AsiaLIFE Cambodia September 2015

092015 ISSUE105

note from the editor AsiaLIFE Group 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: Joseph Slater

Siem Reap: Sarah Brown

Photographers: Charles Fox & Lucas Veuve

Marissa Carruthers

Distribution: Son Veasna 096 222 7231

One of the great things about living in Cambodia is being surrounded by an abundance of wild and wonderful fresh ingredients, all available via a short jaunt to one of many local markets that dot the capital.

However, their availability and knowing what they are and exactly what to do with them are two completely different things. And, if you’re anything like me, wannabe chefs can often be left staring at a host of unidentified objects sitting in their kitchens.

However, watching the super chefs that took part in our third cook off working their magic inspired me to give it a go, and hopefully it will inspire you too.

Each chef was given one simple challenge: to cook a main course within 10 minutes, using a minimum of three local ingredients. Of course, they all breezed their way through it, each opting for seafood because of its speedy cooking time, and coming up with a diverse range of dishes that showcase local produce at its finest.

Elsewhere in this issue, I head deep into the Cardamom Mountains with Wildlife Alliance to visit the organisation’s release stations. As an avid animal lover it was a truly amazing experience to be able to watch the array of endangered species preparing to be released back into their natural habitat after being nursed back to health.

Joanna Mayhew takes a behind the scenes look at the workings of Coco Khmer. Now a well-known brand on the shelves of boutiques and hotels, the range of coconut oil-based products came from humble beginnings and look set to soon become an international name.

Two factors that are hard to avoid living in Cambodia are flip-flops and the sun. With both posing potential health threats, we find out how to stay safe and avoid health issues, from knocked knees through to skin cancer.

Sticking to the food theme, we hit Saigon to sample a new food tour that takes guests on a journey of the Vietnamese capital’s finest street stalls and snacks. So enjoy, and we hope this issue will get more readers back into the kitchen to cook up a storm of their very own.

Printing: Sun Heang Printing House

Sales Director Cambodia: Sorn Chantha chantha@asialife.asia 012 576 878 010 730 685

www.asialifemagazine.com

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FOR SALES ENQUIRIES: Chantha Sorn Tel: 012 576 878 chantha@asialife.asia

Chhorn Ny chhanny@asialife.asia 015 604 405 Accountants: Seang Seiha Sorn Rathana

Special thanks to: Timothy Bruyns at Common Tiger, Darren Gall, Paul Dodd, SOS International, Ryan Drewe Taylor and Cambodian Living Arts – for their contribution.

On the Cover Design and Art Direction: Joe Slater Photography: Charles Fox AsiaLIFE is a registered trademark.

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

Next time you're in Vietnam, check out the latest issue of AsiaLIFE or download it from www.asialifemagazine.com

092015 ISSUE105

front

12 Picks of the Month 14 Openings

getaway

44 Taking it to the Streets

food

46 Quitapenas

style & design

48 Behind the Design

back

55 Listings

18 Street Smart 22 Phnom Penh Calendar 24 Photo Essay 28 Q&A: Yi Wei

on the cover

30 Cambodian Cook Off

storyboard

36 Coconut Dreams 40 Into the Wild 42 In the Heat

28 6 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

36

47 Do Forni

50 Fashion

86 Phnom Penh Map 94 PP Palette

40

42

Sept 2015

News & Events Dengue Fever Spreads Sounds

Dengue Fever is set to release a new single in support of the band’s upcoming six-week tour of the US, Canada and Europe.

Titled Tokay, it has been taken from its latest full-length album, The Deepest Lake. The music video features stock footage of Betty Boop interacting with the band. The single is available via iTunes download while the tour kicks off at the Backwoods Camping and Music Festival in Stroud, Oklahoma on Sep. 5. For information, visit denguefevermusic.com/tour.

EU’s Cash Boost for ECCC

The European Union (EU) has announced an additional contribution of $11.4 million to be made to the Extraordinary

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Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) and to support genocide education in Cambodia.

“This new contribution to the ECCC is a renewed proof of the commitment of the EU to improve good governance and the rule of law in Cambodia as well as to raise standards in the administration of justice and in combating impunity in this country,” said Fiona Ramsey, Chargé d’Affaires of the Delegation of the EU to Cambodia. The EU and EU Member States have contributed more than $19.8 million in the past nine years, making them the second largest contributor to the court.

And Exhale

Budding yoggies are in for a treat as Yoga Phnom Penh is hosting an immersion weekend, led by Oskar Neary at Vine Retreat in Kep this month. Open to all levels, the course will focus on the basic principles of classical ashtanga yoga and cover topics, including pranayama (breathing), bandhas (locks), dristi (gaze), samadhi (concentration/ meditation), vinyasa (movement), and asana (postures). It takes place from Sep. 18 to 20.

Prices start at $230 for twinshare accommodation. Private accommodation options are also available on request.

Passing the Torch

The French Institute hosted a two-day seminar for 98 scholarship students to prepare them for their impending departure to France. Students were also given information and advice about their new living and studying environments by French University Alumni, and they learnt about professional opportunities with French companies in Cambodia. The students will complete masters’ and doctorate degrees in fields as diverse as economics, law, medical studies, engineering, French-language teaching and tourism. The scholarships have been awarded by the French Embassy, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Open Society Foundations, Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie and the European Union.

Safe Food

Bureau Veritas has awarded Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) certification. The HACCP is a world renowned process control system designed to identify and prevent microbial and other hazards in food production, which covers all steps in the process from receiving goods through to storage, cooking, reheating, transporting and serving. With Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra earning certification earlier this year, Sofitel Cambodia is the first hospitality company in Cambodia to be HACCP certified. Area General Manager Charles-Henri Chevet, says, “This certification demonstrates the perpetual improvement of not only our industry but across Cambodia, endorsing international standards and competing as an equal in the global arena.”

Taking Out the Top Spot

Lonely Planet has ranked Angkor Wat as the top destination in the world in its latest publication Ultimate Travelist. Dating back to the 12th century, the Angkor Heritage Temple Complex is home to more than 1,000 temples, shrines and tombs, and attracts more than two million visitors every year. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Peru’s Macchu Picchu, The Great Wall of China and India’s Taj Mahal are the other international destinations rounding out the top five spots.

Francophonie Rewarded

Kan Neary, special advisor in charge of bilingual classes at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, has been honoured by the French Ambassador to Cambodia with the rank of Knight in the National Order of Merit.

Jean-Claude Poimboeuf described her contribution to the development of cultural exchanges between France and Cambodia, and her promotion of French teaching and learning in Cambodia, which has allowed 4.000 pupils from 11 Cambodian schools to follow classes in Khmer and in French.

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Sept 2015

SR News & Events Upcoming Events at Sofitel

Siem Reap’s Sofitel has just released a list of promotions and events that will become regular fixtures right up until the end of the year, with something in the mix to please everyone.

On Monday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings there is a traditional Apsara dance performance at the Royal Court Restaurant, while every first Wednesday of the month presents the Wine Discovery evening at Explorer’s Tales Bars, during which various wines and canapés can be enjoyed for $22. As if that wasn’t enough, on the first Sunday of every month a delicious poolside barbecue buffet and friendly

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golf tournament at Sofitels’ Phokeethre Country Club can be enjoyed.

Launch of Gay Guide

Last month saw Temple Town welcome its very first dedicated gay publication, with the official launch of The Siem

Reap Gay Guide at Barcode.

Funded entirely by generous contributions from gay business leaders across the city, the free guide offers a definitive listing of bars, restaurants, hotels, spas, saunas, and shops that either have gay owners or pride themselves on being gay-friendly.

In addition, the guide contains a host of useful tourist information for gay visitors to Siem Reap, and a handy labelled map. The guide is available at a variety of Siem Reap’s gay-friendly businesses, as well as online at thesiemreapgayguide.com.

Natural Therapy Options Blossom

Happy one-month birthday to the Purple Mango Wellness

Centre, which opened its doors in Siem Reap in August. This welcome new addition is a non-profit social enterprise that provides treatment spaces for visiting and resident practitioners of natural and alternative therapies, and boasts an evergrowing list of treatments and services. Offerings currently include energy healing, chakra balancing, kundalini yoga, reki, sat nam relaxation healing, and gong therapy, to name a few. In addition clinical psychology, physiotherapy, and general practitioner services are available. An up-to-date schedule can be found on the Purple Mango Facebook page, and bookings can be made on 017 482 952.

PICKS OF THE MONTH See: The Mysterious Art of the Portrait

Eat:: Siem Reap Food Tours

The fruits of budding photographers’ labours is set to go on display this month as part of a joint venture between the French Institute and Cambodia Airports. French photographer William Ropp was invited to work with dozens of students from Studio Images, the institute’s popular photography workshop.

Ropp’s photography workshops took place at both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports, and focused on his areas of expertise: portrait and human beings. The results form the base of The Mysterious Art of the Portrait, which opens on Sep. 3, from 6.30pm at the Street 184 venue. Entrance is free.

Cambodian food can often be difficult to get to grips with but fear not because Siem Reap Food Tours is on hand to help. Offering private morning and evening trips for up to four people, guests will be guided through the culinary delights being served up on both the streets and in bustling markets. Led by passionate foodies, Steven Halcrow and Lina Goldberg, the adventure offers the perfect opportunity to soak up Cambodian life and culture while sampling authentic Khmer dishes in a range of off-the-beaten track settings. Tours cost $75 or $45 for under-12s, and last for about four hours.

For more information, visit siemreapfoodtours.com.

Watch: The Last Reel

See: Inside/Out

The wait is over as much-anticipated movie The Last Reel hits the big screen this month. As one of the first feature films to be directed by a Cambodian woman (Sok Sothun), the award-winning film has been garnering interest across the globe, scooping three international awards along the way. The Last Reel tells the story of an abandoned cinema that hides dark family secrets. Rebellious teenager Sophoun discovers an old film starring her mother, finally offering her the chance to dictate her own destiny, but at the cost of uncovering some dark secrets from the past about her parents lives during the Khmer Rouge regime. The Last Reel premiers at Legend and Cineplex cinemas on Sep. 4.

Inside/Out is an exhibition featuring eight of Cambodia’s most current artists. Born out of mutual respect for each other’s work, the exhibition features the works of Chhan Dina, Chhim Sothy, Anna Malgorzata De Nogales Sudra, Christopher Bryce Morris, Ouk Chim Vichet, Frederikke Tu, Bernadette Vincent and Marcel Wanders. The exhibit takes visitors across the spectrum, crossing all genres of art from traditional depictions of rural Cambodian life to modernist paintings in the style of oil, sculpture, acrylic, drawing and mixed media. Inside/Out, which is organised by Janneke Hoogstraaten, opens on Sep. 26 at the InterContinental Hotel, Phnom Penh and runs until Oct. 25.

Watch: Enchanted by Cambodia Filmmaker Gilles Sainsily’s love for Cambodia is evident in his latest documentary, Enchanted by Cambodia, the Kingdom of Wonders. The 52-minute documentary offers refreshing views of the Cambodian landscape, all shot from above by drone. From Kampong Cham, Kratie, Mondulkiri and Rattanakiri to Kampot, Kep, Sihanoukville, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, every corner of the country is covered. And the Kingdom’s quirky characters feature in interspersed interviews, such as the capital’s first female tuk tuk driver. The drone documentary will be a first for Cambodia and is being submitted to film festivals in the US, Toronto, Berlin and Australia. Enchanted will make its premier at Meta House on Sep. 5. For more information, visit gillessainsily.com.

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Taking the Mickey UK artist Banksy opens a so-called “bemusement park” complete with a dilapidated Disney-style castle and a migrant-filled boat.

Daring Walk Daredevil Nik Wallenda crosses a 1,576ft high wire strung more than 10 storeys above the Milwaukee Mile Speedway in Wisconsin.

Born Again The night parrot, believed extinct since the last confirmed sighting in 1912, is found to be alive in arid desert in Queensland.

Space Salad International Space Station astronauts tuck into space-grown red romaine lettuces – the first vegetables to be cultivated on board.

Big Bucks The Hunger Games star, Jennifer Lawrence, is named the world’s highest paid actress, earning $52 million in the past year.

GOING UP GOING DOWN Shock Alert Microsoft patents technology for clothes that make the skin tingle when a message is received via mobile phone.

Good Scrub Firefighters rescue a 22-year-old who became trapped up to his waist in a washing machine for three hours in Sydney.

Contamination Chaos A team of US regulators investigating contamination at a gold mine accidentally released a million gallons of waste water.

Snake Shock An escaped five-foot carpet python on the loose in a public London park is captured by police.

Doing Bird A pigeon is caught by guards smuggling cocaine and cannabis in a small zipped up pouch strapped to its chest into a Costa Rica prison.

OPENINGS SOHO PUB PHNOM PENH

BRITISH BOOZER

Refurbished timber shutters and a bold blue exterior draw attention to the latest incarnation of this once overlooked grand old building. An exterior beer garden provides a haven for smokers and people watchers wanting to enjoy the streetscape, while the climate controlled interior provides a classy new option for a drink and classic pub meal. Beef skewers in tamarind Sauce ($5.50) are a tasty way to whet the appetite. British-style fish and chips ($6) feature chunky chips and battered white fish. Tiger or Anchor draft purchased between 3pm and 8pm come with an extra one free as part of their long happy hour special, or there is a 30 percent discount on other alcoholic beverages.

Corner of Street 19 and Street 154, Phnom Penh. Tel: 016 399 888.

Open daily from 12pm to 12am.

BOOST JUICE

HEALTHY DRINKS Australia’s popular fresh juice and smoothie kiosk franchise has arrived in Phnom Penh’s Aeon Mall. Boost Juice Bars has been blending and juicing its signature drinks since 2000, and has since expanded into more than 20 countries. With the goal of making it easier to be healthy, their drinks are all at least 98 percent fat free. The All Berry Bang (from $3.50) is proving the most popular smoothie at its first Cambodian outlet, containing strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, apple juice, and the exclusive TD4 strawberry yoghurt. Summer crushes are a refreshing alternative (from $3.50). The watermelon crush is made of freshly juiced watermelon, tropical juice and sorbet. Add a booster of protein, energizer, immunity or vita for 50c.

Ground Floor, Lively Plaza, Aeon Mall, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 023 992666 Open daily from 9am to 10pm.

HAVAIANAS Created by a Scotsman, inspired by the Japanese zori sandals, named for the Portuguese word for Hawaiians and manufactured in Brazil, it was only a matter of time before these multicultural flip-flops infiltrated Cambodia.

A total of 150 million pairs of Havaianas are being made every year, and now fans can pop down to BKK1 to appropriate their very own pair of the cultural icons. Men’s, women’s and children’s designs are all available at the cheery little kiosk. In addition to the original “Top” style ($23 adults/$20 children), the new outlet is also stocking the “Slim” strap style ($30/$24) as well as the new “Freedom” sandal style ($50).

8 Street 57, Phnom Penh. Tel: 011 777 753.

Open daily from 9am to 9pm.

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FLIP-FLOP TREND

THAI BOAT NOODLE

NOODLE CRAZE

Boat noodles earned their names on the klongs of Bangkok. Originally cooked up and sold by merchants plying their way through the city’s waterways on boats, legend has it they were served up in small bowls so they were easier to handle and spilled less often. The tradition continues with the latest food fad sweeping Phnom Penh. At Thai Boat Noodle, the Thai-trained chef prepares steaming pots of beef noodle soup, pork noodle soup and the ever popular tom yum. At just 2000 riel per bowl diners can try all three and are encouraged to keep ordering until they have had their fill.

Sisowath Quay (near Dream Land), Phnom Penh. Tel: 087 208 686.

Open daily from 11am to 9pm.

MASTER MARTIAL ARTS SHOP

FIGHTING SPIRIT

Located behind the Royal Palace is Cambodia’s first dedicated martial art shop. Stocking an array of specialised equipment, including kick pads, head protectors, shin guards, assorted karategi (uniforms), gloves and katana training swords, the staff at Master Martial Arts are keen to offer advice to anyone interested in learning self-defense. While they hold a substantial supply of budget items in a conscious effort to make the sport accessible to all, they also stock a top quality range of supplies imported from Australia for more experienced martial artists, or those with a higher budget. Wholesale is available for club owners.

217 St 19, Phnom Penh. Tel: 015 550 255.

Open from 8am to 8pm. Closed Wednesdays.

SONY SIDE UP

COMFORT FOOD

Sony has spent years working hard in several much-loved restaurants in Phnom Penh’s backpacker districts. Now he has branched out on his own, it is no surprise he has proven to be an instant hit with a loyal group of regulars only a month since opening his doors. A true family enterprise, Sony and his wife work front of shop while his brother, Douit, takes care of the kitchen. Popular dishes include beef wellington ($11.50) and chicken cordon bleu ($6.75). Sony’s signature cocktail, the Passionfruit Mojito ($2.75), is made with fresh passionfruit and mint, a generous splash of rum and topped with soda. Delivery is also available.

142A Street 172, Phnom Penh. Tel: 096 4481 111.

Open every day from 7.30am to late.

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EST. BAR

CLASSY COCKTAILS Discreetly tucked away behind a set of iron gates, a huge timber gimbal door sets the elegant tone for what lays beyond. Named for the Latin “it is”, the two levels of est. bar provide a stylish sanctuary from the city’s latest entertainment precinct. Classic cocktails, such as the Brandy Alexander, Grasshopper and Whisky Sour, offer a retro twist to the interior's modern design. The tapas menu compliments the casual seating arrangements, offering delicacies including Wasabi Tartare, Finnish Meatballs and Snapper Valencia. Making the finer things Phnom Penh has to offer seems effortless, est. bar successfully balances a combination of cocktail lounge, wine bar, supper club and late night drinking venue.

19z Street 214, Phnom Penh. Tel: 023988227.

Open Monday to Wednesday from 6pm to 2am. Thursday & Friday from 5pm to 2am. Saturday from 6pm to 2am. Sunday from 6pm to 12am.

DELUXE CHICKEN Taiwanese-style fried chicken chops are the reason diners should visit Deluxe Chicken. Available in deluxe (spicy) or crispy (sweet), these extra large servings of juicy chicken have a tasty balance of salt and pepper seasoning, which infuses with the individual flavours (spicy or sweet), resulting in a unique tasting fried chicken and retail for $3.50 per piece.

Side orders of coated sweet potatoes, king oyster mushrooms and tofu are another point of difference, rather than the usual offering of French fries. Chicken wings and Spicy Chicken Pop ($2.20) completes the menu of tasty fried treats. Enthusiastic, cheery service rounds out this dining experience that is suited to the whole family.

383-385 Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh. Tel: 016 585883.

Open every day from 10.30am to 9.30pm.

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FRIED DELIGHTS

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StreetSmart

P BKK Market

Cnr Street 57 & Street 380

From fresh produce and the latest super-fresh fashion, to a freshy-girl hairstyle or a pair of not-so-fresh vintage jeans, Boeung Keng Kang market has it all, and is well worth exploring. Hours spent elbow deep in bales of second hand clothes can reap rewards for as little as a few thousand riel per item. Alterations to clothes can often be made on the spot at one of the many tailors based there.

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Street 57

The longevity of some of the businesses on Street 57 is testament to the ongoing appeal of this popular neighbourhood. Barb Eason visits some Phnom Penh stalwarts whose success has paved the way for some of their newer neighbours. Photography Charles Fox.

P Deco

Cnr Street 57 & Street 352

Cocktails from the 1920s and 1930s, such as the Corpse Reviver and Smoked Old Fashioned, are fitting features of the menu offered at Deco. Decorated in the style of the Art Deco era, the sophisticated surrounds of this popular venue can also be enjoyed by imbibing in a fresh serving of craft beer. A short menu focused on quality ingredients and impeccable presentation features some of Phnom Penh’s favourite dishes. Don’t miss the delectable pork chops nestled atop a bed of creamed leeks with tangy mustard sauce ($11). Or skip the mains altogether and order everything on the dessert menu instead – yes, they are all that good. Cheesecake, banoffee pie, sticky toffee pudding and chocolate pudding are $5 each, and worth every single cent and calorie.

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omme à la Maison S C 13 Street 57

R Srornos Music School

53 Street 57

Classical music lessons have been available for more than five years at Phnom Penh’s very own music school in downtown BKK1. Srornos Music School offers piano, cello, guitar, violin, clarinet, flute and vocal lessons in either group or private classes. Four terms per year consist of one-hour lessons spread across 12 weeks, and the school accepts students of all ages and skill sets. Pianos set in private rooms can also be hired by the hour for non-students to hone their craft on, subject to availability.

“One man's junk is another man's treasure”

Just a year shy of a major milestone, Comme à la Maison has come a long way in 19 years. The original garden restaurant still holds the same appeal – a peaceful oasis serving up quality French fare at reasonable prices replete with friendly, attentive service – but it is not the same small business it used to be. These days Comme à la Maison has expanded side-ways and upways, employing more than 50 staff to operate the onsite bakery and deli, a large air-conditioned restaurant and two additional floors of meeting rooms available for hire. Three other outlets dotted around the city round out the empire, and its baked goods are used by numerous Phnom Penh hotels and restaurants, making up the wholesale division.

R New Jack Holt

38 Street 57

Nestled inside Champei Spa is a bustling French beauty salon.

Offering ladies’ cuts from $9 and men’s from $6, it is advisable to book in advance because the place is generally buzzing. Quality work at affordable prices has kept this salon busy for years. Half-head colours and highlights start at $30 and permanent straightening from $50, depending on the length of your hair. Other services include styling for that big night out ($15), manicures ($5) and pedicures ($6).

R Khmer Surin

R Smateria

A sprawling shady haven set in a rambling Khmer style villa on the corner of Street 278, Khmer Surin has been serving up Khmer and Thai dishes since 1996. Named after the province of Thailand that shares a border with Cambodia to the north, Surin is home to a large population of ethnic Khmer. Pull up a chair in the lush garden or head indoors among the impressive collection of oriental antique furnishings. Enjoy their best selling dish, a steamed curry fish amok ($5) and follow it up with a decadent serving of deep fried coconut ice cream, coated in honey crunch ($3.)

Another of Street 57’s long term residents, Smateria has taken the old adage, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure” and turned it into commercial success, creating jobs with fair working conditions for more than 120 staff along the way. Using materials as diverse as fishing nets, crocheted garbage bags and leather off-cuts, they create a range of colourful bags that are funky, stylish and functional. Their hand-bags, wallets, clutches, laptop and tablet bags, backpacks, phone covers and toiletry bags are now sold in five outlets around Cambodia and exported to countries across the world.

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8 Street 57

Have an event coming up?

Send information and dates to marissa@asialife.asia

CALENDAR ALL MONTH

Scar is the result of an impromptu residency with Chath Piersath at Java Arts. As they were searching through older works at the gallery, he proposed re-working them to add to their complexity, or create new pieces entirely. He also compiled a journal following the process. The results are on display at the Sihanouk Boulevard gallery until Sept. 4.

SEPT 02

The Plantation is hosting its latest exhibition, Light & Shadows, the first exhibition from Kok Thlok association. It will display 40 shadow puppets, telling the condensed story of the arrival of Ramayana in the Empire. Opens with a cocktail ceremony on Sep. 02.

SEPT 03

International yoga teacher, Paddy McGrath, is leading a back clinic session for yogis at Yoga Phnom Penh. Learn new techniques to loosen the back and spine. The class includes asanas and techniques from Chinese and Japanese martial arts to relieve tension and back pain. From 12.15pm to 3.15pm. $9.

Join BritCham in celebrating its 20th anniversary with a British pub quiz, pub grub, freeflow drinks and disco music from its founding year. $25 members, $30 guests. From 6.30pm to 9pm at Sunway Hotel.

With support from Cambodia Airports, the French Institute has invited French photographer William Ropp to work with students from its photography workshop, Studio Images. The results will be shown at exhibition, The Mysterious Art of the Portrait, which opens on Sep. 3 at 6.30pm.

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SEPT 04

An evening of wine pairing takes place at Kanji Restaurant, coupling the wines of Domaine Paul Blanck with fine Japanese cuisine. The menu has been designed by Kanji’s master Japanese chef de cuisine, Michael Wong, and master Alsace winemaker, Philippe Blanck. From 7pm.

Tickets are $48.

SEPT 04-06

After the success of last month’s Green Pulse Festival, the team is off to plant trees in the Cardamom Mountains. Guests will join the Metta Nature crew and stay at Mettadhammajat pagoda. $60 including transport, food and accommodation.

SEPT 04-05 11-12

Phnom Penh Players present their latest stage show in the form of Tony-award winning Red. Centred on esteemed 20th century painter, Mark Rothko, the play follows his battle with demons and work to create a series of paintings for a new New York restaurant. Red can be seen at Le Grand Palais Boutique Hotel, Street 130, from 7pm.

Tickets are $10.

SEPT 12

The Kampot Playboys kick off Sharky Bar’s series of Khmer Rock ‘n’ Roll Fusion nights at 9pm.

Samata Health & Wellness Studio is hosting an hour workshop to help frazzled Phnom Penhers get over the daily stresses of this bustling city. The session will look at simple daily practices, long-term solutions and ancient healing techniques to relieve.

It will also discuss what resources are available in the capital to help overcome mild to chronic stress.

From 11am.

SEPT 18-20

Yoga Phnom Penh’ Oskar Nery is leading a threeday yoga retreat for beginners at Kep’s Vine Retreat. $230 per person based on a sharing room.

SEPT 23

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra is celebrating the hotel chain’s Sofitel Wine Days with a special wine dinner at Do Forni. Chef Andrea Genio will design a menu to accompany the wines on offer. Doors open at 6pm with wine cocktails and canopies. For more information, phone 023 999 200.

SEPT 26

Inside/Out is an upcoming exhibit born from eight artists’ mutual respect for each other’s work. It features work from Chhan Dina, Chhim Sothy, Anna Malgorzata De Nogales Sudra, Christopher Bryce Morris, Ouk Chim Vichet, Frederikke Tu, Bernadette Vincent and Marcel Wanders. At InterContinental Hotel until Oct. 25.

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.

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.

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PHOTO ESSAY HONG KONG LIFE Greg Mo is a freelance photographer who specialises in capturing life in Southeast Asia. He has published three books, Sleep in Cambodia, Smil’in Cambodia and, recently, Angkor Temples. This photo essay was created on a five-day trip to Hong Kong during this year’s new year celebrations.

They highlight the vibrant landscape and fast-paced life that exists in this city. Mo says, "This essay shows the vast scenery of the city taken randomly during our visit. It’s the perfect spot for a short escape from Phnom Penh.” Mo is available for photography and graphic design projects.

For more details, visit gregmophoto.com. All photographs are available for printing.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 25

Yi Wei Nerds unite by the dozens at the capital’s bi-monthly Nerd Nights. Writer Joanna Mayhew speaks with co-founder Yi Wei to learn about the city’s nerdiest sub-culture. Photography by Charles Fox.

What is Nerd Night?

Nerd Night is a community event some friends and I have been organising the last four years. The concept is to get interesting people to share something they’re nerdily passionate about. The format supports this rapid-fire way of getting to know people, and is modelled after the PechaKucha format, which is 20 slides, 20 seconds each, [for] a total of six minutes, 40 seconds for each speaker. From what I’ve heard, PechaKucha means chitchat in Japanese.

How did Nerd Night begin?

I started it with another friend.

He had done it one time in college and realised Phnom Penh was good fodder – lots of people coming in and out, new blood and interesting topics. The beginning was a little rough. We had one speaker out of four who really got it. And the numbers were paltry; we had 20 people who showed up, mostly my friends who I begged to come.

[But] by the third event, we knew we had something special.

It’s come a long way. We hit our maximum two years into it – at 300. Today, we get between 100 and 150 on a school night, so that’s still impressive.

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What brought you to Cambodia?

I came in November 2010 [to] work on a project with International Development Enterprises. I knew nothing about Cambodia. I knew my work had to do with sanitation, so there were no toilets. I looked up [Cambodia] on YouTube and Google, and found out about the genocide, the sex trade, listened to terrible karaoke, and was like, “What did I get myself into?” When I got here, I was pleasantly surprised. I think it’s a very common story. People come not knowing what they’ll find and realise it’s a hidden gem, which is why I’ve stayed.

Do you consider yourself a nerd?

Definitely. I’m a proud nerd.

Back in university, I was always active in clubs. I was into bringing stellar people together, creating things out of nothing, turning ideas into action. So Nerd Night is a natural avenue for me to lend those talents and exercise those passions. For me, the word nerd is associated with obsessive behaviour. I have that tendency where I get really interested in something, and really dedicate my time to it. In a previous life, I was nerdy about music. In my work, I’m obsessed with how we use business to improve lives.

Now, on the side, my obsession is fitness. I’m like a nerdy jock. There’s so little time in our lives to explore all our interests, but I’ve just stepped back and said, take one thing at a time.

What have the best talks been?

There have been some really interesting ones. Local artist Chhan Dina had 10 volunteers come up, and she did rapid-fire portrait paintings. We’ve had one speaker who acted out six Shakespearean plays, one really graphic talk by a plastic surgeon [who] showed videos of boob jobs. We’ve had some thought-provoking topics on gender, the environment, and random things, like why cats suck. That’s the beauty of Nerd Night – it’s a grab bag. You don’t really know what you’ll get.

and curious about the people around them. The social scene is usually more around partying, and you don’t necessarily find out such interesting, odd tidbits about people – like it doesn’t naturally come up that someone’s really obsessed with goats. When you provide a platform where the main mission is for people to divulge these passions, people get curious.

Phnom Penh also attracts a certain type of person who’s adventurous, open, international, and those people are good sources of nerdy inspiration.

How do you find speakers?

[That’s] the biggest challenge.

They say public speaking is the number one greatest fear of people, above death. I grew up with a performance background, so I switch it on and off. But I can understand for people who are not familiar with that, it becomes totally terrifying. It’s a matter of having consistent connection and making them feel comfortable. The majority are expats. A lot of Cambodians are reluctant to try it because they’re not speaking in their native language and it’s to an audience they don’t relate to as much. As more young university students get exposed to it, we see regulars coming and bringing their friends, so that’s encouraging.

How do you maintain the momentum?

In the beginning there was a lot of excitement. Over time people have gotten used to it being around, so it’s about cultivating new audiences.

We’ve talked about how do we reach out to universities, to different expat communities, like the Chinese, Korean and Japanese. Communities evolve, so we should respond to that.

My role has been one of many voices; it’ll be for the team to decide what makes it relevant.

Why has it been successful?

Because it’s a relatively small town, people are very inclusive

Why should people join?

Come along to discover who’s in your community, make new friends, and stay passionate about Phnom Penh. As you stay longer, people can get into a routine and get lazy about discovery. Nerd Night is an easy avenue to stay curious.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 29

30 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

Phnom Penh is the place to appease the palate with a range of restaurants to sample the offerings of fusion Khmer cuisine. For AsiaLIFE’s third annual cook-off, we challenge four of the country’s chefs to create a main course infused with local flair in under 10 minutes. Our four chefs rose to the challenge, each creating a quick, easy and sumptuous dish that showcases the versatility of local produce. Words by Marissa Carruthers and Joanna Mayhew.

Photography by Charles Fox.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 31

CHEF: LUU MENG, MALIS DISH: CRAB AND YOUNG BAMBOO SOUP

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easoned Cambodian chef, Luu Meng, picks up a meaty crab, its tied pincers twitching. He turns it upside down and slams a knife through its heart with a crunch. “That’s how you kill a crab,” he says.

He sets it aside to peel the nobly skin off a local courgette, and chops giant red chilies, baby sweet corn, mushrooms, bamboo shoots and an aromatic array of local herbs. “What makes Cambodian cuisine stand out from Thai or Vietnamese is its subtle use of spices,” Meng says, adding the way to make it less spicy is by removing the seeds.

Returning to the star of the show, he unties the crab and pulls off the shell before washing the crustacean. He twists off the legs and reaches for a machete to crack the shell of the claws. He tosses the chopped up crab into a sizzling pan and adds seasoning in the form of Cambodian cuisine staple – prahok. He cooks the crabs for a couple of minutes and sets it aside to start work on the broth.

The chopped vegetables are thrown into a pan, vegetable stock is added and brought to the boil, with the chilies added last to curb the kick. After a couple of minutes, the crab is added, along with a splash of fish sauce, dash of pepper and healthy handful of herbs, including sa-om.

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“A professional chef should think of himself as a doctor”

After about three minutes, Meng dips a spoon into the cream-coloured liquid to taste, smiles, and adds, “Yes,” – an indicator that the meal is ready.

Served with boiled rice, the creation is a delight, offering a twist in the addition of rich crab to the traditional dish. “I wanted to show what can be done with local ingredients in just 10 minutes,” says Meng, who has made it his mission to bring local cuisine into the mainstream.

Born into a family of cooks, Meng picked up his passion from his mother, who owned a streetside restaurant in Phnom Penh. But it was while attending hotel school in Thailand that he decided to dedicate his career to reviving Cambodian cooking, which had almost been wiped out by the Khmer Rouge.

His journey has been a success, and the proof is in the pudding – or soup. The soft crabmeat is infused with the subtle spice of the chili, the citrus of the sa-om and woody taste of the mushrooms. The baby corn adds sweetness, and the bamboo a soft crunch.

“The beauty of much Cambodian cooking is it uses fresh ingredients, and can be very healthy,” Meng says, placing the plate on the table. “A professional chef should think of himself as a doctor, looking after other’s health.”

CHEF: FLORIAN LINDENER, FCC RESTAURANTS DISH: STEAMED YELLOW SNAPPER WITH WATER LILY AND KHMER BASIL OIL

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hef Florian Lindener cooks with the precision of a surgeon. Armed with tweezers, easily accessible from a pocket on his left shoulder, he gently pares down Vietnamese herbs, yellow Khmer flowers and green watercress stalks with a light touch, as if a life hangs in the balance.

The delicate ingredients are in capable hands. Originally from Spain, the 27-year-old chef has been refining his skills for 11 years, and has worked in some of the world’s finest kitchens – from Spain’s Arzak to Singapore’s El Bulli – perfecting both classic and molecular cooking, before landing less than a year ago at the FCC. Armed with experience, as well as a wide knife and small spatula, Lindener works to bring his Khmer-inspired dish to life.

The majority of his attention is spent on the star of the show – the yellow snapper. After checking the two kilogram fish for freshness based on eye colour (clear) and gill colour (red), as well as scale texture (firm), he empties the blood and works methodically from head to tail to extract a neat 200-gram square.

Using a bamboo basket, it takes seven minutes to steam to perfection – the inside temperature should be 60 to 62 degrees Celsius and the meat shiny. “If you have a good fish, you have a

good dish,” says the chef.

The plate’s thin stock is made from chopped onions, carrots, white turnips and celery, along with prawn heads and fish bones. These are cooked with water, blended and thickened.

Garnishes of fresh watercress, flowers, heart-shaped herbs, Khmer basil and water lily stems – cut into long stalks or finely sliced into perfect light purple circles – are all left raw to retain their flavour.

Lindener’s finishing touch is a Khmer basil oil, spooned onto the steaming plate. “I try to find a simple way and have the best quality in product, texture, flavours, aromas and presentation,” he says. “First you see the dish, then you smell, then you taste.”

The finished product is spectacular, with greens and yellows offset by the orange sauce and white fish. “It’s very important to play with the colours,” says the Spaniard.

The broth is light with a strong seafood flavour, and the fish’s meatiness is pleasantly offset by the fresh garnishes and the crunch of the water lily. “It’s simple,” he adds. “Everyone can cook that.”

Lindener may work surgically, but he tends not to take the work too seriously. “Every day you play with food,” he says. “It’s more like a game.”

“If you have good fish, you have a good dish”

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CHEF: TIMOTHY BRUYNS, COMMON TIGER DISH: PAN SEARED SEA BASS WITH FRESH RICE NOODLE SALAD AND SOM TAM DRESSING

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ooking at the five-star creation sitting before chef Timothy Bruyns, it's hard to believe that 10 minutes earlier he had no idea what his dish was going to look like. “The last consideration is the aesthetics,” says the Common Tiger owner, plucking a few sprigs of fresh coriander from a tray and scattering them across the filet of sea bass.

Advocating the use of the senses when eating, Bruyns chooses his ingredients accordingly.

The evidence sits in his salad: a simple yet creative dish that when deconstructed is an exquisite explosion of ingredients, flavours, colours, aromas and textures taking in some of the Kingdom’s finest products.

Leaving the skin on the fish – landed in Sihanoukville that morning – Bruyns covers it in a light dusting of rice flour to absorb moisture, helping to perfect that crisp bite. Leaving the fish to cook, Bruyns prepares the som tam dressing. Local garlic cloves, chopped red chilies and a handful of dried prawns are tossed into a hefty stone pestle and mortar, and then pounded into a paste.

To create the sweet, salty and sour kick that the sauce is famous for, palm sugar is added, along with freshly squeezed lime juice and peanuts. “It’s now a balancing act,” the South African chef

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“The last consideration is the aesthetics”

says, sampling the sauce from a spoon. “It will be too sweet or salty make it.”

Next up is the salad, and Bruyns starts with water lily stem – a deep lilac, hollow cylinder – cutting it into stalks. Long beans are cut to the same size and blanched to soften the bite and bring out the green, which sits in contrast to the purple of the lily.

He then finely slices banana blossom before setting to work on chopping the thick, white banana heart – or stem, a common ingredient in Cambodian soups and salads. “This is really great because it is good at absorbing flavour,” he says.

Returning to the fish, Bruyns crushes garlic cloves and throws them in the pan, squeezing fresh lime over the sea bass to add extra zing.

The final step is the plating, which the chef does with precision, with each layer adding a new fusion of flavour.

The result is a feast for both the eyes and the palette, with a lip-smacking combination of tastes and textures that packs a punch and ensures each bite is unique, from the softness of the fish and noodles to the crisp stem and banana heart, and crunch of the nuts.

“Cambodia is packed full of amazing ingredients,” Bruyns says. “It’s all about experimenting and having fun.”

CHEF: ERICK GARCIA CRUZ, INTERCONTINENTAL PHNOM PENH DISH: MEKONG CATFISH CEVICHE

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xecutive sous chef Erick Garcia Cruz may have cooked around the world – in East Africa, Central America, the Middle East and Southeast Asia – but he always brings with him the flavours of his native Guatemala, fusing them with each location’s local ingredients.

Joining InterContinental Phnom Penh just three months ago, his challenge is to create Asian specialities with a Latin flair, and he seems to have landed firmly on his feet.

Staying true to his style of a modern approach playing on textures, Cruz grafts Cambodian elements into a Latin American specialty to create his signature Mekong catfish ceviche. “It’s easy to work with the ingredients here,” he says. “You can find everything fresh.”

Using two large knives and an oversized whisk as tools, Cruz sets about preparing the raw dish, starting with the vinaigrette. He combines unusual bedfellows of soy sauce, sesame oil and olive oil, before squeezing half a lemon and a lime into a glass bowl. He emulsifies the mix with fluid round motions of a large spoon, while adding sugar, finely chopped red chillies, long thin slices of red onion and local coriander.

After allowing the vinaigrette to marinate briefly, Cruz cubes the

filleted catfish – its freshness the secret to the dish – and adds it to the mix last, to avoid a colour change. The plate should be served as cold as possible to retain the flavour, according to Cruz, who includes an ice cube to compensate for room-temperature vegetables, then slight drops of oil and lemon to taste.

The finished product, poured delicately into a bowl, and topped with micro greens, combines the best of both worlds for a perfectly balanced dish. The catfish’s texture works well, providing firmness to each bite, and its strong flavour is complemented by infusions of sesame and chili.

Even the raw onions are kept in check, by the addition of citrus, giving a welcome crunch to the light and moreish offering.

A chef since 2005, Cruz’s passion for food originates from his mother, who is also a chef. “Since I was a kid, watching her cook, tasting the food, it made me realise this is what I want to do,” he says. Far from home himself, he aims to create a cosy dining environment. “Making a family feel they are at home,” he adds.

“It’s interesting how you can pair different ingredients, and come up with new flavours,” says the chef. “That’s what keeps me going.”

“It's easy to work with the ingredients here”

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Coconut Dreams

Coco Khmer was the first in Cambodia to provide high-quality coconut oil, but the company’s goals are even more impressive than its product line. Writer Joanna Mayhew gets a behind-the-scenes look at what keeps the operation greased. Photography by Charles Fox.

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urveying any of Coco Khmer’s products, from sleek rectangular bottles full of crystal-clear liquid to smart rounded tins of massage balm lined neatly on shelves in the country’s high-end boutiques, it would be impossible to guess that the in-demand offerings come from humble beginnings.

In the capital’s Boeung Kak Lake neighbourhood, past graffiti-decorated dilapidated buildings and small shacks, a doublewide Khmer-style house serves as the company’s unassuming factory, where everything from product design and oil production to soap making and packaging takes place.

A handful of workers, outfitted in blue uniforms and brown aprons, share the work of chopping, shaving and

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squeezing the meat from hundreds of ripened coconuts, piled high outside the door. Amidst them, tubs of oil sit fermenting and purifying, and thin traces of the slick substance line the room’s hodgepodge surfaces.

But the workshop’s location and simplicity is no accident.

Operating for more than two years, Coco Khmer began in reaction to the Boeung Kak Lake evictions, when about 3,500 families lost their homes. Some evictees were absorbed into surrounding neighbourhoods, but many – particularly women – remained without work. When a non-profit organisation asked for help in matching these potential workers with sustainable employment, Coco Khmer founder Robert Esposito, who had been researching coconuts on the side for seven years, saw a perfect opportunity.

“Sometimes everything just clicks,” says the Canadian.

Thus Coco Khmer was born, setting up operation on a shoestring budget to funnel profits into supporting the team of seven. “We formed the business for social impact, and that’s always our first concern,” he adds.

The company works to ensure employees have good housing, their children attend school, and they have access to healthcare, as well as receive training on practical skills.

Workers also gain equity in the company based on their position and length of employment, with the operation slated to eventually be entirely Cambodian run. Unlike many social enterprises, Coco Khmer shies away from advertising these goals – and its product labels give no mention of its history or approach. “I

don’t want to use that as a sales pitch,” says Esposito.

But business success has come alongside these impacts.

Using the country’s natural resources, Coco Khmer filled a niche as the first producer of virgin coconut oil. While Cambodians have traditionally used coconut oil, the yellowcoloured variety is not purified and loses its health benefits when cooked. By contrast, high-quality coconut oil has a better smell and once processed will retain its benefits – even at high and low temperatures.

“To make coconut oil isn’t difficult, but to make good quality coconut oil requires attention to detail every step along the way,” he says.

Coco Khmer now has nine all-natural products, including lip balm, aftershave balm, baby balm, petroleum-free tiger balm, sugar scrub and deodorant, available in more than 20 stores in Cambodia. The company uses local ingredients and incorporates essential oils, such as lemongrass, kaffir lime, rosemary and peppermint. It is also

“To make coconut oil isn’t difficult, but to make good quality coconut oil requires attention to detail every step along the way,”

gearing up to launch a naturally infused chilli coconut oil.

By choice, the products, including the coconut oil, are made entirely by hand, using an environmentallyfriendly approach. “I wanted the team to learn you don’t need a million dollars to start a business,” says Esposito.

“What you need is some knowledge and ingenuity to use the environment around you to make products.”

Developed in the Philippines in the 1980s, the “wet process” uses fresh, grated coconut meat – sourced from small-scale Cambodian farmers – that is pressed, stirred, soaked, fermented, skimmed, filtered, dried and aged. It takes 12 coconuts and two days to produce one litre.

Virgin coconut oil is fast becoming popular in surrounding countries for its health benefits. The oil is antibacterial, antiviral and antimicrobial, and is said to help with upper respiratory infections, intestinal problems and skin care, as well as being an energy source, claims Esposito. Many people eat the oil raw, but for those that find this hard to swallow, it can be added to smoothies, stir-fries and even popcorn.

Just as most middle class Westerners have a bottle of olive oil in their homes, Esposito hopes the growing Khmer middle class will embrace coconut oil. “It’s really an Asian invention, and it goes well with the cuisine,” he says. “It’s something that can be easily incorporated in people’s lives.”

This month, the company will expand by adding semimanual machinery, allowing production to increase from 600 litres per month to 4,000, to begin exports. It will also open other facilities to create more jobs across the country.

Already, a production centre in Kampot, at the heart of Cambodia’s coconut-growing region, provides 75 percent of the company’s oil.

“We really want to be able to show that as a business, we can make a long-lasting difference,” says Esposito.

To get there, Coco Khmer continues to make converts, one spoonful at a time.

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Writer Simon Stanley reveals the dangers lurking behind Southeast Asia’s favourite item of footwear.

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he latest hand-written letter from my mum sits open beside my laptop and carries in black and white her most recent warning. Last time it was about a man who died after eating sushi. “She’s probably right,” I say to myself as Google’s blinking cursor appears. “Mum knows best,” a voice in my head replies.

This time it’s about flip-flops.

“They’ll ruin your feet,” she writes. “Please, for me, try not to wear them all the time.”

Sorry, Mum, but like so many of us living here, I do. I realise I’ve unconsciously kicked my Havaianas off under the table.

Although they have been around for thousands of years, with evidence of similar designs

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having been worn by the ancient Egyptian, Roman and Greek societies, the modern flip-flop is thought to have been conceived shortly after World War Two. American soldiers returning home from Japan wanted to replicate the Japanese zori – a traditional form of sandal made from either wood or rice-straw, with v-shaped cotton straps. In swapping natural materials for rubber and plastic – and devising one of the English language’s best onomatopoeias – the flip-flop was born. Cheap and easy to produce, the world soon caught on.

The Bad News

A 2010 report from the UK’s National Health Service suggested that as many as 200,000 people a year were being treated for

flip-flop related injuries in Britain alone – and British weather sucks. Summers can come and go overnight. Only on a few chance days can we Brits expose our feet to the elements, so I can only imagine how many similar incidents occur in tropical countries, such as Cambodia. Trips, slips and ankle sprains aside, experts continue to trace a whole variety of musculoskeletal disorders in patients to their rubbery friends.

Simon Costain, consultant podiatrist, chief practitioner and owner of The Gait and Posture Centre Ltd, a pioneering, UK-based clinic, points to the flip-flop’s often pan-flat design as the primary cause of both short and long-term damage.

“If we think back to how humans were made initially,” he

tells me by telephone from his office on London’s prestigious Harley Street. “It’s supposed that we were quadrupeds walking on all fours. If you’re walking on all fours, you’re standing on the ball of the foot.”

Costain explains that when we as a species began walking upright, when our heels first hit the ground for added stability, the foot and leg had to adapt.

“Our Achilles tendons and calf muscles have had to stretch a bit in order to allow [this to happen].

If the calf muscles remain tight, it flattens the arch of the foot.

“There are many of us, at least 70 to 80 percent, who are probably still a bit tight in our calf muscles. Tight calf muscles tend to propel the foot into a flatter position. So if you wear a heeled shoe, even a high-heeled shoe funnily enough, it protects the arch of the foot more than if you wear a very flat shoe or walk bare-footed.

“Flip-flops are flat, and so if we take the 80 percent of us who

need a bit of a heel raise, that being somewhere between three quarters of an inch (approximately 2cm) and an inch and a quarter (approximately 3cm), most of us are standing in [them] inappropriately - with flat feet.”

It’s All In The Arches

Over time, without a heel-raise and with zero arch support, plantar fasciitis - severe pain in the foot - can develop. This can be an early warning sign of more serious conditions, such as degenerative arthritis.

When walking in flip-flops, we force our bodies to adopt a wholly unnatural gait. Keep it up and the entire skeleton can become misaligned. “That flat arch will create knocked-knees,” warns Costain, referring to an abnormal curvature of the lower leg.

Unsurprisingly this creates knee problems, knee problems create hip problems, hip problems create back problems, and so on. “It has a ricocheting effect right up to the

"As many as 200,000 people a year were being treated for flip-flop related injuries"

neck and shoulders. The whole of your posture is involved.”

The short-term solution is to wear your thongs in moderation.

While they’re great for around the pool or a short dash to the mart, you may want to think twice before hiking up to that pretty waterfall or setting off across the city on a day-long excursion. You may not like it but a pair of soggy sneakers might be worth the risk.

However, foot-friendly brands are available on the market, which offer podiatrist-approved combinations of moulded insoles, snug straps and an all-important heel. “Just pick a more expensive beach shoe that has more of a heel-raise to it,” suggests Costain.

“With some sort of arch support and more of a contoured shape to it.” They may not win respect from your buddies at the next pool party but at least your mum will be pleased.

For more information on The Gait and Posture Centre visit GaitAndPosture.com.

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INTO THE WILD

Wildlife Alliance is giving guests the chance to watch rehabilitated animals being released back into nature. Editor Marissa Carruthers heads to the Cardamom Mountains for an adrenaline-fuelled adventure.

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he sturdy truck we have spent the last four-and-a-half hours in jerks to a halt on a muddy patch of grass at the edge of dense jungle. The torrential rain that has hampered our vision for the last hour hammers hard on the steamed up windows.

We struggle to squirm into the flimsy ponchos we had bought during a brief stop-off at the closest village of Chi Patt, seven kilometres away, while our guides Roth Buntheon and Nick Marx embark on a struggle of their own in the open air trailer. Secured to the boot in spacious cages sit three slow loris, nervously clinging to the mesh wire that contains them.

They are being transported to our final destination – a remote location in the heart of

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the Cardamom Mountains – as the last leg in their long road to recovery and re-integration back into the wild. The animals are a handful of many that conservation NGO Wildlife Alliance (WA) has helped, rescuing often endangered species from the clutches of poachers and illegal trade, and nurturing them back to health before returning them to their natural habitat.

We had been warned that the rain hadn’t stopped for days in the country’s wettest spot, Koh Kong province. Flooding was rife, and there was a high probability that the road – vehicle tracks faintly carved in rough terrain – that makes up the last part of the journey would be blocked.

“There’s the road,” says Roth, who is in charge of wildlife release at WA, with a chuckle as he points to a large swamp

of water that skirts the jungle.

Sure enough, the prediction was correct and he explains we will ditch the truck and reach camp – WA’s release station and recently launched eco-tourism spot – by motorbike instead.

An exhilarating ride ensued as we skidded along slippery mud tracks, managed to make it through knee-deep waters, and hurtled through emerald fields that sat in rich contrast to the menacing grey sky. A hair-raising 30 minutes later and we reached our final destination, a clearing of open grassland that houses three wooden lodges and a sheltered kitchen, dining and social area.

The thatched chalets were constructed by locals last year, with materials painstakingly transported along the same rough route we had taken, only via ox-cart.

In the absence of electricity, solar

power rules, and rooms come complete with a shower, Western toilet, desk and two double beds with built-in mosquito nets.

A short stroll away sits the stars of the show, a collection of animals that are being slowly reintroduced to the wild after being nursed back to health at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre in Phnom Penh. Marx, WA’s care for rescued wildlife director, says, “Many of the animals we rescue cannot be released back into the wild, but those that can are brought to our release centre. We call this a soft release as they stay in safe enclosures to acclimatise to their new habitat.”

After pulling on the wellies that waited for us outside the room, it was time to meet our neighbours. We quietly waded through flooded marshland, plucking the leeches that raced

up our legs from our trousers, to reach a bamboo hide that sits outside a one-hectare reserve.

We’re told to remain silent if we want to see the two timid sunbears that lurk inside.

As one of the keepers enters the enclosure to deliver a dinner of fruit, coconut, rice soup and dog food, we spot movement in the bushes. A few seconds later, two muscular black bears, who were rescued from snares, amble out of the green. We watch in awe as they shove their long yellow snouts into the food and wolf down what’s on offer. Minutes later, we spot them clambering up a tree trunk to nestle in treetops 20-metres above ground for an afternoon snooze.

The rest of the afternoon was spent visiting the other animals on site. Helping to feed the giant squawking wreathed hornbill,

“It beats being in the hell of Phnom Penh any day”

and the scaly pangolin mother and her two babies a tray of stinking ants, watching the nimble common palm civets dart in and out of tunnels in their pen, and playing with mischievous long-tailed macaques. As the sun started to set, we headed back to camp, stopping off to watch the nocturnal leopard cat spark into life in its temporary cage; its slick spotted body stretching into an asana pose as it stirred from its daytime slumber.

As our surroundings slumped into pitch black, we rounded off the day with a hearty homecooked Cambodian dinner of pork, rice, chicken and soup before sharing a couple of cans of Angkor with keepers, Sooeun, Oun and Chen. As dedicated animal advocates, they shared stories of setting up the camp, working with the animals,

and their mission to educate locals on the threats posed by poaching and logging.

Settling down for the night, we fall asleep to the chorus of cicadas, the croak of frogs and the buzz of insects outside. The experience has been exhilarating and the setting enchanting; an adventure we won’t be forgetting for a while.

“You can enjoy the forest, fresh air, relaxed atmosphere, wildlife and the amazing staff,” Marx says the next morning as we settle down for breakfast in the company of two tame mynah birds. “It beats being in the hell of Phnom Penh any day. You’re not going to see lions like in the plains of Africa.

You might get wet, you will get bitten by leeches, but you will be relaxed, you will have an amazing and enjoyable time.”

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 41

InThe Heat

Michael Tatarski looks at ways to beat the sun and what can happen if you leave your skin unprotected.

C

ambodia and the surrounding region boast a great climate for those who hate anything even approaching cold weather. But while the year-round sunshine may be the envy of your friends in other, more northern parts of the world, it also poses a serious health risk.

Too much time under the Kingdom’s extreme rays can be dangerous. When it comes to outdoor activities, Dr Mark Siefring, a Saigon-based dermatologist, stresses the risks of sun exposure and how best to protect yourself during the day.

“Skin cancer is very linked

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to sun exposure,” he says. “There are three major types of skin cancer: Basal cell cancer is the most common skin cancer in the world; in fact, it’s the most common occurrence of cancer in humans.” Though this type of skin cancer is the least threatening it still requires treatment.

The second most common type of skin cancer is squamous cell cancer. According to Dr Siefring this is “more associated with continuous sun exposure that you might get professionally as a gardener or a fisherman… of course, some people get it because they are sun worshippers, too.”

The third and most serious type of skin cancer is melanoma, which has three sub-types of its

own. Some of these are associated with short bursts of sun exposure, while others are related to longer stints in the sun.

But in steamy Phnom Penh, what can be done to protect skin from harmful rays? “The primary method [of protection] is sun avoidance during the most intense period of the day, which would be 10am to 2pm,” says Dr Siefring. “Here, you might even extend that to 8:30 in the morning till around 4pm.”

Cambodia’s UV index changes on a daily basis but, thanks to the power of the internet, that information is available. One way to figure out when it’s best to stay indoors is through UVAwareness.com, a website

that provides users with four days’ worth of UV data based on their location. Each hour from 6am to 6pm is labelled with a UV index from low to extreme.

On most days, the Kingdom’s sun danger zone runs from 11am to 2pm, meaning sun exposure during that time should be kept to an absolute minimum.

However, if avoiding the outdoors isn’t possible, there are other ways to minimise the adverse effects of sun exposure.

“Wearing sun protective clothing is another method,” Dr Siefring says. “You can see that on women out there on their motorbikes with the long gloves, hat, face mask and so on.” Expats may think these outfits look comical

but they do an excellent job of keeping the sun off skin and thus reducing the risk of skin cancer.

Finally, there is, of course, sunscreen. Dr Siefring explains, “You want a good sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 and is broad spectrum. The SPF tells you how well you’re being protected from the UVB component of sunlight, which is most strongly associated with skin cancer, whereas UVA is associated with skin aging. You don’t know how much UVA protection you’re getting just from the SPF system, so you need to get broad spectrum sunscreen.”

While lathering up is important, one thing to note when it comes to sunscreen is that ratings above SPF 30 don’t make much

difference. “If you go from SPF 30 to 45 it sounds like you’ve really jumped up,” Dr Siefring explains. “But once you’re at 30, if you properly apply it you’re blocking out 95 percent of the UVB component. SPF 45 will block out 97.25 percent, so you’re only gaining 2.5 percent.”

Whatever the SPF, make sure you opt for something practical.

“For adults, it comes down to what sunscreen makes you feel comfortable so that you’ll want to reapply it – which should be done every two hours. For kids I always recommend that parents use more protective and less fragrant sunscreen which includes zinc and titanium oxide.”

Even with all this protection,

it is still possible to develop some form of skin cancer. To catch any potential issues before they become serious, be sure to check your skin regularly, especially any moles you might have.

“It’s useful to follow the rules of ABCDE for moles,” Dr Siefring shares. “The most important is E, which stands for evolution, or elevating or evolving… that could mean it’s getting bigger, or the colour is changing, or perhaps it’s elevating where it used to be flat. A is asymmetry; B is borders, if you can’t clearly see the border; C is colour, so are there variable colours; and D is a diameter of more than six millimetres. If you see smaller moles changing, that’s important.”

Dr Siefring also points out that wanting to soak up some Vitamin D is no excuse to over-expose yourself to strong sunlight. “In Vietnam, you get enough Vitamin D for the day in the time it takes to walk to your motorbike in the morning,” he adds.

In the end, the only way to completely avoid sunrelated skin cancer is to completely shun sunlight but that is neither realistic nor particularly fun. When outside then, consider following the above advice to keep your skin cancer-free.

For more information on UV exposure, visit UVAwareness.com.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 43

TAKING IT TO THE STREETS TO GET A MORE THOROUGH INTRODUCTION TO THE WORLD OF VIETNAMESE STREET FOOD, BRETT DAVIS POUNDS THE PAVEMENT WITH A SERIOUS FOODIE TOUR.

T

he time is 5.30 on a warm evening in Saigon and the traffic is swirling and honking its way through the roundabout in front of Benh Thanh market. I am here with a friend visiting from Australia to get a primer in Vietnamese street food.

Unfortunately, even after living in this city for five years I am something less than an authority on the local street cuisine, which is why we have signed up for an evening with Street Foodies Saigon.

The tour promotes itself as a kind of street food tasting menu, a sort of sidewalk degustation, if you will, with seven stops during the course of the evening. Guests walk from location to location, and the tour covers about 2.5 kilometres in total.

Street Foodies is the brain-

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child of American-Vietnamese photographer, food writer and self-confessed ‘food fanatic’, Vinh Dao, who previously ran renowned Cambodian food blog Nyam Penh before relocating to Vietnam.

“The concept of the tour is to give the guest a sample of the diversity of Vietnamese cuisine,” he says. “I guess it came about from me constantly giving friends, and friends of friends, a food tour of my best spots around town.”

After quick introductions we negotiate our way across the Le Loi and Ham Ne streets and dive into the bustling neighbourhood behind the HCMC Museum of Art. Yet our first stop is a complete contrast as we head down a narrow alley and find ourselves in a quiet space next to a small temple.

“PEOPLE APPRECIATE HOW BALANCED THE FOOD CAN BE” Seated on plastic stools and enjoying nuoc muoi chanh (salty lemon drink), we have a chance to talk more about the idea behind the tour and the elements of Vietnamese cuisine.

“I would love that people appreciate how balanced the food can be, not only flavour but also in texture,” Dao says.

“There’s so much great food to try but it can be intimidating to someone who isn’t used to street food. I hope the tour will give people the confidence to walk up to a street food stall, order and dig in.”

In short order, we are seated on a busy corner grilling tender pieces of goat, okra and onions on a charcoal brazier at our table.

A simple salad of lettuce, tomato and herbs dressed in a light vinegar helps cut the richness of the meat.

After a leisurely stroll down the street and we are at a ngo joint, a simple sidewalk beer joint where local workers come to relax after a day of toil. Here we down traditional beer snacks, such as dried squid dipped in chili sauce, with a few more cold ones.

I guess this being a street food tour means things can be unpredictable, and one of the advance team reports back that the next stop, a shellfish or oc place is closed this night because it is the first day of the lunar month.

Never mind, there is always the ability to improvise, and as we cross Nguyen Thai Hoc Street the amount of choices is almost overwhelming. In what will delight your taste buds, if not your waistline, we sample a deep-fried chicken skin banh mi, thank-

fully cut into sections and shared among the group.

Further along is the banh canh nuong, kind of like a Vietnamese fried taco filled with herbs, pork and shrimp.

A little further along the way is a vendor selling cha ca, the famous fishcake.

We’re told she is very well known and people come from far and wide for her product, and from the first bite it’s clear to see why.

The further we delve into the neighbourhood around Co Giang Street, the more the action picks up. Almost every inch of the pavement (and some parts of the street) are given over to food, and the atmosphere is filled with the aromas of food and smoke from the charcoal barbeques.

After more stops, including bo la lat (fingers of beef wrapped in betel leaves

and grilled) and a bowl of Saigon’s signature soup hieu tieu, we manage to find room for dessert. In this case it’s kem xoi dua, beautifully presented in a small half coconut shell, the sweet sticky rice is topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and topped with crushed peanuts and pieces of roasted coconut. Like a very Vietnamese sundae.

Wandering off into the night with amply filled bellies, my friend and I agree there were places we would not have gone and food we would not have tried otherwise. It seems if you are here for five years or just five days there is always something to discover about the amazing food available on the streets of Saigon.

For more information, visit streetfoodiessaigon.com.

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QUITAPENAS 14B Street 264, Phnom Penh. // Tel: 088 442 9320.

Open daily from 5pm to 11pm, and weekends 11am to 2pm.

Spanish and Mediterranean sharing dishes paired with global wines make for cosy dining at cool Quitapenas. Words by Joanna Mayhew. Photography by Charles Fox.

Classic Spanish and Mediterranean eatery Quitapenas focuses on a few dishes done well, offering just 15 warm plates nightly, each designed for sharing.

The offerings star seafood and vegetables, and, in true Spanish fashion, are cooked entirely with virgin olive oil. “For me, the main course is a bit boring,” says chef and co-owner, Joaquin Campos. “It’s better if you go to sleep saying I tasted four dishes.”

Opened two years ago, the restaurant is named after a “sweet and horrible” wine from Campos’s hometown in southern Spain. Literally meaning “sorrows remover”, the name is a shout-out to his traditional roots.

But his path has been anything but traditional. Starting as a dishwasher, the chef worked his way up in the kitchen during 20 46 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

years. Today, he cooks to pursue his true passion – writing books.

“Still, I love cooking,” Campos is quick to say, and this love shines through in his carefully crafted and time-intensive dishes.

The French goat cheese balls ($6) should top any diner’s list. The cheese is fried with flour, egg, salt and pepper, and caramelised onions are pan fried with sugar before topping the delicate rounds. Served alongside balsamic reduction, the offering’s contrast of salty and sweet makes it a standout.

Adapted from a traditional Spanish anchovy dish, the wild sea bass ($8), cured for two days in white wine vinegar and wine, is served bite-size with homemade crisps. When eaten together, each bite feels like an amuse-bouche of fish and

chips. But far from the greaseladen, newspaper-wrapped English offering, the innovation is light and pleasantly sharp.

Oxtail croquettes ($7) are another melt-in-your mouth delicacy. Though entirely meat inside, the offering tastes like a full homemade roast dinner. Campos’s trick is to slowly cook the oxtail with red wine, onions, leeks, carrots, rosemary and thyme for seven hours, before stuffing the croquettes.

The sizeable yellow snapper ($9), slightly grilled before being cooked, is served with homemade raspberry aioli, using mayonnaise with olive oil, raspberry, egg and garlic, and topped with beetroot microgreens.

The meal is rounded out by another slow-cooked delicacy – torrijas, or French

toast, soaked for two days with milk, cinnamon sticks and lemon peels, and served with Bailey’s ice cream ($5).

Stepping into Quitapenas feels like entering a hip, artsy friend’s home. The elegant white building has arches throughout, offering cosy nooks, with wall sections painted with lime green and rusty red. Comfy wooden tables are adorned with colourful cushions, placemats and oversized water and wine glasses, and the upstairs lounge boasts a record player, mismatched couches and random art – just hodgepodge enough to be cool, and classy enough to capture Spanish chic.

Under a brick archway, the small kitchen is open and accessible, near an apt sign proclaiming, “Sorry to tell you, but we are the best.”

DO FORNI Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, Sothearos Boulevard, Phnom Penh. // Tel: 023 999 200.

Open daily from 6.30pm to 10.30pm.

Combining food and art is something Do Forni’s new chef has off to a tee.

Editor Marissa Carruthers and photographer Charles Fox sample the new menu.

For Andrea Genio, there is more to being a chef than just cooking; to him, it’s an art form calling on creativity, imagination and bold moves to experiment with the abstract.

“This is a traditional Italian restaurant; I want to make it a modern and contemporary Italian restaurant,” says the native Italian chef, who has been recruited to help revamp Do Forni’s offerings.

Genio’s passion for art is certainly evident in the dishes he proudly produces. Using the plate as his easel, he experiments with a brave and unusual concoction of ingredients, colours, textures and flavours.

The result is a feast for both the eyes and palette, with the chef taking care and precision to have “fun with the food” while

creating masterpieces that leave diners’ jaws dropping to the floor.

The Baci and Abbracci ($26) is a prime example of the chef’s creative mind. Presented on a mirror plate, the dish almost looks too good to tuck into, with blues, greens, pinks, yellows and purples working alongside each other.

Using more than 30 ingredients, the dish sees sweet and savoury collide. Foie gras coated with chocolate and smoothly moulded into delicate blue mouths in dedication to the Italian fashion house the dish is named after, sit next to green pea paste, pink ginger, vanilla biscuit crumble and semi-dried bananas.

The crunch of the chocolate coating followed by the soft and moist foie gras centre surprisingly complement each other; as does the sweet bed of pineapple

gel it sits on. Here, contrasts work wonderfully together with the kick of the ginger tamed by the pea paste and crunch of the biscuit crumble.

The carpaccio di finta carne ($9) is another shock dish.

Presented in the same style as the traditional carpaccio of raw beef or tuna, it comes as a surprise when a mouthful of the pink rounded “meat” is in fact watermelon. The fruit is simmered for five hours until black, then cleaned and smoked for 90 minutes before drying for a further hour-and-a-half. The result gives a smoky, almost woody taste, which works well with the dull bitterness of the black olives and the crunch of the pine nuts.

Pecorino cheese, watercress and a slightly sweet cherry tomato comfit complete the plate.

Genio’s artistic skills are once again apparent in the Cubo Nero di Zola su Barbabietola ($18).

A black cube sits in contrast to the deep maroon paste it sits atop. As the knife slices in, gooey Gorgonzola cheese oozes out of its coating of home-made blackening powder, mixing with the red beetroot puree below, which tames the tang of the cheese.

Next up is a mains option that Genio refers to as “something classy”, and classy it certainly is. The Carre d’Agnello alla Valtellinese ($36) sees a juicy and tender lamb rack that is smoked in tobacco to give it a subtle barbecued taste placed on a smooth celeriac mash, purple vitelotte potatoes and raspberry sauce.

“I want to make dishes that are a surprise and that people enjoy eating," he says.”

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 47

BehindtheDesign

48 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

Lemon Tree

Words Marissa Carruthers Photography Charles Fox

Undoubtedly over-used, the adjective quaint is entirely applicable when it comes to the Lemon Tree. Snug at the sleepy residential end of now bustling Street 308, the colourful bistro is a rare breed of a building, and unique sight in modern central Phnom Penh.

Hidden behind iron gates and a blooming tropical garden, casting dappled shade on the outside space, sits a converted traditional Khmer wooden house. Setting the cheerful and chilled ambience for this casual eatery, the exterior is painted bright yellow, burnt orange and turquoise – with the garden furniture coloured to match.

Inside is a cosy bright white space with low-sitting comfy sofas lining the wall. Opposite sits a bulky bar serving up everything from fruit smoothies to creative cocktails. “We wanted to create two different areas and two different atmospheres,” says co-owner Emeline Fantaisie. “Inside is more of a chilled area whereas outside is more of a social area with big tables.”

Restored, renovated and modernised during a long eight months, Lemon Tree has not always carried the charismatic charm of today. The exterior was a drab brown and purple, the now open ground floor was closed in, the kitchen stuffy and enclosed with no natural light, and the garden overgrown.

Despite being in a run-down state when Fantaisie and her partner Philippe Baudez viewed it during their two-month location hunt, they signed on the dotted line within minutes, drawn to its rustic nature. “It was pretty and in a quiet location,” says Fantaisie, who has made upstairs home with Baudez. “It felt comfortable and had the terrace with a lot of vegetation. We were really lucky to find it.”

The couple tore out the mismatched tiled floor and replaced it with concrete, giving it an urban edge, smashed through the front wall to let in more light, and painted the house bright colours to replicate the South Pacific vibe of Vanuatu, where they lived prior to moving to the Kingdom two-and-a-half years ago.

In keeping with Lemon Tree’s quirky earthy feel, the furnishings are made from recycled materials. The outside table tops are reformed telecommunications wire spools, and the table base they sit on are giant earthenware jars donated by a friend’s family. “They were once actual working jars,” Fantaisie says.

Inside, the sturdy bar counter is made of reclaimed wood from a demolished house in the provinces, and old wooden pallets have been given a new lease of life in the form of coffee tables and sofas decorated with super soft beige seating and orange cushions. A range of black and white photos depicting typical scenes of Cambodia adorn the walls.

Since opening in February, Lemon Tree’s formula of serving up simple but high quality fresh, European inspired food in a relaxed setting has been a success, and welcome addition to the capital’s offerings. “Our aim was to create something homely, and I believe that is what we have achieved,” adds Fantaisie.

8b Street 308, Phnom Penh. Tel: 015 315 300. Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 10pm.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 49

hotblooded PHOTOGRAPHY CLAY FRAME MODELS TIROT JOY SOU AND VIBOL ANGKOR HAIR, MAKEUP AND STYLING RYAN AT THE DOLLHOUSE DRESS DAISY BOUTIQUE NECKLACE PAPERDOLLS

ON HER DRESS AMBRE EARRINGS PAPERDOLLS ON HIM JEANS LEVI'S

ON HER DRESS AMBRE EARRINGS PAPERDOLLS ON HIM JEANS LEVI'S

ON HER DRESS DAISY BOUTIQUE ON HIM JEANS LEVI'S

LISTINGS

hotel & travel Airlines & Agencies

Air Asia Domestic Terminal Arrival Office NยบA17, Phnom Penh International Airport Tel: 023 890 035 Asiana Airlines Room A16 at Phnom Penh International Airport.

Tel: 023 890 441 Bangkok Airways 61A, Street 214, Phnom Penh Tel: 023 722 545 Cambodia Angkor Air Branch Office in Phnom Penh #206A Preah Norodom Blvd.

Tel: 023 6666 788 Cebu Pacific Air No. 333B, Preah Monivong Blvd, Sangkat Orussey 4, Khan 7 Makara, 12257 Phnom Penh Tel: 023 219 161 China Airlines 32, Preah Norodom Blvd, Phnom Penh Tel: 023 222 056

China Eastern No. 68, st. 606, Sangkat Beung Kak 2, Khan Toul Kork, Phnom Penh Tel: 016 985 668 304, Steung Thmey Village, Siem Reap.

Tel: 063 965 229 China Southern Room F-G-H-I, Ground floor Nยบ53, Phnom Penh Hotel, Monivong Blvd.

Tel: 023 424 588 Discover the Mekong Suite 1844, Canadia Tower 18th Floor, Monivong Blvd, Phnom Penh Tel: 023 962 468 dmc@discoverthemekong.travel www.discoverthemekong.travel Discover the Mekong is an innovative Tailor-makes trips across Cambodia to suit individual needs. Offering unique adventures into the heart of Cambodia, we make your travel dreams come true.

DragonAir 168 Monireth Boulevard, Phnom Penh Tel: 023 424 300

Eva Air Suite 11-14B, Street 205, Phnom Penh Tel: 023 219 911

Myanmar Airways International No. 90-94Eo, Charles de Gaulle (St. 217), 12257 Phnom Penh Tel: 023 866 404

Jet Star Asia #333B, Monivong Blvd., Phnom Penh Tel: 023 220 909

Qatar Airways Ground floor, Intercontinental Hotel, Phnom Penh. www.qatarairways.com

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, free water. Departs hourly at Night Market Shuttle Bus to Genocide Museum & Killing Fields: 9am & 11am from Night Market.

Skywing Asia Airlines IOC buld, Monivong Blvd, Beoung Riang, Doun Penh.

Tel: 023 217130

Korean Air #254, R03, Monivong Blvd., Phnom Penh. Tel: 023 2240 47-49 Lao Airlines 58B, Preah Sihanouk Blvd.

Phnom Penh Tel: 023 222 956 Malaysia Airlines #35-37, Street 214, Phnom Penh Tel: 023 218 923-924

Silk Air Regency Complex C, Suite 2-4 Samdach, Monireth Blvd, S.k.

Tomnoubteouk, Khan Chamkarmorn Tel: 023 988 629 Thai Airways 294 Mao Tse Toung Blvd., Phnom Penh.

Tel: 023 214 359 Tiger Airways No. 296, Mao Tse Toung (St. 245), Intercontinental Hotel, Suit 16B, 12306 Phnom Penh.

Tel: 023 5515 888

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Vietnam Airlines #41, Street 214, Phnom Penh Tel: 023 215 998

Battambang

Cafe Eden Located along the River Tel: 053 731 525www. cafeedencambodia.com Eclectic cafe with incredible food that overlooks the river. EspressoWifi- A.C.-Local Art. Non-Profit that focuses on training Cambodian People. Boutique with handmade local crafts. Happy hour 3pm-7pm. Open Wednesday - Monday 7.30am-9pm Bambu Hotel Phum Romchek 5 Tel: 053 953900 / 053 953 905 bookings@bambuhotel.com www.bambuhotel.com 16 rooms arranged in four traditionally inspired buildings with swimming pool, bar and restaurant.

Battambang Resort Wat Ko Village, Battambang Tel: 012 510 100/053 666 7001 info@battambangresort.com www.battambangresort.com Jaan Bai restaurant Road 2 near Psar Nat Market Tel: 097 398 7815 Jaan Bai is a home for folks who share a love of gatherings around the table, a passion for food and an interest in supporting Cambodian youth. Using seasonal organic produce sourced from own kitchen garden, local farmers and neighboring markets. Open Tuesday – Sunday 11am – 9pm.

Kinyei cafe Street 1 and 1/2, Phum 20 Osaphea Tel: 017 292 119, www.kinyei.org

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Social enterprise, best coffee in town, serving snacks, lunch, breakfast and other drinks, friendly staff, free space for small open workshop. Won the National Barista Championship two years in a row 2012 and 2013. Open 7am-7pm, 7 days.

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, freshly prepared food.

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

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

Sangker Villa Hotel Pool Restaurant 200 Street, Romchek4 Village, Ratanak Commune Tel: 097 764 0017 www.sangkervilla.com Sangker Villa has 7 rooms and 1 Balcony Suite. It is located 10 minutes walk from the city center. 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 www.bokorlodge.com 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.

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 three-room guesthouse. A more upmarket venue for Kampot, the upstairs seating affords great sunset views. Restaurant and bar open 7 days a week.

Rusty Keyhole This British pub is the place for expats to chew the fat over a pint. Friendly British owner has recreated the atmosphere of a rural 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: 078888 557 www.knaibangchatt.com An exclusive resort offering personal service in private grounds housing a collection of remodelled 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, minibar, fan and safe.

Spring Valley Resort/Mr. Mab Kep City, Cambodia, Tel: 036 666 6673 www.mr.mab.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 new restaurant, Mr. Mab... very delicious, takes a fresh look at traditional Khmer street food.

Villa Dharma Pepper Street (Right before Kep Lodge entrance) https://bit.ly./VillaDharma, albertworry@hotmail.com Tel: 077 660 841/012 785 324 Retreat in a secure, fully equipped, private Villa with swimming pool and tropical garden. Enjoy breathtaking views from the Kep Gulf and Bokor Mountain, savouring the dishes from the Cambodian and SouthEst Asia tradition.

(Villa Dharma is located 100m below Kep Lodge and near Masada Resort). Price per night is 100$ low season and 120$ high season.

Villa S’aat Tel 017 38 31 85. www.villa-kep.com Your holiday home in Kep! Elegant and

spacious villa for rent in Kep during holidays and weekends. Located around 2 km from the crab market, with spacious rooms, fully equipped kitchen, swimming pool, large terrace, garden and household staff. Maximum capacity of 12 guests.

Mondulkiri

Mayura Hill Resort (Mondulkiri 4 star Boutique Resort) Phnom Penh Office: 225 Sisowath Quay Tel: 017 711 177 / 017 811 188 www.mayurahillresort.com Mayura Hill Hotel & Resort located in Mondulkiri Province has 14 exclusive private Bungalow villas embodying the north eastern lifestyle. The first eco-tourism resort in Sen Monorom city located just 1 Km from downtown, surrounded by wonderful views of the highlands.

Pailin

Memoria Palace Resort Pailin Province sales@memoriapalce.com Tel: 015 430 013 / 014 www.memoriapalace.com Memoria Palace Resort is located in Pailin, Cambodia. And features 16 beautiful bungalow, 3 unique Ecolodges, a hilltop saltwater swimming pool, restaurant, bar & conference room. The perfect environment for a peaceful relaxation or adventurous outdoor activities Cardamom Mountains.

Phnom Penh – Deluxe

Bellevue Serviced Apartments 68 Tonle Sap Street.

Tel: 023 432 999 www. bellevueservicedapartments.com www.facebook.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.

InterContinental 296 Mao Tse Tung. 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 a spa.

Season Residence is self-catered accommodation located only 9 km from the airport. Featuring spacious apartments with free Wi-Fi access.

Penh, at walking distance from the shopping and business district, 5mn walk from Independence Monumnent. 26 rooms with unqiue and classy design.

Silvertown Metropolitan 251 Street 63 www.silvertowncambodia. com Located in BKK1, one of the most vibrant neighborhood of Phnom Penh, the fully serviced apartments takes everyday living and lifestyle at the highest quality and features a tranquil rooftop Skybar and an infinity swimming pool.

Rambutan Resort 29 Street 71, BKK1.

Tel: 017 99 22 40 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.

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

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

Phnom Penh – Mid

Chateau the Meliya 10B Street 264 T: 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 www.thebillabonghotel.com, Tel: 023 223 703 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 a host of recreational offerings.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal Street 92 Tel: 023 981 888 www.phnompenh.raffles.com 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.

Mito Hotel 11, St.174, Corner Monivong Blvd (North of Wat Koh Pagoda) Tel: 023 213 999/220 188/220 199 E-mail: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. Hotel is the preferred choice for business and leisure travelers.

Season Residence Apartments 109-133, Street 144 Tel: 023 990 628 / 012 457 408 www.seasonresidence.com

Pandan Boutique Hotel 15A Street 282. Tel: 012 373 78 www.pandanboutiquehotel.com Ideally located in the heart of Phnom

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.

The Artist Guesthouse (Mid-Range) 69 street 178, Tel: 023 213 930 www.the-artist-guesthouse.com Located across from the National Museum, The Artist is your place.

The 11-bedroom guesthouse has a modern feel.

The Quay Sisowath Quay. Tel: 023 224 894 http://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.

Sokea Suites Extended Stay 168 Monireth Boulevard - www. sokeasuites.com PIED-A-TERRE…the 21 apartments ranging from 37 m2 to 95 m2 are design with one idea in mind : Make you feel at home in Phnom Penh.

Tama Hotel Phnom Penh Tower – The H22 Phnom Penh Tower, 22nd Floor Tel: 023 964 020 www.d22h22.com Many of the guest rooms feature large windows allowing you to easily take in the beautiful city view from your room on the 22nd floor of PPT. Room available from $35.

TAMASA Serviced Apartment Located next to Cambodia Country ClubTel. 023 995 594 FB: TAMASA Serviced Apartment There are 26 rooms which 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.

TEAV Boutique Hotel 14 Street 310, Phnom Penh, Tel: 023 981 818 / 017 989 191 www.teavboutiquehotel.com, stay@ teavgroup.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

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centre of Phnom Penh with 14 rooms, swimming pool, bar and restaurant.

Nicely furnished rooms. Colonial style.

Villa Samnang Street 302, BKK1. Tel : 023 221 644 www.villa-samnang.com Boutique hotel with 14 rooms, swimming pool, bar and restaurant.

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

Phnom Penh - Budget

California 2 79 Sisowath Quay.

Tel: 077 503 144 www.cafecaliforniaphnompenh.com New guest house and bar on the river front with well-priced rooms.Downstairs bar has great Tex-Mex food and pool table.

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.

Sihanoukville

Café Sushi 25 Street Ekreach near Golden Lion, Sihanoukville Tel: 012 777 476(Khmer/ English) 0975 165 727(Japanese) Cafe Sushi serves up proper, 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 favorites, with both locally-caught and rare, imported fish, or go for more westernized choices… even dishes for those who don’t eat sushi.

Open daily from 11am to 2pm & 5.30pm to 10pm.

Mick & Craig’s Restaurant Serendipity Beach, Sihanoukville 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 air-con 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: 0976 495 131 www.secretgardenotres.com Modern beachside air-con bungalows with hot water, TV, WiFi and Otres Beach’s only 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.

Exotissimo Travel No. 66, Norodom Blvd. Tel: 023 218 948 www.exotissimo.com Excellent Frenchowned agency specialising in adventure tourism, flight bookings, package holidays and a range of tours of Southeast Asia.

LISTINGS

siem reap 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 to 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 to 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 7667343 mezze.siemreap@gmail.com www.mezzesiemreap.com Escape the heat and dust to be warmly welcomed by attentive staff at one of Siem Reap’s unique venues. Enjoy signature cocktails, original cuban cigars, fine champagnes, luxury shisha and fusion tapas. Open daily 6pm-1am.

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.

Nest Sivutha Blvd.

Tel: 063 966 381 A step up for Siem Reap, Nest is high level 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 Asian-Western fusion cuisine. Best stocked bar in town and homemade infused vodkas. Open 10am to 3am.

Siem Reap - Galleries

Diwo Galleries One at Vat Svay, Tonle Sap Road and another between Monument Books and Ta Prohm Hotel on the riverside Features a selection of refined Khmer statues and Buddhas. The larger Vat Svay location features a gallery exhibition of Thierry Diwo’s photography, as well as sells home decor and books. Drinks are available in the garden and on the terrace.

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Happy Cambodia Gallery 2 Hospital Street, between Psar Chaas and Pub Street Tel: 063 963 114 www.happypainting.net 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 to 10pm.

Siem Reap - Hotels Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa T: +855(0) 63 96 77 55 F: +855(0) 63 96 77 56 www.lynnaya.com A luxury resort equipped with swimming pool, spa and restaurant.

Kingdom Angkor Hotel Tel: 063 760 526 / Fax: 063 760 527 Email: reservation@kingdomangkor.com or info@kingdomangkor.com Website: www.kingdomangkor.com Rambutan Hotels & Resorts Phum Wat Damnak, Kum Sala Komreuk, Krom 10, Siem Reap Tel: 012 654 638 / 063 766 655 bookings@rambutansr.com, www.rambutans.info The former Golden Banana resort has been rebranded but contains the same deluxe suites & villas in modern Asian style build around a salt-water pool.

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

Prince D’Angkor Hotel & Spa Sivatha Blvd Tel: 063 763 888 www.princedangkor.com, info@ 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 and undiscovered treasures of Cambodia.

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort Vithei Charles de Gaulle Tel: 063 964 600/ 610 www.sofitel.com Ultimate in comfort and refinement, combining the traditional architecture of Cambodia with elegant French colonial style. 5-star accommodation,, swimming pool, spa and international standard18hole 72-par golf course Sokkhak Boutique Resort Kok chork village, Trorpeang Ses commune, Wat thmey, Siem Reap Tel: 063 76 56 97/ 63 76 56 98 www.sokkhak-boutiqueresort.com We welcome you to experience a new way of life in Siem Reap by staying in either one of our 2 suites, 4 junior suites or 5 uniquely deluxe rooms and one classic standard room, decorated in a boutique and homely styles that offer simplicity, comfort and relaxation.

Siem Reap - Leisure

Angkor Silk Farm Puok District (20min from Siem Reap downtown) Open daily from 8am to 5pm Tel: 063 5555 768 www.artisansdangkor.com Learn about the meticulous process of silk-making and traditional silk weaving.

A free shuttle bus departing from Artisans Angkor’s shop in Siem Reap center to the Angkor Silk Farm is available daily at 9.30am and 1.30pm.

Body Tune 293-290 Pokambor Av. (next to the old market along Riverside)

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 10am - 10.30pm.

siem reap

Helicopters Cambodia 658 Hup Quan Street. Tel: 063 963 316 Professionally run company that has 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. Emotion guaranteed every night for only $15.

7.30pm daily.

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.

Siem Reap’s Silver Screen Sarah Brown When people find out I live in Cambodia, one of the questions I’m asked most frequently is, “What do you miss from home?” Often, I find, what this really equates to is, “What do you miss eating that you can’t find here?” So I dutifully reel off an ever-dwindling list of snacks and treats that are yet to grace the stalls of Psar Chas, or even the aisles of Thai Hout.

While there are fewer and fewer longed-for foods that I can’t get my mitts on in Siem Reap, I have really missed being able to go to the cinema. Don’t get me wrong, I love $1.50 DVDs and endless downloads as much as the next person, and have certainly devoted enough hours to both. But it’s just not quite the same as sitting back in the dark with a bucket of popcorn and watching as the action unfolds on the big screen. What’s more, going to the cinema was always a favoured rainy day activity at home, and with an abundance of those lately I’ve longed for one in which to wait out the storms.

It’s fair to say then that I was ever so slightly delighted by the news of a new cinema being built in Siem Reap.

True, there has long been a local cinema close to Borey Pram Prey (Charming City), but neither my Khmer skills

nor inability to sit through horror films – however cheesy – have ever been up to the challenge. I was holding out for the comfy seats and Siberian air conditioning of the cinemas I spent many of my teenage evenings in, and that’s exactly what I got.

At the beginning of August, Platinum Cineplex unveiled its new Siem Reap cinema, which is on the intersection where Sivatha meets the road leading to Artisans D’Angkor (opposite Elephant Terrace Hotel). The cinema has just three screens, but still manages to offer an impressive selection of films throughout the day, many of which are available in 3D. They also sell popcorn in a variety of flavours, as well as soft drinks.

Tickets for 2D screenings are a bargain at $3, while 3D movies cost $4, plus $1 for the glasses, which you can keep and bring back next time. There is a mixture of Asian flicks and Hollywood blockbusters on offer, all of which seem to be recent releases.

Scheduling information is available at platinumcineplex. com/kh. However at the moment the schedules only seem to be posted a day in advance, so you’ll have to keep your eye out if there’s a film you’re waiting for.

Sam Veasna Centre Wat Bo Area. Tel: 063 96 37 10 Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award winner. 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.

Siem Reap - Medical

Royal Angkor International Hospital National Route #6 Phum Kasekam, Khum Sra Ngea.

Tel: 063-761-888. Fax: 063-761-739 www.royalangkorhospital.com Royal Angkor International Hospital is part of the well known Bangkok Hospital Network. We offer high quality care for all eventualities from routine care to emergency treatment 24 hours a day.

Siem Reap - Pharmacies

U-Care Pharmacies Old market in front of Pub Street.

Tel: 063 965 396; Inside Lucky Mall.

Tel: 063 966 68; Siem Reap Airport. Tel: 063 766049; Sivatha Street. Tel: 063 763 399 international cosmetic brands, leading imported health & beauty products, only certified medication. Open 8am to 10pm.

Siem Reap - 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 wood-panelled space, despite the informal and relaxed ambience it has the menu to even satisfy high-rollers.

Chanrey Tree Pokombo Ave. Tel: (855) 63 76 79 97 www.chanreytree.com Traditional Khmer food in a beautiful contemporary setting.

Alongside the river, 50m brfore Preah Phrum Rath Pagoda. Open daily. Lunch 11am-2.30pm, dinner 6pm-10.30pm.

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

King’s Road Angkor 7 Makara Road, Achar Sva Street (opposite Old Market bridge along the river) Siem Reap.

Tel: 093 811 800, www.kingsroadangkor.com A unique dining and shopping village in Siem Reap, comprising of 15 restaurants and cafes and a dozen boutiques. .

Maharajah Indian Restaurant Next to Pub Street, btwn CAB bank & provincial hospital. Old Market Area Tel: 063-966221 / 092-506622 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.

Lava, Sushi Plus, Rio Tel 085 330 093 / 063 962 952 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.

Mahob Khmer Cuisine Tel: 017 550 206 / 063 966 986, 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 tantalize your taste-buds Marum 8A-B Phum Slokram, Siem Reap (Between Wat Polanka & Catholic Church). Tel: 017 363 284 Featuring a winning mix of creative local cuisine. Open daily from 11am -10.30pm (Kitchen closes at 9.30pm).

Palate Angkor Acha Sva Road, Wat Bo Village www.palateangkor.com Tel: 063 965 252 Palate Angkor Restaurant & Bar, the newest addition to the Siem Reap culinary scene. Serving delectable Pan Asian cuisine. Open daily from 11.30am-11pm.

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recipe Open Wine Restaurant 219 Street 19 (behind Royal Palace) Tel: 023 223 527 / 097 706 70 60.

Email: philippe.openwine@gmail.com Cote de Boeuf with Sauce Béarnaise and Gratin Dauphinois Frank Sampere’s recipe for the cote de boeuf: 1kg rib of Cambodian beef (hung and aged in Open-Wine’s butchery) Preparation: Seal the meat on both sides in a frying pan for four minutes, and finish in the oven at 180C (30 minutes for rare) Ingredients for the Béarnaise sauce: 2 kg unsalted butter, 4 finely chopped shallots, 2 tbsp of fresh tarragon leaves, 4 crushed white peppercorns, ¼ cup of white wine vinegar, 1/3 cup dry white wine, 4 large egg yolks ¼ tsp of salt, Pinch of cayenne pepper Preparation: 1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. 2. Boil the shallots, tarragon and peppercorns in vinegar and wine in a saucepan over medium heat until reduced to about a quarter cup. 3. Strain into the top of a double boiler and whisk in the egg yolks. 4. Place the top on the lower pan of the double boiler and simmer water. Make sure the water sits below the bottom of the upper part of the double boiler. Whisk constantly. When the yolk mixture begins to thicken, remove the top of the double boiler from above the hot water and continue whisking. Turn off the heat. Add four ice cubes to the bottom of the double boiler to cool the hot water. 5. Return the pan of yolks to above the hot water. Whisk in the melted butter, drizzling it in slowly. If the sauce looks as if it is about to break up, remove the top and continue whisking to cool it down, or whisk in one teaspoon of cold water. Whisk in the salt and cayenne.

LISTINGS

food & drink Arabic

Beirut Resto-Café 117 Sisowath Quay, (after night market) Tel: 023 720 011/092 483 759 The only authentic Lebanese halal cuisine and Sisha Lounge in the town.

Offering middle east flavours including mezze tapas – hummus, shish kebab, baba ganouj, falafel, vegetarian and non-vegetarian kebab wraps. Delivery, takeaway, catering.

Open daily 10am until late.

Harem 157 Sisowath Quay. Tel: 015 868 104 Let us transport you to a world of opulence that inspires relaxation in the authentic and lavish setting of our Shisha lounge. Harem is the perfect place to find yourself again. Operation from 2pm to 3am.

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.

Cambodian

Dot Grill 8 Street 144 conjunction Sisowath Quay 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 center. The menu includes the best of local cuisine as well as international all time favourites. Open daily from 7:30am – 22:00pm.

Ingredients for the gratin dauphinois 1.5kg of peeled and thinly sliced baked potatoes, 2 cups of whole milk, 3 garlic cloves, minced, ¾ tsp of salt, 3 bay leaves, freshly ground nutmeg, freshly ground black pepper, 1 cup of crème fraiche or heavy cream, 2 cups (about 160g) of freshly grated Swiss or Gruyere cheese.

Garuda Khmer Restaurant No. 21, Street 466, Phnom Penh 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 11:30 – 14:30 & from 17:00 – 22:00.

Preparation: 1. Put the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with the milk and 50cl of water. 2. Add the garlic, salt and bay leaves. Bring to the boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.

3. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 10 minutes until the potatoes are tender but not falling apart. 4. Using a slotted spoon, transfer half of the potatoes to a large gratin dish.

5. Sprinkle with the nutmeg, pepper, half the crème fraiche and half the Swiss or Gruyere cheese. 6. Cover with the remaining potatoes and sprinkle again with nutmeg, pepper and the remaining crème fraiche and cheese. 7. Bake, uncovered, in an oven pre-heated to 175C, for about one hour or until the gratin is crisp and golden on top. 8. Serve.

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 prepsred and large enough to share.

Recipes provided by members of:

K’NYAY The Terrace on 95, 43 Street 95 (corner of Street 348) Tel: 093 665 225 www.knyay.com Modern Khmer restaurant tucked away off Monivong Blvd, with a menu including a selection of freshly prepared vegan dishes, along with traditional Cambodian specialities. Offers a selection of cakes, ice creams and sorbets, using all vegan ingredients. Open 12-9pm (Tue to Fri), 7am-9pm (Sat & Sun), closed Monday.

La Table Khmère 11E Street 278.

Tel: 012 238 068 Taste the flavour of traditional Khmer specialities and fusion cuisine in a stylish ambience and atmosphere on Street

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278. Also serving Western dishes.

Open daily 11am to 11pm. www.la-table-khmere.com 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, Phnom Penh 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. All of this plus a pool, free WIFI, a family area and a gift shop means a visit is a must. 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 dinning rooms, specializes 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, 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 11.30am - 2.30pm, 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, 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, incuding duck, pork and goose. Open 21 hours, serving Hong-Kong-influenced food.

Open daily from 6am to 3am.

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 and dim sum 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 5pm 11.45pm.

Comme à la Maison 13 Street 57.

Tel: 012 951 869 www.commealamaisondelicatessen.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 6am - 10.30pm.

The D22 Dining & Bar Phnom Penh Tower 22nd Floor – Inside Tama Hotel Phnom Penh Tel: 023 964 021 FB: d22h22 The dining offers French bistro cuisine where you get to enjoy the dishes that go well with wines. The bar has a great selection of wines and also offers cigars that can add spice to your night. Dining 6:30-22:00, Bar 16:30-25:00

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/phnompenh dining. phompenh@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 6.30pm-10.30pm.

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.

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.

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 city’s Post Office. Open daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 5pm-10.30pm.

K West 1 Street 154, cnr. Sisowath Quay Tel: 023 214 747 Stylish aircon bar and restaurant below the Amanjaya with an excelllent steak menu and good value happy hour from 6pm to 8pm Fridays. Now has a brasserie menu with daily specials.

Also has free WiFi. Open 6.30am until midnight.

Indian Sub-Continent

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.

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.

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, 6.30pm-10.30pm.

Le Bistrot 218, Street 184.

Tel: 012 495 841, email information@institutfrançaiscambodge.com.Nestled inside the entirely renovated spaces of the Institut français, Le Bistrot will now be open for who wants to enjoy a coffee break or a convivial lunch and dinner. Le Bistrot is between the media library, cinema, exhibition gallery and garden of the Institut français. Open from Monday to Saturday from 8am-10pm.

Le Gourmet NagaWorld Hotel and Casino, Hun Sen Park. Tel: 023 228 822.

Dosa Corner 15 Street 51.

Tel: 012 673 276 This small south Indian restaurant opened in January. True to its name it has a wide range of very good value dosa as well as thali and biryani dishes.

Air-conditioned.

Open 7am-10pm.

Indian Delight 115Eo Sisowath Quay.

Tel: 023 724 885 / 098 776 543 Delicious North Indian tastes served at a modest yet clean and bright on riverside.

Opposite Titanic restaurant.

Open everyday 11am – 1pm.

Indochine

Indochine NagaWorld, Hun Sen Park With a focus on Southeast Asian cuisine, Indochine offers tradition dishes from Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand in a sophisticated space.

Open 11am - 11pm.

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. Meaning delicious, the ambience makes up for it.

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 all-youcan-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.

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 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.

Cafe 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, 12pm - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10pm, A la carte from 11am - 11pm.

Doors Restaurant 18, Street 47 & 84. Tel : 023 986 114 www.doorspp.com Is the newest hub for music, art,nightlife and food. Experience world class Spanish cuisine and mouth watering Tapas cooked by our resident chef Cristia Nou Picart. Open 11am until late Duplex 3 Street 278, www.duplex.com.kh A trendy spot for expats and tourists to hang-out. It has a cafe, a restaurant, a bar and a club. All this is under one roof in the heart of the city (Wat Langka).

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, the cocktails are half price and draft beer goes for $1. Open daily from 7am to 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, Phnom Penh 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).

Gasolina 56/58 Street 57. Tel: 012 373 009 The largest garden bar in town has an extensive menu. Crèche facilities make this a popular choice with families at weekends. Has regular events with live music and DJs, even fashion shows.

Open from 8am - 12am.

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 Cafe & Gallery 56 Sihanouk Blvd. Tel: 023 987 420 www.javaarts.org 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 to 10pm.

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 until late.

La Plaza Spanish Tapas Bar 22b Street 278, nr cnr Street 57 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

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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 to 2pm,5pm to 10pm. All day on the weekend.

LA ROSE Restaurant 164b Norodom Blvd.

Tel: 023 211 130 / 080 900 900 www.larose.com.kh 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.

Latin Quarter Cnr Street 178 and Street 19 Tel: 093 319 081.

Latin restaurant and bar that serves excellent tapas and mains with extra salsa. Beautiful courtyard often hosts live music and salsa dancing while the air-con restaurant is available for private hire. Open from breakfast until the music stops.

Lime Restaurant + Bar 79F Street 128 Tel: 023 998 608/ 610 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.

Lone Pine Cafe 14 Street 282 (Free delivery) 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 to 2pm, 6pm to10pm (evenings only on Sunday).

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 to 10 pm.

Ludwik German Restaurant 28 Street 350 (near Toul Sleng Museum) Tel: 084 444 888 Ludwik is a German restaurant and authentic beer garden where you can hold major events, celebrate with friends or simply relax and enjoy an ice-cold beer under the shade of the trees. We serves Paulaner (Munich) and Cambodian beers, alongside a range of German and regional cuisine. Open daily from 11am until 10 pm.

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 to 11pm.

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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, www.steakhouse.com.kh 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 13pm-midnight.

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 (see bars) 16E Street 294. Tel: 017 327 378.

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 & more. Enjoy Al Fresco dining or have food delivered to your door.

Paddy Rice 213-217 Sisowath Quay.

Tel: 023990321. www.paddyrice.net (see bars) Public House Street 2401/2. Tel: 017 770 754 Offering fresh, simple and delicious cuisine set in a modern take on a pub. Open daily, from 11.30am to late (Saturdays from 10.30am and Sunday brunch).

Regency Cafe InterContinental Phnom Penh 296 Mao Tse Toung 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 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, 5pm - 11pm.

Rising Sun (see bars) 20 Street 178. Tel: 012 970 718

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.

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.

Mike’s Burger House Russian Blvd, inside Sokimex Petrol Station. Tel: 012 633 971

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.

(Nr Independence Monument).

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

Stella Restaurant 55 Street 75 Tel: 099 574 188 / 012 735 002 A cosy 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 to 7pm.

Open daily 11am to 10.30pm.

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

Close 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 a natural volcanic stones heated to 400C (752F). Open daily 11am to midnight.

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 thoses who have $1000 to burn. Underneath, the Exchange has elegany exposed brickwork and low lighting as well as an impressive fusion menu.

Open daily, 10am to midnight.

The Quay 277 Sisowath Quay.

Tel: 023 224 894 Rooftop deck with spectacular views of the river is a great place to enjoy a drink during half price 4pm-8pm happy hour. Food is a mix of tapas and more substantial offerings, including an excellent duck confit.

Open daily 7am to 11pm.

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 owned by the former owners of Talkin To A Stranger 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. Come find The Lost Room and ring for directions.

Open from 5pm Monday to Saturday.

Kitchen closes at 10pm. Closed Sundays.

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 fines wines and cocktails to accompany the dinner menu. Customers have access to the nearby swimming pool, making it the perfect place for families.

Kirirom Pine View Kitchen Tel: 078 777 284, www.vkirirom.com The restaurant is surrounded by pine trees, located in Kirirom National Park.

Our chef’s will serve you special Khmer and western dishes, overlooking this beautiful nature. Open daily from 7am to 10pm.

Zino Wine Bar and Restaurant 12 Street 294.

Tel: 023998 519 FB: www.facebook.com/zinowinebar 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.

Italian

Aria D’Italia 41EO Street 310.

Tel: 012 840 705 Cute little Italian pizzeria tucked away between Street 57 and Street 63. Well-priced 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.

Cafe Monivong Raffles Hotel Le Royal.

Tel: 023 981 888 Indulge in home made 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.

Caravan Restaurant and Fine Dining 68 Sihanouk Blvd., Tel: 023 966 600 Indulge in fine dining and fresh Italian food, from home-made pasta and tiramasu to American-imported lobster and prime kobe steak. A range of wines, whiskeys and cigars are also on offer.

Open daily, from 10am to 11pm.

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.

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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.

Italian House 2 Street 312 (end of Street 9.)

Tel: 092 230 207 Italian chef. Wooden fire oven.

Pizzaeria, antipasti, pasta, salads, desserts. We offer 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.

Limoncallo 81E0 Sisowath Quay Tel: 081 800 210 / 081 800 240 Authentic Italian cuisine with pasta, risotto and pizzas prepared in the traditional way and baked in a blazing wood-fired oven.

Open daily 11:30am- 2:30pm, 6pm- 10:30pm 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, woodfired pizza and contemporary Italian cuisine. Great selection of wine from climate controlled cellar. Now

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also offering brunch on weekends.

Open 11am-11pm Mon-Fri and 9am–11pm Sat & Sun. 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 now available at yourphnompenh. com last orders at 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 Italinan restaurant and Deli shop. Open daily 12pm-10pm, Deli shop: 9am-9pm

Japanese & Korean

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, 6.30pm - 10.30pm.

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 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, 5pm - 10pm.

Ninja Dining & Bar Ninja 1 BBK #14b, 278st, BBK1, Phnom Penh Tel: 0977721556 Open Hour 11:30~24:00 Ninja 2 Toul Tom Pong #54, 454 Street, Toul Tom Tong, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 0963906091 Open 11am to 11pm.

Noodle Bar Osan 27b, Street 294, BKK1 Tel: 0979 327 067 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.

Business Hour: Lunch 11.30am2.00pm & Dinner 5.30pm-11.00pm.

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 11.30am - 2pm, 5.30pm - 9.30pm.

Pepper Lunch AEON Mall, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 015 888 178 www.pepperlunch.com.kh/

Tasty Sound on the Hot Plate. Wellknown beef pepper rice, curry with meat, combo menu of meat and fish and so on.

Open daily from 9am - 10pm

wellness

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 from are prepared from scratch using traditional methods and fresh ingredients. Open from 11am-2.30pm and 5.30pm-9pm.

Closed every 2nd Wednesday.

Yuzu 1 Street 360. Tel: 095 600 400.

Open daily from 11am to 10pm Specialising in ramen, tempura and makisushi in chic surroundings.

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. Hard to find, Alley Cat is tucked down an alley at the back of the National Museum, the first on the right if you are coming from Street 178.

California II 79 Sisowath Quay. Tel: 077 503 144 American-style bar with some of the best Mexican food in town, the excellent pool table and great tunes make this a good place to while away a few hours on the riverfront. Open 24/7 with good rooms upstairs.

Freebird 69 Street 240.

Tel: 023 224 712

Foot Pain Part 2 Sallee Gregory In last month’s column, we took a look at the common ailment of foot pain, and how it can be cured through the practice of podiatry.

For those who missed it, podiatry is a specialist area of healthcare allied to medicine involving the care and maintenance of foot and lower limb conditions. It is devoted to the study, diagnosis, and medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the feet, ankles, and related leg structures.

There are several warning signs that you should visit a podiatrist, which include trouble walking and running, a niggling pain in the foot that refuses to go away, an unsmooth walk, bad posture and lower back pain, an ingrown toenail, corn, callous or plantar wart and bunions, or pain in your Achilles tendon.

Depending on the underlying reason, foot pain can be treated by a podiatrist using various techniques to improve the independence, mobility and general quality of patients’ health.

There are various reasons for foot pain, with the most common including ageing feet, injuries, athlete’s foot, blisters, bunions, calluses, corns, cracked heels and fungal infections.

Other common causes

include hip or back pain, wearing the wrong footwear, poor posture, surgery, verrucaes, ingrown toenails, the wrong cutting of toenails, and excessive walking or hiking.

The exact cause and best way of treatment will be determined during a consultation with a podiatrist.

A typical session involves an assessment of the feet and a recommended course of treatment using up-to-date advice, materials and techniques.

Treatment takes in everything from laser therapy, acupuncture and homeopathy, to ultrasound and the use of insoles.

Children also commonly suffer from specific foot problems relating to growth and gait. These include back pain, clumsiness, flat feet, growing pains, knee pain, in toe (pigeon toe), out toe (duck feet), and shin splints, or an unusual walking/running style.

Thankfully, Samata Health and Wellness Studio is now offering professional podiatry services to help cure all those aches and pains in your feet. It offers a variety of treatments and physical therapies to accommodate and reduce acute and chronic pain in the foot and ankle, or related to those areas.

Sallee Gregory is a podiatrist registered in Australia. She works by appointment at Samata Health and Wellness Studio, 54 Street 306, Phnom Penh. Tel: 077 760 960.

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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. Be prepared for some good solid R&R. Open 7am - midnight.

imbibe

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, 6pm - 10pm (Sunday evenings only).

Drawing a Blanck Darren Gall Philippe Blanck of Domaine Paul Blanck is in Cambodia for a few days this month, spreading good cheer as he innately and inevitably manages to do, sharing in his deep passion for Alsace and sharing his exceptional family wines.

I am delighted we will get the chance to have dinner together.

At a pre-dinner food and wine pairing at Kanji Japanese restaurant, I am again reminded of just how much I love the great wines of this region, how incredibly good Paul Blanck’s wines are, and on this occasion, I discover just how sublime they are with Utamae, Mike Wong’s tantalising dishes.

Domaine Paul Blanck was founded by Hans Blanck who acquired vineyards in the region in 1610, in 1927 Paul Blanck and a handful of his colleagues were recognised for their work in preparing the site of Schlossberg, which would eventually be named Alsace’s first Grand Cru ‘lieux-dits’. Paul Blanck’s sons Bernard and Marcel also played a defining role at Shlossberg, as well as the Furstentum Grand Cru – where early on they saw the potential for excellent Pinot Noir.

Today, the winery is run by cousins Frederic and Philippe Blanck. The family is renowned for its strong historical ties to the region, their passion for all things Alsace, which includes their selfless leadership and promotion of the region, and, of course, they are known throughout the world by the eminence of their wine.

The winery is constantly striving to improve the quality of their vineyards, around

90 percent are now farmed organically and the winery always looks to push the envelope with their wines.

The finest Blanck wines have a sensitivity to their individual terroirs, they are precise, refined and consistently exceptional.

The Alsace region’s most famous varieties are its aromatic whites, such as Riesling, Pinot Gris and the highly perfumed Gewürztraminer. They usually exhibit a great richness and an intensity of flavor balanced by fine, sometimes almost chalky, talc like acidity.

Other minor grape varieties worth seeking out are Pinot Blanc, Chasselas, Sylvaner, Auxerrios and Muscat and then there is the subtle, elegant sparkling wine known as Cremant Blanc. One of the great reasons to try these wines in Cambodia is their incredibly suitability to the cuisine and climate, here are wines that can match beautifully with delicate salads and seafood dishes or, wrestle to ground a hearty chicken or pork curry and stare down the spiciest of chili dishes; oh, and did I mention they can be served icy cold. The famous Alsace names of Trimbach and Hugel are others available in Cambodia, unfortunately the great Zind Humbrecht is not.

Domaine Paul Blanck also makes the Alsace regions finest Pinot Noir, especially the ‘F’ Noir from their Furstentum Vineyard, a wine of incredible richness, complexity and great finesse – when I have a glass of this wine in my hand no low flying duck in Southeast Asia is safe.

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.

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Café El Mundo 219 Sisowath Quay.

Tel: 012 520 775 Affordable and stylish riverside café and restaurant with adjacent apartments for short-term hire. Seating available on the mezzanine lounge, ground-floor restaurant and on the streetside terrace. Open 6.30am 10.30pm.

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 Mon Sat, from 7am to 7pm.

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. Jark chicken.Enchiladas.Tapas $3 Corona.

Margaritas. Mojitos $3 & for vegetarian food! Open 11am 14pm & 5pm 11pm Closes Tuesday.

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.

Sunrise Taco 171 Street 63 (corner St 282, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 077 85 45 45 Daily from 5pm-7pm buy1 get 1 free margaritas. Open daily from 11am10pm.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf 30 Street 57, Phnom Penh 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.

Vegetarian

K’NYAY (see restaurants Cambodian) The Vegetarian 158 Street 19 Tel: 077 900 210 / 012 905 766 With a lush garden space in the heart of Phnom Penh, The Treez provides a relaxing dining experience. Whether it be amok, curry or tom yam, The Treez, creates vegetarian versions of popular Cambodian, Indian and Thai dishes.

Open 10:30am - 8:30pm, closed Sundays.

Vego’s 3E0 Street 51 & 21b Street 294 Tel: 012 984 596 Salad bar offering bagels, salads and wraps with a wide array of super fresh toppings. Choose from readymade or d.i.y. options. Also on offer are a vegetarian soup of the day as well as fresh-squeezed juices, yogurt and granola.

Cupcake Rush 23A Street 57/ 306.

Tel: 087 696 988.

Open daily from 8am to 8pm.

Sweet treats galore at this cute, specialist cupcake shop.

Daughters of Cambodia 65E0 Street 178.

Tel: 077 657 678 130A Street 430 www.daughtersofcambodia.org The cafes serve light lunches, a few main courses, home baked goods, desserts, coffee and some original smoothies. The cafe is a place for vocational training, where trainees will train and then have the opportunity to graduate into working in top end restaurants and hotels. Value for money. Free Wifi. 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.

Cafés

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 cafe serving hot and cold drinks and snacks.

Blue Pumpkin 245 Sisowath Quay and at Monument Books on Norodom Blvd Tel: 023 998 153 Siem Reap’s favourite café also offers 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.

Java Café & Gallery 56 Sihanouk Blvd.

Tel: 023 987 420 (see restaurants, international)

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.

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

Kiriya Café No.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 Chic delicatessen, bakery and small restaurant serving excellent bread and pastries, with take-away menu. Open from 7am to 9pm (closed Sundays).

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.

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 7am to 7pm (Mon. to Sat, 7am to 3pm Sun.)

Bars

Apros Pub 21Eo Street 322 (between 51 & 57) Mr. Sothea Tel: 097 6085 050 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 to midnight.

Bar.sito Street 2401/2.

Tel: 077 960 413 Cocktail bar, serving especially designed cocktails, ice-cold beers, red and white wines, champagnes and spirits. Open seven days, 5pm until 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.

California II 79 Sisowath Quay.

Tel: 077 503 144 (see Mexican & Tex-Mex restaurants) Cantina 347 Sisowath Quay.

Tel: 023 222 502 (see Mexican & Tex-Mex restaurants) 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 hosted by the lovely Chanrina. Open Monday - Saturday 5pm - 12pm.

Chow 277 Sisowath Quay.

Tel: 023 224 894 Contemporary and sophisticated riverfront restaurant that serves Southeast Asian cuisine, a wide range of cocktails, juices and Illy coffee. The rooftop deck with spectacular views of the river is a great place to have a drink during its half-price 4pm to 8pm happy hour. Open daily from 7am to 11pm.

Elephant Bar Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Street 92 Tel: 023 981 888 Flamboyant carpet, comfortable wicker chairs and hotel pianist provide a sense of a time gone by, you can imagine Jackie Kennedy drinking here.

Its many signature cocktails, including the femme fatale make this a popular place with expats especially during the two-for-one happy hours (4pm to 8pm).

Open 2pm to midnight from Monday to Friday. Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to midnight.

Est Bar 19z, Street 214, Phnom Penh.

Tel: 023 998 227 Email: indulge@estbar.com

Web: www.estbar.com Cocktail bar | supper club offering sophisticated indoor and outdoor drinking and dining (tapas and charcuterie) from 6pm to 2am Monday to Saturday.

pets’ corner

FCC 363 Sisowath Quay.

Tel: 023 724 014 (see Restaurants, International) Freebird 69 Street 240.

Tel: 023 224 712 (see Mexican & Tex-Mex restaurants) Grand River Restaurant Corner of Street 178.

Tel: 023 220 244/012 962 616/012 248 694 Khmer and Wesern Food Variety of wines and cocktails.

Happy hour4:30pm-7:30pm Open daily from 7am to midnight.

Howie’s Bar 32 Street 51 This is the Heart’s unofficial chill-out bar although the sound system could give its neighbour a run for its money. Tends to be a popular late night hang-out, especially around the ‘mini’ pool table.

Open 7pm to 6am.

K West 1 Street 154 (Cnr. Sisowath Quay), Tel: 023 214 747 (see Restaurants, French) 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.

Le Moon Cnr of Sisowath Quay and Street 154 Tel: 023 214 747 Rooftop terrace bar at Amanjaya Hotel has arguably the 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.

Liquid 3B Street 278.

Tel: 023 720 157 Welcoming open air bar on golden street run by the same owner as Flavours. Has one of the best pool tables in town with happy hour from 5pm to 8pm.

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.

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 2pm till midnight. Closed Mondays.

Metro Café Cnr. Sisowath Quay & Street 148 Tel: 023 222 275 (see Restaurants International) 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 & 70s music. Has terracotta-tiled terrace and 3

Eye Care With Your Pet Donabelle Zuzart If you’ve ever wondered why your pets have watery eyes or mucus and tear stains in them, then read on. Your pets’ eye cleanliness contributes to its health and wellness by preventing infection and irritation. It is important to watch your pet’s eyes as this isn’t an easy spot for them to reach on their own, plus your pet rubs its eyes with its paws, which have sharp claws that could scratch them and have walked all over picking up dirt and germs.

You should give your pet a good eyeballing once a week.

Regular checking alerts you to any tearing, cloudiness or inflammation. Face your pet in a brightly lit area and look at its eyes; they should be clear and bright. The area around the eyeball should be white.

The pupils should be equal in size with no tearing, discharge or crust in the corners. With your thumb, gently roll down your pet’s lower eyelid and look at the lining, this should be pink and not red or white.

You should watch out for the following symptoms: discharge, tearing, red or white eyelid lining, tea-stained fur, closed eye(s), cloudiness or change in eye colour, visible third eyelid or unequal pupils.

Some pets require more cleaning. Light coloured pets may develop brown or pink stains on the skin below their eyes. This is the cause of bacteria or yeast on the hair and skin that react with tears.

Some pets have clogged or

shallow tear ducts, excessive tearing or allergies. You should have your vet determine the cause so it can be treated.

Keeping hair trimmed away from the eyes also prevents dirt and hair from rubbing against the eyeball.

Remember to always use blunt-nosed scissors when working around the eye area.

Soaps and topical medications can be major irritants to your pet’s eyes.

Remember to protect its eyes before bathing or use an eye lubricant ointment. Natural pet products that are slightly acidic and contain antiseptic and antimicrobial properties are recommended for weekly cleaning. An example is Halo herbal eyewash as it’s a natural product and gentle to use daily.

Using a warm moist cloth, clean and remove debris from the corner of the eyes and surrounding skin area. Hold the dropper or bottle using your thumb and index finger while resting your hand on top of your pet’s head. With your other hand, use your thumb to lower the eyelid as this acts as a pouch to receive the drops.

Hold the dropper or bottle close to the eye ensuring you don’t touch the surface and squeeze a few drops. Let your pet blink as it will help spread the solution. Wipe excess fluid, tears or debris away.

Finally, remember to praise and treat your pet when you are finished so this remains a good experience.

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.

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guest rooms upstairs.

Open from 5pm to late, happy hour from 5pm to 7pm. Closed Sundays.

Paddy Rice 213-217 Sisowath Quay Tel: 023990321 www.paddyrice.net Irish sports bar on riverside with big screen live sports, serves home cooked western and Asian favourites alongside a fully stocked bar including Guinness and a fine selection Irish whiskeys with daily happy hour from 4pm to 8pm. Often has live music events and a weekly pub quiz. Open 7.30am to late.

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

Sharky Bar 126 Street 130. Tel: 012 228 045 , www.sharkybar.blogspot.com A place where anything can happen, especially if you get a bit too close to the local clientele. Serves good Mexican food, and has frequent live music. Open 4pm to 2am, take away 5pm til late.

The Chinese House 128 Sothearos Blvd.

Tel: 023 356 399 Decadent cocktail bar set in beautiful old Chinese house. Has art exhibitions, film nights and parties downstairs and opulence upstairs. Open from 6pm until late, closed on Tuesdays.

The Tap Room Kingdom Breweries 1748 National Road 5. Tel: 023 430 180 www.kingdombreweries.com Sate 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. Touk Restaurant and Bar 357 Sisowath Quay, corner of Street 178. Tel: 023 219 059/ 012 248 694/017 486 786

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Every Saturday & Friday lives band with buffer salad and BBQ. Friday $10 per person Saturday $12 per person including a free drink. The coupon is available at the hostess counter Happy hour from 4:30pm to7.30pm Zeppelin Bar 109C Street 51.

Tel: 012 881 181 Over 1,000 vinyl albums played by stonefaced DJ owner in small bar next to the infamous Walkabout. Remarkably good food considering the setting, especially late at night. Try the dumplings. Open daily 5pm - 4am.

Wine Bars

Bouchon Wine Bar 3-4 Street 246.

Tel: 077 881 103 Sophisticated wine bar with a very French ambience and a wide range of French wines and bar food. Often has music as well as a mellow jazz sound track. Open noon until midnight.

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: 023998 519 FB: www.facebook.com/zinowinebar 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.

Gay-Friendly

Arthur & Paul Males Bar and Spa 27 Street 71, BKKI Tel. 023 212 814/077 892 256, www.arthurandpaul.com The first gay (men-only) SpaBoutique-Hotel-Restaurant-Bar in Phnom Penh. For everyone who would like to relax after a harassing day of work or intensive visiting, the steam baths and sensual showers are at your disposal. Ease muscle tension, chat, have a Jacuzzi or just relax in one of the private rooms. After using our facilities or swimming, you can enjoy a drink in the bar or just 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. Chic décor makes this one of the coolest bars in town. The drag shows on Friday and Saturday are an additional draw. Open 5pm until late.

LISTINGS

culture Cinemas

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

The Cineplex 5th Floor Sorya Shopping Centre, Tel: 017 666 210 www.thecineplexs.com 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 to 10:30pm.

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.

Nightclubs

Bouchon Wine Bar (see Wine Bars) Occasional performances by jazz bands.

D-club 3 Street 278, Tel: 010 268 278 www.duplex.com.kh, www.facebook.com/dclubpp Stylish and energetic.

D-club combines the allure of worldclass decor with pulse-pounding sounds to create the most dynamic nightlife destination. Open Sunday - Thursday 9pm – 2:30am, Friday and Saturday 9pm – 3am Darlin Darlin NagaWorld Hotel and Casino, Hun Sen Park. Tel: 023 228 822 Top-end nightclub with live music popular among the high-flyers of the city. Semi-private booths in a chic environment make for an unrivalled experience. Open daily from 7pm until late.

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 and is totally packed out on Friday and Saturday nights. Open 8:30pm to 4am.

Memphis 3 Street 118.

Tel: 012 871 263 Only permanent rock venue in town with a house band that plays covers from 10pm til 1:30am, later at weekends. Also has open mike sessions on Mondays. Open from 8pm til late, closed Sundays. 2-for-1 cocktails everday from 8pm until 10pm.

Nomads Club 46-48, St 172 Khan Daun Penh PP Facebook: www.facebook.com/Nomadclub Nova 19 St 214.

Tel: 097 716 5000 Trendy night club with VIP section and dress code (no flup flops, tank tops or shorts!). Open 9pm to 4am.

Pontoon Street 172 It is an institution in Phnom Penh.

The biggest, wildest club where it all happens. Pontoon is the night-out you need to have while in Phnom Penh.

Riverhouse Lounge 157 Sisowath Quay.

Tel: 012 299 161 The Riverhouse Lounge is a place for party lovers. Live DJ music every night of the week, theme parties and events will fill your calendar’s nightlife.

Operation Time: 4pm to 2am Saint Tropez 31 Street 174 Tel: 077 212 100 / 097 9000 401 Upscale club, complete with fake beach, deck bar, that suggests the French Riviera. Open daily 6pm to 2am.

Le Cinema French Institute, 218 Street 184 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.

Cinema on Saturday mornings at 10am.

Legend Cinema 3rd Floor City Mall, Monireth Blvd.

Tel: 088 954 9857 www.legend-cinemas. com International quality cinema showing Hollywood releases in airconditioned environment including 3D. Screenings:10am to 9pm, box office: 10am to 9pm.

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.

Galleries

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.

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

Java Café & Gallery (see Restaurants, International) Contemporary art gallery with regular exhibitions of Cambodian and international 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 ret fo the world screened daily. International food also served, regular DJs perform throughout the week. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 4pm to 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 arts.

Romeet 34E Street 178. Tel: 092 953 567.

Romeet is a dynamic space for Cambodian contemporary art, presenting exhibitions, talks, workshops, local collaborations and international exchanges. The galllery was founed by Phare Ponleu Selpak in 2011.

Open Tues - Sat, 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 6pm, and 2pm to 6pm on Sundays.

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 & classical music and theatre.

Apsara Arts Association 71 Street 598. Tel: 011 550 302 Organisation that promotes Cambodian arts & 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 under-utilised building is worth a visit. Open 7am - 11.30am and 2pm - 5pm (Mon. to Fri.).

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.

Chenla Theatre Cnr. Mao Tse Tung & Monireth Blvds.

Tel: 023 883 050 www.culturalcenter-cambodia.com One of the capital’s major theatres, it has regular performances of theatre, dance and music.

FCC Phnom Penh (see Restaurants, International) Phnom Penh’s landmark restaurant has a permanent, rotating exhibition devoted to photography.

Epic Arts 1DE0 Sothearos Blvd. Tel: 023 998 474 www.epicarts.org.uk Organisation that uses art to empower people with disabilities.

French Institute 218 Street 184. Tel: 023 213 124 Formerly the Alliance Française, the French Culture Centre (CCF) offers cultural activities including exhibitions, festivals, and film screenings to promote

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.

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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 to 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.

Parkway Square 113 Mao Tse Tung Blvd.

Ten-pin bowling alley and dodgem track.

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.

Classes

At 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 start at 9am and 3pm.

Capoeira Home of English, Building D 10B Street 57, Tel: 012 960 076 Capoeira lessons are held every Tuesday & Thursday 6.30-8pm. All levels catered for. Classes are free of charge. For more information visit Facebook page “Capoeira Kampuchea”.

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 horseriding centre in Phnom Penh Tuesdays to Sundays, 9am to 11am and 2pm to 5.30pm.

Global Art 1 Street 181 & Street 475 (nr Chinese Embassy) Tel: 023 222 084/ 087 222 084 World renowned art and creativity program for young children. Franchisee of Global Art Group. Available in 17 countries with more than 400 centres worldwide.

Music Arts School 9A Street 370.

Tel: 023 997 290 www.music-arts-school.org New NGO school providing music training for Cambodians and expats - of all ages and levels - at affordable tuition fees. Learn guitar, piano, violin, vocals, and tradtional

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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 www.yogacambodia.com, Welcome everyone to the peaceful yoga studio.

Wide variety of daily drop-in yoga classes & monthly workshops in many styles with international qualified teachers. Your yoga class contributes to our NGO yoga programs for local kids. Stretch your body while feeling great about reaching out to Cambodian youth.

Photography Tours 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 2 days in Sihanoukville on the boat.

We conduct refreshers, try dives and kids’ pool parties as well as the full range of courses. Open 9am-6pm, Sat & Sun 9am-5pm.

Simphony Music School No. 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 recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Royal government of Cambodia. The faculty is composed by experienced and qualified music teachers from overseas, speaking fluent English, Chinese, and French. Our curriculum is based on USA curriculum following Orff and Kodály music teaching methods.

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 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; 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 to 10pm.

Counselling Services

Alcoholics Anonymous 11 Street 420. Tel: 012 813 731 www.aacambodia.org Meets on Friday, Wednesday & Sunday.

sos

Kids and Obesity – A Growing Problem Dr Narith Tan The world’s population is expanding and unfortunately not just in numbers: obesity is now a global health challenge as it increases the risk of many medical problems including diabetes, heart disease and some forms of cancer. And it’s not just an issue for adults.

The World Health Organisation calculates that the global rate of childhood obesity has increased by a staggering 60 percent in the past 20 years.

The International Association for the Study of Obesity estimates that up to 200 million school-aged children are either overweight or obese.

How much a child eats and drinks Many children are overweight because they eat and drink more than their body needs.

Kids are eating more foods and drinks that are too sugary or fatty. Treats such as French fries, sugary soft drinks, cakes and ice creams should not be an everyday feature in their diet. Food portions are getting bigger too and it’s important your child isn’t over-fed.

A lack of physical activity Even if a child is eating the right type and right amount of food they may put on weight if they are not doing enough physical activity. Long periods without exercise also contribute, for example spending many hours watching television or playing video games.

Parents weight, but it isn’t inevitable that they will become obese: they can learn (mainly from parents) about the power of their appetite, ways to resist it, being careful about what they eat and doing regular physical activity. Being overweight or obese does run in families. It is thought that five out of 10 children who have one obese parent will also become obese themselves. Some children inherit a genetic tendency that can make them prone to overeating. And although we do not fully understand how this works, it may be something to do with the control of appetite.

What to do?

- Your kids learn from you so set a good example: keep yourself in shape, eat sensibly, don’t overindulge and take regular exercise.

- Watch portion sizes and keep them reasonable.

- Restrict sugary and fatty foods to weekend treats - Make sure they are regularly physically active - Don’t be obsessed, but keep an eye on your child’s growth chart – this checks their height and weight against normal growth.

- If you’re concerned about your child’s weight, have a chat with your doctor If you have any enquiries regarding this or any other medical matters and issues, do not hesitate to contact info.cambodia@ internationalsos.com

Indigo Psychological Services 28 Street 460. Tel: 023 222 614, indigocambodia@gmail.com 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 Facebook: “MALIS Dental Clinic” A Japanese dentist provides professional and high-quality service.

ROOMCHANG 4 Street 184, Phnom Penh 10, Block 252 Bassac Garden City (inside Rose Condo), Phnom Penh 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. General check-ups are free!

Shigeta Dental Clinic 25 Street 294 cnr Street21 Tel: 023 223 225 / 010705083 Email: info@shigetadental.com Faebook: shigetadentalclinic www.shigedental.com High-end Japanese Dental Clinic that caters your dental needs. Open from Monday to Sunday, 8am - 8pm.

Gyms

The InterContinental Fitness Center 3/F Mao Tse Toung Boulevard, Tel: 023 424 888 ext. 5000 A sophisticated retreat from the crowds, The InterContinental Fitness Center is the place to attain peak performance and wellbeing. Pump up with a full body workout on state-ofthe-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 until 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 to 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 6am - 10pm , 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) New De Gran sets up at a nice villa with high skill and experience experts from Japan which is focused on four categories included haircut, nail, eyelash extension, reflexology & acupuncture.

Open Wednesday - Monday (Tuesday is holiday) 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. Open 10am to 8pm, closed Sunday.

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Grow Tokyo 1st Floor St. 63 corner Street 322 Tel: 023 987 330 Look good and feel good, thanks to our 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.

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. Tp sop stylists from around the globe provide a full range of services including hairstyles, skin care and Dermalogica Microzone treatments. Open Tue:sday 11am to 8pm. Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 6pm.

Toni & Guy Aeon Mall first floor, Tel 023 901 190, Facebook toniandguycambodia 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 until 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 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 60, Monivong Blvd, 3rd floor, Office 311 Tel: 023 996345 / 092 485 593 / 012 722104 / 012 979 354 International Physiotherapy and Acupuncture (T.C.M.) Center Specializing in Manual Therapy, Rehabilitation and (sports) Physiotherapy, Neurological (Pediatric) 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.

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Pet Services

AGROVET Veterinary Clinic 40 Street 111 Tel: 023 216 323 Tel emergency 24/7: 012 779 673 (French-English) 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 orthopedic and abdominal surgeries.Used to organize documents for pets travelling oversea.

Mon-Fri: 9am-12noon & 3pm-7pm.

Sat: 9am-12pm.

Only Dogs Shop 5A2 Street Veng Sreng (Chom Choa) Phnom Penh Tel: 092 206 547/012 870 280 www.onlydogsshopcambodia.com Open daily from 9am – 6pm.

Pet Grooming Cambodia 4 Street 604, Bengkak 2, Toul Kork, Phnom Penh Tel: 89 491 039, petgroomingcambodia@ gmail.com Open Monday – Saturday from 9am – 6pm Pet Resort Tel: 012 679 164/012 916 512 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 owners desires or recommendations; staff can cook specific feed for your companions.

Spas

Amara Spa 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, Phnom Penh (near the corner of St. 63).

No. 23, Street 294 (between St. 21 and St. 9), Phnom Penh 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.

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 10:00am – 7:00pm.

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.

Master Kang Health Care Centre 456 Monivong Blvd.

Tel: 023 721 765 Health centre next to Man Han Lou Restaurant offers foot massage in public or private rooms, with both Chinese and oil massage. A grand piano is played in the evenings. Open 10am - 12pm.

Ms Chhuon 182, St 63, junction St 294 Tel: 016 992 199 Ms Chhuon is 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 to 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, Boeng Keng Kang 1, Phnom Penh. Open 9am - 10pm.

Nata Spa has been designed in traditional Khmer style to calm and pamper. The spa operates as a centre for healing and relaxation, offering stress reducing and facial treatment, which blow everyone into an unforgettable experience.

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.

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.

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 10am to 10pm.

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; women customers only.

Waterlily Spa N42, 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.

Tattoos and Piercing

Black Star 5A Street 90, Phnom Penh www.blackstarcambodia.com Tel: 070 200 900/078 753 697 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 Beeline Arena Sangkat Chroychangva, Phnom Penh Tel: 067 716 565 www.banzaicambodia.com The first multi-purpose sports arena in Cambodia with international standards, including Multi-surface state of the art FIFA regulation pitch, 2,000 person capacity, VIP lounge and restaurant.

Rental for football, basketball, volleyball and events. Open daily 8am until late.

Cambodian Federation of Rugby cambodianfederationofrugby.com Proper 15-a-side rugby league with four senior teams as well as kid’s touch and women’s rugby teams. Contact Larry: khmer_rugby@yahoo.co.uk for details.

Football: The Bayon Wanderers www.bayonwanderers.com Mixed Khmer and western team. Training at the City Villa court on Wednesday and Friday, 8pm to 10pm, Old Stadium on Tuesday from 4.30 pm. Contact Billy Barnaart on 012 803 040 (available from 11am to 10pm). Sunday play at 2pm.

Cambodia Golf & Country Club Route 4, Kompong Speur Tel: 023 363 666 International standard, 18-hole golf course. Open 6am until dark.

Grand Phnom Penh Golf Street 598, Phum Khmuonh, Sk: Khmuonh, Kh: Sen Sok, Phnom Penh Tel: 023 997 889. info@grandphnompenh.com Luxury living redefined. Phnom Penh’s finest urban township.

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LISTINGS

family Cafés & Restaurants

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. Highchair is available on request and babychanging 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.

Entertainment

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

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city. Dedicated to leisure, rest and entertainment, CCC is suitable for children.

Open daily 6.30am until late.

Kids City 162A Sihanouk Boulvard. www.kidscityasia.com Indoor entertainment centre with climbing walls, ice skating, laser tag. toddler town and other attractions.

Monkey Business Paragon Department Store, Second Floor. 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 Boulevard 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. In our early years program we offer a play-based, ‘Inquire, Think, Learn” pedagogy. This programme has been inspired by the I.B program and the Reggio Emilia schools of Northern Italy. Ages: 18months - 6 years. Full and Half Day Programs Footprints School 220 Street 430, Tumnub Teuk, Tel: 077 222 084, www.footprintschool.edu.kh Established in 2007 Footprints School offers nursery (age 2) through Secondary and has 4 campuses. The curriculum is designed for the dynamic

needs and interests of our students and staff are hired for their experience and love for children.

Giving Tree Pre-school Baby Playgroup 6 – 12 months; Main Program 12 months to 6 years old.

Languages: English, French, Japanese, Khmer. 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 The Giving Tree Primary Grades 1, 2 and 3; 6 to 9 years old.

We follow the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) - a worldwide recognised curriculum.

Secondary Branch: 50, Street 322. Tel: 017-997-112. registrar@thegivingtreeschool.com 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, St. 315, Boeung Kak II, Toul Kork, Phnom Penh Tel: 095 222 557 / 095 222 558 / 095 222 559 www.learningjungle.com, https://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 146 Norodom Blvd.

Tel: 023 213 103 www.ispp.edu.kh Founded in 1989, this non-profit, nonsectarian international school currently has over 600 students from Pre-K to Grade 12. The largest international school with over 70 professional teachers, and a fullyauthorized IB programme.

Lycée Français René Descartes Street 96.

Tel: 023 722 044 French school offering primary and secondary level education, extra-curricula activities include basketball, football, rugby.

Nira International School Near the French Embassy Tel: 023 454 5006/ 023 454 5007 Pre-school that delivers affordable, high-quality, early childhood education.

Oriented with new technology, using the IPC curriculum, classes are taught in an international environment. Its unique and spacious central garden favours creativity, development and enables students to express themselves.

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 This is a not-for-profit pre-school, established over ten years ago, which emphasises learning through creative play in a supportive environment forchildren aged 18 months to 5 years.

Open daily 7:30am - 12pm. An after school program 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 Kindergarten and pre-school for 18 months to 5-year-olds, open from 7.30am to 12pm (Mon to Fri). French is the main language, although English and Khmer is also practised.

Shops

Little Phnom Penh 194eoz Street 306 Tel: 017877471 French and Italian designers for kids fashion brand produce children’s wear from new born to 16 years old, using local fabrics and mixing it with their taste of European fashion. The collection includes printed T-shirts with graphic designs that recall beautiful Cambodia’s icons. Open daily from 9.30am to 6.30pm.

Northbridge International School 1km off National Road 4 on the way to the airport.

Tel: 023 886 000. www.nisc.edu.kh Founded in 1997, NISC is a fullyauthorized IB World School with a growing enrollment of 500 students age 3 to Grade 12. Purpose built campus unlike any in Cambodia.

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 name toys and games.

Open daily 7.30am to 8pm.

Raffles Montessori International School of Phnom Penh 18 Street 294, corner of Street 57 Tel: 023 993 999 info@rmispp.edu.kh International standard school from Singapore which invites you to let your children experience the beauty of 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.

Shade 7 Outdoor Living Co Ltd Showroon; Borey Chamkarmon Tel: 077 962 467 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.

kids corner Sun Heang So Many Lies Anna Glazkova Around three to four years of age, children start to master language and feel comfortable in communication. As a result, they enjoy the possibility of not telling everything, and later on of inventing stories and non-existing facts.

At this age, the child still cannot tell the difference between “lies” and “pretending”, as social and moral values are not acquired before the age of seven – the age of reason. This is when the distinction between dyads: truth/mistake and truth/lie becomes clear to children.

Not all lies are the same.

Compensatory lies allow the child to realise that their imaginary world, fantasies and thoughts belong to them alone. The child finally understands that parents are not almighty and can’t read their mind, and the feeling of power emerges.

Children start to get reassurance from their inner world by thinking of a person who gives them love and compassion, by imagining success at school or in sports, even by inventing an imaginary punishment for someone who hurt them. Admittedly, some of us already heard our little ones talking to an imaginary friend who possesses extraordinary powers. Children use their fabulous world to get a more positive image of themselves to learn how to relate to their ego. Usually these fantasies do not persist

beyond the age of reason.

Unlike the compensatory, useful lies are not a healthy part of children’s development. The child freely uses the lie in order to cover up for his bad behaviour, to get benefits, or simply to attract attention. If adults do not react as a child likes just because they are too busy with something else or are simply sick of her stories, this behaviour will be reinforced.

On the other hand, if the child is confronted directly with their lies, and has to face it, they can go down the spiral by covering it with newly invented ones in order to protect themselves.

In any case the under or overreacting won’t help and it is important to find a “no win-no lose” position.

Did this really happen like you say or you wish it happened that way?

Give your child the possibility of an exit from the situation, allow them not to lose face while showing that you are not that easy to be fooled around and that the truth, and mutual respect, do matter. Avoid using, “you are just a little liar” expression as it will shut your child into a false identity and play a very negative role in building self-esteem and confidence.

And indeed, mind your own words. Children are smart beings and finding out that you lied to them will strongly affect your credibility.

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 programs.

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business & services 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 design solution. All products from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Cambodia have been treated to withstand any climate.

Open 9am - 6pm

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

ACC Car Rental Services 43 Street 160z Toul Kork Tel. 012 456 003 / 015 456 003.

Professional, prompt and organised 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.

Emerald Garage 11 Street 456 Mechanics specialising in maintenance and repair of vehicles, including oil changing and body painting.

Asia Vehicle Rental 27 Street 134.

Tel: 078 666 557 www.avrcambodia.com With the motto “leave your driving to us”, the rental service offers sedans, pick-ups, SUVs and minibuses in 2WD or 4WD for self-drive or with driver.

Insurance offered.

Dara Motorbike 43 Street 136. Tel: 012 335 499 Off-road specialist offers repairs, parts and accessories. Tours can be arranged by appointment.

Expat Motorbike Cambodia 38Eo, Street 322, Tel: 089 491 436/089 518 867 Email:emcjapeng@ gmail.com, www.facebook.com/ RentalMotorCambodia We offer motorbike rental services for expats living in Phnom Penh including well-maintained motors, reliable & responsive service.

Bill Grant Landscape Design Tel: 012 932 225 / 012 738 134 The city’s most talented landscape designer.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

Business Groups

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, kitchenware, lighting and bedroom suites. Open 9am - 6pm, closed Sun. Lorenzo Martini Interiors www.lorenzo-martini.com inquiry@lorenzo-martini.com 012 773 514 Our studio provides services ranging from interior design to property development concept. We look at interiors as living experiences and ensure that our designs are tailor made to you.

Car Rental

Australian Business Association of Cambodia (ABAC) 20 Street 114 (cnr. Street 67) For information, contact Derek Mayes.

Tel:012 385 157. abacambodia@gmail.com

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.

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 foreign delegates.

Commercial Banks

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.

Maybank (Cambodia) Plc un Sar Street 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 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.

Bikes & Mechanics

Dara Motorbike 43 Street 136, Tel: 012 335 499 Off-road specialist offers repairs, parts and accessories. Tours can be arranged by appointment.

Emerald Garage 11 Street 456 Mechanics specialising in maintenance and repair of vehicles, including oil changing and body painting.

Art Exhibitions Dance Theatre

Chambre de Commerce FrancoCambodgienne Office 2nd floor, 33 Street 178 Tel: 023 221 453. www.ccfcambodge.org

Malaysian Business Council of Cambodia Unit G21, Ground Floor, Parkway Square 113, Mao Tse Tung Blvd. mbcc.secretariat@gmail.com

CIMB Bank PLC 20AB Norodom Blvd.

Tel: 023 988 388, 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.

Aircon Restaurant

British Business Association of Cambodia (BBAC) 35 Sihanouk Blvd. Tel: 012 803 891 Contact enquiries@bbacambodia.com

Canadian Cooperation Office Cambodia Commissioner Service .

50 Street 334. Tel: 023 215 496 www.cco-cambodia.org

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.

German Classes Film School Musical Events Fixed +855 (0)23 224 140 Mobile +855 (0)10 312 333 Homepage: www.meta-house.com Email: mesterharm@gmx.net

Workshop Space Open-Air-Cinema

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services

LISTINGS

services

money matters

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.

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.

What makes an ethical investment?

Paul Dodd Ethical investing means choosing investments according to ethical principles, whether they be based on religious, environmental or political beliefs. This means excluding certain companies altogether because you are opposed to their activities, known as negative screening, as well as favouring companies who are actively engaged in activities you support, called positive investing.

Common areas which ethical investors often avoid are pornography, the arms trade, alcohol, tobacco, fracking, human trafficking, GM foods, animal testing… the list goes on! Ethical investors favour companies engaged in activities such as developing green energy, investing in pollution control or providing healthcare solutions or water.

Your ‘ethicalometer’ will be personal to you. One ecowarrior might see nuclear energy as an area to avoid whereas another might consider it an acceptable evil in the fight against global warming. If you are a vegan, it makes sense to be consistent and exclude companies that test on animals.

In fact, there is a certain amount of controversy over funds which claim to be ethical but whose credentials are questionable. Not all shades of green are equal when it comes to ethical investment!

Many of the mainstream socalled ethical funds might avoid the most controversial areas while still holding

stocks in big oil companies, such as BP, Shell and Total, none of whom are known for championing green causes.

In 2013, Infinity’s investment partner, Bestinvest had more than $13.3 billion invested in green and socially responsible funds, yet this is still a drop in the ocean representing a mere 1.2 percent of the total sum they manage. Nevertheless, ethical investment is a sector that is growing. The Ethex Positive Investment Report showed that a record 1.7 million UK people are saving or investing $5 billion directly in businesses that have a positive social or environmental impact.

Ethical investment managers have a tougher job than others because of the restrictions they are under when choosing investments, but that’s not to say your ethical investments can’t be profitable. You will find it easier if you work with a financial planner who is willing to take the time to understand your ethical profile.

At Infinity, we have the ability and expertise to create a tailormade investment portfolio to meet your specific ethical requirements. Bestinvest undertake rigorous research into the sector and have produced a shortlist of the best performing funds. That means that together we are ideally placed to help you strike that balance between principles and profit because whatever your beliefs, you still need your investments to perform so you can achieve your financial goals and secure your financial future.

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.

80 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

KTOP 4th Floor, Sorya Shopping Center.

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.

in foreign investment, joint ventures and advising entrepreneurs.

Sciaroni & Associates 24 Street 462 Tel: 023 210225 Sciaroni & Associates is a leading professional and investment advisory firm serving Southeast Asia since 1993.

Based in Cambodia with legal offices in Laos and Myanmar, it provides skilled counsel, knowledgeable business insights and experienced guidance to many of the world’s leading companies, governments, economic think tanks, global development investment funds to help maximize the value of clients’ investments.

For more information contact info@saasia.com or visit www.sa-asia.com

Media & Design

Anon Creative Energy Tel: 089 812 123 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

Internet Provider

EMAXX 99 Norodom Blvd. Tel: 023 999 818 EMAXX offers fast internet access via WiMAX, Optical Fiber and Satellite.

Sunbird Angkor Co. Ltd. 78 Monireth Blvd.

Tel: 023 98 3333 / 023 99 1010 sunbirdangkor@yahoo.co.kr Worldwide Hotel Reservation, Car Rental Service, Worldwide Medical Service, Convention, Marketing.

Open Mon~Fri 8am ~5:30pm & Sat 8am~1pm

Insurance

Post Office

AG Cambodia Hotel Cambodiana, 313 Sovanna Sisowath Quay Tel: 017 360 333. nfo@agcambodia.com Professional insurance agent offering health, home, car, factory, employee and hotel insurance packages.

Forte Insurance 325, Mao Tse Toung Blvd, Phnom Penh, 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. www.bnglegal.com Tel: 023 212 671 / 023 212 740 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

Main Post Office Cnr. Streets 102 & 13 The place to go if you want to send something overseas or get a PO Box. 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: 017728895/095666817/092709596 www.facebook.com/i3studio 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. 9th Floor, 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, valutions, consultancy, investment and property services.

services 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 abseilers.

Relocation, Shipping

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 8:30am 5:30pm Mon - Fri, 8:30am - 12pm, Sat. expat2cambodia Call Sophie: 066 200 767 www.expat2cambodia.com Your personal consultant offering services from expat to expat in the client’s own language: city orientation, house hunting and utilities, health care, cars/motorbikes, recreation facilities, networking, shopping, administration.

Home Connect Cambodia 86 Street 160.

Tel: 023 88 56 85 www.homeconnect.asia Home search company, dedicated to making the home search process easy and specializing in finding rental homes for the expatriate community. Best of all for our clients, our services are FREE.

Taxi Services

Giant Ibis Transport Phnom Penh Phnom Penh: 3 Street 106, next to Night Market Tel: 023 999 333 www.giantibis.com Siem Reap: 64 Street Sivatha, Mondol 1, Svay Dankum. Travel in “Affordable Luxury” to Siem Reap and other destinations in brand new 2012 buses with reclining seats, spacious leg room, A/C, Wi-fi, complementary snacks and pick-up service.

Telecoms

Emaxx Corner St 214 and Norodom Blvd.

Tel: 023 999 818 We provide a national, high-quality, 4G communications network service for Internet and multi-media services including commerce, entertainment and education for development of Cambodia.

Ezecom 7D Russian Blvd.

Tel: 023 888 181 www.ezecom.com.kh Internet service provider that promises boundless internet packages suited to everyone’s needs. Good packages 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.

www.asialifemagazine.com

For Sales Enquiries: Chantha Sorn 012 576 878 chantha@asialife.asia

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 81

LISTINGS

shopping Art

Eileen’s Ceramic Painting 40B Street 310 between St.57 & St.63 Tel: 012 267 784 Book a party for a Housewarming, Birthday, Anniversary or Reunion We offer workshops during school and after school.

Estampe 72c street 174 (between St. 63 & St. 51) and 197a Street 19 Tel : 012 826 186, www.facebook.com/estampe. phnompenh1 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 Monday - Saturday from 11am to 7pm.

Hanuman Fine Arts 13B Street 334, Phnom Penh Tel: 023 211 916 tradition@hanumanfinearts.com High quality, beautiful antiques and objets d’art from all over the Kingdom.

Furniture, ornaments, silverware, jewellery 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) 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

82 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

Beauty Products

Raffles Amrita Spa Raffles Hotel Le Royal.

Tel: 023 981 888 www.raffles.com/phnompenh 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 www.facebook. com/ds.books.shops 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 to 9pm.

Le Phnom Shop Raffles Hotel Le Royal. Tel: 023 981 888 www.raffles.com/phnompenh, 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 Englishlanguage 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.

Open 7am - 8.30pm.

Crafts & Furniture

Artisans Angkor 12AEo Street 13 (in front of Post Office) Open daily from 9am to 6pm 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.

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.

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 to 6 pm.

DeCosy 219 Street 19.

Tel: 023 219 276 Stocking charming knick-knacks and furniture,is the place to find the things to make your house a home. Open daily from 9am to 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 Monivong Blvd, #705Eo 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 cabinet. Open daily from 8am to 6 pm.

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 10am - 7pm, closed Sun. 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 furnishing offering a variety of tiles, stylistic bathroom furniture & sanitary ware, modern home and office furniture.

Fashion Ambre

inspiring arts

Robam Ploy Souy (Ploy Souy Dance) Robam Ploy Souy is an energetic and colourful Cambodian folk dance that forms one of three scenes in a larger dance called Leang Sormnom. The dance originates from the Souy ethnic group who live near the Oral Mountain Range in Kompong Speu province.

The Souy perform this dance in dedication to the Cave Spirit and other gods who are believed to protect their community. Performed once a year before the farming season, the dance asks for rain, happiness, good health and a prosperous harvest for the Souy.

Most unique about this dance is the inclusion of the ploy instrument in the music and held by the male dancers.

The ploy is a wind instrument made from small rattan.

Exclusive to the Souy, they believe that when the ploy is played, they are inviting the spirit and gods to the dance.

The costuming that appears in Robam Ploy Souy is also very elaborate with female dancers dressed as peacocks.

The traditional sompot skirt is given a unique twist with the first fold falling on the left hand side, while the second fold is on the right. Additionally, the centrefolds run from the waist to the ankle with a pom-pom motif to symbolise flowers.

Most spectacular is the headpiece which is created to look like a peacock’s tail with gold trimming.

Originally, Robam Ploy Souy

was accompanied by only the ploy and drum, however over time it now includes other instruments including the skor thom (big drum), roneat ek (xylophone), and tro sao (highpitched fiddle) to make the melody livelier, while the lyrics remain in the Suoy dialect.

Robam Ploy Souy forms one of nine dances performed

by Morodok Komar Bassac (the former Children of Bassac), a performance troupe supported by Cambodian Living Arts. Dance teacher, Nop Thida, has been with the troupe for almost 12 years and believes this dance is a highlight for the troupe and their audiences because of the fast drum beat that dancers must keep time with.

Thida particularly enjoys the opening of the dance when the female dancers move from side to side, using their right hands to represent the peacock beak and their left hands as a tail, then quickly switching hands as they move around the stage. On the other hand, she believes the most technically difficult part of the dance is when male dancers have to “sneak up” and dance beside the females, and everyone’s feet movements must keep in time.

Morodok Komar Bassac will return to the CLA Plae Pakaa stage at the National Museum from Oct. 19, performing weekly from Monday to Saturday at 7pm. To book tickets, visit cambodianlivingarts.

Cambodian Living Arts celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2014. To mark its achievement, CLA will be submitting a regular column to AsiaLIFE to explain the world of traditional art forms to our readers.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 83

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 Sun. Back to the Future No. 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, Facebook: bambouindochine 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.

food | wine | experiences

www.urban-flavours.com

Subscribe online to TheTastes of Asia

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 to 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 to 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 www.couleursdasie.net info@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.

84 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

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 jewellery, plus loose gemstones. New Zealand/Khmer ownership. All manufacturing done in Cambodia. Open 9am to 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) | Phnom Penh Tel: 012 735 991 www.koolasu.com, www.facebook. com/koolasu.com Specialises in men’s fashion & tailor with all clothes designed and made

by Khmer. The clothing is casual, but designed for partying or work. Business Hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 9am7:00pm.

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 Monday - Saturday Lim Keo 9 Street 222.

Tel: 012 941 643 Pret a porter by Lim Keo, son of Sylvain Lim, the master of Cambodian fashion.

Luna Boutique 13Eo Street 282 Tel: 012 212 365 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 9:00-18:30.

Luna Boutique 8E1 Street 278. Tel: 023 220 176 13E0 Street 282 www.lunaboutiquephnompenh.com 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, in front of Anise Hotel, while its sister shop - Luna Shoes - is just 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.

SentosaSilk Uniform 33 Sothearos Blvd, cnr Street 178 Tel: 012 962 911/ 023 222 974 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 specialising 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 – The Pantry Shop 125 Street 105 Tel: 023 993 859 /023 214 478 This small deli features a variety of well priced wines, Australian beers, and French delicacies, cheeses, antipasti, and cold cuts. Open 10am - 8pm.

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 8am -12pm, 2pm - 6pm, closed Sun.

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 6am - 10.30pm.

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 7:30 - 6:30, closed Sun. Kurata Pepper Cnr. Streets 63 & 322. Tel: 023 726 480 Selling organic Koh Kong pepper and associated products, Kurata is one of the more unusual shops in town.

Open daily 8am - 7pm.

Le Marchéh 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 to 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, trufflesand bars.Open 9am - 7pm from Monday to Saturday & 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 to 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.

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 Russian Market and Romdeng restaurant as well. Open daily from 11am to 9pm.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 85

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AsiaLIFE Cambodia 87

Nationa

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Spotlight 88 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

Samai

soundfix album review

by Mai Lynn Miller Nguyen

SAMANTHA CRAIN

BENJAMIN CLEMENTINE

ROYAL HEADACHE

TUNDE OLANIRAN

“When you come back could you bring my heart / It’s kinda hard livin’ since you took it so far” sings Samantha Crain on her fourth full-length, Under Branch & Thorn & Tree. In her indie rock adaptation of Americana and folk, Crain tackles lost love with a refreshing bluntness.

The 29-year-old Oklahoman of Choctaw heritage creates saltof-the-earth music, under the production of John Vanderslice, who has also worked with Spoon. There are delicate, bucolic aspects of Crain’s acoustic music, but her edgy purr provides a sense of authenticity to her sound. Although she’s been touring for over a decade and earns repeated kudos from critics, Crain still records on independent labels and remains on the margins of the music industry. But Crain seems comfortable there, creating what she describes as protest songs that give voice to the voiceless.

It’s clear her heart is right where it should be.

A beautiful voice is a rare quality. But a musician who can also convey a powerful presence and make listeners feel moved is something truly elusive. Benjamin Clementine, a 25-year-old singer-songwriter, is one such diamond in the rough.

Raised in North London and of Ghanaian descent, Clementine spent some time living and performing in the streets of Paris.

A gifted vocalist and poetic lyricist, he taught himself how to play piano, drums, and guitar. At Least For Now is Clementine’s debut album, a handful of stunning numbers reminiscent of the great Nina Simone’s work.

There’s also some Jeff Buckley to be heard in the most vulnerable depths of his sound and a flash of Antony Hegarty in the more theatrical flourishes. But though Clementine may bring other talents to mind, he creates music that is transcendently his own.

There’s a classic Pearl Jam lyric that states “It’s an art to live with pain / mix the light into gray” – words that sum up just what some of the best artists are able to do. Australian rockers Royal Headache craft music from heartache and frustration, producing a sound that’s raucous, agitated, and entirely riveting. The quartet’s sophomore album may be less classically punk than its debut – even including ballad-like numbers “Wouldn’t You Know” and “Carolina”, which move at a honeyed pace – but it’s not lacking in boundless energy and raw emotion. Mononymous frontman Shogun’s bruised vocals paint a landscape of the complication and torment of love. Royal Headache knows that it’s in the gray, that netherworld of feeling, where things actually get interesting.

Tunde Olaniran ends one of his debut album’s tracks by chanting “Malia Obama”, the name of the American President’s elder daughter. That’s just one of several perplexing moments throughout Olaniran’s multigenre record, which encompasses rap, EDM, pop, R&B, soul, and more. His kaleidoscopic approach includes shifting between a skilled array of vocal styles and range, as well as weaving eclectic elements like West African chanting and stuttering beats into catchy tunes. But even though the method to the madness is unclear, the result is crystal: Transgressor is a progressive romp of an album, orchestrated by a modern day Renaissance Man. In his non-musical life, the Nigerian-American native of Flint, Michigan is an LGBT activist and works for Planned Parenthood – and the passion he shows for social issues translates into his unique artistry.

UNDER BRANCH & THORN & TREE

90 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

AT LEAST FOR NOW HIGH

TRANSGRESSOR

topten

endorsed

97.5 Love FM Phnom Penh Top 10 01 Flashlight 02 Good For You 03 Photograph 04 Marvin Gaye 05 Ghost Town 06 Lovin So Hard 07 Bad Blood 08 Hey Moma 09 Kid In Love 10 Shut Up And Dance

Jessie J Selena Gomez Ed Sheeran Charlie Puth & Meghan Trainor Adam Lambert Becky G Taylor Swift David Guetta & Nicki Minaj Shawn Mendes Walk The Moon

iTunes Top 10 Single Downloads 01 Can’t Fell My Face 02 Locked Away 03 Fight Song 04 Watch Me 05 Cheerleader 06 Marvin Gaye 07 Lean On 08 Good For You 09 Stitches 10 Drag Me Down

The Weekend R. City Rachel Platten Silento Omi Charlie Puth Major Lazer Selena Gomez Shaun Mendes One Direction

Kindle Top 10 Reads 01 How I Lost You 02 Revenge 03 No-one Ever Has Sex in the Suburbs 04 The Girl on the Train 05 My Sister’s Secret 06 A Tap on the Window 07 Abducted 08 The Time of our Lives 09 The Lavender Keeper 10 The Shock of the Fall

Jenny Blackhurst Martina Cole Tracy Bloom Paula Hawkins Tracy Buchanan Linwood Barclay T.R. Ragan Jane Costello Fiona McIntosh Nathan Filer

Marmite

By Marissa Carruthers You either love it or hate it, goes the adage cleverly crafted by Marmite’s marketing squad when plotting how to infiltrate their product on the shelves of households across the world.

I love it. I do not understand those who hate it. And I secretly loathe the few who claim to “not mind” it. Being born into a family of Marmite lovers obviously played a part in tempting my tastebuds, and a jar was always a staple next to the cereal as a child.

It was slathered onto toast at breakfast, more for a quick snack after school, and our favourite weekend nibble would be grilled cheese and Marmite on toast. Even the cat liked it, her tabby face nudging at our arm as we shovelled more of the sticky dark brown salty goodness into our mouths.

Since childhood, Marmite has been a constant, and, thankfully, my panic over life without it was short-lived when I spotted it on one of the shelves at Lucky supermarket when I moved here. So I am able to happily continue feeding my face with Marmite on toast, and my mission to convert all Marmite haters.

I mean who couldn’t love such a quirky, tasty paste?

Here are a few random Marmite facts that may just sway you if you’re annoyingly still sitting on the fence.

1. It’s actually an accident.

In the late 19th century, German scientist Justus Liebig discovered brewer’s

yeast could be concentrated, bottled and eaten. In 1902, Marmite Food Company was born in the English town of Burton-on-Trent, where brewers were in abundance to provide the raw material.

2. Marmite ban. Urban myth claims that the spread is banned in British jails because it can be used to make booze. In 2002, inmates at Featherstone prison reportedly mixed it with fermented fruit and vegetables to make the hooch.

3. Ration pack. Marmite was included in British soldiers’ rations during the First World War, and was popular among civilians and the military between 1939 and 1945.

4. Mozzie watch. The yeasty paste is believed to keep mosquitoes at bay – although I’m yet to try this. It has, however, been successfully used to treat a form of anemia in mill workers in Mumbai and to treat malnutrition during the Sri Lankan malaria epidemic of 1934 and 1935.

5. Marmite honoured.

Marmite is so flippin’ great that a sculpture has been built to celebrate it. In 2010, Unilever, which now owns the brand, splashed out $20,000 on a sculpture of a Marmite jar, nicknamed Monumite, in its hometown.

6. Healthy bites. Most importantly, Marmite is packed full of goodness, such as folic acid, and is rich in a range of vitamins.

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 91

appchat Couch to 5K

COUCH TO 5K ANDROID & IOS This runner-trainer offers a quick fix to new runners and those feeling out of shape, with a fairly light exercise programme that promises users they’ll be ready to finish a 5km race in nine weeks.

Kaboom

KABOOM IOS Ever had your finger hovering over the ‘post’ button on Facebook, Twitter or WhatsApp, questioning whether it’s a good idea to tap? Don’t worry; Kaboom will self-destruct those contentious statuses after a specified time.

Angry Birds 2

ANGRY BIRDS 2 ANDROID & IOS One of the titans of mobile games brings us more birdslinging, pig-exploding action in a new era of slingshot gameplay, with great graphics, hard levels, scheming boss pigs, and generally more destruction.

92 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

The Best Song

THE BEST SONG ANDROID & IOS Swipe through a Tinder-style interface on this musicdiscovery app to find your next favourite song. Or, if you’re dissatisfied with your own music taste, use it to turn your friends’ best songs into your personal radio.

V

V ANDROID & IOS K-Pop and J-Pop fans are in for a treat thanks to this live broadcasting app which beams out shows and lots of interaction with stars including Bigbang, Jun Hyo Seong and Wonder Girls.

Adobe Photoshop Mix

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP MIX IOS Replace your default photo editor on your phone with this simple yet impressive photo-editing tool that features the usual bunch of trendy filters, letting you neatly cut out sections of pictures and splice them into new images.

boxoffice

THE TRANSPORTER REFUELED

MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS

THE VISIT

EVEREST

In the fourth outing of the Transporter franchise, Frank Martin (Ed Skrein) is living a less perilous lifestyle, or so he thinks, transporting classified packages for questionable people. Things take a turn for the worse when a cunning femme fatale and her three seductive sidekicks orchestrate the bank heist of the century.

The former special-operations mercenary must now use his covert expertise and superior driving skills to outrun a sinister Russian kingpin, while playing a dangerous game with a team of gorgeous women out for revenge.

In the next chapter of the Maze Runner saga, Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) and his fellow Gladers face their greatest challenge yet: searching for clues about the mysterious and powerful organisation known as WCKD. Their journey takes them to the Scorch, a desolate landscape filled with unimaginable obstacles. Teaming up with resistance fighters, the Gladers take on WCKD’s vastly superior forces and uncover its shocking plans for them all. Directed by Wes Ball.

Becca (Olivia DeJonge) and younger brother Tyler (Ed Oxenbould) say goodbye to their mother as they board a train and head deep into Pennsylvania farm country to meet their maternal grandparents for the first time.

Welcomed by Nana (Deanna Dunagan) and Pop Pop (Peter McRobbie), all seems well until the siblings start to notice increasingly strange behavior from the seemingly charming couple. Once the children discover a shocking secret, they begin to wonder if they’ll ever make it home.

Everest is a British-American thriller adventure film that is based on real events that took place during the 1996 Mount Everest disaster when eight people were caught in a blizzard and died while trying to reach the summit. It focuses on the summit and survival attempts of two expedition groups – one led by Scott Fosher (Jake Gyllenhaal) and the other by Rob Hall (Jason Clarke). Also starring Keira Knightley and Emma Watson.

COMING SOON MOVIE RELEASES Platinum See platinumcineplex.com/kh for screening schedule The Last Reel Sep. 04 The Transporter Refueled Sep. 04 Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials Sep. 10 The Visit Sep. 17 Everest Sep. 22

Legend Cinemas See legend-cinemas.com for screening schedule The Last Reel Sep. 04 Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials Sep. 10 The Visit Sep. 17 Pawn Sacrifice Sep. 29

AsiaLIFE Cambodia 93

pp palette arts review

LIGHTS & SHADOWS: A PREVIEW The ancient art of shadow puppets dates back to the Angkorian period, and the giant silhouettes have been retelling the epic tale of Ramayana ever since.

Despite the art form almost fading to extinction, thanks to the destruction of creativity under Pol Pot, it has made a come back during the last few decades, with three major companies operating across Cambodia: Sovanna Phum in Phnom Penh, Wat Bo in Siem Reap, and Kok Thlok in the countryside.

Kok Thlok was founded in 2007 – 13 years after the disastrous Preah Suramarit Theatre blaze (also known as the Bassac Theatre) – as an association of artists with the

94 AsiaLIFE Cambodia

aim of providing work to the artists who continued to live the burned theatre’s ruins for years.

Rising from the ashes, the company of wandering artists has grown to a total of 23 members who bring to life shadows puppet shows, theatre plays, traditional concerts and musical performances.

The association, which aims to promote culture and arts to all, predominantly tours the Cambodian countryside, putting on free shows in pagodas and schools found in small villages. Director Kompheak Phoeung joined the association in 2009. As a professor of French literature at the Royal University of Phnom Penh and translator at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia for the Khmer Rouge trials, Kompheak directs the company in his spare time.

Made from cowhide, one puppet takes weeks to carefully carve, with a show requiring an average of 90. Creating shdows from behind a screen, the puppeteers bring characters to life through dance and recital.

Lights & Shadows is Kok Thlok’s first exhibition and offers viewers the chance to see the shadow puppets from close up and learn more about the art’s lengthy history. A total of 40 are on display at The Plantation’s Lotus Pond Gallery, telling the condensed story of the arrival or Ramayana in the Empire.

Battambang is described as an up-and-coming arts hub in Cambodia. Art Cult. Spent a weekend exploring its offerings to find out what the talk is all about. We found some wildly interesting exhibition spaces and activities. Here are six must-see places in this creative city by the river.

LOTUS BAR

Lotus Bar & Gallery is a performance and art exhibition space. It opened its doors a couple of years ago by Welshman Darren Swallow, who saw the need for an alternative show venue in Battambang’s growing creative scene. 53 Street 2.5.

BRIC-À-BRAC

This charming B&B is housed in a three-storey colonial building. Each of the rooms has been creatively renovated with an inventive use of reclaimed materials. The cloth accents have also been handcrafted by the venue’s co-owner Morrison Polkinghorne.

Rest at 112, Street 2.

MARINE KY’S ARTIST STUDIO & SHOP

This is a unique den of tranquility and taste near Battambang’s riverside. The artist opened the combined retail-working space and studio after returning from Europe. Past the sumptuous fabric installation at the building’s entrance,

visitors can shop for vintage kimonos, Japanese scarves and artworks. Look for this eclectic enclave at 77 Street 2.5.

ROMCHEIK 5

Battambang’s newest exhibition space was founded by four alumni of Battambang’s Phare Ponleu Selpak art school under the patronage of a former French cultural attaché to Cambodia. Find it across the river on Street 201A.

CIRCUS

Alumni from Phare Ponleu Selpak’s circus school perform rotating shows nightly. Stories weave interesting folk tales with peak physical performances. See a show at Anh Chanh Village.

SAMMAKI GALLERY

This gallery is currently home to Life is Suffering by Lous Piseth. The series of 11 charcoal drawings strive to show the bittersweet aspect to fleeting moments. Our young strong bodies will weaken and eventually break under time’s tyranny, and happiness shifts to hurt only to come back again later in bittersweet rendezvous. A stroll through the exhibit offers viewers an engrossing patchwork of poignant moments. ‘Life is Suffering 3’ was our pick of the show. Read the full review at www.art-cult.asia/ articles. Visit at 87 Street 2.5.