Meric, Hotel de la Paix, Siem Reap Cambodia

Meric is located in Hotel de la Paix an architecture masterpiece in the heart of Siem Reap just minutes from the Night Markets.  The hotel was recently voted 2nd in Conde Nast Traveler Gold list for 2011.  With thanks to the wonderful Christian from the hotel, noodlies was able to review Meric, one of the top restaurants in town.


The atmosphere in Meric is romantic with candles and subdued lights providing the mood, but I must confess while the lighting was wonderful it was a little challenging for my photography skills. To calm my nerves I ordered a chamomile and honey cocktail served in a triangular glass and chilled with in an iced glass bowl.

Staff at Meric were attentive, helpful and knowledgeable.  We received particularly great service from the restaurant manager, Mao Sokthea, who suggested we try the Meric tasting menu - eight delightful courses matched with three different wines and Khmer rice wine.

The Deep Fried Frog Leg with Tamarind Sauce was a perfect combination especially with the accompanying Khmer rice wine.

I was particularly impressed with the freshness and crispness of the Yam Bean Pork Salad, can't help but notice the similarity with Vietnamese goi salad.

We don't get the opportunity to eat much fresh seafood and the Pan Fried Butter Cat Fish with Roasted Tomato Sauce showed the difference when the fish is fresh; the crispy skin, tender strong flesh worked so well with the sauce and eaten with Khmer organic brown and white rice.

The Catfish Green Curry was also delightful, fresh clean fish flesh taste contrasted well with the curry (not pictured).

The Grilled Garlic with Chicken Sour Soup was served in a cute wooden tube.  The soup reminded me so much of Vietnamese canh chua (sour soup).  This version was less sweet and more subtle.

Again subtle but tasty was the Stir Fried Minced Beef with Toasted Rice and Fresh Herb (not pictured).

All the sweets in the Assorted Khmer Sweets served were very familiar to Vietnamese versions except the pumpkin dessert (second from the bottom).  What's consistent is that the Khmer versions are generally more subtle in taste.  These were delicious and a perfect ending to the wonderful Meric Khmer Tasting Menu.

Particular praise too for the wine which were paired with our food:

- Canapi, Grillo di Sicilia
- De Bortoli dB, Semillon Chardonay
- De Bortoli dB, Shiraz Cabernet

Noodlies and guest dined as guests of Meric Restaurant, Hotel de la Paix.

Meric
Hotel de la Paix
Sivutha Boulevard
Siem Reap
Cambodia
+855 63 966 000