Hello HIVE friends and good cocktail seekers. It’s been a while since our last speakeasy bar, but hey better late, than never. Nightlife in Siem Reap can be a fun adventure with memorable drinks. We certainly got inspired by the Menaka Speakeasy cocktails in many ways. So much so that we want to share our Menaka Lounge Speakeasy experience in the lines below. So, let’s see what you can expect from the speakeasy bar in Siem Reap which name means celestial damsel and heavenly beauty?
First thing first, the painting on the entry doors is amazing. It isn’t just a pretty sight, but it also could be a hint of creativity. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by the kind staff, flooded bar, and dimmed lights. In fact, the lighting brings additional privacy to a somewhat small space. Low light is also perfect for the interior in tones of the dark flame. When looking on the walls, we noticed carved stones, paintings of Khmer music stars, books… Wherever we looked it was obvious that this speakeasy bar in Siem Reap is run with respect to Cambodian history. Despite that, there is a noticeable parallel with the American Prohibition Era.
Could it be that papyrus scroll or old royal writs inspired Menaka menu? Either way, it feels special to read about craft cocktails from the cloth roll. Some of the best artisanal drinks in Siem Reap are inspired by the Angkor, Sangkum, and the Great Era. The Angkor era celebrates the wisdom and flavors of the ancient Khmer Empire with classic Cambodian ingredients. Cocktails in the Sangkum era are named by the songs, which capture the era of joy and love. The Great Era celebrates the quick growth and globalization that modernized Cambodia.
Besides the mixed drinks you can have a serving of Japanese or Scottish whiskeys. In case you want a bite or two you can also order some food from Menaka Café.
The praise of sweet honey is clearly understood through the seductive sweetness. We could clearly taste the honey backed up with mango nectar refreshed with lime. Taste profile made a complete circle with Vermont bringing the toasted wood and grain notes to the close. Since this is no joke drink but a vodka-based cocktail, we can say it is surely one that will make your evening a pure joy.
A flavorful rollercoaster keeps the mind occupied even after a sip is long gone. Once a refreshing mixture of lime, mint, tonic, and gin comes to a close Kampot pepper takes over. Our tastebuds found it addictive! It is incredible how smoothly the tranquilizing greeting ended with a pleasing tingle. Although we advise caution when drinking because Ian got a splinter of mature lemongrass in his drink. No bottoms up, but mindful sipping is the way to enjoy this delectable mixed drink.
Ahead of tasting the Peerless Shape, we were expecting the sweet tutti-fruity bubble gum notes we discovered in jackfruit a while ago. Instead, we were amazed by the savory flavor profile that jackfruit is also famous for. In this case, it didn’t taste like pork, but more like raw bread dough, cheese, and fresh walnuts.
Menaka Lounge speakeasy is a nice surprise here in Siem Reap. Warm ambiance, nice service and interesting cocktails are a winning combination for every bar seeker. Well at least a cultured one, for the animalistic party you will need to take a few hundred meters further. But hey, we all have our needs and preferences. This speakeasy is great to chill zone after your temple run. We recommend you pay them a visit and enjoy Siem Reap in full capacity. Any downside? Sadly yes, plastic straws! They should check their competition Sokkhak River Lounge, and see how they tackle this
