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Thalias & Career : Khuon Vannara, “The key to success is teamwork and cohesion”

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Born in Phnom Penh, Khuon Vannara is 41 years old and full of energy. Behind his smile and good humour is an incredible determination, which he put to good use at the Malis restaurant in Phnom Penh for several years. He has now been with the Siena restaurant since it opened. “The key to success is teamwork and cohesion…” Vannara understood this at a very young age, whether on the football pitch or on stage as a guitarist in a local band. For him, every experience is an enrichment and a new perspective. Today he runs the Siena restaurant in Phnom Penh, a very different path from his original career plan. In his spare time, he spends his energy playing football or indulging in his second passion: music.  First steps  Khuon Vannara attended secondary school in the capital until he graduated. At that age, music had already taken hold of him: “We were in a band with some classmates and we performed at school events. After graduating, I decided to continue in this vein, playing with another band at weddings and parties”.   “Those moments have stayed with me and every interaction with our audience has been very enriching.”  However, his income as a musician remained meagre. After many discussions with his mother, he decided to follow her advice and put music on the back burner: “I said goodbye to my long hair and looked for work in the service sector,” he confides.  From stage to service  It was in 2007 that Vannara first walked through the doors of Malis in Phnom Penh, where he was hired as a bartender.   “Initially, working in the service and catering industry wasn’t part of my ambitions, I wanted to invest a year or two to gain new experience, but then I changed my mind”.  Khuon Vannara then moved to the dining room as a waiter. Two years later, he became a chef de rang and learnt management methods. After three years, he was promoted to supervisor and completed his apprenticeship by spending two years as assistant manager. Now, through sheer determination and perseverance, not forgetting the support of his team, he runs the restaurant.   Passion  This passionate Cambodian says he spends countless hours trying to provide the best possible service in one of the capital’s finest Cambodian restaurants. Most of his time is spent on operations.  His main role is to coordinate and direct the work of the staff in preparing the tables and serving the food. In between morning meetings with his supervisor and colleagues, he ensures good communication between the brigade and the dining room team, giving advice and recommendations and supporting the morale of the team.  Challenges faced   Vannara has been able to overcome the few obstacles he has encountered thanks to his characteristic perseverance: “When I became a waiter, learning English was a big challenge”.  “Becoming bilingual was essential because we also welcome foreign customers”.   “Then, as soon as I became head waiter, I had to learn management techniques. As I’m very close to my manager, I told him that I needed to learn more in order to be more efficient. His presence and sound advice really helped me, and I was also able to count on the support of the Thalias Group. The company offers training in all aspects of our profession, from wine to management.   As for the future, Vanara remains ambitious. For him, life is a series of tests that should be seen as experiences: “I have a constant need to evolve and I’d like to become a manager or director of an establishment within my company. I need a few more years to perfect myself and acquire new skills. I’m happy and fulfilled at Thalias and I don’t intend to leave any time soon,” concludes the young man.   Subscribe to Thalias Newsletter https://thalias.com.kh/email-signup  

Luxury & Tourism: Arunreas, at the heart of the Khmer dawn

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Arunreas, literally the dawn or the rising day, has been a precious concept since the ancient times of Khmer civilisation, a tribute to Surya, the Vedic god of the sun, who, in harmony with the moon, gives rhythm to the cycles of nature and mortals in the Buddhist religion and the Khmer calendar. In this building, formerly the home of the American Embassy in Phnom Penh, Arnaud Darc, wanted to create there a unique and ambitious concept combining luxury, tradition and contemporary art.  Les passerelles du temps  The original idea was to create a hotel project that would harmoniously blend contemporary elements with symbols of the purest Khmer tradition, hand-carved by Khmer artists. The entrance to the building faces the sunrise, symbolising the beginning of the day. And, importantly, as tradition dictates, each part of the building, and therefore its guests, are also protected by a deity, like here (photo below), above the entrance to the building, the god Ganesh, deity who removes obstacles, but also god of wisdom, intelligence, education and prudence.  Ganesh is the son of Shiva and Pârvatî, the husband of Siddhi (success), Buddhi (intellect) and Riddhî (wealth).  It is the hotel lobby that perhaps best illustrates the concept of bridging the ages. While the walls are adorned with sculptures and bas-reliefs carved in the spirit of Angkor and skilfully accentuated by subtle lighting, the furniture, tables and sofas are resolutely modern, confined to almost neutral tones so as to provide a far greater contrast to the ochre, earth and copper sculptures above.  The hotel constantly plays with the aesthetics of the contemporary and the old, both inside and out, and also in the more neutral areas, such as the corridors, which are sometimes neglected in hotel decoration. Here, for example, a deity watches over the hotel rooms, with paintings by contemporary Cambodian artist Chhim Sothy. The Arunreas corridors, decorated in keeping with the spirit and soul of the Arunreas luxury hotel.  The rooms also reflect this quest for harmony and aesthetics at the crossroads of styles. The bas-reliefs and wall sculptures are complemented by the silks that adorn the beds and armchairs, and the same delicate lighting. But the divine surprise is just a few steps away…  The Arunreas Suites offer all the comforts of a luxury hotel, with an emphasis on the aesthetics inherent in the concept :  A space of tranquillity with a mural sculpture depicting scenes of bathing from the Angkorian period, the bathroom offers two areas, one for the bath and the other for the shower, with the recurring presence of traditional murals integrated into a modernly designed space that also enjoys natural lighting.  Arunreas is not only an original and unique experience in Phnom Penh. It is also a hotel that has become very popular with business travellers from all over Asia. In addition to the comforts of a luxury hotel, Arunreas offers a range of services to ensure that business travellers feel they are in an environment conducive to both work and relaxation. Located in the heart of the city, just a few hundred metres from the main boulevards, Arunreas is the ideal base for those whose time is precious.   Subscribe to Thalias Newsletter https://thalias.com.kh/email-signup Arunrease Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ArunreasHotel

Thalias’ guests: Spotlight on the Siena Business Lunch with our friends from the press

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Siena Restaurant recently had the pleasure of welcoming Sotheavy Nou and Sokarhena Va, two young Cambodian women working for Prestige Online magazine, who had the privilege of discovering Siena’s very first Business Lunch.  Prestige Online is a regional digital platform dedicated to fashion, beauty, wellness, travel, restaurants, art and design. In the words of our guests, “a magazine aimed at business leaders, celebrities and Asia’s social elite”.  For this gastronomic rendez-vous, the two young women had the opportunity to enjoy the many varied and original compositions passionately proposed by Chef Giuseppe aka ‘Pino’.   Among the tasty recipes offered for this “inaugural” lunch was the smoked beef tartare with a “perfect” boiled egg and a tasty anchovy sauce, a creamy, absolutely delicious composition, not to mention an original presentation. A simple recipe that subtly blends flavours and soft textures to create a true harmony of the senses.  For the record, the perfect egg is the result of 35 to 45 minutes cooking in water at 64°C, to be precise. The egg cooks gently in its shell, leaving a yolk that is as soft and fried as the white. Chefs generally use this technique to create a series of starters, each more original than the last.  There’s also the ‘very Italian’ home-made green tagliatelle with a rich but light sauce and juicy, tender local mushrooms. Two starter dishes that are undoubtedly among our favourites, and a perfect starter for what’s to come.  Our guests then opt for slices of beef cooked in a rich Primitivo wine sauce, served with gratinated potatoes and a colourful selection of spring vegetables. The meat is impeccably tender and the sauce is a perfect match for this quality meat, complemented by a delicately selected vegetable accompaniment. In keeping with this quest for excellence, but also for originality, the Business Lunch offers an exclusive house recipe, a medallion of pork with sage and lemon butter, served with creamy mashed potatoes. A very pleasant surprise, a dish that melts in the mouth and a masterly accompaniment that is, as always, aesthetically pleasing.  An authentic Italian or Italian-style lunch could only end on a high note with pistachio tiramisu or a selection of Tuscan biscuits.  Subscribe to Thalias Newsletter https://thalias.com.kh/email-signup Siena Italian Steakhouse Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SienaRestaurantwinebar  

Behind the scene: The perfect restaurant kitchen by Siena

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Organization, training and hygiene are key to the smooth running of a professional kitchen. The quality of the food prepared and the speed of service depend to a large extent on the layout of the kitchen, the quality of training and the attention paid to hygiene. Whether the kitchen is large or small, if it is well designed, well equipped and clean, the staff will be able to work in optimum conditions and the customer will be even more satisfied with a clean, fast and impeccable service. Restaurant kitchens are made up of different work areas, each dedicated to a specific task. There is no magic formula for organising a professional kitchen, but all chefs agree that the most important thing is to ‘zone’ the work area. The kitchen at the Siena (Thalias Hospitality Group) is an example of organisation and rigorous attention to hygiene.   The importance of the workplace  As Giuseppe Napoletano, master chef at Siena, explains, there are standards for dividing a professional kitchen into sections, which can vary according to the type of cuisine offered by the restaurant. A restaurant that specialises in grills, for example, will have a very different kitchen layout to one that serves seafood. So when he arrived to ‘design’ the kitchen at Siena, the Italian chef set about maximising the space.   “It’s not a very big kitchen and we offer a wide variety of Italian dishes, so I had to adapt to make it as flexible as possible and ensure that things run smoothly. I attach a lot of importance to this aspect because it dictates our day-to-day operations,” he says, adding:  “We have preparation, cooking, serving, cleaning and tidying areas. And each area has its own importance, so it’s important that the waiters and waitresses can do their job properly without disturbing the chefs.”  The chef then goes on to describe the various meat and vegetable preparation stations, proudly showing off the modern heat lamps he has installed and the line of perfectly aligned cooking appliances for pasta, meat and other dishes. Giuseppe then shows how the salad preparation station works. This may seem like a minor detail, given the simplicity of the dishes involved, but Giuseppe says it’s essential because it’s here that the commis chefs learn to work methodically and in strict compliance with hygiene standards.  Training  “We’ve assigned our latest recruit, Chealeak, to prepare the vegetables for the salads, so she’s learning how to select them, peel them, wash them carefully, drain them and then place them in the trays provided for preparing the salads. It’s a simple job, but it has to be done with great care,” explains the chef.  If Chealak performs to his satisfaction, she will be able to learn other, more demanding tasks such as cooking, preparing recipes or garnishes. This is the aspect of training that Giuseppe insists on: “Quality training is essential. Everyone has to learn all the facets of the trade before they can claim the title of cook or chef. I’ve taught a lot in restaurants, hotels and schools over the last 40 years, and I can guarantee that good training, both in theory and practical experience, is essential to running a successful restaurant. It’s also a prerequisite for those who want to continue in the field to be able to develop themselves. For example, we had to train some of our staff to make pizzas in record time, but it worked and today we can offer excellent Italian-style pizzas”.    In addition, according to the chef, each of the different tasks requires well-trained staff who are able to use all the specific equipment, from the draining and cleaning areas to the fryers, cooking appliances and robots of all kinds.  Hygiene  Training goes hand in hand with compliance with hygiene standards, and the Siena chef is adamant on this point. “Before touching the food, you have to know the rules of HACCP, the food safety management system, which aims to identify health hazards and define strategies to prevent or eliminate them. As far as my staff are concerned, the first thing they do before entering the kitchen is to wash and disinfect their hands. A simple but essential step”.   Then, even if the whole kitchen looks clean, we disinfect it once a week according to European washing and disinfection standards,” he explains, adding: “When it comes to hygiene, even the details are important. In our kitchen, for example, recipes are not written on the walls because they attract bacteria; they are carefully stored in a separate filing cabinet”.  Finally, and not without a touch of pride, the Siena chef points out that the hygiene officers who come to inspect the kitchen are regularly surprised by the impeccable cleanliness of the workspace and wonder “if this isn’t more of an exhibition than a working kitchen”.  More tips and advice behind the scene to come in Thalias Newsletter. You want to try one one the best table in town, please visit Siena Restaurant       

C’est Délicieux: What’s new in Thalias’ offer?

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The Thalias Group is always keen to meet the needs of its loyal customers and regularly offers new products, new menus, special promotions and services. We are committed to keeping abreast of the latest trends and the gastronomic aspirations of our customers and friends.  The Malis Business Lunch  As a pioneer of the new Khmer cuisine, the famous Malis restaurant in Phnom Penh has been offering a business lunch with two options since the beginning of this month. This is your chance to discover the best of Khmer cuisine on the go, with the best value.  Two options  The first option of this business lunch, available every day from 11am to 1.30pm, offers pork kebabs and M’chou-style chicken as starters. This is followed by a main course of Fish Amok, Prahok Ktis prawns and wok-fried eggplant, served with steamed jasmine rice. Finally, the menu is rounded off with a 100% Cambodian green bean dessert.  The second option is no less appetising, with Takeo sausages and moringa soup – perfect for your health – as starters. This is followed by Amok fish and steamed chicken curry, before finishing with a corn dessert.  Both menus are priced at $15 each and include a choice of soft drink or beer (Angkor draft) or coffee/tea.  Book now: https://malis.thalias.com.kh/malis-phnom-penh/  Our cheese made in Cambodia  Since 2020, Thalias has been developing its own range of cheeses, 100% made in Cambodia, using fresh local cow’s milk from a local farm (O’More Farm, Prek Leap National Institute of Agriculture) and Kampot salt.  Immediately after milking at the farm in the morning, the chilled raw milk is delivered to Thalias in sustainable stainless steel containers (no plastic). The milk is immediately analysed, pasteurised and processed by the Thalias cheese-makers. All dairy products are made using raw milk.  The first Khmer dairy products launched by Thalias were dairy products such as :  Yoghurt ($ 3.3 for a 180 grams jar and $ 6.6 for a 400 grams one)  Fromage Blanc ( $ 18.90 for a kilo)  The Rousseau, a cow’s milk crottin with a tasty thin crust ( $ 5 for one piece)  The Chanda, a cylindrical cheese coated with vegetable ash and kept in a local straw made from grey sedge grass ( $ 5 for one piece)  Khemabert, a lactic creation based on the Chaource process, with a flowery rind and a chalky core ( $ 6 for one piece)  Nota : to produce Chaource made cheese, the cattle mainly graze for over five months of the year and supplements are limited. This milk is brought to a temperature of 25 to 35 °C and rennet is added. It is then left to coagulate for at least twelve hours. It is thought that the Chaource cheese was made by the monks at the neighbouring Abbey of Pontivy. Its name comes from the town in the Aube region where it was sold at the market.  The Thalias cheese-makers team was then able to learn the techniques of “enzymatic” cheese and is now proud to propose :   The Camembert of Phnom Penh, a soft cheese with a flowery white rind thanks to the famous Penicillium camemberti fungus.( $ 6,6 for one piece)  The Tomme of Phnom Penh, an uncooked pressed cheese with deux original ash lines matured for at least one month, its flavours are unique and express the Khmer terroir ($ 35 a kilo)  The Tomme Annatto, an uncooked pressed cheese inspired by the “Mimolette” but with a softer texture. The colour comes from annatto (rocou), a natural colouring obtained from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana). A specific penicillium is used for the two Tomme crusts, a concentrate of flavours ($33 a kilo)  The Raclette, a large uncooked pressed cheese with washed rind, made from 60 litres of milk. Fruity aromas and an amazing taste and texture when hot and melted.($35 a kilo)  The Blue of Phnom Penh, a creamy and tasty blue cheese, is the best way to appreciate the exceptional quality of fresh Khmer cow’s milk   Find our cheese and yoghurt and special promotions on these products in all Khéma outlets  Le Bistrot de l’Institut français launches weekend brunch  Le Bistrot de l’Institut français is now serving an unlimited brunch menu for just $15. Viennoiseries, eggs Benedict, omelettes, quiches, fresh fruit, pancakes, toast, cheese, charcuterie, coffee, tea, pineapple juice, watermelon juice… there’s something for everyone in this generous new offer. What could be better after a long week at work or a Friday that’s a little too festive than a generous, soothing brunch? For just $15 net, you can be the one to enjoy a brunch with family, friends or on your own on Saturdays, and for those who can’t make it, the formula is also available on Sundays.  A brief history of brunch  Brunch is a meal, sometimes accompanied by champagne or soft drinks, taken in the late morning or early afternoon. It has its origins in the British hunting breakfast. The word “brunch” is a combination of the words “breakfast” and “lunch”. It first appeared in England at the end of the 19th century and became popular in the United States in the 1930s.  The term is thought to have been coined in Britain in 1895 to describe a Sunday meal for Saturday night revellers.  By eliminating the need to get up early on Sunday, brunch was said to make life more pleasant for Saturday night revellers. It has also been suggested that the term may have been coined by journalist Frank Ward O’Malley, who wrote for the New York newspaper The Sun from 1906 to 1919 in the early 20th century. He is said to have coined the term after observing the lunchtime eating habits of his newspaper colleagues.  Open every Saturday & Sunday from 11am to 3pm at Le Bistrot de l’Institut français  Free Flow for lunch at Khéma Flatiron  Join us at Khéma Restaurant on the 28th floor of Flatiron for an incredible free flow business lunch with … Read more

Celebrating Our Own – Arnaud Darc Recognized as One of Cambodia’s Top International Voices

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🎉 A Toast to Excellence and Visionary Leadership in 2024! With immense pride, we announce that Arnaud Darc, our visionary CEO and Founder of Thalias, has been honored as one of the 𝟱𝟬 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗮 by the prestigious Cambodian Leadership Review this year. Arnaud Darc’s journey is one of passion, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence. His contribution to the Cambodian hospitality industry through Thalias has not only set benchmarks for service quality but has also showcased the rich Cambodian heritage to the world. Under Arnaud’s leadership, Thalias has blossomed into a beacon of culinary delight and hospitality innovation, mirroring the very essence of Cambodia’s warm and welcoming spirit. His belief in sustainable practices and community development continues to inspire and drive positive change within the industry. We invite you to join us in congratulating Arnaud for this well-deserved recognition. Let’s continue to support and be inspired by his journey as he leads Thalias towards a future filled with growth, community impact, and global collaboration. 🌎✨ Stay tuned to our updates and join us in celebrating this outstanding achievement! For more details and to view the full list, visit Cambodian Leadership Review 👉🏼 https://cambodialeadershipreview.com/index.php/arnaud-darc/

We at Thalias Hospitality Group are proud to announce a remarkable achievement

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We at Thalias Hospitality Group are proud to announce a remarkable achievement: Topaz Restaurant has been selected in the 50 Best Discovery from the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants platform. Our enduring commitment to offering an exceptional French dining experience is now globally recognized. Join us as we celebrate this milestone and continue to set the standard for fine dining in Cambodia: https://www.theworlds50best.com/discovery/Establishments/Cambodia/Phnom-Penh/Topaz.html

Celebrating the Launch of Santepheap Foodcourt

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A New Culinary Chapter Begins We are delighted to announce the official opening of the Santepheap Foodcourt, a gastronomic haven nestled on the 20th floor of a landmark building in Phnom Penh. Our CEO & Chairman Arnaud Darc of Thalias Hospitality Group, was honored to unveil this exceptional venue that promises to be one city’s vibrant epicenter of taste and social interaction. The Santepheap Foodcourt embodies our vision of providing a diverse array of culinary experiences, from quick lunches to exclusive VIP dining, all coupled with breathtaking panoramic views. Our dedication to creating inviting and versatile spaces shines through each thoughtfully designed area, from the welcoming reception to the spacious lounge. This inauguration marks more than the opening of a food court; it’s a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation in hospitality. We are now extending an invitation to companies inspired by our project, who wish to create similar experiences in their own spaces. Whether you’re looking to open a canteen or a full-scale food court, THALIAS  Hospitality Group is here to bring your vision to life with our expertise. Engage with us to explore how we can transform your company’s dining facilities into an attractive and memorable part of your employees’ day. 🍴✨ For inquiries and partnerships, reach out to us at arnauddarc@thalias.com.kh #ThaliasHospitality #SantepheapFoodcourt #CorporateDiningSolutions #InnovationInCulinarySpaces #BusinessGrowth #PartnershipOpportunities

The Culinary Richness of Cambodia’s Water Festival

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Cambodia’s Water Festival, locally known as “Bon Om Tok,” is a significant event in the Khmer calendar. It is a celebration that marks the end of the monsoon season and the reversal of the flow of the Tonle Sap River. However, beyond the boat races and the vibrant festivities, the Water Festival is also a culinary fiesta.  A Festival Steeped in History  Bon Om Tok finds its roots in the ancient Khmer Empire, with references to the festival found in the etchings at the Bayon and Banteay Chhmar temples. The festival has been celebrated for centuries, and its traditions have been passed down through generations.  The Water Festival aligns with the full moon in the Khmer lunar calendar month of Kadeuk. This period also coincides with the time when the rice crops in the paddy fields are ready for harvest. This timing means that rice, a staple food in the Kingdom, plays an integral role during the festival.  The Importance of Food in the Water Festival  During the Water Festival, food takes center stage. The traditional snack Ambok, made from rice, coconut, and banana, is sold throughout the festive period. This snack has a significant role in the festival, with Prime Minister Hun Sen calling on the public to enjoy Ambok together as a show of unity.  Ambok: A Traditional Delicacy  Ambok is a traditional flattened rice dish that forms part of the Bon Om Tok ceremony. The process of making Ambok involves frying the rice in its natural husks, then beating it in a pestle until it is soft. The husks are then removed, and the rice is mixed with banana and coconut juice for flavor.  The Ambok is typically eaten when the clock strikes midnight or when the incense offered at the beginning of the gathering is consumed. Despite being a traditional dish, Ambok remains a popular snack and is sold widely during the Water Festival.  The Role of Rice in the Festival  Beyond Ambok, rice plays a crucial role in the Water Festival. As the festival coincides with the time when the rice crops are ready for harvest, rice becomes a symbol of abundance and prosperity. It’s not just a staple food but an integral part of the festival, representing the agricultural richness of the Kingdom.  The Culinary Landscape of the Water Festival  The Water Festival is also a time when the culinary landscape of Cambodia comes alive. Street food stalls pop up along the river, selling treats like fried insects, pickled mangoes, and grilled chicken. These dishes offer a burst of flavors, showcasing the diversity and richness of Cambodian cuisine.  Specifically, in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, where the Water Festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, the food scene becomes particularly vibrant. Here, not only can one indulge in traditional Cambodian street food, but also experience the culinary delights offered by renowned restaurants like Malis.  Malis Restaurant: A Culinary Gem  In the heart of these cities, Malis Restaurant stands as a culinary gem. Known for its authentic Cambodian cuisine, Malis offers a unique dining experience that combines tradition with modernity. During the Water Festival, Malis serves a special menu that highlights the flavors of the season, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers.  The Festival as a Time for Unity and Gratitude  Beyond the culinary delights, the Water Festival is a time for unity and gratitude. The tradition of eating Ambok together is seen as a show of unity, a reminder of the importance of coming together to celebrate and protect the nation, religion, and King.  The festival also includes customs like Ork Ambok and Sampeah Preah Khe, where offerings are made to the moon, and prayers are said for peace and prosperity. These traditions underscore the spiritual significance of the festival, and the role food plays in these rituals further highlights the integral connection between food and culture in Cambodia.  Conclusion  In essence, the Water Festival is a celebration of life, culture, and culinary richness. It is a time when the people of Cambodia come together to celebrate the end of the monsoon season, participate in vibrant festivities, and indulge in the diverse flavors of Khmer cuisine.  So, whether you are a local or a tourist, experiencing the Water Festival, particularly its culinary aspect, will offer you a unique insight into the rich cultural heritage of Cambodia. And when in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, don’t forget to pay a visit to Malis Restaurant for an authentic Cambodian dining experience that you will remember long after the Water Festival ends. 

Mag Guests: Ratana Phurik Callebaut and Frank Dufrenoy discover “Yi Sang the Garden”

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In this edition of the Magazine Guests, we feature two distinguished personalities from the business sector, Ratana Phurik Callebaut and Frank Dufrenoy, who recently explored the verdant charm of “Yi Sang the Garden,” a restaurant renowned for its lavish and exquisite Cambodian and Asian cuisine.  Ratana Phurik Callebaut and Frank Dufrenoy are known figures in the business world. Callebaut, known for her captivating smile and formidable skills, has made significant contributions in her roles at the France Cambodia Chamber of Commerce, DFDL, and EuroCham. She is revered as a successful businesswoman, an exemplary leader, and a timeless beauty.  Dufrenoy, on the other hand, is known for his outgoing personality, his piercing blue eyes, and his prowess in marketing and media. He has made his mark in several local firms, including Graphic Root, LLC, KhmerDev, and Impact M&A, and now operates as an independent professional.  The third “character” in this feature is the restaurant itself, Yi Sang the Garden Toul Kork, one of the prime establishments under the Thalias Group. Inaugurated in 2018, the restaurant is housed in a grand white-walled villa at 13 Rue 337. The villa features a glass-enclosed kitchen, where chefs prepare delectable roast ducks and other Cantonese-style dishes.  Scattered around the vicinity are outdoor tables, nestled under a vast tree that offers much-needed shade during the humid monsoon afternoons. The restaurant also boasts a serene green space adorned with a majestic statue, accessible by a staircase crossing a pool. Inside the villa, the elegant decor is tastefully understated. The first floor, accessible by a broad circular staircase, houses a climate-controlled wine cellar, art pieces, a cozy waiting room, and several private lounges.  The special menu showcased the restaurant’s signature starters, including DimSum dishes like Siu Mai, Xia Jiao, and Xiao Long Bao, served in steam-heated bamboo baskets. These dishes, prepared with the finesse characteristic of chefs trained by the brand’s creator, Mr. Luu Meng, were impeccable.  Following the sumptuous starters was a fresh salmon salad, which was unanimously approved by our guests. The succulent fish, combined with a slightly sweet and tangy dressing and served with salad and ripe avocado, was a culinary delight.  Next came the Cambodian style beef with an abundance of fried rice. The tender meat and the flavorful rice were a testament to the quality of Cambodian rice, which is considered among the world’s best. The only minor criticism was the size of the beef chunks, which could have been cut smaller.    Among the main dishes, the braised pork, crispy and rich, was another crowd favorite. This dish, made from wild pig, is a classic in Yi Sang’s repertoire with an intriguing backstory.  Several years ago, Luu Meng was invited by the Minister of Environment, His Excellency Say Sam Al, to join a delegation to the Kulen region. The group was tasked with meeting the locals and devising measures to protect the forests, water, and the region’s ancient temples.  Upon arrival, the villagers had prepared a traditional roasted pig in honor of the delegates. Fascinated by the unique flavors, Meng decided to support the villagers by buying their Kulen pigs at double the market rate, making the venture profitable and sustainable for them. In return, the villagers pledged to protect the forests, crucial for the pigs’ sustenance.  The “Kadaw Kulen Pig” has since become a renowned delicacy in Cambodia, considered the best source of local pork. Today, it’s a national favorite and a culinary treasure, thanks in part to the support of Luu Meng and the Thalias Group.   The meal concluded with a Cambodian-style fish soup, which our guests praised for its exceptional taste and quality.    Aside from a minor critique, this luncheon allowed our guests to experience the unique blend of Khmer and Chinese cuisine in the capital. The salmon salad, braised pork, and fish soup were standout dishes. The service, as expected from the Thalias group, was efficient, attentive, and responsive. Yi Sang the Garden Toul Kork comes highly recommended for those seeking a memorable dining experience of local and Asian gastronomy in a delightful setting, served with utmost care and professionalism.   For more insights about this establishment, refer to the review by expert Pascal Médeville.