Restaurant
Cuisine Wat Damnak
Chef Joannes Riviere's dinner-only restaurant in a traditional wooden house, serving regularly changing eight-course tasting menus of seasonal Cambodian produce.
Por Cuisine
A Khmer restaurant in the Wat Bo area serving set menus and a la carte dishes, with traditional Apsara dance and Bokator martial arts performances.
At a glance
- Type
- Khmer set menus with traditional performances
- Area
- Wat Bo, Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- porcuisine.com
Good to know
- Khmer set menus
- Traditional dance performances
- Bokator demonstrations
Why we recommend it
Por Cuisine is a Khmer restaurant in the Wat Bo area that combines Cambodian food with traditional performance. It serves Khmer set menus and individual dishes, and it stages shows of Cambodian culture, including Apsara dance and Bokator, the traditional Khmer martial art. For many visitors it offers a convenient way to see some of the country's performing arts during an evening meal, without travelling out to a large buffet show venue.
The food centres on Khmer cooking, and the set menus are a practical choice if you want to try several dishes in one sitting. Expect the staples of Cambodian cuisine, such as soups, salads, stir-fries and curries, built around rice. If you prefer to order individually, ask the staff to suggest a mix of mild and stronger flavours, and tell them in advance about any allergies or dietary needs.
Watching a performance after a day at the temples, where carved dancers decorate so many walls, is a pleasant way to connect what you have seen in stone with a living tradition. The mix of dance and martial arts makes Por Cuisine a good option for families and for travellers on their first visit to Cambodia, as well as for groups looking for a lively evening.
Show times can change with the season, so contact the restaurant before you go to confirm the schedule and reserve a table with a good view of the stage. Reservations can be made by phone or by email through the restaurant's reservation address. Arrive a little early so you can order before the performance begins and enjoy the show without interruption.
Por Cuisine is on Street 22 in Wat Bo Village, east of the river and a short tuk-tuk ride from the Old Market. The Wat Bo area has a good choice of bars and cafés within walking distance, so it is easy to continue the evening nearby. For a quieter dinner on another night, the neighbouring streets also have several of the town's best Cambodian restaurants. Bring some small notes for tuk-tuks home, and allow around two hours if you want to eat at a relaxed pace and watch the full programme.
Por Cuisine FAQs
What is special about Por Cuisine?
It combines Khmer food with traditional performances, including Apsara dance and Bokator martial arts.
What kind of menu does it have?
Khmer set menus as well as individual dishes.
When are the performances?
Show times can change, so contact the restaurant to confirm the schedule before you go.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes, the mix of dance and martial arts performances suits families and groups.
Do I need to book?
Booking is recommended if you want a table with a good view of the performances.
Where is it?
At No. 298, Street 22, Wat Bo Village, a short tuk-tuk ride from the Old Market.
How can I contact the restaurant?
By phone or through its reservation email address.
What is Bokator?
A traditional Khmer martial art, shown at the restaurant alongside Apsara dance.