Travel Report: Krousar Cafe, Siem Reap.

Krousar Cafe, Siem Reap.

April 2020.

Sladja and I were on our way to Kulen National Park one humid Siem Reap morning when I suddenly had a brainwave. “Shall we grab a couple of flat whites from Krousar?” Needless to say, her answer was a resounding “yes”.

Before the pandemic broke, Siem Reap was a city with a thriving cafe-restaurant scene. But then, of course, its bulging tourist population (and a good chunk of expats too) ran for the airport. In the months that followed, dozens of the food and drink spots we had come to know, like and sometimes love, began falling like dominoes. However, one that kept soldiering on was Krousar Cafe.

Krousar Cafe, Siem Reap.

“Two flat whites coming right up!” chirped Jason, Krousar’s hardworking Australian co-founder. Hailing from the city of Perth, he fell in love with Cambodia during his first visit back in 2013. At that time he worked for an NGO that built toilets and wells for poor families.

Later, having relocated to Siem Reap permanently, Jason started his own NGO, a drop-in resource centre for the LGBTIQ+ community called (APTBY) A Place To Be Yourself. Finally, the idea of Krousar Cafe was born and it opened in July 2019. Launched in partnership with his mother Marj and partner Tola, their motto is “We are family!” Because they are quite literally a family. And due to the fact that they wanted their cafe to feel as welcoming and cosy as possible.

“Mum’s passion is in the kitchen, Tola’s is behind the coffee machine, and mine is in people”. 

At Krousar Cafe it’s all about home-cooked food of the highest quality. Sladja and I certainly felt that during our first visit here back in February 2020. From their squidgy cheese and tomato toasties and fluffy chocolate muffins, to the creamy coffee and ice-cold fruit juices, we instantly knew we’d found somewhere special.

Krousar Cafe, Siem Reap.

So much of what is great about Krousar is in the little details. Like the way Tola always throws a “bong” onto the end of his sentences. This Khmer word is an affectionate term that translates roughly as older brother or sister. “Good morning, what can I get you bong?”

What’s more, the WIFI is always strong for people who come to work. And Marj will often stop by the tables to ask customers how they’re doing. Oh, and I loved their gorgeous collection of cups, mugs and saucers.

“We probably spent about 3 years collecting cups and saucers each week from a local second-hand shop. They just piled up in our small room while we saved money”.

For a while Sladja and I treated Krousar purely as a breakfast joint. Once we’d worked our way through the various toastie fillings, I decided to take a punt on their $4 cooked breakfast. I was not disappointed.

One afternoon we figured on bucking the trend and came to Krousar for dinner. “Oh my god, cottage pie!” I cried, and wasted no time in ordering it. Jason actually added this to the menu after a customer suggested it. Yes, it proved very popular.

“If someone has a craving for something that is not on our menu, or they want to adapt from our menu, we always try to accommodate”. 

Every day Tola takes a trip to the local markets for fruit and veg, while meat is sourced from reputable local companies. They also offer vegetarian alternatives, such as an inventive pumpkin and eggplant lasagne. And yes, Krousar is also vegan, paleo and keto-friendly. I wish we could say we’ve tried everything on the menu, but alas kept ordering the Cottage Pie.

One evening, deep into a week of self isolation at our apartment, we took advantage of Krousar’s delivery service for a sudden cottage pie craving while watching a movie. It was after 21:30 in the evening and, typically, the tireless Jason himself came to deliver it. Not pictured, but equally enjoyed, was a heavenly slice of Lemon Cheesecake for good measure!

In those turbulent times of closed doors, social distancing and mushrooming anxiety, it was wonderful to see a place like Krousar battling on. Moreover, they really deserved it as people who are clearly in this business for all the right reasons.

“We believe that family is not just blood and that everyone needs a little love, warmth and support in their lives. If at the very least that is what we provide to customers, then we feel like it’s a job well done”.

Towards the end of our stay in July, Sladja and I celebrated our birthdays in Siem Reap. We wanted a grand cake to mark the occasion, and couldn’t think of anyone better than Marj to make it. She did a magnificent job, I’m sure you’ll agree.

“You want sugars with these?” asked Jason, with an arched eyebrow. “One in each please” I replied, as behind me someone ordered an Eggs Benedict with homemade hash browns. “Cheers Leighton, have a good day!” And then I was out the door, into the van and speeding off towards a much needed escape at Kulen National Park.

Update October 2022: I am delighted to see that Krousar Cafe is still going strong over two and a half years since we left Cambodia. Unfortunately, so many of the cafes and restaurants we’ve written about in this series have fallen because of the pandemic. Well done to Jason, Marj, Tola and the whole team for keeping their business afloat throughout those tough times.

Krousar Cafe, Siem Reap.

Want to get in touch with Krousar Cafe? Drop them a line through their Facebook page. Alternatively, you can follow them on Instagram via their handles krousarcafe and  aptby_kh.

Like this? For more on Siem Reap’s excellent cafe, restaurant and bar scene, check out my detailed guide on Where to Eat and Drink Siem Reap.

You can also read my exhaustive overview of What to See and Do in Siem Reap.

Looking for a roof over your head? Check out my articles on Where to Stay in Siem Reap.

I’ve been living, working and traveling all over the world since 2001. So why not check out my huge library of travel reports from over 30 countries.