Siem Reap, Cambodia, January 20, 2023 – As the recovery of Siem Reap continues, old favorites are re-opening, but for those in the know, Roleque is making waves in the fine-dining scene of temple town.
Tucked away in a small residential lane, just off the road to Angkor Wat, sits a tidy little modern house. It’s pretty, but un-assuming, and one would think they have just arrived at somebody’s home. But beyond the thicket of bamboo it becomes obvious that this is actually a small and intimate dining space. The design is clean and simple with an understated sophistication that is rare in Cambodia.
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“‘Our mission’ Leaphy explains, is to offer a meaningful and interactive dining experience through exceptional fusion cuisine in a home-like environment. We welcome every guest as a friend to a private dinner party”. |
Every dish is prepared, or at least served, by Chef Leaphy, at one’s table. The opening course, elegantly named, ‘Four Elements of matter’ uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the Lotus flower petal that hosts a delicate bite sized portion of roasted coconut flakes, dry shrimp, fresh young ginger, lime, and chilli. The subtle balance of flavours is exquisite, and the nitrogen adds a slight brittleness to the petal which arrives with a crispness before melting in one’s mouth.
The Redefined Tom Yam broth is prepared at the table in a glass pipe like instrument before it is introduced to the steamed fresh water shrimp lying in wait on a bed of button mushrooms, shallots, and galangal. The subtle balance of flavours in the Ravioli Crab Amok creates a wonderful twist on the national dish of Fish Amok.
These are just 3 of the creations on their 6-course ‘Food Of Memories’ tasting menu. Chef Leaphy was never professionally trained, rather he is an economic journalist, with a passion for food and drink, who studied in different cities in Asia and was inspired by the various quirky and unique bars and restaurants that he came across in Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and his native Cambodia. Therefore, each dish is served with a story: where the inspiration came from, the techniques used, and so on.
When Leaphy returns to his station, the charming Panhary is there to pour the selected wines that have been carefully chosen to accompany each course, and to converse with her guests.
Dining space is hard to come by at Roleque so be sure to contact one of our Cambodia Travel Designers in advance to incorporate an evening with Leaphy and Phanary into your client’s Siem Reap travel program.
