Sombai is a Cambodian liqueur made in Siem Reap. Its workshop and shop, in a traditional wooden house in the Wat Damnak area, is one of the easiest places in town to find a souvenir that is made here. You can visit for free, taste the whole range or stay for a cocktail class.
Sombai takes its inspiration from the Cambodian tradition of rice wine infused with fruit. The bottles are hand-painted by young Cambodian artists with Angkor Wat, Apsara dancers and scenes of Cambodian life, which is why many visitors buy them as gifts.
The liqueurs are made by soaking fruits and spices in rice wine for months. There are 10 flavours, among them Mango & Green Chilli, Coconut & Pineapple, Lemon & Lemongrass, Banana & Cinnamon, Ginger & Red Chili and Passion & Spices.
A tasting visit costs $5 and lets you try all 10 liqueurs and the 3 alcoholic jams: Passion & Spices, Mango & Green Chili and Pineapple & Peppers. The shop also sells small bottles that fit easily in carry-on luggage.
Today Sombai is led by Akim, a Cambodian woman entrepreneur.
For something to do before a night out, book the cocktail class. It lasts two hours, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, and costs $22 when booked direct. You hear the story of Sombai, taste the 10 flavours and make 3 cocktails of your own with the bartender’s guidance.
The shop also sells work by other Cambodian artisans, such as sculptures, paintings, scarves and weaving. Bottles are packed in palm-leaf boxes and the shopping bags are made from recycled newspaper.
The workshop is open Monday to Saturday from 11am to 8pm and Sunday from 1pm to 8pm. Details and booking are on sombai.com.
Contact Sombai directly through the contact form below:
