Phnom Penh - Cambodia - page 106

GOOD-CAUSE DINING
There are several restaurants around town that are run by aid organisations to help fund their social
programs in Cambodia. These are worth seeking out, as the proceeds of a hearty meal go towards
helping Cambodia's recovery and allow restaurant staff to gain valuable work experience.
Centre North
Friends OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP ( 012802072; www.friends-international.org ; 215 St 13;
tapas US$4-7, mains from US$6; 11am-9pm; ) One of Phnom Penh's best-loved restaur-
ants, this place is a must, with tasty tapas bites, heavenly smoothies and creative cocktails. It offers
former street children a head start in the hospitality industry.
Sugar 'n Spice Cafe OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP ( www.daughtersofcambodia.org ; 65 St 178; sand-
wiches US$3.50-7; 9am-6pm Mon-Sat; ) This fantastic cafe on the top floor of the
Daughters visitors centre features soups, smoothies, original coffee drinks, cupcakes and fusion-y
mains served by former sex workers being trained by Daughters to reintegrate into society.
Veiyo Tonlé OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP (237 Sisowath Quay; mains US$3.50-6.50;
7am-11pm; ) A little restaurant on the riverfront, the menu here features mainly Khmer and Italian
cuisine, including yummy pizza. Some proceeds go towards helping a local orphanage.
Centre South
Café Yejj OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP ( www.cafeyejj.com ; 170 St 450; mains US$3.50-6;
8am-9pm; ) An air-con escape from Russian Market (walk upstairs), this bistro-style cafe
uses many organic ingredients to prepare pasta, salads, wraps and more ambitious dishes like Moroc-
can lamb stew and chilli con carne. Promotes fair trade and responsible employment.
Hagar OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP (44 St 310; lunch/dinner buffet US$6.50/11; 7am-2pm &
6-9pm Thu-Sat, 7am-2pm Sun-Wed) Proceeds from the all-you-can-eat buffets go towards assisting
destitute or abused women. The spread is usually Asian fusion or barbecue, except for Wednesday
lunch and Thursday dinner, when Hagar lays out its legendary Italian buffet.
Jars of Clay OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP (39B St 155; cakes US$1.50, mains US$3-5.25;
7.30am-9pm Mon-Sat; ) Much more than just a bakery, with rich Khmer mains like their paten-
ted lok lak , plus thirst-quenching drinks and welcome air-conditioning on a hot day. Ten per cent of
profits go to those in need, including women rescued from trafficking.
Le Lotus Blanc OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP (152 St 51; mains US$4-8.50; 7am-10pm Mon-
Sat; ) This upmarket diner acts as a training centre for youths who previously scoured the city
dump. Run by French NGO Pour un Sourire d'Enfant (For the Smile of a Child), it serves classy
French and Khmer cuisine.