Expertise Cambodia’s blossoming specialty-coffee scene at these three noteworthy spots: Kinyei Café, Ok’Trey Ok’Trok, and The Lab.
BY MICHAELA TOMCHEK
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE
Images by Michaela Tomchek
Awe-inspiring temples, unbelievable meals, and sprawling landscapes crammed with huge, grassy plains: Cambodia is actually a wondrous place, crammed with a lot tradition and historical past. Battambang is the third-largest metropolis within the Southeast Asian nation, positioned about three hours away from Siem Reap, residence to the long-lasting Angkor Wat temple. Right here, you’ll additionally discover various one-of-a-kind cafés: a mirrored image of the world’s blossoming specialty espresso scene.
At this time, we’re sharing our three favourite espresso outlets in Battambang, Cambodia: Kinyei Café, Ok’Trey Ok’Trok, and The Lab. Learn on to be taught extra about these must-try spots.
Kinyei Café / Really feel Good Espresso
Within the coronary heart of Battambang close to the Battambang Central Market, you’ll come across Kinyei Café. The inside of the espresso store is an unbelievable, open house, with two expansive flooring serving not solely espresso, but additionally quite a lot of breakfast dishes and different treats. The café additionally homes a group of artwork by native creators, making it an area for each Cambodian espresso and art work to really shine.
The espresso right here is roasted by Really feel Good Espresso, a roastery based mostly in Cambodia’s bustling capital metropolis, Phnom Penh. Working since 2013, Really feel Good was one of many first roasteries to start selling specialty espresso in Cambodia.
When requested concerning the specialty-coffee scene in Battambang, Sophorn Phan, supervisor of Really feel Good Espresso, shares that, whereas there’s nonetheless ample room for the scene to develop, it has undoubtedly seen a optimistic shift over the previous a number of years. “(There’s) not a lot espresso neighborhood in Battambang, however (over) the final three years, the espresso trade has been enhancing,” Sophorn says. “We see the potential of Southeast Asia’s espresso.”
Really feel Good sources espresso solely from Southeast Asian international locations, together with Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and, after all, Cambodia. Due to their efforts, they’ve helped convey consciousness to specialty espresso in Cambodia and have impressed many others to open their very own roasteries and occasional outlets.
Aside from collaborating with Really feel Good Espresso, Kinyei can be residence to various Cambodia Nationwide Barista Championship rivals. Cease by to get pleasure from some scrumptious meals, Southeast Asian-grown espresso, and native art work earlier than heading out into town.
Ok’Trey Ok’Trok
Proper subsequent door to Kinyei, you’ll discover Ok’Trey Ok’Trok—why not cease by for a second espresso? A go to to Ok’trey Ok’Trok is actually an area expertise: an instance of the outlets that paved the way in which for the Cambodian specialty-coffee scene. With its cozy, rustic interiors, large collection of specialty-coffee drinks, smoothies, juices, and even an area for stay music, this store presents somewhat one thing for everybody.
The café, which first opened in December of 2021, is made up of two flooring and has an in depth meals menu, together with flavorful noodle and rice dishes to go along with your beverage of selection. In addition they provide cocktails within the night, making it the proper place for both a morning brew or an evening cap.
Pay a go to to Ok’Trey Ok’Trok to calm down, drink one thing refreshing, and expertise among the finest that Battambang has to supply.
The Lab
When wandering alongside the Sangkae River, nibbling on native sweets or maybe some corn on the cob, there’s an ideal place to cease for a espresso after a morning of exploring or taking the native bamboo prepare: The Lab.
From the road, you may see a line of motorbikes guarding the store’s entrance entrance, revealing the recognition of what’s inside. Upon coming into the entrance doorways, you’ll discover a set of stairs that can lead you to the café: a peaceable, warmly lit retreat surrounded by a cave of colourful work.
With its ethereal balcony, superbly tiled flooring, and array of antiques from the Forties, together with a classic report participant, The Lab looks like a portal by time—a glimpse into the center of Cambodia. On the menu are customary espresso-based choices in addition to matcha drinks, and there’s additionally an assortment of tasty pastries to select from, making this a really perfect house to seize a snack, get pleasure from a espresso, and sit outdoors as you watch the visitors beneath.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michaela Tomchek finds espresso an essential a part of life and the world. She is an appreciator of the crop, the producer, and the various cafés all through the world serving stunning drinks. At the moment, she writes about espresso, hoping to unfold her pleasure throughout the globe.
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