It has been two years since our last interview with Chamroeun Pok, General Manager of the renowned Malis restaurant in Phnom Penh. Following the challenges posed by the pandemic and the unpredictability of the recovery period, Ms Pok is once again optimistic as she and her team spearhead the restaurant’s return to a path of success. However, her vision extends beyond this point.
The manager of Malis Phnom Penh looks on with delight as a busload of tourists disembarks, eager to experience the wonders of Khmer cuisine in this truly unique setting, brimming with greenery, freshness, and Buddhist serenity. As they take their seats in one of the establishment’s air-conditioned rooms, a few snatches of conversation can be heard, in Chinese, Vietnamese and even in French. These lucky few are among the many privileged guests of the restaurant’s partner travel agencies. In fact, even though the influx of local and expat customers is following a slightly slower trend, the restaurant is seeing its business flourish as the sun comes out.
“We’re delighted to say that our regular clientele, Cambodians and expatriates, are still coming in, and we’re optimistic that we’ll reach our goal numbers soon. I’m excited to approach travel agencies that organise tailor-made holidays so that they include Malis in their gastronomic stopover! “It’s working! Our customers are delighted with their experience and the feedback is very positive,” she says, pointing out that Malis is still seen as the most famous local restaurant in terms of Khmer gastronomy.
Todate, two or three groups of 60 to 70 customers from these agencies visit the restaurant two or three times a month, not forgetting the groups of Mekong cruise passengers from Vietnam who also make Malis Phnom Penh their favourite gastronomic stop-off. “They have very high standards and they love what we do,” Ms Pok explains.
When it comes to the local clientele, she is eager to highlight that they are not being overlooked in favour of tourists. She believes that Malis shouldn’t rely solely on tourists because of its seasonal nature.
“With the help of my dedicated team, I love coming up with new products and services to delight our wonderful local customers. This is really important! We’ve just launched an initial business lunch formula that’s already proving a huge success, and I’m excited to extend it to several other menus very soon! Don’t forget that Malis Phnom Penh is also in a fantastic location, making it the perfect place for business lunches,” she says, also mentioning that this formula is a huge hit with a number of Chinese businessmen, and that Malis also offers tailor-made services for various events.
“The entire restaurant will soon be reserved for a major event, and I’m absolutely thrilled! I’m absolutely thrilled, but not at all surprised! Not only do we have an excellent reputation when it comes to gastronomy, but we also have an exceptional setting that’s virtually unique in the capital. I’m also thrilled to share that thanks to our rigorous training, our restaurant and kitchen teams are becoming more efficient by the day. They’re ready to take on any type of event ”.
The first option of this business lunch- available daily from 11am to 1.30pm – features pork kebabs and chicken à la M’chou as starters. And now for something really special! The main course will be fish amok, prahok ktis prawns and wok-fried aubergine, served with steamed jasmine rice. And to finish off this amazing meal, the client will get to enjoy a dessert of 100% Cambodian green beans. The second option is just as delicious, it includes Takeo sausages and moringa soup as starters. And then, to finish off this menu, an amok fish and steamed chicken curry, followed by a delicious corn-based dessert.
Ms Pok is always keen to hear what her customers think, so she regularly asks for their opinions, needs and impressions on both the business menus and the traditional menu. She wholeheartedly believes that this dialogue is essential, as it is part of the quality of the welcome and allows her to gather suggestions and opinions that will help to improve things – and she is always excited to hear them. As waitresses prepare to set the tables in the early afternoon, Chamroeun points out that the day is set up early because, she says with a smile, “We have a big reservation this evening!”
When asked if the General Manager of Malis Phnom Penh is a happy restaurateur, she replies with a big, bright smile:
“I’m really happy with how things are going, but I’m always looking for ways to do even better. In our profession, there’s always room for improvement, and that’s what motivates me.”
The latest TripAdvisor review of Malis Phnom Penh (client: Singapore) is a testament to the excellence of this restaurant. It says: “Le Malis, authentic Khmer cuisine not to be missed! The food is tasty, the restaurant is well located and the atmosphere is warm”. It’s simple, but it says it all.
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