What would you do to reward yourself after a hard day at work? Give yourself a pat by heading down to Siem Reap I, located at Holland Village , where you can let your hair down and chill out for the evening. Offering a mix of IndoChinese cuisine including Vietnamese, Laotian and Cambodian specialties, Siem Reap I is part of IndoChine's Group chain of restaurants and bars. Siem Reap I positions itself as a casual café for chilling out with delectable IndoChinese cuisines and a great hang-out spot for soccer fans who crave for a good beer.
The Vibe The dimly-lit café exudes an aura that is swanky but cozy at the same time. While the cushioned seats and reflective mirrors emanate a contemporary feel, the wooden carvings adorning the walls, imported from Laos , result in an exotic and modest look. The water features bring patrons back to nature, and add a relaxed and laid-back vibe to the setting.
The Food What's better than a drink and chilling out to the music? The Sunshine Margarita ($15) will serve you well. Embellished adorably with cherries, the margarita is sweet and refreshing. If you like something unique, take up the challenge of having a Chili Martini ($15) that is made using freshly-cut chili and vodka.
If you are having some beer with your buddies, then the perfect complement would be the Sam Neua Platter ($45). On the platter, you will find Goi Cuon (Fresh rice paper prawn roll), Cha Gio (Deep Fried Vietnamese Spring Rolls), Pik Kai (Laotian Chicken Wings) and Chao Tom (Deep fried prawn on sugar cane). These light and tasty finger-food go well with your drinks. For instance, the Cha Gio is finger-licking good, especially when you roll it up with fresh lettuce, which makes it both crunchy and flavorful. An interesting find is the Pik Kai which is a unique twist from the typical fried chicken wings. These chicken wings are fried with sesame seeds, which definitely make them more delicious than usual. The Sam Neua Platter is one of the most popular dishes at Siem Reap, and is worth a try.
Have a rumbling stomach and need something more substantial? Try a taste of Com Suan ($14) which is actually Vietnamese Pork Chop with Rice. The pork chops are fried to a golden brown, is crispy on the outside and tender in the inside. Otherwise, you may also opt for the Mee Siem Reap ($11) which is thin rice noodles cooked with generous ingredients such as shredded chicken, prawns, eggs, bean sprouts and vegetables. The springy and chewy noodles make the meal such a delightful one.
Sometimes a sandwich need not be anything fancy to be impressive. The Siem Reap Club Sandwich ($13) is a wholesome treat with tomatoes, lettuce, julienne chicken, cucumber, mayonnaise and cheddar cheese. This sandwich is very much one of those and its combination of good quality fillings, strong flavours and decent portions makes it highly commendable. In addition, it is served with salad and French fries. Despite being a relatively healthier alternative, you do not have to worry about compromising on the taste.
The Service The service staff is professional and takes pride in serving its patrons, making your dining experience an enjoyable one.
The SD Food Advisor's take on Siem Reap I A chic and cozy hideout, this place is not only a cool chill-out spot, and the food does not disappoint either. However, it may get a little too packed at night, as is characteristic of the Holland Village area.