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The title of this tip may be misconstrued as being slightly dismissive, believe me it is not. In Lao and Cambodia, it is quite possible to eat almost exclusively in restaurants associated with various charities, and I am all in favour of that, although I do sometimes wonder as to the effect it may have on hard-working private entreprenenurs trying to attract the oturist $ as well. It seems like a bit of an unfair contest, but that is a discussion for another place.
Smile restaurant is the "commercial" arm of a charity called BDSA, a Buddhist charity trying to teach deprived Khmer youngsters traditional Khmer culture, specifically dance. It is pleasantly situated on the river, Sitting down, I was greeted by a long-haired, bearded young German guy, which surprised me a little. He was doing a year's community owrk as an alternative to national service. Seems like a good deal to me.
The menu features Khmer food and a reasonable selection of Western food. I opted for the Lok Lac, a Khmer speciality. It is basically a beef "stew" served with a very pungent although pleasant sauce comprising fine ground black pepper and lime juice. In this instance it was served with the traditional rice and fried egg, although there is a popular versin known as Lok Lac Anglais, served with chips (French fries) instead. I have to say it was absolutely gorgeous.
Definitely recommended for your stomach and your conscience.
Favorite Dish: The lok lak as described.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: Riverside Street, Kampong Cham.
Phone: +00 855 (0)42 6900605
I'm currently working as a volunteer for a nice small NGO in Kampong Cham, Cambodia. They've opened up a restaurant for vocational training and I thought you might want to have a look...
Smile is run by the local NGO ‘BSDA’ as a training restaurant for former street children, orphans and vulnerable youth, serving tasty Khmer and western dishes. Food’s really nice and healthy - and don’t forget to try the delicious and refreshing fruit shakes...
There is a relaxed atmosphere in the restaurant, with a few sofas having direct few on the Mekong in front of it. If you’re around with your laptop, it’s also the only place in town offering free wireless.
Looking for a nice place to eat and enjoy your time, this might just be it. Prices are reasonable with food between 2 ½ -5 dollars – and you’re helping a good cause.
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There is another project in an ancient temple called Wat Nokor, 2km out of the city. The Buddhist NGO organized a traditional dancing training (Apsara dance) there for the same target group as mentioned above. There are daily open air rehearsals from 5 to 6pm, where you are always welcome to join in. (Don’t miss the beautiful sunset through the ruins of the temple.)
Favorite Dish: Char Mnoah - Fried pineapples, for me one of the best Khmer Dishes, I love Pineapples anyway!
For some western food you can also get some great Penne Basilica (!) or a beautiful chicken salad. They've also got quite good wine to go with the food...
Written Jan 16, 2010
Address: Riverside Kampong Cham, just north of Mekong Hotel
Phone: (+855) 42 69 00 605
Website: www.bsda-cambodia.org
Helpfulness
We had food at our Guide's Home. What an experience! His home is a typical house on stilts with Bamboo Floor and natural air con. TV is run via a car battery and of course you eat on the floor.
Favorite Dish: We had frog legs, fish, chicken curry, vegetables and pork.
Written Oct 31, 2008
Mekong Crossing is just a few meters away from Mekong Hotel and nicely located at the Mekong River. It's run by a Western guy and offers a variety of western foods (Burgers, Pasta, Pizza) and Khmer dishes (Lok Lak, Amok).
Service is rather slow, but friendly. At least they have some board games and magazines to kill time.
Favorite Dish: My wife liked the Morning Glory with Tofu. We went again for breakfast and experienced the Khmer way of food offering. "Orange Juice? No more. Muesli? No more. Tomatoes? No more."
Written Oct 31, 2008
Address: 12 Pasteur Street
Phone: 012-432 427
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Mekong Crossing is just a few meters away from Mekong Hotel and nicely located at the Mekong River. It's run by a Western guy and offers a variety of western...
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