pm.

Howie’s Bar 32 Street 51 Long-standing mainstay of the expat scene and popular late night hang-out, especially around the ‘mini’ pool table, where Howie’s rules apply. Great rock C tunes and a timeless atmosphere, that is until it’s time to go to bed. Open M 7pm-6am.

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food | wine | experiences

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Tel: 023 214 747 (see Restaurants, French)

inspiring arts

The Library Bassac Lane, off Street 308 Tel: 095 366 243 Stocked with books, this intimate corner bar serves daiquiris, cocktails, beers and wines. The ideal place to bring out the bookworm in you. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 5pm-11pm.

Le Bar Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, 26 Sothearos Blvd. Tel: 023 999 200 A modern colonial style lobby bar with a fine selection of comfort food, tapas, champagnes, wines, premium spirits and large selection of coffees and teas.

An Artist’s Story: Neang Kavich Robam Sovann Macha Cambodian Living Arts (CLA) works with artists and troupes across Cambodia.

Each month, we will tell one of their stories.

Kavich Neang is one of the first Arn Chorn-Pond scholarship students, and has become an accomplished documentary and feature filmmaker. Now aged 28, he became involved in the arts at 15, attending a traditional dance class organised by CLA. He grew up in Phnom Penh’s White Building, the iconic 1960s apartment complex known for being home to a community of artists, but also for crime, drug use and prostitution. Originally, Kavich started dancing simply to meet new people. However, after making good friends, he became more drawn to music and dance, and started to take the arts more seriously – as he said, it was “peer pressure, but in a good way.”

He realised he wanted to move from dance into filmmaking when he was on CLA’s 2008 tour to the UK’s WOMAD Festival and Edinburgh Arts Festival. He watched a documentary about a group of African musicians, and how they kept their dream of being successful artists alive, despite many setbacks.

Kavich was moved, not only by the story, but by the way the filmmakers created such

a connection between their audience and their subjects.

He started to learn about filmmaking at Studio CLA, where he learned sound, camera, and video editing as an intern. He later joined a film workshop led by Cambodian-French filmmaker Davy Chou, where he worked on a collaborative film project, creating the film Twin Diamonds over six months in 2009. Davy invited him to join a further workshop at Bophana Center and Cambodia Film Commission led by Cambodia’s most well-known filmmaker, Rithy Panh, the director of the Oscar-nominated The Missing Picture. Under Rithy’s mentorship, Kavich directed the documentaries A Scale Boy and Where I Go. Kavich told us how for him, getting involved in arts was away to avoid drugs and crime in the White Building, and focus his energy on something positive. As for many artists, trying to make a career in filmmaking was a risk; Kavich’s father, a sculptor, supported this decision, but his mother has questioned whether it is a sustainable, reliable career choice. Kavich believes so.

He says; “Everyone has their own challenges but my friends look at me like I am a happy person. I wanted to explore, I didn’t want an office job. Making films is a great part of my journey in life.”

To learn more about Cambodian Living Arts, find CLA on Facebook, @CamboLivingArts on Twitter, CambodianLivingArts on Instagram, or visit cambodianlivingarts.org.

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Le Moon Cnr of Sisowath Quay & Street 154 Tel: 023 214 747 Rooftop terrace bar at Amanjaya Hotel has arguably the best view of the river of any of the city’s rooftop bars. Full bar and small food menu, while the service is slow enough to afford you sufficient time to soak up the view.

Samai Distillery 9b Street 830.Tel: 023 224 143 A rum distillery by day and bar every Thursday night, this spot is popular with the cool crowd, serving up potently strong cocktails to upbeat sounds every Thursday evening. Has taken over the Elsewhere mantle of the place to be seen.

Seibur Street 308 Tel: 092 839 440 Aperitif room. Open seven days, from 5pm-11pm.

Sharky Bar 126 Street 130.Tel: 012 228 045 www.sharkybar.blogspot.com A place where anything can happen, and a popular live music venue. Serves good Mexican food, with daily specials. Plenty of pool tables and competitions. Open 4pm-2am.

Liquid 3B Street 278 Tel: 023 720 157 Welcoming open air bar and has one of the best pool tables in town with happy hour from 5pm-8pm.

The Tap Room Kingdom Breweries 1748, National Road 5.

Tel: 023 430 180 www.kingdombreweries.com State of the art European brewery specialising in premium pilsner. Tours of the facility are organised on a regular basis, culminating in frothy cold ones at the brewery’s bar overlooking the Tonle Sap.

Lobby Lounge 296 Mao Tse Tung Blvd, (InterContinental Hotel) Tel: 023 424 888 An elegant lounge situated in the lobby of the Intercontinental Hotel. Reasonable prices and excellent service. Open daily from 10am-11.30pm.

Touk Restaurant and Bar 357 Sisowath Quay, corner of Street 178 Tel: 023 219 059/ 012 248 694/ 017 486 786 Live bands, buffet salad and BBQ every Saturday and Friday night at this lofty riverside venue. Happy hour from 4.30pm-7.30pm

Meta House 37 Sothearos Blvd. (opposite Phnom Penh Centre) Tel: 023 218 987 / 010 312 333 www.meta-house.com Multi-media arts centre established by German film-maker Nico Mesterham has a very cool bar. Open from 2pmmidnight. Closed Mondays.

Zeppelin Bar 109C Street 51 Tel: 012 881 181 More than 1,000 vinyl albums played by well-known DJ owner in small bar.

Remarkably good food (dumping’s are great) especially late at night. Open daily 5pm-4am.

Metro Café Sisowath Quay & Street 148Tel: 023 222 275 (see Restaurants, international)

Club Love 3 Street 278, Tel: 0973 131 947 As one of the newest kids on the block, Club Love is aimed at the backbacker and spillover expat crowd looking for somewhere to dance with cheap drinks well into the early hours. Open Monday to Saturday, 11pm-4pm.

One More Pub 16E Street 294 Tel: 017 327 378 English-style bar with comfortable wooden bar stools. No hip hop or techno, only great classic 60s and 70s music. Has terracotta-tiled terrace and 3 guest rooms upstairs. Open from 5pm to late, happy hour from 5pm-7pm. Closed Sundays.

Oscar Bistro 159 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 215 179 (see Restaurants, international) Red Bar 15 Street 308 Unassuming in appearance, Red Bar becomes rammed at weekends with the expat crowd clamouring for the cheap drinks. Popular with the journalist crowd. Open daily.

Rising Sun 20 Street 178 Tel: 012 970 718 English-style pub with reliable breakfast, meat pies and hamburgers. Has a regular following around the bar at night especially on Fridays. Great posters of British films and TV classics adorn the walls. Ideal for that touch of nostalgia and good fish and chips – though not wrapped in a newspaper. Open daily from 7am until late.

Riverside Bistro Cnr. Sisowath Quay & Street 148, Tel: 012 277 882 / 023 213 898 (See Restaurants International)

Clubs

Darlin Darlin NagaWorld Hotel and Casino Tel: 023 228 822 Top-end nightclub with live music popular among the high-flyers of the city. Semiprivate booths in a chic environment make for an unrivalled experience. Open daily from 7pm-late.

Epic Sothearos Blvd. (near Russian Embassy) Tel: 010 600 608 As the latest luxury nightspot to hit the capital, Epic is taking elite clubbing to the next level. The spacious venue serves up a range of top-shelf liquors, cocktails and Champagne to the sounds of international DJs. Open daily from 9pm to 5am.

Heart of Darkness 38 Street 51 Tel: 023 222 415 One of the most famous of the city’s nightspots with a good-sized dance floor make this the in-place in town. Has well priced spirits and mixers.

Nova 19 Street 214 Tel: 097 716 5000 Popular with the upmarket Khmer crowd, Nova features DJs from across the region. VIP areas cater to those who want to escape the crowded dance floor.

Open daily from 9pm to 4am.

Pontoon 80 Street 172 Tel: 010 300 400 As a stalwart on the capital’s clubbing scene, a mix of international and local DJs can be found pumping out the tunes seven nights a week until the early hours. Different themed nights run throughout the week.

Open Sunday to Thursday, 9pm-4am, Friday and Saturday, 9pm-5am.

Pontoon Pulse 80 Street 172 Tel: 010 300 400 As a sister club to Pontoon, and located beside the main club, Pontoon Pulse brings some of the capital’s finest electronic music to dedicated clubbers.

A cool place to chill if the main venue is getting to pumping for your tastes.

Pontoon Pulse 80 Street 172 Tel: 010 300 400 As a sister club to Pontoon, and located beside The latest addition to Pontoon and the capital’s first official after hour’s club, closing its doors at 7am, this chic space is also located adjacent to Pontoon’s main room.

Vito 8 Street 214, Tel: 010 421 421 Pumping out all the memorable classics from the 70s to the 90s, Vito’s dancefloor gets packed at weekends with the nostalgia crowd - both young and old. Open daily from 9pm-3am.

Gay-Friendly Arthur & Paul Males Bar and Spa 27 Street 71 Tel: 023 212 814 / 077 892 256 www.arthurand paul.com The first gay (men-only) venue in Phnom Penh. Features steam baths and sensual showers, spa and hotel. Ease muscle tension, chat, have a Jacuzzi or relax in one of the private rooms. After using our facilities or swimming, enjoy a drink in the bar or relax in the restaurant and lounge or around the pool.

Blue Chilli 36 Street 178 Tel: 012 566 353 www.bluechillibar.com This welcoming bar run by Thai national Oak is currently the number one gay bar in town. The drag shows on Friday and Saturday are an additional draw. Open 5pm-late.

The Rainbow Bar 73 Street 172 Tel: 097 741 4187 Intimate bar designed to get to know people better has a range of welldesigned cocktails to make the night go with a swing.

Wine Bars Bouchon Wine Bar 3-4 Street 246 Tel: 077 881 103 Classy wine bar with a wide selection of wines from across the globe, plus a selection of hand-crafted cocktails and eats. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 4pmmidnight.

Open Wine 219 Street 19 Tel: 023 233 527 Large wine shop and deli with wellpriced wines from around the world.

Has outside dining area. Open daily 7am-11pm.

Zino Wine Bar and Restaurant 12 Street 294 Tel: 023 998 519 Zino offers a comprehensive wine list by the glass and bottle, professionally made cocktails and a constantly evolving Mediterranean and Asian menu. Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Kitchen closes at 11pm.

LISTINGS

culture

a bar and eating area. Open daily from 4pm to 11pm.

The Flicks 1. 39b Street 95 (BKK3) 2. 85 Street 136 (Daun Penh) 3. 8 Street 252 (Chaktomuk) Local expat oriented movie houses with revolving schedule of international films and art house films, screened in comfy air conditioned movie rooms. Option to hire the movie room for a private session (max 30 people). Minimum two screenings per day. Cover charge $3.50.

Galleries Cinemas Le Cinema 218 Street 184 (French Institute) Tel: 023 213 124 100-seat cinema shows International art house and mainstream movies with occasional films in English. Children’s cinema on Saturday mornings at 10am.

Major Cineplex Aeon Mall Tel: 023 90 1111 Major Cineplex is located on the second floor of the Aeon Mall Phnom Penh and is the biggest cinema complex in Cambodia with multiple screens, 3D and 4D theatres, showing the latest blockbusters from Asia and Hollywood.

Open daily 9am-midnight Meta House 37 Sothearos Blvd. (opp. Phnom Penh centre).

Tel: 012 607 465 Movie shorts and documentaries from Cambodia and the rest of Asia. Movies normally start at 7pm, closed Mondays.

Platinum Cineplex 5th Floor Sorya Shopping Centre Tel: 081 666 210/ www.platinumcineplex.com.kh/ International-standard three-screen cineplex featuring the latest Digital 3D technology and the most recent Hollywood and international releases, located in the heart of downtown with ample parking, shopping and eating options. Open 9am-11pm.

The Empire Movie House 34 Street 130 Tel: 077 468 243 As an independent art-house, Empire screens documentaries, indie films, cult classics and regional films. Also features

Bophana Audiovisual Resource Centre 64 Street 200 Tel: 023 992 174 Preserving much of Cambodia’s audiovisual material, has regular exhibitions. Open 8am-6pm Mon-Fri, 2pm-6pm Sat. Dori Thy Gallery 12R Street 256 Tel: 012 661 552 Features the black and white photographs of German photographer, Doris Boettcher. Open Saturday and Sunday 10am-6pm.

FCC Phnom Penh 363 Sisowath Quay Tel 023 724 014 This riverfront restaurant has a permanent, rotating exhibition devoted to to some of the finest reportage and photography.

French Institute 218 Street 184 Tel: 023 213 124 Offers cultural activities including exhibitions, festivals, and film screenings to promote French and Khmer culture.

Onsite shop Carnets d’Asie offers a selection of French books.

Java Café & Gallery 56 Sihanouk Blvd Tel:: 023 987 420 www.javaarts.org Contemporary art gallery with regular exhibitions of Cambodian and international artists, as well as performing artists. Has second gallery on the ground floor. Website has details about Cambodia’s contemporary art scene.

Meta House 37 Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 010 312 333 Short films, documentaries and art films

from Asia and the rest of the world screened daily. International food also served, regular DJs perform throughout the week. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 4pm-11pm – open late at weekends with DJs and parties.

Reyum Institute of Arts & Culture 47 Street 178 Tel: 023 217 149 Gallery with regular exhibitions of Cambodian artists. Part of an NGO established to preserve traditional and contemporary Cambodian art.

Sa Sa Bassac 18 Sothearos Boulevard, Upstairs.

An expansion of the Sa Sa Art Gallery and a merger with Bassac Art Projects, Sa Sa Bassac is an artist-run gallery for contemporary art. Includes a library, reading and workshop room, and a 60-metre gallery space. Ongoing visual literacy programmes.

Performing Arts Amrita Performing Arts 128-G9 Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 023 220 424 www.amritaperformingarts.org Performance art company that puts on contemporary and classical music and theatre.

Apsara Arts Association 71 Street 598 Tel: 011 550 302 Organisation that promotes Cambodian arts and culture. Open from 7.30am-10.30am Cambodian Living Arts 128-G9 Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 023 986 032 www.cambodianlivingarts.org A non-profit arts organisation devoted to the revival and transmission of traditional Khmer performing arts that puts on performances and provides tours.

Chaktomuk Conference Hall Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 725 119 Designed by master Cambodian architect Vann Molyvann, this underutilised building is worth a visit. Open Monday to Friday, 7am-11.30am and 2pm-5pm.

Chenla Theatre Cnr. Mao Tse Tung & Monireth Blvds.

Tel: 023 883 050

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www.culturalcenter-cambodia.com One of the capital’s major theatres, it has regular performances of theatre, dance and music.

wellness

Epic Arts 1DE0 Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 023 998 474 www.epicarts.org.uk Organisation that uses art to empower people with disabilities.

Sovanna Phum Khmer Art Association 166 Street 99, corner of 484 Tel: 023 987 564 Theatre with performances of shadow puppetry, classical and masked dances every Friday and Saturday at 7.30pm.

Childbirth and Parenting Preparation Veronique Ngo Childbirth and neonatal preparation classes inform expectant parents about the latest thinking on pregnancy, pre-natal development, child birth and infant care, provide opportunities to ask questions and be reassured by a health professional, and share feelings and useful information with other expectant parents.

In addition to classes, advice on childbirth and infant care is also provided. Whether you are expecting your first baby or not, it’s a good idea to have up-to-date information to help you prepare for childbirth.

Childbirth and parenting preparation classes inform expecting parents about: •Pregnancy: What are the different stages of pregnancy?

How does the mother’s body change? How does the fetus grow? What are suitable exercises for staying fit and preparing for childbirth, as well as techniques for breathing and relaxation?

Should you have your baby in Cambodia, a neighbouring country, or go home?

•Childbirth: What are the different stages of child birth? How do you cope with the pain? What is the role of a birthing coach, partner, or friend?

•Infant care: What happens after you get home from hospital? What are the pros and cons of breastfeeding versus formula feeding? How do you recover after childbirth and adapt to a new baby?

There are many choices to consider according to your needs and wishes: •Classical: Discussions on key themes, physical and breathing exercises •Aquagym: Exercise in the water to feel light, improve back pain, and reduce swelling in legs and feet.

•Pre-natal Yoga: Relaxation, posture improvement and breathing exercises to help you to feel good throughout pregnancy.

•Sophrology: Deep relaxation techniques based on visualising positive outcomes.

•Haptonomy: Using touch to communicate with the baby in utero.

•Hypnosis: Visualisations, and physical and mental relaxation to go through pregnancy in peace and prepare positively for childbirth.

•Acupuncture: Releasing stress and the pains of pregnancy, as well as restoring energy before and after childbirth.

•Prenatal chanting: Chanting, breathing exercises and vibration to relax muscles and communicate with and sooth the baby in utero.

Preparing for childbirth depends on how you plan to give birth and your health professional, and should include visiting possible maternity facilities, meeting the staff, and hearing about their approach to childbirth to make sure you agree.

Veronique Ngo is a French certified midwife who offers childbirth and parenting preparation at SÂMATA Health & Wellness Studio. 54 Street 306, Phnom Penh. Tel: 095 201 898.

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LISTINGS

leisure & wellness Amusement Cambodian Country Club Street 2004, Group 6 Toeuk Thla Tel: 012 231 755 A peaceful heaven providing tennis, swimming, badminton, fitness centre and horse riding, 15 minutes away from the city. Open from 6.30am-late.

Living Arts Experiences 128-G9 Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 018 998 570 Email: events@cambodianlivingarts.org Visit local dance, theatre and musical rehearsals of the traditional Khmer arts through Cambodian Living Arts’ Observation Tours. Available in Siem Ream, Phnom Penh & Kampong Speu call for times and to book in advance.

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Park Phnom Tamao, 44 kilometres out of the capital along Highway 2.

Cambodia’s top wildlife centre. All animals are either rescued from traders or bred at the centre. Many of the animals are critically endangered. Open daily 8am - 4pm.

Boat Cruises The Butterfly Cambodia Tel: 012 602 955 thebutterflycambodia@gmail.com Cambodian river adventures, sunset cruises, birthdays and events to floating villages, Silk Island. Plan your trip, per hour, half-day and full-day rates available.

centres. worldwide.

Himawari FitnessOne 313 Sisowath Quay (Himawari Hotel Apartments) Tel: 023 214 555 ext 881 www.himawarihotel.com Fully equipped modern gym, international pool, tennis court, steam room, outdoor jacuzzi, full locker room facilities and fitness trainer available for personalised sessions. No matter your age or goals, our fitness centre has something for everyone. Membership or one-day passes available, free for children 10 years old and below. Open from 6am10pm.

La Table Khmère Cooking Class 11E Street 278 Tel: 012 238 068 www.phnompenh-cooking-class.com For all those wanting to learn how to prepare traditional Khmer specialties from scratch in a clean and airconditioned setting. Morning classes include a visit to the local market. Open daily, classes at 9am-3pm.

Music Arts School 14 Street 360 Tel: 023 997 290 www.music-arts-school.org A NGO school providing music training for Cambodians and expats - of all ages and levels - at affordable tuition fees.

Learn guitar, piano, violin, vocals, and traditional Khmer instruments. Also has a scholarship fund to provide music education to the less fortunate.

NataRaj Yoga Studio 52 Street 302 Tel: 012 250 817 / 090 311 341 Welcome everyone to the peaceful yoga studio. Wide variety of daily drop-in yoga classes and monthly workshops in many styles with internationally qualified teachers. Also runs an NGO yoga programmes for local kids.

Nathan Horton Photography 126 Street 136 Tel: 092 526 706 www.nathanhortonphotography.com Photography tuition and guided tours to Kampong Chnang and Udong, covering technical and creative considerations in the context of travel photography.

Scuba Nation PADI 5* IDC Diving Centre 18 Sothearos Blvd (near FCC) Tel: 012 715 785 www.divecambodia.com Learn to scuba dive in Phnom Penh. The academic and pool part of the course can be done in Phnom Penh and you finish with two days in Sihanoukville on the boat. Offers refresher courses, try dives and kids’ pool parties as well as the full range of courses. Open 9am6pm, Sat and Sun 9am-5pm.

Equestrian Centre CCC, Street 2004, Group 6 Toeuk Thla Tel: 015 231 755 / 012 704 759 With 31 ponies and horses, an international-sized arena and spacious stables, the only horse-riding centre in Phnom Penh Tuesdays to Sundays, 9am-11am and 2pm-5.30pm.

Simphony Music School 243, Street 51 Tel: 023 727 345 / 097 888 8787 www.simphony.com.kh Simphony Music School is the first official music school in Cambodia recognised by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Royal Government of Cambodia. The faculty is composed of experienced and qualified music teachers from overseas, speaking fluent English, Chinese, and French. Based on USA curriculum following Orff and Kodály music teaching methods.

Global Art 1 Street 181 & Street 475 (nr Chinese Embassy) Tel: 023 222 084 / 087 222 084 World renowned art and creativity programme for young children.

Franchisee of Global Art Group. Available in 17 countries with more than 400

The Tennis Club CCC, Street 2004, Group 6 Toeuk Thla Tel: 017 847 802 The two courts are equipped with specially adapted flooring unique in Cambodia, and with quality lightning allowing play past sunset. Skilled English and Cambodian speaking teachers

Classes

available for private or group lessons.

Open daily.

Yoga Phnom Penh 39 Street 21 www.yogaphnompenh.com Daily drop-in classes for all levels with experienced, qualified international teachers. Classes include Ashtanga yoga, Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Fly Yoga, Fly Fit and Classical yoga. Regular workshops and Bliss weekend also offered.

Chemists U-Care Pharmacy 26-28 Sothearos Blvd. Tel: 023 222 499 39 Sihanouk Blvd. Tel: 023 224 099 41-43 Norodom Blvd. Tel: 023 224 299 844 Kampuchea krom Blvd. Tel: 023 884 004 / 023 207 209 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 223 499 194 Tro Sork P’em Tel: 023 224 399 www.ucarepharma.com Provide international cosmetic brands, leading imported health & beauty products, only certified medication.

Professional advice and convenient and strategic locations. Open daily from 8am-10pm.

Counselling Services Alcoholics Anonymous 11 Street 420 Tel: 012 813 731 www.aacambodia.com Meets on Friday, Wednesday and Sunday.

Indigo International Tel: 092 95 44 87 www.indigo-international.org info@indigo-international.org Professional counselling services in English, French or Khmer for adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families. Assessment and intervention services for children and adolescents with learning and developmental difficulties.

Narcotics Anonymous 11 Street 420 Tel: 012 813 731 NA meets on Monday, Thursday at 8pm and Saturday at 7pm.

Dental European Dental Clinic 160A, Norodom Blvd. Tel: 023 211 363 www.europeandentalclinic-asia.com Total dental care, Implant, Orthodontist Treatment by expat dentists. Open Mon Fri 8am-12pm, 2pm-7pm. Sat, 8am-1pm Malis Dental Clinic 445 Monivong Blvd.

Tel: 012 513 222 / 023 964 142 info@malis-dental.com A Japanese dentist provides professional and high-quality service.

Roomchang 4 Street 184 www.roomchang.com Tel: 023 211 338 Emergency: 011 811 338 World leader in clinical implant dentistry.

Complete state of the art dental hospital.

In depth consultations on all procedures.

True precision with digital and robotic technology for an optimum clinical result.

Excellent customer service.

Shigeta Dental Clinic 25 Street 294 cnr Street 21 Tel: 023 223 225 / 010705083 Email: info@shigetadental.com www.shigedental.com High-end Japanese Dental Clinic that caters for your dental needs. Open from Monday to Sunday 8am-8pm.

Gyms

The InterContinental Fitness Centre 3/F Mao Tse Tung Blvd.

Tel: 023 424 888 ext. 5000 A sophisticated retreat from the crowds, The InterContinental Fitness Centre is the place to attain peak performance and wellbeing. Pump up with a full body workout on state-of-the-art equipment, benefit from the experience and guidance of qualified trainers, and relax all year round in the open-air swimming pool.

Fitness Centre CCC, Street 2004, Group 6 Toeuk Thla Tel: 015 704 759 Achieve individual targets whether sports specific or to tone, lose weight, build strength or improve cardiovascular fitness for a healthier and fitter lifestyle.

Open daily 6.30am-late.

Raffles Amrita Spa Raffles Le Royal Hotel Tel: 023 981 888 Modern gym and pool in Phnom Penh’s most elegant hotel. Use of gym, pool, sauna and Jacuzzi is available to nonguests. Open 6am-10pm.

Phokeethra Sports Club Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeetra Tel: 023 999 200 Enjoy socialising and friendly interaction.

The complex features a fitness centre including an outdoor pool with a children’s area, an activities studio (yoga, steps, Pilates, kick boxing), two squash courts and four floodlit tennis courts.

Open 6am-10pm.

The Gym at The Place 90 Sihanouk Blvd.

Tel: 023 999 699 Modern establishment featuring a fully equipped gym and weekly classes in dance, yoga and aerobics. Open 6am10pm Mon-Fri, 8am-10pm Sat-Sun.

Hairdressers De Gran Japan 52 Street 306 near Monivong Blvd. www.degranjapan.com Tel: 011 354 700 (Reservation only) Set in a nice villa with highly skilled and experienced experts from Japan, focusing on haircuts, nails, eyelash extensions, reflexology and acupuncture.

Open Wednesday to Monday from 10am-7pm.

The Dollhouse 46AE0 Street 322 Tel: 010 329 999 / 016 620 907 www.dollhousecambodia.com Salon offers cutting, colouring and various treatments, including the Brazilian Keratin Treatment with Collagen to replenish the condition of your hair.

Western hairdresser with international experience. Open Tues-Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 11am-7pm, closed Monday.

The French Element Himawari Hotel Unit D, 313 Sisowath Quay Tel: 077 283 332 www.thefrenchelement.com Over-looking the Tonle Sap, wonderful spot to relax and pamper yourself.

Offering all hair services such as highlights, colour, cut, Brazilian Keratin Treatment and more. International hairdresser. OpenMonday to Saturday, 10am-8pm, Grow Tokyo 1st Floor St. 63 corner Street 322 Tel: 023 987 330 Look good and feel good with a team of top professionals. Grow is an expanding hair salon that started life in Japan and spread to Australia and now Cambodia.

The creative team is waiting to make clients feel great.

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Kate Korpi Salon 6 Floor inside Sun City corner of Street 51 & Street 370 Tel: 023 988 166 www.katekorpisalon.com Kate Korpi Salon is Phnom Penh’s newest premier salon. Stylists from around the globe provide a full range of services including hairstyles, skin care and Dermalogica Microzone treatments.

Open Tuesday 11am-8pm. Wed-Sat 10am-6pm.

Toni & Guy 1/F Aeon Mall Tel: 023 901 190 Toni & Guy Cambodia will bring 50 years of hair fashion heritage to Phnom Penh.

Originally from UK, there are now over 400 salons worldwide. Specialist stylists for cuts and colourists to give the colour you want from the UK and Japan. Uses Label M products. Open every day from 10am-8pm.

Medical American Medical Centre Ground Floor Cambodiana Hotel 313 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 991 863 Led by American surgeon, team of international and Khmer doctors provide general practice services to clients. Can arrange emergency evacuation. 24/7 service.

International Chiropractic Clinic 67 Bis Street 240, (100m from Monivong Blvd.)

Tel: 023 223 101 www.cambodiachiropractic.com First and only Chiropractic clinic licensed in Cambodia. Our chiropractors are US trained and we provide modern Chiropractic care, physiotherapy and

Bringing you Back Pain Solutions Dr Christophe Savouré D.C. 1993 graduate from LCCW (USA)

A state of the art Chiropractic clinic Advanced Chiropractic care DTS Disc decompression therapy Physiotherapy modalities Custom made corrective foot orthotics Ergonomic and exercise management Wellness care 0,

023 223 101

E: info@cambodiachiropractic.com W: www.cambodiachiropractic.com #67 Bis St.240 (near Monivong Blvd),Phnom Penh 68 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

pets’ corner

Why is Your Pet Sneezing Part II

By Donabelle Zuzart Following on from the previous two columns, rest, a comfortable environment and good nutrition will probably be sufficient to recuperate your pet. Feed them savoury and strong smelling foods during periods of nasal congestion because their appetite depends on their ability to smell food, and that ability may be diminished.

If its nostrils become raw and inflamed, a bland ophthalmic ointment and frequent cleaning of the nose with warm, wet balls of cotton might be all that is required.

When Herpes1/ Rhinotracheitis virus is the cause of the sneezing in cats, it is difficult to permanently cure them. This disease attacks cats repeatedly when it reemerges from their nervous system where it lays dormant.

It sometimes causes irreversible erosions and changes in linings of the nasal passages (naso-turbinate bones) that can be helped but never entirely cured.

Low stress, good nutrition, vitamin A and antibiotics to combat secondary bacterial infections usually cause the disease to go back into remission.

Steam administration, nebulisation, or taking your pet with you into a hot shower area (don’t get it wet) will help

cleanse its nose of exudates and open its nasal passages.

The amino acid, l-lysine, seems to help many cases of herpes1/rhinotracheitis resolve.

Some give this supplement until the acute flare-up has resolved. However, many cat owners continue the supplement indefinitely. Lysine can be purchased at health food stores. Pick a brand that is propylene glycol-free.

Foreign bodies that have lodged in the nose require different treatment. With time, the drainage from such objects becomes thick and yellow-greenish in color.

It is difficult for veterinarians to see into the nasal passages of small dogs and cats. X-rays often do not pick up small objects or tumors – CAT scans and MRIs are somewhat better.

An instrument called a nasal endoscope will sometimes allow vets to look into nasal passages, but it is most successful in larger animals.

When one is lucky, objects can be grasped with alligator forceps and removed.

More commonly vets dispense antibiotic drops and nasal saline drops and hope the pet will sneeze any foreign object out with time. When that isn’t successful, the object can sometimes be flushed out with a catheter under anesthesia.

Donabelle Zuzart is the owner of Pet Grooming Cambodia, a pet boarding and grooming service, which offers stateof-the-art spa and other treatments for your pets. Visit petgroomingcambodia.com for details.

custom made medical grade orthotics.

Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-6pm, Sat 8.30am-1pm.

International SOS Medical Clinic 161 Street 51 Tel: 023 216 911 Global provider of medical assistance and international healthcare. Expat and Khmer doctors offer general practice, specialist and emergency medical services. Appointments 8am-5.30pm Mon–Fri, 8am-12pm, Sat open 24-7 for emergencies.

Physiotherapy Phnom Penh I & II 45C Street 456, Toul Thom Poung II Office 311, 3/F 60 Monivong Blvd Tel: 023 996345 Tel: 092 485 593 Tel: 012 722 104 Tel: 012 979 354 International Physiotherapy and Acupuncture (T.C.M.) Centre Specialising in Manual Therapy, Rehabilitation and (sports) Physiotherapy, Neurological (Paediatric) Physical Therapy, Acupuncture, Personal Training and Clinical Pilates.

Samata Health & Wellness Studio 54 Street 306 Tel: 023 726 267 Phnom Penh’s first holistic studio providing Acupuncture, Massage, Physiotherapy, Pilates, Podiatry, Yoga and Wellness Coaching in one convenient location.

Optics Grand Optics 11 Norodom Bvd. 337 Monivong Blvd.

150 Sihanouk Blvd.

Tel: 023 213 585 Modern opticians with the latest equipment including free computerised eye test. Makes prescription glasses and lenses.

Pet Services Agrovet Veterinary Clinic 40 Street 111 Tel: 023 216 323 Tel emergency 24/7: 012 779 673 (FrenchEng) Tel emergency 24/7: 012 779 674 (Khmer) www.agrovet-cambodia.com Managed by a French team and following European standard. Experienced French surgeon performing orthopaedic and abdominal surgeries. Used to organise documents for pets travelling overseas.

Mon-Fri: 9am-12noon & 3pm-7pm. Sat: 9am-12pm.

Cnr Sisowath Quay & St.110 Tel: 023 998 730 www.amaraspa.hotelcara.com Day spa providing a wide selection of facials, body massages and treatments, arranged in a four-storey modern facility at riverfront. Open 11am-11pm.

Aura Spa 21 Mao Tse Toung Blvd. (near corner of St. 63) 23 Street 294 (between St. 21 and St. 9) Tel: 023 555 3209 Mobile: 015 991 688 www.auracambodia.com Aura Spa creates its own signature massage therapy with well-trained therapists to enhance a traditional blend of ancient health and beauty practices which have been passed down from generation to generation. Open every day from 9am–11pm.

Aziadee Spa 16 a/b Street 282 Tel: 023 996 921 aziadee1@yahoo.fr French-run spa offering a good choice of treatments, a range of massages, scrubs, facials, floral baths, manicures, pedicures and waxing in relaxing and tranquil surroundings. Open 9am-9pm.

Bi Nail Salon 213a E0 Stret 310 Tel: 023 6324 524 / 097 798 1122 Bi Nail is a full service nail salon, for women and men. Japanese-trained nail artists have years of experience and provide expert personal care in a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. Full set care (manicure and pedicure), more than 250 nail lacquers, more than 350 nail design samples. Acrylic and gel nails are available. Open daily 8am–7pm.

Bliss 29 Street 240 Tel: 023 215 754 Health spa at back and upstairs in this beautiful French colonial building.

Open 9am -9pm, closed Monday.

Bodia Spa 26-28 Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 023 226 199 www.bodia-spa.com Using natural, own-brand products Bodia spa offers body wraps, floral baths, scrubs, facials, aromatherapy, massages and mani-pedies, alongdside Jacuzzi and steam. The peaceful atmosphere is enhanced by scented oils and soft music. Open daily 9am–9pm.

Pet Grooming Cambodia 4 Street 604, Bengkak 2 Toul Kork Tel: 089 491 039 Email: petgroomingcambodia@gmail.com Open Mon-Sat from 9am–6pm

Derma-Care Skin Clinic 161B Norodom Tel: 023 720 042 / 012 415 552 Two qualified dermatologists, this professional skin clinic offers a range of beauty treatments using American Derma-Rx products, minor dermatologic surgery, antioxidant boosters, chemical peeling, and lipolysis. Open 9am-9pm.

Derma-MK Skin Center 183 Street 63 Tel: 023 219 105 Focused on Dermalogica products, this care facility offers facial treatments, including anti-aging and brightening, as well as body treatments such as body scrubs and massage. Open daily from 10am–7pm.

Pet Resort Tel: 012 679 164 Tel: 012 916 512 www.petresort-cambodia.com All the staff are very friendly with animals and your cats and dogs will feel at home in our Pet Resort. Cats and dogs are fed

by Royal Canin dry feed or can be fed by fresh food according to owner’s desires or recommendations; staff can cook specific feed for your companions.

La Rose Spa 164b Norodom Blvd.

Tel: 023 211 130 / 080 900 900 www.larose.com.kh Professional, experienced, qualified therapists offer a tailor-made range of remedial, relaxation and nutritional advice. High-end natural products and a wide range of homeopathic remedies, creams, flower essences and signature organic massage oils.

Spas

Ms Chhuon 182, St 63, junction St 294 Tel: 016 992 199

Only Dogs Shop 5A2 Street Veng Sreng (Chom Choa) Phnom Penh Tel: 092 206 547 Tel: 012 870 280 www.onlydogsshopcambodia.com Open daily from 9am-6pm.

Amara Spa

education hub

Sir Ken Robinson’s ‘How to Escape Education’s Death Valley’

By Poppy Nguyen Eastwood This month, I decided to write about another TED Talks. Sir Ken Robinson, the speaker, is a well-known British educator and author.

He discusses the imperfections of the American education system. He opens by raising awareness about the percentage of dropouts in the country and goes on to say that it is only the “tip of the iceberg’’. He shows that it is only a fraction of the many problems the US face which start with children being disengaged from school.

America is a rich country.

Money is not the issue, but it is the system that is flawed.

For him, real education gives way to all subjects.

Children prosper best when they are in a system that exploits all of their talents.

For instance, Robinson addresses the inequality between the sciences and the arts. Although the former is essential to education, it is often perceived as superior.

He states that, in fact, art is a stimulating factor for mathematics and also allows children to get in touch with the parts of themselves that other subjects cannot reach.

He says that children are natural learners and that curiosity could be seen as the engine of their achievements. To teach is a creative profession. Teachers aren’t just passing down their

knowledge, they are meant to stimulate, mentor and engage their students. They are here to facilitate learning.

However, exam results are the dominating factor. Robinson believes that tests should exist to help the students but not be the main priority.

Education should awaken the imagination and creativity, individualise teaching and learning and recognise students’ abilities. However, instead, it is developing into an industrial process reaching for ‘better data’.

To conclude, Robinson evokes a beautiful metaphor of Los Angeles’ Death Valley’ and education’s trap.

He takes the example of a place that was barren and unwatered where nothing ever grew. The unheard of happened; it rained. In the following spring, flowers appeared lush and healthy.

The valley wasn’t dead, but dormant. He compares this to the system. The seeds of possibility are just waiting to sprout and come to light (as long as they are watered).

To quote him, “If you change the conditions, give people a different sense of possibilities, a different set of expectations ... offer people the discretion to be creative and to innovate in what they do, schools that were once bereft spring to life.

Poppy Nguyen Eastwood is a Grade 10 student at Lycée Français International Marguerite Duras.

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The Spa at NagaWorld Hun Sen Park Tel: 023 228 822 This luxurious spa promises to bring the ancient Cambodian spa therapy to the world, and claims to be the only all-suite unisex spa in Cambodia. Therapy rooms with sauna, steam and flower bath are inviting, and the spa uses Tomichik flowers as part of its treatment. Open 10am-3am.

Sun Heang

Villa Spa 456 Monivong Blvd. (cnr. Street 466) Tel: 023 721 765 / 012 357 561 www.asiagarden.com.kh Aromatherapy massage in private boutique VIP rooms (villa and bungalow style) from professional Chinese and Khmer therapists from Master Kang; female customers only.

Waterlily Spa 42 Spean Anthernou (near Koh Pich) Tel: 012 632 329 spawaterlilty.com Indulge yourself with our spa services that pamper guests from head to toe.

Waterlily Spa offers skincare/facials, body treatments, massages, waxing and nail care. Open daily 10am-11pm.

Younger Cosmetic Acupuncture Himawari Hotel Tel: 023 21 45 55 (Ext 880)/ 017 983 409 www.cambodiaacupuncture.com Helping people to feel and look better with a holistic approach to health and beauty. Treatments include cosmetic acupuncture, face lift, weight loss.

Pain Management (Back Pain, Neck Pain…) and Emotional Disorder (Stress, Insomnia) $25 all treatments. Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to midnight.

Ms Chhuon is a full service beauty salon with massage therapy. From nail art, to hairstyles, we will take care of your health and beauty in a very relaxing environment with great service. O.P.I products are available on demand.

Open daily from 8am-12am Nail Holic Street 592, Tuol Kork (Next to Indrak Tevy High School) Tel: 012 357 887 / 097 4123 337 Nail polish and pedicure services using products from Korea. Comfortable chairs in relaxing surroundings with professional, hospitable and friendly staff speaking Khmer, Korean and English.

Open daily from 8am-6pm.

Nata Spa 29 Street 57 Nata Spa has been designed in traditional Khmer style to calm and pamper. The spa operates as a centre

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for healing and relaxation, offering stress reducing and facial treatment, which blow everyone into an unforgettable experience. Open 9am-10pm.

Raffles Amrita Spa Tel: 023 981 888 Raffles Amrita Spa offers relaxation and rejuvenation through a wide selection of services and facilities including treatment rooms, outdoor lap and fun pool, Jacuzzi, fitness centre, sauna and steam room. Open daily 6am-10pm.

So SPA Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra.

Tel: 023 999 200 Be pampered with the best and most effective health and beauty treatments for outstanding deep rejuvenation. Explore a new kind of spa experience with a wide range of poetic and surprising treatments. Open daily from 10am10pm.

Tattoos and Piercing Black Star 5A Street 90 Tel: 070 200 900 / 078 753 697 www.blackstarcambodia.com Welcome to Black Star Tattoo’s Cambodia’s finest whether you’re just passing through the Penh, or you’re a resident, this is the place to come for the highest quality tattooing. Open daily from 10am–10pm.

Sports General Ball Hockey Played every Thursday night at City Villa, corner of Streets 360 and 71 at 7pm.

To play, contact Mike: michaelwarford@ispp.edu.kh Phnom Penh Social Rugby Club BKK Field, street 380.

Email: phnompenhrugby@gmail.com

Touch rugby on Tuesday nights 7:309pm, Saturdays 3-5pm. Contact Rugby Wednesday nights 7:30-9pm, Saturday 2-3pm.

Phnom Penh Water Park 50 Street 110 Tel: 023 881 008 Traditional mix of slides and wave pools is open daily from 9.30am to 5.30pm.

Yoga For Life 126 Street 19 Tel: 077589458 Learn to release stress and tension, find peace and live a healthy life with yoga classes taught by yoga and massage virtuoso, Azmi Samdjaga from Singapore.

Classes every Wednesday from 7:30pm witht more classes starting late June 2012. Healthy food and Wifi are also available.

LISTINGS

family Cafés & Restaurants Farm to Table 16 Street 360 Tel: 078 899 722 Bring the coutryside to Phnom Penh at this healthy café that sources produce from Discovery Farms. Organic grub is served in a farm setting with free-range hens running around the courtyard and a static tractor for kids to play on.

Java Café 56 Sihanouk Blvd.

Tel: 023 987 420 Kid’s menu includes chicken nuggets and pizza bagels. Colouring pages and crayons to keep the kids amused.

High-chair is available on request and baby-changing facilities are in the toilet.

Open daily 7am-10pm The Shop Too 38 Street 337 Tel: 012 952 839 Little haven of calm with a wide range of fresh bread, patisseries, chocolates, juices and excellent salads, sandwiches.

All products such as croissants, cakes etc. are baked on the spot. With a big garden in front and nice courtyard at the back, it makes it a perfect place for family as well. Open daily 7am–9pm.

kids’ corner

A Steiner School Anna Glazkova

Because I am so curious to discover, I went to visit a Steiner Preschool in Hong Kong for you. If you have never heard about this approach to early childhood education, this will give you some insight on how it works.

The first thing I saw at the school`s entrance was this quote: ‘Help someone if you can, because you might be the only one who will’. I found out later that the inspiring quote is changed on a daily basis, and is there to give both school staff and parents a great direction for the day. I really liked the idea.

Once inside, I was instantly immerged into an atmosphere of calmness and wholesomeness. A large light classroom presented itself with natural wooden furniture, a nice reading corner with pastel colours cushions, shelves containing learning materials and toys were covered with soft pieces of fabric. This is done on purpose. When children arrive in the classroom, the lights are off. The teacher turns the lights on once all the children are gathered together and they “wake the toys up”.

By the way, the minimum of toys that the school had were all wooden, handmade or related directly to nature: sea shells, seeds etc. No traditional crayons or markers, but rock crayons only. Most part of the toys is donated by parents. The Steiner schools

always have a very strong parent community, who would often hang out with likeminded people only.

The role of the teacher is not to lead the class, but to “play” alongside the children, replying to their questions if they have any, and just to keep an eye on the general safety of the group. There are no instructions, the children are allowed the space to create their own play.

There is still one set activity per day: baking, crafts, water colour, movement, gardening and feeding the pets. Yes, the school has its own little garden with baby tomatoes, herbs and salads. And it also has a cool bunch of furry rabbits and a couple of less expressive turtles, with whom I didn’t manage to connect…

The greatest thing is that the school has its own farm too.

Children travel there every two weeks, weather permitting, and dig, and water, and plant, and above all get all muddy and happy, as you can imagine.

If you decide to enroll your child into a Steiner school, be ready to fill in a questionnaire that contains questions such as: At what age your baby had her first tooth and was it a bottom or a top tooth?

Or another one like: Who is present at home during the evening meals?

For more information, visit waldorfeducation.org.

Anna Glazkova is a mother to two children aged three and seven. She is interested in child psychology, especially early years development. Founder of The Giving Tree Preschool and Primary, Anna also teaches prenatal, regular and radiant child yoga programmes.

At the heart of ISPP are the students, who gather at the Knowledge Centre. The new home of the school’s libraries, media facilities and collaborative work areas is a light-filled space of learning at the heart of our campus.

services

Entertainment Arey Ksat Equestrian Trail Arey Ksat, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 077 35 77 74 Join experienced instructor Guillaume Larivain on a series of pony trails through the Cambodian countryside.

BluO Bowling AEON Mall, Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 023 901 000 The country’s latest bowling alley with private lanes available for parties. Open daily from 9am to midnight.

Cambodian Country Club Street 2004, Group 6 Toeuk Thla Tel: 012 231 755 Sports centre and a peaceful heaven providing tennis, swimming, badminton, fitness centre and horse riding in an amazing landscape 15 minutes away from the city. Dedicated to leisure, rest and entertainment, CCC is suitable for children. Open daily 6.30am until late.

Kids City 162A Sihanouk Blvd. www.kidscityasia.com Indoor entertainment centre with climbing walls, ice skating, laser tag. toddler town and other attractions.

Monkey Business 2/F, Paragon Department Store Tel: 023 319 319 Kids can rejoice now that this indoor children’s play centre offers clean, safe facilities. Available for private parties.

Open daily 9am-8pm.

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Park Phnom Tamao Cambodia’s best wildlife centre. All the animals are either rescued from traders or bred at the centre. Many of the animals are critically endangered.

Open 8am-4pm.

International Schools Canadian International School of Phnom Penh Bassac Garden, Norodom Blvd.

Tel: 023 727 788 / 077 503 778 www.cisp.edu.kh Offers a Canadian curriculum in English, certified through the Canadian province of Alberta.

Eton House International School 16 Mao Tse Tung Blvd. Tel: 023 22 8818 www.ehis.co Eton House is committed to the pursuit of excellence in education. Eton House is represented in 10 countries with over 56 pre-schools and schools around the world. The early years programme offers play-based, ‘Inquire, Think, Learn” pedagogy inspired by the I.B programme

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and the Reggio Emilia schools of Northern Italy.

Footprints School 220 Street 430, Tumnub Teuk Tel: 077 222 084 Established in 2007 Footprints School offers nursery (age 2) through Secondary and has four campuses. The curriculum is designed for the dynamic needs and interests of students and staff are hired for their experience and love of children.

Giving Tree Pre-school Main Branch: 17, Street 71 Tel: 017 997 112 Secondary Branch: 50 Street 322 Tel: 017 997 112 Tuol Kork Branch: 5 Street 325 Tel: 077 993 073 Baby Playgroup 6 – 12 months; Main Programme 12 months to 6 years old.Languages: English, French, Japanese, Khmer.

The Giving Tree Primary Secondary Branch: 50 Street 322 Tel: 017 997 112 Email: registrar@ thegivingtreeschool.com Grades 1, 2 and 3; 6 to 9 years old. We follow the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) - a worldwide recognised curriculum. iCAN British International School 85 Sothearos Blvd. Tel: 023 222 416 www.ican.edu.kh iCAN offers affordable, high quality education, using the IPC, IMYC and English National Curriculum. Learners are encouraged to be thoughtful, creative, think critically, collaborate and achieve their best. iCAN is the learning environment of choice for parents who value the development of their children.

International Learning Jungle School 104 Street 315, Boeung Kak II, Toul Kork Tel: 095 222 557 / 095 222 558 / 095 222 559 www.learningjungle.com, www.facebook.com/ LearningJungleCambodia The only Franchise School from Canada.

A proud provider of education for children in Canada, Cambodia, USA and Philippines.

International School of Phnom Penh Hun Neang Blvd. Tel: 023 425 088 www.ispp.edu.kh Founded in 1989, this non-profit, nonsectarian international school currently has students from Pre-K to Grade 12.

The largest international school and a fully-authorized IB programme the new campus has large grass playing fields, canteen, library, theatre, swimming pool and basketball courts.

Lycée Français René Descartes

Street 96 Tel: 023 722 044 French school offering primary and secondary level education, extracurricular activities include basketball, football, rugby.

Kindergarten and pre-school for 18 months to 5-year-olds, open from 7.30am -12pm (Mon to Fri). French is the main language, although English and Khmer is also practised.

Nira International School 17B Street 105 Tel: 023 454 5006 / 023 454 5007 Pre-school delivers affordable, highquality, early childhood education.

With new technology, using the IPC curriculum, classes are taught in an international environment. Its spacious central garden favours creativity, development and enables students to express themselves.

Northbridge International School 1km off National Road 4 Tel: 023 886 000 www.nisc.edu.kh Founded in 1997, NISC is a fullyauthorised IB World School with a growing enrollment of students aged 3 to Grade 12. Purpose built campus unlike any in Cambodia.

Shops

Raffles Montessori International School of Phnom Penh 18 Street 294, corner of Street 57 Tel: 023 993 999 International standard school from Singapore lets children experience independent education with a team of Montessori-trained teachers. Offering Kindergarten from ages 1.5 to 6 years old in a loving and encouraging environment.

Zaman International School 2843 Street 3 Tel: 023 214 040 www.zamanisc.org International school that teaches a full curriculum to children from four to 18.

Facilities include basketball and volleyball courts, a football field and a science lab.

Pre-Schools Gecko & Garden Pre-school 3 Street 21 Tel: 092 575 431 www.geckogarden-preschool.org Not-for-profit pre-school emphasises learning through creative play in a supportive environment for children aged 18 months to 5 years. Open daily 7.30am-12pm. After school programme offering a range of fun activities is available 2.30pm-5pm daily.

Sambo’s Tots www.sambostots.com Playhouse and playschool provides fun edutainment experience for babies and toddlers from 3 months to 5 years where imagination comes to life.

Tchou Tchou 13 Street 21 Tel: 023 362 899 www.tchou-tchou.com

Little Phnom Penh 194eoz Street 306 Tel: 017 877 471 French and Italian designers for kids fashion brand produce children’s wear from new born to 16 years, using local fabrics and mixing it with their taste of European fashion. The collection includes printed T-shirts with graphic designs that recall beautiful Cambodian icons. Open daily from 9.30am6.30pm.

Monument Toys 111 Norodom Bvd. Tel: 023 217 617 To the rear of Monument Books is a well-stocked toy section. It features an excellent range of well-known board games and toys including Barbie dolls, Transformers, Magic 8 balls and more.

It has to be the best place in the city for brand named toys and games. Open daily 7.30am-8pm.

Pitchoun 25DE0 Street 294 Tel: 017 555 325 Selling stylish baby clothes and shoes, cute dresses and skirts, and trendy shirts at reasonable prices, to please both children and parents.

Open daily, 9am-7.30pm.

Shade 7 Outdoor Living Co Ltd Showroon; Borey Chamkarmon Tel: 077 962 467 Email: david@shade7. com www.shade7.com www.springfreetrampoline.com Supplier of Shade7 premium aluminium umbrellas and exclusive distributor of original Springfree range. World class products now available in Cambodia!

Stock in country for immediate supply.

Toys & Me 159A Mao Tse Toung Blvd.

Tel: 023 212 081 / 016 808 676 www.toysnme.net Established in 2007, Toys & Me is a leading toys shop in Cambodia. A onestop shop you can trust when it comes to educational needs for your children.

Willi Shop 769 Monivong Blvd Tel: 023 211 652 All products are imported from France, including bébé brand baby products, the range includes prams, baby care, cots and toys. Open 8am-8pm.

business & services Advertising APlus Asia Network 104 Street 273 Tel: 023 864 438 Fully-fledged advertising agency with a diverse portfolio of clients, offering a wide array of creative solutions to drive your brand message across all media.

River Orchid 25 Street 566, Phnom Penh. pick@riverorchid.com Offers a range of advertising, media, digital, PR and research services across the region.

Architecture, Interior Design & Construction Beyond Interiors 14e Street 306 Tel: 023 987 840 / 012 930 332 ww.beyondinteriors.biz Managed by Australian designer Bronwyn Blue, this interior design showroom can provide the ultimate solution. All products from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Cambodia have been treated to withstand any climate.

Open 9am-6pm Bill Grant Landscape Design Tel: 012 932 225 / 012 738 134 The city’s most talented landscape designer.

Green Goal Ltd 10 Street 296. Tel: 023 223 861 Consultancy offers sustainable and creative architectural and construction services to clients taking into account environmental considerations.

Hemisphere Design & Interiors Tel: 012 602 955 william@norbert-munns.com Western managed renovation company specialising in swimming pools and Jacuzzi construction in fibreglass and concrete.

I Ching Decor 31 Mao Tse Toung, Phnom Penh Tel: 023 220 873 / 012 558 000 / 092 660 746 Boutique interior design shop offering advice on architectural work and interior design, as well as providing custommade furniture, home accessories, and kitchenware, lighting and bedroom

suites. Open 9am-6pm, closed Sun.

Tel: 023 964 455.

foreign delegates.

Lorenzo Martini Interiors Tel: 012 773 514 www.lorenzo-martini.com The studio provides services ranging from interior design to property development concept. Looking at interiors as living experiences, Lorenzo Martini ensure their designs are tailor made to clients.

EuroCham Preah Ang Makhak Vann, Phnom Penh. Tel: 023 964 141.

Commercial Banks

The Room Design Studio 9AB Street 288 Tel: 023 992 620 Interior design and architectural company that has 12 years’ experience of designing flats, villas, offices, shops, homes and offices in Asia.

Bikes & Mechanics Dara Motorbike 43 Street 136 Tel: 012 335 499 Off-road specialist offers repairs, parts and accessories. Tours arranged by appointment.

Emerald Garage 11 Street 456 Mechanics specialising in maintenance and repair of vehicles, including oil changing and body painting.

Expat Motorbike Cambodia 38Eo, Street 322 Tel: 089 491 436 / 089 518 867 emcjapeng@gmail.com Offers motorbike rental services for expats living in Phnom Penh including well-maintained motors, reliable & responsive service.

The Bike Shop 31 Street 302 Tel: 012 851 776 Repairs trusty steeds as well as renting them out in the first place. Also provides dirt bike tours.

Western Service Centre 24 Street 420 Tel: 012 477 831 www.wmg-cambodia.com A garage with Western and Khmer staff that emphasises communication and trained, attentive skills. Motto is “We don’t know all, we find out all, then we fix.”

Malaysian Business Council of Cambodia Unit G21, Ground Floor, Parkway Square 113, Mao Tse Tung Blvd. mbcc.secretariat@gmail.com

Car Rental ACC Car Rental Services 43 Street 160z Toul Kork Tel: 012 456 003 / 015 456 003.

Professional, prompt and organized rental service that provides vehicles for rent with or without a driver. ACC also rents a range of buses that seat from 12 to 45 people.

services

LISTINGS

ABA Bank 148 Sihanouk Bouelvard.

Tel: 023 225 333 www.ababank.com Multi-branch network universal commercial bank offering a full range of products and services through nationwide network. Voted Best Bank in Cambodia 2014 and 2015 by Euromoney.

Acleda Bank 61 Monivong Blvd.

Tel: 023 998 777 www.acledabank.com.kh Specialises in micro, small and medium loans to people throughout the country.

Asia Vehicle Rental 27 Street 134 Tel: 078 666 557 www.avrcambodia.com With the motto “leave your driving to us”, this rental service offers sedans, pick-ups, SUVs and minibuses in 2WD or 4WD for self-drive or with driver.

Insurance offered.

ANZ Royal Bank Main Branch, 20 Street 114 www.anzroyal.com Cambodia’s major commercial bank has brought international standards of banking to Cambodia, with a large number of ATM machines around Phnom Penh. Can arrange money transfers.

Larryta Trading & Travel Co. Ltd. 9 Street 310 Tel: 023 994 748 www.larrytacarrental.com.kh Vehicle rental for all types of cars, vans and mini-buses with flexible packages in Cambodia and neighbouring countries by the day, week or month.

CIMB Bank PLC 20AB Norodom Blvd. Tel: 023 988 388 www.cimbbank.com.kh Full range of commercial and consumer banking products and services for both Cambodian and foreign businesses and individuals. The first Japanese bank in Cambodia.

Royal Limousine Services Attwood Business Center, Russian Confederation Blvd.

Tel: 023 218 808 www.royallimousine.com.kh Fleet of late model Mercedes that provides transport for hotels, embassies and luxury tour operators as well as

Maybank (Cambodia) PLC 4B, Street 114 (Kramoun Sar) Tel: 023 210 123 maybank2u.com.kh The only bank operating in Cambodia ranked by Bloomberg Markets as among the World’s Top 20 Strongest Banks.

Maybank humanises financial services by

Active Investment Management

Business Groups AmCham 1st Floor LBL International Building, 34 Sothearos Boulevard, Phnom Penh. Tel: 015 333 715.

BritCham British Embassy, 27-29 Street 75, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 012 323 121.

Chambre de Commerce FrancoCambodgienne Office 2nd floor, 33 Street 178 Tel: 023 221 453 www.ccfcambodge.org International Business Chamber H7 Russian Boulevard, Phnom Penh.

Are you concerned about market volatility?

Active investment management can reduce downside risk and help protect your capital.

Get in touch today

Call 023 997 121 email enquiries@infinitysolutions.com

infinitysolutions.com

Labuan FSA Licence N0. BS200548 Company No. LL04446

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2/9/16 15:23

services

money matters

helping customers and employees grow, bridging them to new opportunities.

Maruhan Japan Bank 83 Norodom Blvd. Tel: 023 999 010 First Japanese bank in Phnom Penh.

IT & Software Cresittel Co., Ltd. Office 705, KT Tower 23 Street 112 Tel: 098 518 888 Provides software solutions and systems, point of sales systems for bars and restaurants, website designing and telecoms consulting. Has showroom at 385 Street 215.

Lessons to be Learned Paul Dodd The world is reeling this year from the loss of some of our dearest loved musicians, film stars and entertainers. It all kicked off on Jan. 10 with the announcement of the passing of musical genius David Bowie. His seemingly rapid end shocked the world as his cancer had been a well-kept secret, was swiftly followed into the great unknown by actor extraordinaire, Alan Rickman, veteran broadcaster and UK national treasure, Terry Wogan, and legendary musician, Glenn Frey. Far too many highly talented people to lose in such a short amount of time.

I’m sure most of us reacted to these tragic shocks by reflecting on our own lives. Not only on how ephemeral and fragile life is but also on how we and our families would cope with such a loss. Of course there is the emotional fallout to consider but there is also the practical side. How would your finances hold up in such circumstances?

These celebrities and their families are probably wealthy enough not to have to worry too much about the impact of their deaths on their finances, but how about you? Do you have a lump sum available to get you through a period of prolonged illness? If you are an expat with a young family, where would your loved ones live? I know these are morbid questions but they are ones which we all need to face up to.

We can live the healthiest lives imaginable but we still can’t be sure that cancer won’t come knocking, or we won’t be struck down by a heart attack. These examples prove the impossibility of protecting ourselves against every eventuality in life. What we can do, however, is to protect ourselves and our loved ones against the financial consequences of any such eventuality.

This is where life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection come in.

These three types of protective insurance all work in slightly different ways but offer the peace of mind that whatever illness may strike, you and your family won’t suffer financially.

Your estate is another aspect of financial planning which you need to address to ensure your affairs are in order should you meet your Maker unexpectedly.

It is absolutely essential to have a will in place that is up-to-date and correctly drafted so there is no room for misinterpretation.

If you have no will, or a will that could be contested, your funds could be locked up while your estate is undergoing probate, a notoriously lengthy process.

For expert advice, I am happy to discuss the issues with you over a coffee and ensure everything is in place for any unexpected misfortunes. I know that contemplating tragic events is not a fun task but I urge you to take some time out of your week to address these matters.

Infinity Financial Solutions provides impartial, tailor-made, personal financial advice to clients in Cambodia and Southeast Asia. Should you wish to contact Paul, please send an email to info@infinitysolutions.com or visit infinitysolutions.com.

74 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

KTOP 4/F Sorya Shopping Centre.

Tel: 023 6666 763 www.ktop.com.kh Broad range of quality and up-to-date smartphones, tablets, computers and accessories. Special services for OS upgrade, maintenance, applications, games, music and movies for mobile devices and computers. Open daily from 9am- 8.30pm Netpro Cambodia 11 Street 422 Tel: 023 215 141 www.netpro-cambodia.com IT supports company that delivers high quality and reliable services to home and small to medium size organisations in Cambodia.

Ocean Technology T-20 St Topaz, Sovanna Shopping Centre Tel: 023 211 700 / 010 624 001 www.ocean-tech.biz Technology company that offers GPS navigation systems, an online map directory and vehicle tracking system.

Insurance AG Cambodia Hotel Cambodiana, 313 Sovanna Sisowath Quay Tel: 017 360 333.

Email: nfo@agcambodia.com Professional insurance agent offering health, home, car, factory, employee and hotel insurance packages.

Forte Insurance 325, Mao Tse Toung Blvd. Tel: 023 885 077 www.forteinsurance.com Forte Insurance is dedicated to providing exceptionally comprehensive and efficient insurance services (Corporate Insurance & Personal Insurance) to all our clients.

Infinity Insurance 126 Norodom Blvd. Tel: 023 999 888 Professional insurance company offers motor, property, home, marine cargo, personal accident, healthcare, construction and engineering insurance.

Group policies can be customised.

Legal BNG Legal 64 Street 111 Tel: 023 212 671 / 023 212 740 www.bnglegal.com BNG Legal is a leading Cambodian law firm providing comprehensive legal services to foreign and local clients.

DFDL Legal and Tax Advisors 33 Street 294 Tel: 023 210 400 www.dfdlmekong.com Law firm providing international standard legal and tax solutions with local and cross-border experience with offices in neighbouring countries.

Gordon and Associates Asia 21 Street 214 Tel: 023 218 257 US lawyer works with local Cambodian lawyers to provide international quality advice. Specialises in foreign investment, joint ventures and advising entrepreneurs.

Sciaroni & Associates 24 Street 462 Tel: 023 210225 www.sa-asia.com Leading professional and investment advisory firm based in Cambodia with legal offices in Laos and Myanmar, provides skilled counsel, knowledgeable business insight and experienced guidance to leading companies, governments, think tanks and global investment funds.

Media & Design Anon Creative Energy Tel: 089 812 123 Email: anoncambodia@gmail.com Internationally trained advertising talent at your service. Strong, strategic ideas.

Available for freelance art and copy writing projects.

Asia Media Lab Tel: 012 818 917 asiamedialab.com Full service video production company specialises in the creation of dynamic visual content to help bring NGO stories to life for fundraising and advocacy.

Miscellaneous Sunbird Angkor Co. Ltd. 78 Monireth Blvd.

Tel: 023 98 3333 / 023 99 1010 Email: sunbirdangkor@yahoo.co.kr Worldwide hotel reservations, car rentals,medical services, conventions and marketing. Open Mon-Fri 8am5.30pm and Sat 8am-1pm.

Post Office Main Post Office Cnr. Streets 102 & 13 Open 6.30am-9pm.

Photography AsiaMotion Tel: 092 806 117 www.asiamotion.net Photographic agency established in November 2008 as a cooperation between local and international photographers. i3 Studio Tel: 017 728 895 / 095 666 817 / 092 709 596 Photography services: event, prewedding, wedding coverage and videography service.

Nathan Horton Photography Tel: 092 526 706 www.nathanhortonphotography.com Full service professional photographer.

Hotels, bars, restaurants, spas and location work. Call for Travel Photography workshops and tours.

Printing Sok Heng Printing House 1297B Street Luo 5, Stoeung Mean Chey Tel: 011 939 255 / 012 939 255 Modern print house providing a full range of printing services. Graphic design available.

Real Estate and Property Services CB Richard Ellis (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. 9/F , Hyundai Phnom Penh Tower 445 Monivong Blvd. Tel: 023 964 099 www.cbre.com.kh The world’s largest commercial real estate services company offering premier quality real estate, valuations, consultancy, investment and property services.

Giant Ibis Transport Phnom Penh Phnom Penh: 3 Street 106 Siem Reap: 64 Sivatha Street Tel: 023 999 333 www.giantibis.com Travel in “Affordable Luxury” to Siem Reap and other destinations in brand new 2012 buses with reclining seats, spacious leg room, AC, WiFi, complementary snacks and pick-up service.

Telecoms Cellcard 33 Sihanouk Blvd. Tel: 012 800 800 A leading mobile phone operator providing a comprehensive range of voice, data and SMS services to individual and corporate users, both pre-paid and post-paid.

Emaxx Corner St 214 / Norodom Blvd. Tel: 023 999 818 Provides a national, high-quality, 4G network service for Internet and multimedia services.

Ezecom 7D Russian Blvd. Tel: 023 888 181 www.ezecom.com.kh Internet service provider that promises boundless packages suited to everyone’s needs. Good for those looking for unlimited downloads.

Mobitel 33 Sihanouk Blvd. Tel: 012 801 801 Largest ISP in the country. Major mobile phone company which issues the 012 SIM card.

Independent Property Services (IPS) 182 Street 63 Tel: 077 959 861 www.ips-cambodia.com Property and real estate agent offering apartments, houses and villas for sale and rent in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Property Care Services (PCS) 2A Road 7 Tel: 017 555 203 Solution for property support services, including waste management, security, pest control and cleaning. Only company to clean high-rise windows with absailers.

Relocation, Shipping Asian Tigers Beton Street, Mol Village, Sangkat Dongkor Tel: 023 212 014 www.asiantigers-mobility.com/cambodia Leading provider of international relocation solutions with over 30 offices in 14 countries.

Crown 115-116 Street 335 Tel: 023 881 004 www.crownrelo.com Global transportation and relocation company with over 150 offices in 50 countries, specialising in expat support and household shipment. Open 8.30am5.30pm (Mon-Fri), 8.30am-12pm (Sat). expat2cambodia Tel 066 200 767 www.expat2cambodia.com Personal consultant offering services from expat to expat in the client’s own language: including house hunting, healthcare and transport.

Taxi Services Choice Taxi Tel: 023 888 023 / 090 882 882 Metered taxi service with rates from US$1 for first 2km.

shopping Art Smart

464a Monivong Blvd. Tel: 010 201 000 Eileen’s Ceramic Painting One of Cambodia’s leading mobile 40B Streetoffering 310 (between St.57 St.63) operator, super-fast 4G& LTE. Tel: 012 267 784 Provides a range of phones, tablets Book a party for Housewarming, and selection of acall plans.

Birthday, Anniversary or Reunion. We offer workshops during school and after school.

Estampe 72c street 174 Tel: 012 826 186, A wide collection of vintage items can be found at Estampe. There are originals and reproductions of old photos, books, maps from late 19th and early 20th century. Documents on specific themes or periods for unique tailor-made collections for hotels, restaurants or house decoration can be made. Open Mon- Sat from 11am-7pm.

Hanuman Fine Arts 13B Street 334, Phnom Penh Tel: 023 211 916 Email: tradition@hanumanfinearts.com High quality, beautiful antiques and art from all over the Kingdom. Furniture, ornaments, silverware, jewelry and more are well displayed in a treasure trove of a store. Very helpful and friendly staff.

Open 8am–5pm.

Happy Painting Gallery 363 Sisowath Quay (nr. FCC)

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Tel: 023 221 732 www.happypainting.net Established in 1995 this art gallery is dedicated to Stef, a local icon artist with a very personal and positive insight into everyday life in Cambodia. Open 8am-10pm

Beauty Products Raffles Amrita Spa Raffles Hotel Le Royal.

Tel: 023 981 888 www.raffles.com/phnompenh Email: spa.phnompenh@raffles.com Distinctive collection of Raffles Amrita spa private label and international spa products are available for purchase.

Open 6am-10pm.

Books & CDS Carnets d’Asie French Cultural Centre, 218 Street 184.

Tel: 012 799 959 French-language bookshop has sections on Cambodia and Asia as well as general fiction, with a good range of French magazines and newspapers. Open 8am-8pm D’s Books 79 Street 240 / 12E Street 178 Tel: 012 726 355 New and used bookshops with over 20,000 original books and some copies, with a great range of best sellers. Coffee, smoothies and more available all day at Street 240. Open 9am-9pm.

Le Phnom Shop Raffles Hotel Le Royal. Tel: 023 981 888 Small shop offering books and souvenirs including recipes from the hotel’s pastry chef. Open 7am-9pm.

Monument Books 111 Norodom Blvd. Tel: 023 217 617 Extensive range of new English-language books in town including recent releases and sections on Asia, Cambodia, travel, cuisine, design and management. Good children’s section as well as a wide choice of magazines and newspapers.

Also has outlets at the airport and in Aeon Mall.

Open 7am-8.30pm.

Crafts & Furniture Artisans D’Angkor 12AEo Street 13 (in front of Post Office) Tel: 023 992 409 www.artisansdangkor.com Boutique with a wide range of traditional and contemporary handmade pieces produced at Artisans Angkor’s workshops in Siem Reap province: silk scarves, clothing and accessories, home furnishings, lacquer paintings and tableware, stone and wooden sculptures, silver-plated ornaments and

silk paintings. Special commissions and custom orders welcome. Open daily from 9am-6pm

furnishing offering a variety of tiles, stylistic bathroom furniture & sanitary ware, modern home and office furniture.

Artwood 33 Street 302 Tel: 016 934 999 www.artwood.asia Drop in to our showroom to experience modern wooden furniture designed and manufactured in Cambodia. Offers free consultations for both commercial and residential custom-made needs.

Fashion

Ashley Gallery 705Eo Monivong Blvd Tel: 023 211 116 Browse our selection of quality furnishings at amazing value. Bring your home’s interior design to the next level with well-made products with the help of our friendly and knowledgeable designers. Open daily from 8am-6pm.

DeCosy 219 Street 19 Tel: 023 219 276 Stocking charming knick-knacks and furniture, DeCosy is the place to find the things to make your house a home.

Open daily from 9am-7pm.

Indulgence Interiors 23A Street 302 Tel: 023 637 3666 / 012 586 688 Email: Indulgenceinteriors@gmail.com Sells sofas, dining sets, bed linen, curtain & lights.

Oppein 705Eo Monivong Blvd. Tel: 012 228 868 www.oppein-camodia.com Oppein is the leading cabinetry brand in Asia-Pacific, we offer high quality and affordable kitchen cabinet, wardrobe, home furniture, wooden doors, bathroom cabinets. Open daily from 8am-6pm.

Pavillon d’Asie 24, 26 Sihanouk Blvd. Tel: 012 497 217 Antique lovers dream, a large array of well-restored furniture and decorative objects. Wooden cabinets jostle for space with Buddha statues and old wooden boxes. Upstairs are pieces from the French colonial era. Open 10am7pm, closed Sunday.

PhalyCraft 37 Street 113 Tel: 016 485 857 www.phalycraft.com Located near Tuol Sleng Museum, PhalyCraft makes scarves, bags, gifts and accessories. Custom orders available.

Sinh Hak Hout Home Mart Branch I: 353ABC Mao Tse Tong Blvd.

Tel: 023 723 588 Branch II: 88, St. 598, Near TV Station 3.

Tel: 096 833 9999 Branch III: 65-67, Mao Tse Tong Blvd.

Tel: 095 699 994 A one-stop solution for home interior

Ambre 37 Street 178 Tel: 023 217 935 The high-end fashion designs created by Cambodian designer Romyda Keth are popular all over the world, this beautiful colonial building makes the perfect setting for the city’s most glamorous design shop. Also has men’s fashion.

Open 10am-6pm, closed Sunday.

Back to the Future 193A Street 63 near the corner Street 294 Tel: 078 991 232 Old fashion is always becoming new fashion. What was fashionable before, will be fashionable again. At Back to the Future, we have an amazing selection of hand-picked, vintage items ranging from cloths, bags, shoes, and accessories. Open daily from 8am-8pm.

Bambou Indochine 7 Street 178 Tel: 023 214 720 High-quality T-shirts, Polo shirts and comfortable clothes in original designs.

A full-range of sizes for men, women and children. Open daily 8am-10pm.

Beautiful Shoes 138 Street 143 Tel: 012 848 438 Family-run business measures your feet and designs the shoe exactly as you wish. The shop also caters for men.

Open from 7am-6.30pm.

Bliss 29 Street 240 Tel: 023 215 754 A beautiful colonial building houses this exquisite shop with funky patterned cushions, quilts and an excellent clothing line. The health spa at the back of the shop also sells Spana beauty products.

Open from 9am-9pm (closed Mondays).

Central Mall Phnom Penh 10 Street 67 Tel: 023 966 300 centralmallphnompenh.com A modern and stylish multi-brand department store concept in the heart of Phnom Penh, bringing authentic and premium international names right to your doorstep.

Couleurs D’Asie 33 Street 240 Tel: 023 221 075/ 099 499 478 Email: info@couleursdasie.net www.couleursdasie.net Established in Cambodia for more than 15 years, Couleurs d´Asie has developed a full range of textile products for home decoration, clothing and fashion accessories. Jewellery, essential oils, soaps and more are on offer. A custom service for existing products is also available.

Dara Shoes 10 Street 166 (near corner Street 107) Tel: 012 855 173 / 097 809 743 Good quality shoes, boots, bags, belts and leather products made to order.

D.Hindley Jewellery 9 Street 184 Tel: 012 327 107 Discover a range of beautiful Cambodian gemstones. From affordable to extravagant, we sell top quality 18k gold and sterling silver jewelry, plus loose gemstones. New Zealand/Khmer ownership. All manufacturing done in Cambodia. Open 9am-7pm.

Jasmine Boutique 73 Street 240 Tel: 023 223 103

www.jasmineboutique.net Established in 2001 by Kellianne Karatau and Cassandra McMillan, this boutique creates its own collection of designs twice a year using hand-woven Cambodian silk. Open 8am-6pm.

Khmer Attitude Raffles Hotel Le Royal. Tel: 023 981 888 Fashion boutique that offers the finest Khmer silk clothing for men, women and children, including designs by Romyda Keth, and exclusive jewellery that complement the limited edition outfits.

Kool As U 141 Street 19 (north of Street 172) Tel: 012 735 991 www.koolasu.com Specialises in men’s fashion with all clothes designed and made by Khmers.

The clothing is casual, but designed for partying or work. Business Hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 9am-7pm.

La Clef de Sol 10 Street 208 Tel: 012 394 915 A design boutique offering home decor, women’s fashion, kids clothes, bags, accessories and continually updated design surprises. Near KFC on Norodom Blvd. Open 9am-6pm Mon–Sat. Lim Keo 9 Street 222 Tel: 012 941 643 Pret a porter by Lim Keo, son of Sylvain Lim, the master of Cambodian fashion.

Lola’s Intimates 1st Shop: 175 Street 155 (corner Street 460) 2nd Shop: 6E0, Street 5 (btw Street 110 and Street 118) Tel: 092 876 223 Offer all kinds of stylish underwear and night dresses with beautiful patterns.

Price range from $1 to $12 per item.

Opens daily from 9am-6.30pm Luna Boutique 8E1 Street 278 Tel: 023 220 176 Original and stylish fashion designs for men and women. The tailor-made creations, designed by modern Cambodian stylist Mengchou Kit, are fit for any occasion. Luna Boutique is located in the heart of Phnom Penh, while its sister shop - Luna Shoes - is next door. Open daily 8am-9pm.

Promesses and Kaprices 20 Street 282.

Tel: 023 993 527 Lingerie shop stocked with exclusive French and Thai undergarments. Chic, new prêt-à-porter shop Kaprices is located upstairs. Open 9am-7pm.

Sentosa Silk Uniform 33 Sothearos Blvd, cnr Street 178 Tel: 012 962 911/ 023 222 974 Email: info@couleursdasie.net sentosa@ online.com.kh Well known for its professional management ability, SentosaSilk gives clients efficient and reliable service through quality systems and procedures that consistently enhance product quality and reliability.

Sobbhana Boutique 23-24 Street 144/49 Tel: 023 219 455/ 023 219 452 www.sobbhana.org A not for profit organisation founded

by Princess Norodom Marie, offering a range of colourful, handwoven silk products. Profits fund training, medical care and education of weavers.

Smateria 8Eo Street 5. Tel: 023 211 701 7 Street 178. Tel: 023 214 720 www.smateria.com Boutique specializing in accessories made from recycled materials including

a range of bags and wallets made from old fruit juice cartons, plastic bags and mosquito nets.

Subtyl 43 Street 240.

Tel: 023 992 710 www.subtyl.com Up-market boutique selling Cambodian handmade women’s clothes, scarves, shoes, bags and other accessories in contemporary and interesting designs, the Subtyl collection combines class with colour. ChilliKids children’s clothing is also stocked at the shop. Open 9am-7pm.

Food & Wine AusKhmer Import Export 521 Street Angtamin Pagoda, Sang Kat Kar Karp Tel: 012 698 100 / 023 880 110 www.auskhmer.com Importer of quality wines and fine food from Australia and further afield.

Camory – Premium Cookie Boutique 167 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 224 937 Makes cookies using produce from the provinces such as cashews from Kampong Cham and Mondulkiri honey. A portion of the profits fund education for a local orphanage. Open 9am-8.30pm.

Celliers d’Asie 62B & 98 Street 432.

Tel: 023 986 350 Wine supplier with the largest quantity of retail stock in town, has been providing wine to most of the top hotels and restaurants for over ten years. Open 8am12pm, 2pm-6pm, closed Sunday.

Comme a la Maison 13 Street 57 Tel: 012 951 869 Decidedly sophisticated French restaurant has a small delicatessen and bakery at the back of the restaurant ideal for that morning baguette or croissant with your coffee. Open from 6am10.30pm.

Dan Meats 51A Street 214 Tel: 012 906 072 Phnom Penh’s man of meat, Lanzi, supplies his strictly non-vegetarian products to many restaurants around town. Open 7.30am-6.30pm, closed Sun. Kurata Pepper 5 Street 322 Tel: 023 726 480 Selling organic Koh Kong pepper and associated products, Kurata is a specialist shop in town. Open daily 8am-7pm.

Le Marché 10 Street 456 Tel: 011 51 07 31 Le Marché is the first one-stop shop in Toul Tom Poung. From basic grocery products, international food and beverage items to various and trendy homeware articles, find everything you need for your daily life at very affordable prices. Open daily from 7am-9am Red Apron 15-17 Eo Street 240 Tel: 023 990 951 Home of wine enthusiasts in Phnom Penh is both a wine boutique and tasting gallery. With around 300 wines, the boutique has more range than the supermarkets. Open 9am-9pm.

The Chocolate Shop 240 35 Street 240 Tel: 077 666 402 Premium Chocolate shop with a large range of Cambodian-made Belgian chocolates including some classics such as pralines, truffles and bars. Open 9am - 7pm Monday-Saturday and 9am-4pm on Sunday. Second outlet in BKKI Street 63. Third outlet in Aeon Mall, Ground floor - Sweet Island.

The Deli 13 Street 178 Tel: 012 851 234 Café and bakery with take away breads, sandwiches and pastries. Now has a second outlet on Street 51. Open 6.30am-6.30pm, delivery service (within 30 minutes) 7am-11pm.

Household Goods Japan Home Centre 48A Street 294 Tel: 089 266 851 101A Street 432 (cnr Street 167) Tel: 078 850 320. www.japanhomecentre.com A place where you can find all of your household needs. Open daily from 10am-8pm Mi-a Japan Street 271 (100m after Stung Meanchey bridge) Tel: 023 6444 531 The store provides a variety of products from gardening tools to dining materials.

The 100-yen shop is famous in Japan and has now arrives in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Open daily at AEON Mall 1F 9am-10pm, Dream Land on Sisowath Quay 9am-11pm, Street 271 8am-9pm

& Siem Reap 9am-10pm.

Malls

AEON Mall 132 Sothearos Blvd.

As Cambodia’s first Western-style shopping mall, AEON is home to a host of local and international brands, a sprawling food hall, department store and entertainment floor featuring a cinema, bowling alley and arcade section. Close your eyes and you could be in Bangkok

Silks & Accessories Friends ‘n’ Stuff 215 Street 13 Friends ‘n’ Stuff shop sells products made by the parents of children in need, from various Friends projects, as well as other consignment items. After some serious shopping, you can relax here with a manicure and massage by Mith Samlanh’s beauty training students at The Nailbar.

Friends ‘n’ Stuff has a small shop at the Russian Market and Romdeng restaurant as well. Open daily from 11am-9pm.

Hummingbird 137 Street 19 Tel: 092 504 604 www.facebook.com/hummingbird.cambodia Modern women’s clothing boutique with all the latest styles. Opened in 2014 offering a unique, high-quality range of dresses, playsuits, shirts and blouses, skirts, tops and t-shirts, shorts, bags, flats and sandals, jewellery, beauty and wellbeing products and more. Open daily from 9am to 9pm.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 77

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AsiaLIFE Cambodia 79

Bassac Lane Art Festival at Beoung Kak Lake

Java Cafe

Spotlight 80 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

Photography by Lim Sokchanlina

Launch of Porsche 911

Friends International In the first instalment of NGO Focus, we take a look at the success of one of Cambodia’s top NGOs, Friends International.

S

ince launching in 1994, Friends International (FI) has played a pivotal role in helping underprivileged and at risk youngsters and their families build sustainable lives for themselves. Through their outreach programmes, vocational training and education reintegration plans, the organisation helps more than 60,000 vulnerable young people each year.

With a wealth of experience under its belt, FI is constantly evolving and looking for new ways to help the demographic it serves.

This year has seen it broaden its horizons, opening a series of social businesses, including a nail bar and tailors in the city and a garage repair shop in Takhmao.

“The idea is that we put these businesses within communities so people can see what is happening, and this can be done,” says FI’s James Sutherland. “The plan is to continue to do that and get businesses functioning out there.”

Another initiative from FI, which launched last month, is its Futures programme. In a bid to give youngsters a helping hand in landing a job, under the scheme two Futures centres opened their doors in Phnom Penh and one in Sihanoukville. Created to perform as a one-stop job shop, the centre runs as a job centre, with careers advisors on hand to talk to attendees, as well as providing computers and internet access to carry out job searches.

“We are also working closely with local businesses to provide apprenticeships and placements,” Sutherland adds. “We are also 82 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

trying to provide support and training for those who have small business ideas.”

Drawing on the successful model of its restaurants, Friends Restaurant and Romdeng, another new step in FI’s journey has seen it launch its Tree Alliance restaurant training programme. Under this, organisations carrying a similar ethos to FI receive training and support to set up similar outlets.

“Our vocational hospitality training has been extremely successful and we have 10 years plus of learning in the field that we have accrued,” says Sutherland. “We thought seeing as we have a good model that works in areas with social needs and a strong tourist population, then why not put it in a package and franchise it?”

To qualify to be a Tree restaurant, businesses must hit a certain set of high standards and criteria, with training being delivered by FI and annual inspections carried out. To date, a string of other restaurants have opened their doors in Sihanoukville, Laos, Ethiopia and Myanmar, with another set to open this year in Bangkok (Visit tree-alliance.org for details).

As well as working on the ground with disadvantaged youths, it works on another platform, directly targeting the hoard of tourists who flock to Cambodia every year. Through its ChildSafe programme, tuk tuk drivers, hospitality workers and tourists receive training on signs of abuse or something awry, how to report it, and advice on what to avoid, such as buying from children and visiting orphanages.

As part of the drive, it publishes its top seven tips for tourists, which last month received a revamp, along with the ChildSafe logo and a rebranding of the website. It will also be releasing seven citizen tips, in Khmer, which will be handed out throughout the provinces, and include information on topics such as migration and road safety.

“Our tagline is Together, Building Futures,” says Sutherland. “We all have a role to play, and we support other organisations in delivering them.”

topten

endorsed

Top 10 US Grossing Films 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

Zootopia Allegiant Miracles from Heaven 10 Cloverfield Lane Deadpool London Has Fallen Whiskey Tango Foxtrot The Perfect Match Grimsby The Revenant

Kindle Top 10 Reads 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

Ghost Gifts by Laura Spinella The Last Girl by Joe Hart Winter Men by Jesper Bugge Kold All the Lasting Things by David Hopson North of Here by Laurel Saville Little Sister by Giles O’Bryen Guarding His Obsession by Alexa Riley Room Hate by Penelope Ward A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck

Top 10 iTunes Downloads 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

My House by Flo Rida Love Yourself by Justin Bieber Stressed Out by Twenty One Pilots 7 Years by Lukas Graham Let it Go by James Bay Hello by Adele All I Ask by Adele One Call Away by Charlie Purth Hands to Myself by Selena Gomez Sorry by Justin Bieber

Mangos Kate Burbridge It’s that time of year again.

The mango rains are falling, the sun is blazing and the fruits are rapidly ripening in the trees. Tens of them, dozens of them, hundreds… well, you know the score. The city’s mango sellers can hardly move under the weight of their wares.

Sweet, sticky, delicious and, at the moment, ridiculously cheap, mangos are everywhere you look: juices, shakes, cocktails, myriad mango desserts on special.

Whilst the Kingdom’s chefs continue to create innovative things to do with nature’s bright orange bounty, there are a few things you can whip up in a domestic kitchen. There are the local staples, such as green mango with chilli, lime and salt (or sugar if you prefer), and spicy mango salad as a seasonal substitute for the usual papaya, assuming there are any unripened fruit around.

Branching out into international cuisine, mango chutney, mango crumble, mango pie all leap to mind but generally call for too much cooking in this hot, sweaty season. More welcome at this sultry time of year is mango sorbet, it can be a little time consuming but if your mangos are ripe enough the only other ingredients you need are a freezer and a bowl. Actually it helps if the mangos are over ripe, less work for you.

Skin and strip the flesh of the fruit – do this over the

bowl, it means less waste and less mess. Mash or blend the fruit into a pulp, not a smoothie. Either leave it in the bowl and cover or pour into an old ice-cream tub, for example, and place in the freezer. After an hour mix well with a fork to break up the ice crystals and keep them small.

Repeat every 30 minutes or so until sorbet consistency is reached. If the ice crystals remain stubbornly grainy, just rename it mango granita.

After all that hard work, take the left over mangos (there are always left over mangos), skin and stone them, combine the flesh with sugar syrup, lime juice and rum in a blender, mix until smooth. Pour over ice and enjoy a cool mango daiquiri.

For those who are getting serious mango-fatigue, it is worth remembering the health benefits. Mangos are particularly high in fibre, aiding digestion and thus overall health. Their A, B (folic acid) C vitamin combination keeps bones strong and vision clear, skin, hair and nails healthy, and provides an immunoboost. Finally the potassium and iron naturally occurring in mangos (a much better source than supplements) will support your blood, heart, muscles and nerves. Overall, mangos help the entire body withstand the rigours of the tropical lifestyle.

You may be sick of them now but you’ll miss them when they’re gone.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 83

Hudl Technique (Varies)|

Class Dojo (Free) |

R

eportedly used in half of all schools in the USA, this classroom management app is aimed at teachers, students and parents, encouraging and rewarding student skill, effort and good behaviour via a system of instant merits and demerits, alongside a direct and convenient line of communication between all parties. From any tablet or smartphone, behaviour data and feedback can be recorded, received and shared instantly, with additional functions such as language translation, photo-sharing, instant-messaging and group announcements, making this the ideal tool for any classroom. Each user creates a profile and younger kids will enjoy picking out their own crazy monster avatars.

T

argeted at sports and fitness coaches, PE teachers and athletes, this video recording app allows users to slow down, break down and analyse technique, form or position (in any given sport or exercise), in frame-by-frame slow-motion. Using video footage captured on any device (including smartphones and tablets) and with full HD support, users can overlay drawings, diagrams and commentary, or even synchronise two videos for side-by-side comparison. A library of pre-recorded videos and drills for various sports is also available to hone your technique, placing your feeble attempts for perfection alongside the pros. Additionally, Airplay and social media support allows for data and recordings to be instantly displayed to the world.

Inspiration Maps ($9.99) |

Math Bingo ($1.99) |

Zat Phonics (Free) |

Available for both iPhone and iPad, this brainstorming app provides an intuitive interface for capturing ideas, notes and inspiration in sprawling, fully customisable mind-maps. In the classroom, it can be used as another method of explaining ideas and concepts via colourful, annotated diagrams and flowcharts. Add icons, images, recorded narration and hyperlinks and share your creations instantly via Dropbox, Airdrop, iCloud and iTunes.

Aimed at ages six to eight, this colourful and engaging app encourages children to collect ‘Bingo Bugs’ by answering math problems.

With each correct answer, a bug is added to a bingo-style playing board and, of course, the aim is to get a vertical, horizontal or diagonal row of bugs. Points are awarded depending on the time it takes each answer to be correctly input, and incorrect answers attract penalties. High scores unlock bonus games such a ‘Bingo Bug Bungee’ and ‘Math Fling’.

Designed to support the UK’s Year 1 Phonics Screening Check, this app can also be picked up and used in any setting to help a child learning to read. Phonics is a widely-used method for teaching reading and writing in English, developing a child’s ability to hear and identify sounds and match them to the correct spelling patterns. Zat Phonics provides a range of phonics tests of differing levels and lengths and includes non-words, or ‘alien’ words, to provide a child the skills to decode almost any unfamiliar word.

boxoffice

THE BOX

CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR

THE JUNGLE BOOK

RATCHET AND CLANK

If comedies are up your street then this latest outing starring Melissa McCarthy should be top of the must-see list.

Wealthy mogul Michelle Darnell (Melissa McCarthy) always comes out on top, until she gets busted for insider trading and sent to federal prison. After paying her debt to society, she emerges from jail broke, hated and homeless. Luckily, she tracks down former assistant Claire (Kristen Bell), the only person who can help. While staying at Claire’s apartment, the ex-con devises a plan for a new business venture that involves Girl Scouts, brownies and a willingness to change her ruthless ways.

Following on from the battle that is raging between Batman and Superman, more superheroes take each other on in this highly-anticipated film. Political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability when the actions of the Avengers lead to collateral damage. And this new status quo deeply divides members of the team. Captain America (Chris Evans) believes superheroes should remain free to defend humanity without government interference, while Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr) sharply disagrees and supports oversight. As the debate escalates into an all-out feud, Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) must pick a side.

Rudyard Kipling’s book of the same name has been the inspiration for many a screen adaptation. This latest outing sees Walt Disney Pictures carry out a live-action remake of its classic 1967 animation film.

Raised by a family of wolves since birth, Mowgli (Neel Sethi) must leave the only home he’s ever known when the fearsome tiger Shere Khan (Idris Elba) unleashes his mighty roar.

Guided by a stern panther (Ben Kingsley) and a free-spirited bear (Bill Murray), the young boy meets an array of jungle animals, including a slithery python (Scarlett Johansson) and a smooth-talking ape. Along the way, Mowgli learns valuable life lessons as his epic journey of self-discovery leads to fun and adventure.

Fans of the platform game of the same name have been eagerly awaiting the release of this animated action comedy, which reveals how the two characters met. Ratchet is the last of his kind, a foolhardy lombax who grew up without a family. Clank is a pint-sized robot with more brains than brawn. After stumbling upon a weapon that can destroy entire planets, they join forces with a team of do-gooders known as the Galactic Rangers. Together, they must stop the evil alien Chairman Drek from using this dangerous technology. Along the way, Ratchet and Clank learn valuable lessons about heroism, friendship and discovering their own identity.

COMING SOON MOVIE RELEASES Platinum See platinumcineplex.com/kh for screening schedule The Box Apr. 07 Spotlight Apr. 08 Before I Wake Apr. 12 The Jungle Book Apr. 13 Ratchet And Clank Apr. 28

Legend Cinemas See legend-cinemas.com for screening schedule Elvis And Nixon Apr. 15 Criminal Apr. 21 Captain America: Civil War Apr. 28 Carmino Apr. 28 Ratchet And Clank Apr. 29

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 85

- District 7’s Pitchers Bar and Grill presents -

Brainbuster trivia

1. Samite is a type of what ? a) Fabric b) Stone c) Dog

d) Cake

2. Vermillion is a shade of which colour? a) Green b) Blue c) Red d) Yellow 3. In summer 2010 what species produced offspring in the wild in the UK for the first time in around 400 years after reintroduction to Scotland ? a) Beaver b) Bear c) Wolf d) Reindeer 4. A caparison is an ornamental cloth used to cover a what? a) Alter b) Horse c) Bed d) Window 5. In which famous building are rooms named Vermeil, China, Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow Oval? a) Buckingham Palace b) The White House c) Palace of Versailles d) Westminster Abbey 6. Which 1920s film star’s third husband was Henri Le Bailly de la Falaise, Marquis de la Coudraye? a) Clara Bow b) Lillian Gish c) Mae West d) Gloria Swanson 7. In anatomy, ‘plantar’ relates to which part of the human body? a) Foot b) Stomach c) Head d) Hand 8. Which English royal house held the throne between 1154 and 1485? a) Stewart b) Tudor c) Plantagenet d) Lancaster 9. Something annular is in the shape of a what? a) Leaf b) Ring c) Brick d) Pyramid 10. Sfumato is a technique in what? a) Painting b) Cooking c) Martial Arts

d) Meditaton

7 2

6

11. Sprinter Merlene Ottey, then aged 50, was a member of which nation’s 4 x 100 metres relay squad at the 2010 European Championships? a) Bermuda b) Slovenia c) Jamaica d) Bahraintion 12. If you dropped three solid steel spheres, weighing 1kg, 2kg and 3kg, at the same time from a height of ten metres, in what order would they hit the floor? a) 1kg 2kg 3kg b) 3kg 2kg 1kg c) All at the same time d) Some other order

1

9

3

7

2

1

9 4

5

6 7

3 8

4 3

2

6

6

8

7

8

4 5

1

13. Who dueted with Harry Nilsson on the 1975 Phil Spectre song ‘A Love Like Yours (Don’t Come Knocking Every Day)’? a) Dusty Springfield b) Barbra Streisand c) Diana Ross d) Cher 14. If something coruscates, what does it do? a) Expands b) Fades c) Sparkles d) Shrinks

2

2 9

1

4

1 7

8

2

15. Evo Morales became president of which country in 2006? a) Bolivia b) Argentina c) Ecuador d) Peru

1: A / 2: C / 3: A / 4: B / 5: B / 6: D / 7: A / 8: C / 9: B / 10: A / 11: B / 12: C / 13: D / 14: C / 15: A

Pub Quiz Answers

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