Luxury diners have a new option in Siem Reap, with the opening of the river-side restaurant Chanrey Tree. Located north of the Trade Center, directly across from the river, this stylish new venture is now serving up their take on modern Khmer cuisine.

With classic appetizers like chicken and banana blossom salad, and main courses featuring frogs legs, Khmer beef and roasted chicken cooked familiar local spices, this restaurant is part of an emerging trend of restaurants offering a high-end twist on local fare.

This restaurant has al fresco dining options as well as stylish indoor options. Housed in a two story Khmer-styled home, the manicured grounds and out door seating areas compliment the wood design.

One of my favourite features of the newly-opened restaurant is the large window that gives a view directly into the kitchen. Centrally located, the glass pane offers a rare view into a Southeast Asian kitchen at work — it also shows off the impressively shiny stainless steel kitchen.

Unpretentious, the sitting areas are comfortable and airy — a great space one of Siem Reap’s warm evenings, whether sampling a cocktail and appetizers or a digging into a full three course meal.

If they can maintain both the service level and quality of food, I have no doubt Chanrey Tree will become a fixture for both residents and travelers alike.

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