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Health & Food: Fill up on vitamins with moringa soup from the Malis restaurant

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Moringa is a real ‘super food’, renowned for its many powers to revive and strengthen the body’s natural defences.  One of Malis’s flagship dishes, the delicate but delicious and nutritious Moringa Soup is prepared with pumpkin consommé and leaves from the Moringa tree to create a light and healthy vegetarian starter packed with protein, minerals, vitamins, fibre and antioxidants. Moringa is a genuine superfood, renowned for its many powers to revive and strengthen the body’s natural defences.  Native to India, Moringa, also known as the “miracle tree” and “mother’s best friend”, is now one of the most widely cultivated trees in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, thanks to its resistance to drought. The tree is an important source of food in developing countries where malnutrition is a concern. In addition, it is currently being extensively studied for its potential as a ‘functional food’, i.e. one of those foods whose benefits go beyond nutrition and can play a role in reducing or minimising the risk of certain diseases and other health problems.  Almost every part of the tree, including the root, bark, seeds, flowers, pods, seed oil, leaves and resin, has potential for food, agricultural or industrial use. It’s not surprising that many consider this tree to be the most useful in the world. However, it is the bright green, ovoid leaves that seem to offer the best protective and antioxidant properties. And it’s not just marketers who like to point this out. A review of scientific journals reveals a consensus on the nutritional properties of Moringa leaves. They are a rich source of nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, fibre, beta-carotene, vitamin C and minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron and phosphorus. Their protein content is equivalent to that of certain legumes, notably soya and kidney beans. The leaves also contain different types of compounds such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C), flavonoids, phenolic compounds and carotenoids, which act as natural antioxidants. But what are antioxidants? In short, they are molecules that have the ability to prevent or delay certain types of cellular damage in the body, generally caused by elements called free radicals. Free radicals are molecules in the body that have become ‘unbalanced’ and highly reactive as a result of factors such as smoking. The antioxidant molecule has the ability to ‘rebalance’ the unleashed free radical and therefore neutralise its damaging potential.  Things can get confusing for consumers, as many like to promote moringa leaves as a specific way of fighting or preventing disease thanks to its antioxidant properties. However, while the results of decades of dietary research suggest that eating greater quantities of antioxidant-rich foods could help protect against disease, no one has been able to establish a direct and specific link between the two.   Research has shown that those who eat more antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruit have a lower risk of disease. However, it is not yet known whether these results are linked to the amount of antioxidants in vegetables and fruit, to other components of these foods, to other factors in people’s diets or to other lifestyle choices.  The ‘healing powers of Moringa’ are probably not unfounded, but for now let’s just say that this soup makes a delicious, light starter for a meal at Malis. Perhaps it should be considered as part of a summer ‘detox’.  Reserve a table Subscribe to the Thalias newsletter for exclusive offers, invitations to events and culinary news:Subscribe here  Find out more: Discover our culinary world in more detail. Visit our website

Cambodia & French cuisine: Khéma traditionnal onion soup

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As an avid cook, I’m always on the lookout for new dishes to try and share with friends and family. One of my absolute favourites is the famous onion soup, a classic French dish that is loved the world over for its comforting flavour and unique taste. It is part of the menu at the well-known Khéma restaurants.  Onion soup is a dish with a long history in France. It’s a deliciously rich and comforting dish, made with meat stock, caramelised onions and toasted bread, topped with melted cheese. It’s served in individual bowls and is often eaten as a main meal. But it can also be served as a starter or side dish.Some people even call it “party soup”, as it’s a great way to enjoy a rich, warming dish after a night of partying.  A little history  Onion soup has been around since the dawn of time. In fact, its origins date back to Roman times, when it was served as a dish by peasants. The soup was easy to prepare and didn’t require many ingredients, which explains its popularity with those with limited resources.  The popularity of soup grew steadily during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, when it acquired more sophisticated flavours thanks to the introduction of various spices such as thyme and bay leaf. It was during this period that the recipe evolved into what we know today as onion soup – a delicious, hearty and nourishing dish that has stood the test of time!  In 18th-century France, onion soup was a staple food for working people; it used simple ingredients available in almost any kitchen, and was hearty and nourishing. In the 19th century, caramelising the onions became a popular method of preparing the soup, making it even more delicious. Then, in the 20th century, classic onion soup became more elaborate, and it just kept getting better and better! The deliciousness of this classic recipe is enhanced by the addition of Gruyère cheese to the top just before serving. Today, other variations of this classic recipe can be found all over the world, with Italian versions often using sausage for a spicier flavour.  Today, onion soup is considered a classic that has been adopted by many cultures around the world. Although its history is rooted in necessity, this delicious dish has evolved to become a favourite with everyone.  About the ingredients  Traditional onion soup is usually made with simple, inexpensive ingredients. The basic ingredients are onions, meat stock, bread and cheese. The onions are cut into thin slices and caramelised in butter until golden and tender.   The meat stock is then added to the onions and the soup is left to simmer for about an hour. The bread is sliced and toasted until crisp. The slices are then placed on top of the soup and covered with grated cheese. The soup is then baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and golden brown.  Variations  Traditional onion soup is usually made with simple, inexpensive ingredients. The basic ingredients are onions, meat stock, bread and cheese. The onions are cut into thin slices and caramelised in butter until golden and tender.   The meat stock is then added to the onions and the soup is left to simmer for about an hour. The bread is sliced and toasted until crisp. The slices are then placed on top of the soup and covered with grated cheese. The soup is then baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and golden brown.  Variations Choosing the right wine Onion soup is usually accompanied by a red wine, such as a Bordeaux or Burgundy. These wines have rich, fruity flavours that go well with the flavour of onion soup. However, if you prefer white wine, you can also serve a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. 

Restaurant & Topaz: What about the children?

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It’s a problem that sometimes arises: what to choose from the menu of our favourite restaurant when we’re accompanied by our children.  Either they nibble on our plates, or they are reluctant to eat food that is different in presentation and flavour. Either they wouldn’t dare to eat or do so without really appreciating it, or – not really a good alternative – they don’t eat. Either way, the mood of the meal can suffer accordingly. Beyond these practical considerations, it’s clear that children not only need to eat, but they also need to eat well and be introduced to a slightly more sophisticated diet from time to time. This will undoubtedly teach them to love good food! Topaz is one of those restaurants that considers children to be customers in their own right, and its menu includes a number of dishes at very affordable prices, such as spaghetti, soup, salad, tartare, fish and other dishes that allow you to create a balanced and fun menu for your children. With advance notice, the team can also prepare an even more ‘youthful’ menu, such as fresh mashed potatoes or other dishes for the very young.  There’s absolutely no need to worry about taking the kids out for a family meal at this gastronomic mecca in Phnom Penh! As for lunch, it’s even easier, as many dishes are perfectly balanced, so you can suggest to your toddler a delicious onion soup (à la carte) or a vegetable tart (vegetarian menu). We tried this out with young Eurasian Antonio, who is used to Asian cuisine at home, and he loved it! He enjoyed a very French and tasty onion soup, the famous vegetable tart and fried rice. As for the  desserts, they were all so good that we didn’t have to advise our dear little offspring, as each one was more appetising than the next. Reserve a table Subscribe to the Thalias newsletter for exclusive offers, invitations to events and culinary news. Subscribe here  Find out more: Discover our culinary world in more detail. Visit our website    

Topaz & Coastal escapade: a luxurious cocktail of refined local flavours in Kampot

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For an exceptional and unique dinner, the Topaz team lead by Sopheak Pov has planned an extraordinary gastronomic getaway at one of the most luxurious hotels in Cambodia’s beautiful coastal region: Amber Kampot. Ambition : Savor the summer in Kampot  Exceptional On the evening of 20 July at 6pm, the Topaz team will take over the restaurant’s kitchens to prepare a special feast that promises to (re)discover the best of the region’s produce. These include fresh seafood, the world famous pepper, honey, the equally famous durian and exceptional vegetables.  The famed Amber Kampot If Topaz’s reputation extends beyond the capital, so too does the establishment that will host its teams on that famous evening of 20 July 2024.The region’s first 5-star luxury resort, Amber Kampot is ideally located on over 1.5 hectares of beautifully landscaped riverside grounds, with breathtaking views of the Elephant Mountains and the friendly town of Kampot in the background.   Charm and class Set on the water’s edge, but within easy reach of the provincial capital, the resort combines Cambodian charm with world-class facilities and service for a unique luxury experience. Determined to establish Kampot as a world-class destination, the Managing Director of Amber International Holdings commissioned Bloom Architects to design the hotel.   Wishing to imbue visitors with the atmospheres of rivers, mountains, rice paddies, mangroves, the Asian way of life and a sense of charm related to the city’s colonial past, the architects conceived Amber Kampot with a design that blends abundant nature, waterways, small islands, solid constructions and dark wood, mixing neutral colours with many different textures and minimal but highly original decoration.  To fit in with such a rich natural environment, a building and an elegant swimming pool overlook the river, all set on a hard platform covered in sandstone and decking and fitted with wooden shutters to filter the intense sunlight and provide a totally unique and soothing feeling from the moment you arrive at the hotel.  Design and decoration  The interior spaces of the main building are uncluttered and the decoration is minimal, so as not to detract from the marvellous landscape offered by the surrounding nature. According to the designers, “the architecture of Amber Kampot is intended to be specific, generous and respectful of the environment”. They also wanted to highlight the craftsmanship and unique characteristics of Kampot, the beautiful capital of Cambodia’s southern coast.  For the decor, local photographer and artist Nathalie Lee designed and created a space that is almost artistic, but discreet and perfectly in tune with the spirit of the place. With almost 1,500 square metres of white sandy beach awaiting guests after disembarking at the resort, Amber Kampot confirms its ambition to offer a luxurious, authentic and original experience. The beach is private, cleaned three times a day and it’s quite pleasant to feel isolated on such an exotic beach, just a few hundred metres from the city.  Perfect alliance  Make your reservation: +855 (0)15 821 888 and join us for an unforgettable coastal culinary dinner at Amber Kampot, hosted by Chef Sopheak Pov of Topaz Restaurant, and indulge in a luxurious six-course gourmet menu featuring the finest local ingredients from Kampot. Each dish will be perfectly complemented by an exclusive wine pairing selected by Topaz’s sommelier. Discover the menu here:  Reservations: +855 (0)15 821 888  Date and time: 20 July at 6pm Venue: Amber Kampot Don’t miss this unique opportunity to enjoy the flavours of Kampot in exquisite surroundings. Seats are limited, so book your place now. Send us a DM for more information.  Price: $125 per person  Subscribe to the Thalias newsletter for exclusive offers, invitations to events and culinary news. Subscribe here  Find out more: Discover our culinary world in more detail. Visit our website    

Cambodia & Corporate Social Responsibility: Thalias supports Ermine Norodom’s work with children from Phnom Penh slums

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Since its creation, Cambodge Mag (a brand of the Thalias Group) has supported Ermine Norodom’s work with children from the Boeng Trabek slums in the south of Phnom Penh.Over the years, this partnership has resulted in the production of hundreds of photos and videos highlighting Mrs Norodom’s efforts to lift these children out of poverty and give them a decent education. After celebrating its tenth anniversary last year, Ermine Norodom’s Shanty Town Spirit association officially launched the Rose Club with the aim of providing financial support to the association and expanding its projects, thanks to its partners.Initially set up in January this year, the Rose Club is a way for the association to secure its projects financially over the longer term.  Rose Club By choosing Shanty Town as its ‘CSO’ (Cooperation Committee for Cambodia), these companies commit to supporting the association financially or through donations in kind to help it carry out its projects and increase the positive impact of each of them.Today, the association wants to help even more and offer new opportunities to families in the Boeung Trabek shanty town, particularly in the areas of health, education and the programming of activities and outings.  Indeed, it is by working with its partners that the association is enabling members of the Boeung Trabek communities to gain access to university, work opportunities and training courses opening doors to their professional future and promoting independence.   After helping two or even three families when it was first set up, over 300 families from the Boeung Trabek shanty town in Phnom Penh have been and are being supported by Ermine Norodom, her husband Prince Norodom Narithipong, their team of volunteers and the members of the Rose Club.   Slums and problems The problems in this shanty town are considerable, with a pile of rubbish and household waste that has grown steadily over time. Children and adults live within centimetres of this dump, multiplying the risk of infectious diseases and creating an unbearably unhealthy lifestyle. But there is also an urgent need to repair and maintain these precarious dwellings, which pose serious dangers, especially as the monsoon season approaches.  Priorities One of the association’s priorities is to help children go to school. In these homes, where the daily income is less than US$2, any gesture is welcome. For the new school year, Ermine Norodom provides school bags and supplies. As for the pocket money, the children use it for their telephone, snacks and other small school needs.  While the primary goal of the association is to create a healthy environment for these impoverished families and to get the children into school so that they can have jobs later in life, it is also important to be able to provide for their nutritional needs while they wait for better days. The association is therefore responsible for providing the daily rice for these six families.  Help at school The Bang Paoun Association also helps the children with their education. Ermine Norodom is one of the volunteers who run this association, which provides meals to families living in shanty towns and other disadvantaged communities in the district.   So, with the aim of cooperating with 100 members by the end of the year, the Rose Club of the Shanty Town Spirit association aspires to solidarity, exchanges and family spirit. More information on Shanty Town Spirit Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/shantytownspirit/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shantytownspirit/

Restaurant & culinary review: We Savoured Elegance, Creativity and Excellence”, at Topaz

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I was curious to find out what was going on in the kitchens of Topaz Norodom and was intrigued by the numerous new announcements about seasonal menus, so I decided to once again venture into the delights of this Mecca of French cuisine in Phnom Penh.  Although I’m not actually a regular at this highly regarded restaurant – although I have had the privilege of attending a few gastronomic events held there – I have always considered it to be the best restaurant in the capital when it comes to haute cuisine. There are several reasons for this: the cuisine is refined in the true sense of the word, there is genuine creativity and the subdued evening atmosphere encourages you to let yourself go, that strange nonchalance that makes you completely forget the hassles of everyday life to completely and voluptuously devote yourself to a single activity: savouring a sumptuous and excellent dinner.  So I persuaded my husband and eight-year-old son to go to this beautiful restaurant to try out their new seasonal menu. The main reason was the idea of a fine gourmet evening, the curiosity to discover what this magic formula “Savouring Elegance” meant and, another strong argument, Topaz is offering a formula with three price levels, 50, 60 and 90 USD. So there’s really no reason to pass it up at that price.  I’d forgotten how quickly the setting and the elegance of the place put you at ease. Lots of greenery around the main room, large tables with comfortable armchairs or sofas and, of course, smiling, respectful and particularly attentive staff.  I’ve heard that it was the boss of the Thalias group, Arnaud Darc, who himself suggested this seasonal menu inspired by the flavours of France and Europe, with the help of his teams and probably relying on the talent of chef Sopheak to create a subtle harmony between his local inspirations and his ability to blend in these touches from beyond. As I’ve already mentioned, I’ve had the opportunity to taste Chef Sopheak’s creations and the verdict has always been clear: marvellous!  As I love fish and all the different ways it can be prepared, I decided to go for the ‘red snapper carpaccio with Asian herb vinaigrette’ starter.   In true French gastronomic tradition, we were offered an amuse-bouche at the start of the dinner, a nice plump prawn with a special creamy sauce, but I didn’t have time to taste it because my son grabbed the three crustaceans and ate them, rolling his eyes and giving a thumbs-up. So I imagine it was very good.     To come back to the carpaccio, I asked my husband out of curiosity about the origin of this dish. Being Asian, I’m much more used to recipes for fish in soup, grilled, smoked or salted, and I was intrigued. I then learned that carpaccio was in fact an Italian discovery, a recipe devised by Giuseppe Cipriani (contemporary chef at Harry’s Bar in Venice) at the request of a countess on a strict diet, and named after the Venetian painter Vitorre Carpaccio (1465-1425), the red hues of the dish recalling those used by the artist. While the original recipe is essentially based on red meat, the use of fish is a relatively recent culinary technique.   In this recipe by Chef Sopheak, the combination of the freshness of the fish, the richness of the herbs and the delicacy of the accompanying vinaigrette make for an invigorating and simply delicious starter full of ‘Vitamin Sea’. My husband, after thoroughly enjoying the crayfish soup with truffles, chose the grilled prawn salad with plum vinaigrette. More generous than my son, he allowed me the privilege of tasting a portion and I have to admit that I was very pleasantly surprised by a clever blend of flavours that I couldn’t have imagined.  As I’m a big fan of meat and reminded of my previous experiences at Topaz, I’m really looking forward to this. And I won’t be disappointed, far from it. In addition to its original presentation, this dish is a veritable homage to the art of cooking lamb and offering a totally harmonious accompaniment. The sauce is absolutely magnificent, the vegetables are tender and fresh – I’m delighted and, to complete the picture, the portion is really generous. I couldn’t resist calling the friendly manager of the restaurant, Eden, to tell her how delighted I was with the food. This compliment was greeted with a broad smile, and will probably convince her that the seasonal and inspired menus are an excellent idea that customers like and will like.   My husband, who is not very keen on meat dishes, chose a fish dish, the pan-fried turbot fillet with lemon, butter and caper sauce, which is also perfect, but I definitely prefer my meal with lamb. As for my son, who is also a meat lover, he will choose the Australian beef fillet with pomme macaire, green asparagus and veal jus. This time, I’ll have a slice… again, the presentation, composition, accompaniment and tenderness of the meat are beyond any criticism.   More than satisfied with this rich meal full of pleasant surprises, I decided to skip dessert. However, moved by the hot chocolate fondant and Madagascar vanilla ice cream chosen by my husband, I will take a spoonful out of sheer indulgence, and here too, the chef’s dexterity has resulted in an original and ‘decadent’ dish, to use the term often used by the restaurant’s staff. Finally, I was also curious to try some of the bananas flambéed in rum, a recipe inspired by the French West Indies, and chosen by my son who was delighted to see the bananas prepared and flambéed before his very eyes. Here too, my curiosity was aroused: what is the origin of this very special and tropical dish?  In fact, this dessert of bananas lightly caramelised and flambéed in rum was invented in 1951 by Paul Blangé, chef at Brennan’s restaurant in the Vieux carré français in … Read more

Economic diplomacy: Thalias supports the 2024 France-Cambodia Business Forum

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As for the previous edition, the Thalias Group is one of the main sponsors of the 2024 edition of the France Cambodia Business Forum.   Already in 2022, when the first edition was launched, the Thalias Group was a partner of this event designed to strengthen ties between the French and Cambodian business communities, while giving potential French investors the opportunity to grasp the realities of the Cambodian market. Our CEO, Arnaud Darc, is particularly involved, not only as a sponsor, but also as a French foreign trade advisor. He leads the local section of the CCEF. Commenting on the forum, Mr Darc says:“The France-Cambodia Business Forum 2024, organised jointly with the CCIFC, aims to strengthen economic relations between our two countries. We are organising workshops, conferences and B2B meetings to enable French and Cambodian companies to forge fruitful partnerships”.   “In 2022, trade between France and Cambodia amounted to €1,362.9 million, showing significant potential for the development of new collaborations.”  “We are also considering public-private partnerships (PPP) for infrastructure projects such as a wholesale market similar to the MIN at Rungis. The improvement in diplomatic relations between France and Cambodia is opening up significant economic opportunities. This creates a climate of trust that encourages investment and trade. French exports to Cambodia in 2023 reached 170.9 million euros, representing an increase of 31% compared to 2022. We need to capitalise on this momentum to consolidate these relations and maximise the economic benefits”.  “The trade mission to France in January 2024 was an enriching experience. We were able to make important contacts and explore new opportunities for collaboration. Exchanges with our French counterparts gave us a better understanding of the expectations and needs of potential investors. The lessons learned from this mission will guide our actions to attract more French investment to Cambodia, where French investment amounted to €649 million in 2022.The first France-Cambodia Business Forum in 2022 has had a positive impact, although some of these are still being assessed. Trade reached €1,362.9 million in 2022, a significant increase on previous years. The relationships established at the forum continue to bear fruit, but it’s still too early to fully measure all the direct and indirect impacts”. Read the full interview here  Oknha Kith Meng is a prime example of this desire to forge closer ties between the two countries, and is also one of the key supporters of this strategic event. According to the businessman who runs the Royal Group:  “The solid relations between France and Cambodia had been supported for many years by King Norodom Sihamoni and the former and current Prime Ministers.Trade is also a key pillar of the relationship between our two countries, and I am confident that the volume of trade between our two countries will increase this year,” he said.    “France offers excellent expertise in the agriculture and electricity sectors. What we expect from this event are new investment projects and the continuity of ongoing projects.” he underlined. In conclusion, the President of the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce said he was “more than happy to support the event with the CCIFC and the foreign trade advisors, and is convinced that with the support of the French Embassy, this forum will become a solid mechanism for increasing trade, in line with the government’s strong desire to attract foreign direct investment”.,he added.  Read the full interview here  According to Cyril Girot, President of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Cambodia – co-organiser of the forum with the CCEF:  “Given the conditions that are conducive to the development of bilateral relations between France and Cambodia, the forum is designed to transform the desire for closer ties, which we have already seen for several years and which has accelerated since 2022, into an economic reality. The forum will help French and Franco-Cambodian companies to gain a better understanding of the local market, which will help to increase the volume of business, as well as guiding Cambodian companies in their exploration of the French market.    “This 2024 Cambodian edition of the France-Cambodia Business Forum echoes the one we organised in January 2024 in Paris with the MEDEF, the CCIFC and the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce (CCC), and the 2022 edition held in Phnom Penh. The aim of these forums is to bring as many companies as possible to Cambodia to set up and expand their businesses.   For existing companies, taking part in the Forum will give them an opportunity to improve their knowledge of the local market and to interact with the highest Cambodian authorities”.  “One of the objectives of this forum is to act as a catalyst for economic development, by developing activities already present in the country, as well as bringing to fruition certain projects that are in the pipeline.”  “Finally, through the organisation of this Forum, we hope to continue to raise Cambodia’s profile, promote its attractiveness and the quality of the framework put in place by the Government to welcome foreign companies and enable them to prosper here”. Read the full interview here   Finally, as a speaker at the forum alongside the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Cambodia (CCIFC), Emmanuel Ly-Batallan, Head of the Economic Department and Economic Counsellor at the French Embassy in Cambodia, would like like to emphasise the opportunity for French companies to gain a better understanding of the Cambodian market.  Emmanuel Ly-Batallan, Head of the Economic Department and Economic Counsellor at the French Embassy in Cambodia “With this Forum, we’re trying to offer French companies already established in the Kingdom or coming directly from France, the most honest view of the Cambodian market, its potential, its possibilities and sometimes its limits and complexities. It’s all about bringing together Cambodian needs, French know-how and business commitments. The aim of the Forum is to give companies as close and as real an image as possible of the Cambodian market and, above all, to ensure that it meets their needs”.  Read the full interview here   More about the forum…   

“C’est Délicieux” : British sin and gourmandise with Khéma’s Afternoon High Tea and new croissants

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If you’re looking for a truly British experience, look no further than Khéma’s Afternoon High Tea! Indulge in a delicious selection of rich delicacies accompanied by wonderful teas, served in the refined style to which Khéma has accustomed its customers.  Origins The origins of British afternoon tea go back to the seventh Duchess of Bedford in England, Anna Maria Russell. In the early 1800s, she developed the habit of serving tea and cakes in the late afternoon to avoid that sinking feeling you get when you’re on your own while the servants are busy preparing the main meal, traditionally served at 8pm. In those days, late meals were a real treat and something only the rich could afford. This elegant step between two more substantial meals was of course only served to those with time to spare, and its British distinctiveness lay in the fact that it was almost invariably accompanied by tea. The Tea Drop loose leaf selection is packed with the best of British, including the iconic Earl Grey and English Breakfast, as well as teas from all over Asia, such as the vibrant Oolong Rose, the exotic Oriental Jasmine, the zesty Lemongrass and Ginger, the invigorating Pure Peppermint, the sweet Cherry Blossom, and from other countries, such as the tangy Kiwi Berry, the fruity Fruits of Eden, and the calming Pure Chamomile. In contrast to the very aristocratic Afternoon Tea, the British High Tea was a more working-class affair, developed at the height of Britain’s industrialisation and urbanisation. It was a substantial meal designed to satisfy the nation’s hungry workers at the end of a hard day’s work and therefore focused on savoury, hearty dishes such as cold meats, cheeses and numerous baked goods.  When the price of sugar fell after the Napoleonic Wars, sweet dishes also played an important role, and people loved them! And finally, we come to the divine delights of Devon Cream Tea. This incredible treat first appeared in the mid-1900s and single-handedly made a star of scones! A dense, crumbly flat cake made from dried fruit, scones are then topped with thick layers of jam and whipped cream or ‘clotted’. The perfect marriage of sin and simplicity! A chance to indulge without being too greedy – British pragmatism at its best.  Only in Khéma  In keeping with this wonderful tradition, Khéma’s customers are treated to the most delicious homemade macaroons, petits fours, pastries, a refreshing vegetable bouchée, mini quiches lorraine, and many other sweet and savoury frivolities to discover. And all of this is accompanied by one of Khéma’s finest teas. And for a moment of pure style and indulgence, why not opt for a glass of Champagne or even a good glass of white wine at Khéma to accompany this special moment? You’ll be thrilled to know that Khéma’s Afternoon Tea is served daily between 2pm and 5pm! The price per person is just $12++, which is an absolute steal!  Khéma’s new croissants  We’ve got some amazing news to share! The new breakfast menu at Khéma is now open for business, and it’s got some truly incredible new delicacies on offer. The brand is already renowned for the freshness of its viennoiseries, and now it’s taking things to the next level with a totally new line-up of croissants! We can’t wait to try some of the delicious new items on the menu! Our favourite new additions include the traditional ham and cheese croissant, the smoked salmon and cheese croissant (such a tasty surprise!), the tomato, mozzarella and pesto croissant (a true delight from Italy), and last but not least, the egg and avocado croissant – the ultimate in breakfast indulgence! Engage with Us  Subscribe to Thalias Newsletter: Enjoy exclusive offers, event invitations, and culinary insights. Subscribe Here  Make a Reservation at any Khéma with ease and discover instant booking perks.  Discover More: For a deeper dive into our culinary universe. Visit Our Website   

LifeStyle & Phnom Penh: TheCommune, brand new haven of serenity and greenery in Toul Kork district

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Ideally located in the fast-growing Toul Kork district of Phnom Penh, TheCommune is a mixed-use development featuring shops, restaurants, offices and residential properties. Built around a vast central courtyard surrounded by giant trees, The Commune offers a unique concept based on a contemporary design that is also environmentally friendly. TheCommune at Toul Kork   Meaning “soil hill” in Khmer, Toul Kork is an exciting new residential suburb to the north-west of the centre of Phnom Penh. It is becoming increasingly popular. Now considered as Phnom Penh’s second most fashionable residential area after Chamkarmon, Toul Kork is particularly well-known for its considerable development in recent years. Indeed, Toul Kork is booming as the number of villas and boreys is increasing, and with them, so is the number of businesses, shops, luxury residences and office complexes.  Thanks to its growing attractiveness, many Cambodian families are now choosing this charming suburb as their new home. What’s more, land values are still affordable compared with those in BKK, for example, making it an even more attractive option. In recent years, the number of mixed-use developments has increased significantly in this part of the capital. These include the Gateway, TK Square and the amazing Phnom Penh City Centre (PPCC), and of course one of the most recent, TheCommune.   TheCommune project  TheCommune is an amazing place to live and work. Its unique, mixed-use infrastructure offers a superb campus-style environment thanks to a unique concept built around a modern design, a central courtyard planted with trees, and integrated facilities and services (shops, upmarket serviced flats, parking and a large catchment area).  Although the original brief called for a high-density tower, the developers eventually decided to create a complex of six smaller buildings that better reflect the traditional design of the Cambodian city. Here, TheCommune preserves a unique traditional yet contemporary profile while investing in the birth of a neighbourhood with community ambitions. Each unit is surrounded by wooden glazing and louvres, another nod to local ingenuity, allowing each resident to adjust their ‘privacy level’ and ventilation. Furthermore, the expansive open spaces and community spirit that prevail here facilitate the celebration of traditional events in the Khmer calendar in a convivial atmosphere. For instance, the New Year’s Eve event, which was a resounding success last April, exemplifies this.  Khmer tradition in a contemporary tree-lined space  The circular layout of this amazing project is inspired by traditional Cambodian villages and is built around a central courtyard surrounded by fruit trees. This fantastic communal space is a breath of fresh air in the world of large tower blocks, breaking down the impression of anonymous corridors and making residents feel at home. At The Commune, every resident comes home to a calm and friendly atmosphere through this huge open courtyard surrounded by shops, cafés and restaurants. Since its opening, TheCommune has been absolutely flying off the shelves with locals and expats alike, thanks to its huge reception area and one-of-a-kind charm! A wonderful escape for those who crave calm after a day in the vibrant heart of Phnom Penh.  Engage with Us  Subscribe to Thalias Newsletter: Enjoy exclusive offers, event invitations, and culinary insights. Subscribe Here  Reserve Your Table at Topaz TheCommune: Experience fine dining redefined. Make a Reservation with ease and discover instant booking perks.  Discover More: For a deeper dive into our culinary universe. Visit Our Website   

Malis & Recipe : Famous and traditional Khmer Prahok Ktis

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This incredible dish is made with Cambodian fermented fish, kroeng, minced pork, pea eggplant, chili and coconut milk. It’s a true signature Malis dish, served fresh with crispy vegetable and rice crackers. This Malis recipe is truly unique and we highly recommend trying it in our beautiful venue! However, if you’re the kind of person who loves to cook and try new recipes, especially those that are a little bit different, you can absolutely make a prahok in your kitchen with a little patience and attention to detail. There are so many incredible recipes for prahok, this amazing fermented fish paste that is so popular in Cambodia! For those who like spicy dishes that are a little more sophisticated than the simple prahok made with fish, a little brisket and eggs, here is a recipe for prahok ktiss, a more difficult dish but so delicious! The proportions and ingredients are given as a guide, so you can adjust them to suit your own tastes! This recipe is perfect for two to three people! Ingredients  200 grams fish brine  500 grams pork belly  200 grams Prahok (available in all markets)  100 grams dried prawns  600 ml coconut milk  5 grams lemongrass  100 grams red chillies  5 grams garlic  200 grams tamarind  200 grams sugar  1 teaspoon salt  Assorted fresh vegetables: green beans, aubergine, cucumber and others to taste  Preparation  Crush the fish and prawns into crumbs with a pestle.  Mix the prawns and fish together and leave to rest.  Cut the pork into pieces  Clean the chillies and crush in a pestle with the lemongrass  Mix the water with the ripe tamarind and collect the juice  Fry the chillies  Cook 300 ml of coconut milk, add the chillies and stir gently, leaving the mixture to cook over a medium heat.  Add the pork to the mixture, stir gently and leave to cook.  Add the prawns and fish to the mixture  Stir until the mixture is smooth, then add the Prahok  Add sugar and salt and add 300 ml coconut milk and leave to cook moderately for 10 minutes.  Add the tamarind juice and cook for a further five minutes.  Serve with white rice and a selection of fresh, uncooked vegetables  Engage with Us  Subscribe to Thalias Newsletter: Enjoy exclusive offers, event invitations, and culinary insights. Subscribe Here  Reserve Your Table at Malis : Experience Living Khmer cuisine. Make a Reservation with ease and discover instant booking perks.  Discover More: For a deeper dive into our culinary universe. Visit Our Website