Malis & Chamroeun Pok: Beautiful days return for the finest Cambodian cuisine

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.