Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
Shinta Mani INTERNATIONAL Shinta Mani is uniquely refined for <strong>Cambodia</strong>.<br />
Dining indoors is cool, referring to both the air-conditioning and the decor: darkwood<br />
furnishings against a minimalist backdrop <strong>of</strong> peach pastel walls and simple,<br />
modern artwork. Outdoors is a small open bar area and a few tables set under a heavy<br />
wooden lattice thatched ro<strong>of</strong>. Candlelight and a single white lotus flower, with its exterior<br />
petals bent into origami shapes, complete the effect. Service is pr<strong>of</strong>essional, but the<br />
staff seems slightly nervous, <strong>of</strong>ten worrying over the details a bit too much, and you<br />
might even catch yourself rooting for them. Prices are high for this part <strong>of</strong> the world, but<br />
everything that comes out <strong>of</strong> the kitchen has panache. Elegant presentations on white<br />
china enhance the experience <strong>of</strong> fine Khmer and Western dishes made with the best <strong>of</strong><br />
local ingredients. Popular entrees include a fine beef sirloin, a savory stuffed chicken<br />
breast, and comfort foods like spaghetti and fried rice (which are a bit easier on the<br />
budget). In a town where you can eat for so cheap, Shinta Mani is carving its own niche<br />
and attracting rave reviews from international critics, but the backpackers are kept at bay.<br />
<strong>The</strong> wine list is exhaustive, the drink list doesn’t stop, and whether dining in the cool,<br />
intimate inside or among the humming cicadas outdoors, this is the place to enjoy a<br />
slow-paced savory meal with good conversation.<br />
Junction <strong>of</strong> Oum Khum and 14th St. (near the FCC). & 063/761-998. Main courses $8–$20. AE, MC, V.<br />
Daily 6:30am–10:30pm.<br />
INEXPENSIVE<br />
Angkor Palm TRADITIONAL KHMER This gem stands out from the crowd<br />
by a mile. It serves Khmer food at its finest in elegant surroundings that put some <strong>of</strong> its<br />
more expensive rivals to shame. Light, bright traditional Khmer furnishings and comfortable<br />
rattan chairs in a beautiful colonial villa in a central location set the scene for an<br />
operation that is both pr<strong>of</strong>essional and elegant. Monsieur Bun Try, the owner, spent<br />
much <strong>of</strong> his life in Paris and has combined traditional Khmer values with French<br />
panache. <strong>The</strong> lok lak, a simple and universal Khmer dish <strong>of</strong> diced beef with a simple<br />
sauce, is superb, coming with the very Khmer pepper and lemon dip one finds in the<br />
simplest <strong>of</strong> villages. <strong>The</strong> starters are the size <strong>of</strong> main courses. <strong>The</strong> staff is charming and<br />
superb, being attentive without being obsequious. <strong>The</strong> prices are far lower than pretty<br />
much any <strong>of</strong> its rivals, leading to a consistently full restaurant with a consistently satisfied<br />
clientele.<br />
Pithnou St. opposite the northern end <strong>of</strong> the Alley. & 063/761-436. www.angkorpalm.com. Main<br />
courses $3–$6. MC, V. Daily 10am–10pm.<br />
Chivit Thai THAI Authentic Thai is served in this atmospheric street-side restaurant,<br />
with both air-conditioning and outdoor dining. <strong>The</strong> food is great, the price is low,<br />
and there’s casual floor seating and a rustic charm to the place, quite romantic in candlelight.<br />
Name your favorite Thai dish, and they do it here. <strong>The</strong> tom yum (sweet, spicy Thai<br />
soup) is excellent, and they have good set menus comprised <strong>of</strong> many courses that are<br />
much finer than their low price tag.<br />
130 Wat Bo Rd. (across the river from the FCC, near the intersection <strong>of</strong> Rte. 6 going out <strong>of</strong> town). & 012/<br />
830-761. Main courses $2.50–$5. No credit cards. Daily 7am–10pm.<br />
Kama Sutra INDIAN This restaurant serves excellent Indian food in the heart <strong>of</strong><br />
Pub street. It has covered outdoor seating so dining is informal and there’s the option <strong>of</strong><br />
refreshing A/C seating upstairs. <strong>The</strong> fare is hearty, and the atmosphere is loud and happy.<br />
E161 Pub St. & 063/761-225. Main courses $2.50–$7.50. No credit cards. Daily 11am–late.<br />
109<br />
SIEM REAP 6<br />
WHERE TO DINE