In a town that seems to have no shortage of training restaurants, Spoons has been open for less that two months but is already setting itself apart. The menu is tightly constructed, with just a handful of appetizers, mains, and desserts. The chef, Mengly Mork, draws inspiration from Cambodian street food, incorporating popular favorites in an upscale, fusion style.
Num krok, a sweet and savory green onion and coconut crispy dumpling, at Spoons.
Siem Reap has at least a dozen training restaurants that aim to give disadvantaged Cambodia students skills that will allow them to pursue a career in the hospitality industry. The restaurants are generally run by NGOs that offer students English lessons plus employment and life-skills training before letting them work in the NGO’s restaurant. This model has had varying degrees of success around town, with the most effective restaurants, including Haven and Sister Srey and to a lesser degree, Marum, offering excellent food and service. Other training cafes offer same-same dishes at inflated prices with abominable service. Continue reading
