TRAVEL & WINE EXPERIENCES AROUND THE WORLD
Cambodia.
Phnom Penh.
ITS ALL ABOUT THE WINES, FOOD, COCKTAILS.
Cambodia is a destination you will never forget. Khmer (Pronounced Ke-Mai) people and many expats living and making a difference to the wine and cocktail scene from the fine restaurants to the wine bars to the French Hospitality and Culinary schools. Photo by Rosewood Phnom Penh Sora
Updated 28 Feb 2025
Also see our article on Siem Reap.
Sora Rosewood.
00 THE EXPERIENCE
Sora, Rosewood Phnom Penh Listed as the World Best 50 Bars in 2022, Sora presents a 5 star experience perched over the city skyline of Phnom Penh. Rosewood welcomes one of the best mixologists every month from all the world so be on the lookout for guest appearances. Chat with Assistant Manager Mr Visal Sor Sao about wines too with an extensive Wine list on the menu.
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Vattanac Capital Mall, 66 Level 37
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https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/phnom-penh/dining/sora
Photo from Facebook/RosewoodPhnomPenh
Dining with Wines.
01 WINE IS BEST WITH FOOD AND FRIENDS.
Here's some of our favorites places in Cambodia.
Le Manolis.
Le Manolis | A French restaurant that curates fine wines, food, cigars, cocktails. Dine at this restaurant, start with a cocktail and try some of the wines. Have a good chat with the Sommelier and the rest of his team.
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No 6, Str. 13 Preah Ang Eng St. (13)
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https://www.facebook.com/lemanolis.pp
Photo from Facebook
Kravanh.
Kravanh | Classic Cambodian Cuisine. Located in a colonial house, founder Toan Ek Sophie sources the best ingredients sustainably and works directly with small farmers and fisherman for her menu with a curated wine list.
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Phnom, 74 Oknha Ket St. (174)
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Photo from Facebook/bouchonwinebar
Bouchon Wine Bar.
Bouchon Wine Bar | Set downtown in a colonial house, Bouchon features a good selection of French wines married with French cuisine.
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phnom, 82 Oknha Ket St. (174)
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www.facebook.com/bouchonwinebar
Photo from Facebook
Tales of the Tipple.
02 LETS HAVE A KIKI
A vibrant tipple scene in Phnom Penh. Here are some of our hot favourites.
Seekers Spirits.
Seekers Spirits | The first Gin ever created in Cambodia using local ingredients like coconuts and pandan. Uniquely a twist on Modern Cambodia.
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1577 NR2, Phnom Penh
https://www.seekersspirits.com/
​Photo from www.facebook.com/seekersspirits
Odin Bar.
.It's so secret that there's no pictures. A secret speakeasy style bar with over 300 different type of whisky & gins. Paired with Japanese Izakaya cuisine. Do ask around for the location of the bar. Mixers are charged separately though.
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St 306, KH Bkk1, No#50,Street 306
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https://www.facebook.com/barodinpp/
Photo NA
Pomelo Bar.
Tucked in an alley off Street 184, Phnom Penh, this boutique bar offers craft cocktails, fine wines, and delicious small plates and pizza.
21AB Street 184, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
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https://www.facebook.com/pomelobarPP
Photo from Facebook
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Samai Distillery.
Samai Distillery | Ms. Moang Darachampich, the first rum master distiller in Cambodia together with a team of experts uses top quality sugar cane molasses combined with local ingredients like the Kampot pepper and aging in special French & American oak barrels, ex-bourbon barrels and sherry casks. Creating Cambodia’s first premium rum distillery and brand from scratch.
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#9b, Street 830, 830 Samdach Sothearos Blvd
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https://www.samaidistillery.com
Photo from Facebook/SamaiDistillery
Local Cuisine.
03 PAIRING WINES WITH FOOD
Cambodian food from the classics to the contemporary lends itself from Thai and Vietnam even French. Here's some of the popular dishes that we had some fun pairing wine with.
Cambodian Beef Lok Lak.
Cambodian Beef Lok Lak | Originating from Vietnam, this recipe uses the famous Kampot pepper in this recipe. Stir fried beef fillet marinated with sauce, Kampot pepper dipped in a lime, salt, pepper sauce. Served with Jasmine rice or wrapped with lettuce leaves. ​Photo from Marionskitchen.com
2018 Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River Australia
Jean Pierre, Chef
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Valenciso Rioja Reserva 2018, Spain
JJ, Sommelier​
Fish Amok Curry.
Fish Amok | It's believed that Fish Amok dates back to the Khmer Empire as one of the royal dishes. This classic Cambodian dish made with fresh fish, coconut milk, noni leaf and fragrant spices is steamed to perfection in banana leaves for a rich and flavorful experience. ​Photo from amokrestaurant.com.
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2021 Avarinho, Vinho Verde, Portugal
Andrew, Chef
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2020 XXVI Amphora Blanco, Alentejo, Portugal
JJ, Sommelier
Kampot.
04 DAY TRIPS FROM PHNOM PENH
Just under 3 hours drive to this amazing town, home of the famous Kampot Pepper.
Tertúlia Restaurant Kampot.
Tertulia Restaurant Kampot | A Portuguese restaurant located in Kampot, opened by a couple who's passionate about food and wine. Serving honest Portuguese cuisine paired with Portuguese wines.
Kampong Kreung Village
https://www.facebook.com/kampottertulia
​Photo from Facebook
La Plantation Kampot Pepper Farm.
La Plantation Kamport Pepper Farm Tour | Used by renowned chefs all around the world, the Kampot pepper is extra fragrant, fruity and spicy at the same time. La Plantation offers free guide tours. Book a tour from your hotel in Kampot that combines transports. Tip - Try the Kampot Pepper ice cream.
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Bosjheng village, Kampot
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https://laplantation.com/en/about-us/visit-our-farm/
Photo from Website
Rikitikitavi Hotel and Restaurant.
Rikitikitavi Hotel and Restaurant | Originally constructed in the 1920s, it transformed into a Khmer Rouge theatre. It became a military barracks in 1970's when the Vietnamese forces moved in as many military artefacts were discovered during their renovations. Today it features a gym, hotel and restaurant and bar. Say hello to Paulo and his friendly team and sommelier.
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Riverside Road (Corner of Street 735, and Street 728)
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https://rikitikitavi-kampot.com/
Photo from facebook/RikitikitaviKampot
PAY IT FORWARD PER FAVORE GRAZIE MILLE.
sospeso.
1coffee. 1
drink. 1plate.
TRAVELLER We hope to inspire you to give back when exploring new places. Every time you travel, consider paying it forward by sharing a coffee, a drink, or a meal. Your gesture can help local businesses thrive and create stronger bonds within the community.
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SOMMELIER Just as the Master Sommelier program fosters a mentoring relationship between mentor and mentee, we encourage you to share your experiences, sommeliers you meet on your travels, their journey, and the wines.
TOGETHER, let’s make a more connected and generous place—one coffee, one drink, and one story at a time.
INSPIRED by the giving tradition of Cafè Sospeso—where a cup of coffee is paid for in advance as an anonymous act of kindness—we are dedicated to nurturing a culture of generosity and connection in two meaningful ways.
Siem Reap.
05 ANGKOR WAT TEMPLES
Just under 6 hours drive from Phnom Peng to this amazing town, home of the UNESCO famous Angkor Wat.
Also see our article on Siem Reap.
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Traveller's Tip
The drive from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap would take about 5-6 hours. Siem Reap City is located about 1 hours from the new SAI Siem Reap airport which will cost another 60usd.
It would be worthwhile just hiring a private driver or taking the coach to reach Siem Reap and stopping midway for lunch to enjoy the country side drive.
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Here's some of our drivers that we hire.
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Pou Mao Tours
+855 93 506 505 ​​
Whatsapp Contact
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Sum Pisey Private Driver
+855 77 733 199​​
Whatsapp Contact
Curated.
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Matthieu is based in Paris. He works as Chef de Cabine PNC. He is also an onboard Sommelier and is very fascinated by the arts and culture of Cambodia.
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Dennis is based in Cambodia. He is from Sydney and currently resides in Phnom Penh, loves food and wines
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JJ is based in Sydney. He works as a Business First Cabin Crew and is a Sommelier in the sky and teaches hospitality.