Royal Khmer cuisine: intriguing textures, stimulating flavours and complex aromas, by chef Samreth
BEL OMBRE, MAURITIUS – In a first for Mauritius, the Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort has introduced a Royal Khmer Cuisine menu from Cambodia. Starting 20 January, Khmer dishes will be available at the resort’s Plantation Club colonial-style restaurant every Friday night.
The new menu is the creation of chef Thai Samreth, who was born near world famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia, but grew up in the country’s capital Phnom Penh. He learned his culinary skills at the acclaimed Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, joining in 2000 as a Commis, rising to Junior Sous Chef in 2012.
He then expanded his experience in head chef roles in leading Cambodian resorts and restaurants, adding stints in Dubai and the Maldives before joining Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort in September 2016.
At the Outrigger — an all-villa and suite absolute beachfront property in the south of Mauritius — guests and visitors now have a mouth-watering experience awaiting them. “You will find intriguing textures, stimulating flavours and complex aromas – we use a lot of rice, fish, shellfish and garlic,” says chef Samreth.
“In Royal Khmer cuisine, we use small amounts of ingredients. All the art in the cuisine is based in the way you combine the herbs and seasoning,” he says.
The Khmer dining experience typically consists of a soup, salad, a fish course, a meat course, vegetables and rice. Various sauces and condiments are served with the meal to add extra flavour. Guests can mostly control the level of spiciness through the use of the sauces and condiments.
The creations are served family style, with a variety of dishes arriving together at the same time at the table.
The Friday menu will evolve, but will start 20 January with evocative creations such as spicy soft shell crab, steamed marinated duck with Khmer herbs, steamed langoustine in coconut milk and spice, pork medallion with pineapple and sautéed spinach, spicy and sour seafood with turmeric and ginger, and wok-fried beef with crushed pepper and piquant dip, to indicate a few highlights.
“I want to help guests try different tastes without fear. Trust me and it will lead to a sensational dining experience fit for the royal court of Cambodia,” says chef Samreth with a smile.
Guests and visitors to the Plantation Club at the Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort can enjoy the Royal Khmer Cuisine of chef Samreth every Friday from 7pm. A Blonde local craft beer from the Flying Dodo brewery in Mauritius is included with the hors d’oeuvre selection at the start of the meal. The ten-course set menu is available at MUR 3,200 (US$87, €81, £71) per person, inclusive of taxes.
For further information and bookings please contact the Plantation Club reservation team at the Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort. Tel (+230) 623 5000. Or email fnbsec.mauritius@outrigger-mu.com. Visit Outrigger.com.
For Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort bookings, click here.