Sora Bar I Photo by Tatum Ancheta
I visited Cambodia once before, ages ago, to see Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, and I had an awesome time. Recently, I returned to explore Phnom Penh, and this bustling capital truly has many surprises in store, making it an ideal getaway for imbibers. It gives me a Bangkok feel, with buzzing tuk-tuks, golden temples, tons of bars, and gin and rum microdistilleries to discover.
Watch the video below for a sneak preview of their offerings:
Sure, you might not find the iconic Tomb Raider photo op amongst the ancient ruins of Ta Prohm Temple, but what you will discover is a sensory feast that includes the sights and sounds of the capital, the buzzing side of the Mekong River, plus craft spirits, cocktails, and cuisine that create memories you won’t soon forget. This former French colony knows how to deliver an experience.
The best launchpad for your adventure? The Rosewood Phnom Penh stands proud at 39 stories and 188 meters high. With an offering of 175 rooms, you can enjoy some serious luxury while gazing down at the city’s skyline through massive windows. Not only do you get top-notch accommodations, but you also have the city’s pulse right at your fingertips.
Kick off your bar-hopping journey at the hotel’s sky-high bar, Sora, which means “sky” in Japanese and, interestingly, also means “alcohol” in Khmer. Sitting on the 37th floor of the hotel, it’s not just a bar; it’s an experience that combines Japanese sensibilities with Cambodian flavors.
Leading the team is bar manager KT Lam, a familiar face for those from Hong Kong, as he previously worked at Rosewood Hong Kong’s jazz bar, DarkSide. Interestingly, the former director of bars here, Bob Louison, is now at Rosewood Hong Kong.
First, there’s the Whisky Library, which boasts one of the largest single malt collections in the city—complete with an extensive array of cigars. If you’re a whisky enthusiast, this is your playground. The bar is currently taken over by Nikka Whisky for its 90th anniversary, offering a curated selection of the Japanese distillery’s single malts and a cocktail menu inspired by Mr. Masataka Taketsuru’s Experimental Notebook, highlighting handwritten elements that present highballs and all kinds of whisky drinks.
You can ask their bartenders, Sopheavong or Phirun, to make you a Penicillin, New York Sour, and Boulevardier, among others.
Then there’s the indoor bar. Nestled in the futuristic tip of Vattanac Capital Tower, it’s adorned with mirrored orbs that evoke sci-fi film aesthetics while serving top-shelf spirits. This isn’t your average watering hole, you’ll get to sip drinks in an intimate setting overlooking the glittering skyline, perfect for romantic dates.
Finally, the outdoor terrace. You’ll feel as though you’re almost touching the sky, which might trigger a slight fear of heights, but trust me—good cocktails and pleasant live music are perfect distractions.
For libations, Sora offers a great selection of wines, as well as local beers and spirits crafted in collaboration with local breweries and distilleries. Try their Sora Vermouth (USD8/shot), made in partnership with Seekers, creators of Cambodia’s first premium gin, which uses ingredients like orange peels and Kampot pepper sourced from Rosewood Phnom Penh’s kitchen. There’s also the 7YO Sora Rum (USD12/shot; USD160/bottle), created with Samai Distillery, Cambodia’s first rum producer, which hosts a fun-filled party every Thursday featuring DJs, cocktails, and a dance floor thumping with beats amidst resting barrels. Beer lover? Gulp down on Rosewood’s very own lager and IPA (USD10).
You can order classic concoctions (USD12/drink) and low (USD12) and zero-ABV drinks (USD10/drink) for cocktails, but the star of their drinks program is the newly launched Alchemy of Anime menu (USD12/drink), crafted by the entire bar team. With 10 drinks on the menu, you’ll never run out of options. The drink blends Japanese cocktail-making with the world of manga and adds Khmer influences. Cocktails are imaginative, rich, complex, and layered.
To open your palate, start with the refreshing tequila-based drink, Z Ball, which includes olive, elderflower liqueur, cucumber, lime juice, edamame, and firewater. Follow it up with the easy-to-drink Gumiho, a ramen-inspired cocktail made with gin, sesame, shichimi, lemon juice, and tonkatsu sauce as a syrup. It’s sweet, sour, and refreshing, served alongside a bite of fried ramen roll.
My personal favorites include the Pirate Hunter, a fizzy long drink made with vodka and featuring nutty notes from the rice and beer, mixed with shiso, yuzu sake, lime juice, and Cointreau. And for something punchy, order the martini-style Breathing, made with a blend of gin, shiso, sake, cucumber, and a dash of Sora Vermouth. This drink is the only dry option on the menu, so if you like that kind of style go for this one.
Fan of savory drinks? Try the Bloody Mary twist called the Nails and Hammer, a tequila-based cocktail with flavors of eggplant, basil, fresh tomato juice, lemon, and a savory mix sauce, served with a round slice of pizza.
Their food menu won’t leave you hungry. Like the hotel’s Japanese restaurant, Iza, the bar features a variety of filling and mouthwatering Japanese bites, including melt-in-your-mouth fresh seafood for sashimi and sushi, as well as tempura and ramen.
There are bars where you might go for a pre-game, dinner, or a nightcap, but Sora offers all these and more. Begin your evening on the terrace, enjoying the cool breeze while sipping cocktails paired with delicious dishes and listening to the soothing live music of the duo Esther and Hervé. Conclude your night at the Whisky Bar with a perfect nightcap of fine whisky.
The bar also features a guest shift program inviting some of the world’s best bartenders every month. On April 11 to 12, catch their Taste of Asia series featuring Offtrack from Singapore, NoNo from The Han-Jia in Taiwan, Good Friends Club from Penang, and Opium from Bangkok.
Sora Bar is open daily from 5pm to 12am and is located on the 37th floor of Rosewood Phnom Penh, Vattanac Capital Tower, 66 Monivong Boulevard, Sangkat Wat Phnom, Khan Daun Penh, 120211, Phnom Penh. Make a reservation by emailing [email protected] or call +855 23 936 860. For updates, follow them on Instagram at @sora_phnompenh.
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