We were recommended to come here as it consist of free-flow of food buffet style and Apsara performance which is a Cambodian traditional dance performance. It will cost you USD12.00 per person excluding drinks, which was fine with us. There are other similar places suggested by our guide however some are more expensive, some needs advance booking, some has elaborate performance etc.
- The Koulen Restaurant
- The Koulen Restaurant
- One of the decoration pieces in the restaurant.
We only decided to come here in the noon so our guide managed to squeeze a reservation for the two of us. We arrived here at around 6.50pm which was considered early. It is a huge restaurant with a stage for the performance. Most of the tables in front of the stage are reserved. We were seated near the entrance. This is not an air-conditioned restaurant but it is well ventilated. The buffet supposed to start at 7.30pm onwards however we were told that we can enjoy our buffet at around 7.15pm. Thank god, I was so hungry that evening!
- Me waiting patiently for the buffet to be ready! haha
- The stage at Koulen Restaurant
I was satisfied with the buffet; I mean you have salad, soup, fresh fruits, tempura counter, main course (chicken, beef, pork and seafood), rice, pasta and desserts mostly are cooked Cambodian style. I think it’s not fair to compare the buffet spread here to the hotel buffet spreads as I think the standards are different especially those western chain hotels. Well, you do get to see the traditional performance for about 30+minutes which is also include of the price that you have paid for. Generally the restaurant and buffet counter looks decent and clean. At times they are a bit slow in topping up the food. Sorry guys, I didn't manage to take some photos of the buffet spread.
- Apsara performers
- Apsara performers
As for the show, it was ok. Some of the dance performances are very elaborate with beautiful colorful costume. Some of the performance seems like a folk dance which was interesting to see. Just like in many other countries, very small amount of people who are still interested to learn and perform ‘traditional’ dances. I hope places like this will be a good venue to support the local performers.
Visited in July 2014. How would I rate them? The atmosphere 4/5, Service 3.5/5, F&B 4/5.
Where at: No. 50 Street Sivatha, Mondul 2, Svaydangkum, Siam Reap, Cambodia
