The choice of Craft Beer in Cambodia outside of Phnom Penh is limited, but not non-existent, mainly located in the popular towns of Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, and Kampot. To avoid you making pour decisions (pun intended), when looking for some craft beer in Cambodia, read this!
Unfortunately, we have to prepare you for the worst and craft beer in Siem Reap and Kampot has definitely taken a downturn since Covid hit.
Pomme – Siem Reap Craft Beer
Pomme was originally a craft beer bar in Battambang. Times were hard during Covid so they decided to move down to Siem Reap. It seems like it was a good choice because they very quickly became one of the most popular craft beer bars in Siem Reap.
Currently their brewer is Nathan who has a brewery called Brew Khner. It´s not common to find his craft beers outside of Siem Reap, but occasionally they have also been spotted in Phnom Penh. He brews contemporary craft beer, sometimes with an English twist.
It looked like craft beer in Siem Reap was dying for a while but thanks to Pomme there is now again quality craft ale to be had in the city.
The Local Brew Pub – Siem Reap (CLOSED)
The Local is currently closed. Unfortunately, they struggled a lot during the COVID-19 Pandemic but we will update you with information if it will ever open again.
Probably the most popular, and the best, place for craft beers in Cambodia, outside of Phnom Penh. The Local offers their own beers, it is a brewpub after all, the selection varies, but we know that they’re usually sporting at least their own IPA, Wheat Beer, and a Stout. The interior is really cosy.
The Local is also a guest house, so there’s usually a good crowd from there as well. The place is located a bit away from the pub street, which we consider fantastic, and in addition to that, the owners Dave & Nick are really cool.
The Local Brew Pub Facebook Page.
Siem Reap Brew Pub
This place is really huge, so if you’re looking for a hole-in-the-wall pub with craft beer, this is not it. They are also brewing their own beers, selling for about $3 a glass. They offer a huge variety of own brewed beers, including Saisons, golden ales, blonde ales, and of course IPAs. It is said that they were the first brewpub in Siem Reap, we’re not sure how to prove that though.
Siem Reap Brew Pub Facebook Page.
Five Men Fresh Beer – Sihanoukville (CLOSED)
Who are these five men? Is their beer really fresh? Do they serve Cambodian Craft Beer or Angkor? The name sounds like a title of a novel by Alexandre Dumas, but no weird dudes in tights in this place – hopefully…
Five Men Fresh Beer is a ginormous hall in Sihanoukville serving Cambodian BBQ dishes and, of course, Craft Beer. The location in Siem Reap has not got overly great reviews online, but the reason we are adding them here is that they nowadays have a second branch in Phnom Penh.
The special thing about this place is that they are serving Real Ale. If you’re not familiar with the concept of Real Ale, it’s basically a kind of fresh beer often found in The UK. This is one of the few places in Cambodia serving real ale, maybe the only place, and if that’s your cup of tea, this is the place to go.
Five Men Fresh Beer – Sihanoukville Branch – Facebook Page.
Five Men Fresh Beer – Phnom Penh Branch – Facebook Page.
Craft Beer in the rest of Cambodia
Whereas craft beer in Phnom Penh is thriving, Unfortunately, the scene outside of the capital is still in its early stages. If you head down to Kampot you also have a few bars selling craft beers, but they mostly focus on other stuff. Your best bet for Craft Beer in Kampot would be Flowers Nanobrewery, run by a Japanese guy who brews a few beers himself.
In Phnom Penh, it is at Embargo and The Box Office where you will find the best selection of Cambodian Craft Beers.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you know any secret gems out there.
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