LUM ORNG
FARM-TO-TABLE RESTAURANT
NEW MEKONG CUISINE
Cambodia’s first farm-to-table restaurant, Lum Orng is located in a village on the edge of Siem Reap, departure point for excursions to Angkor Wat. Here, owner-chef Sothea Seng cooks New Mekong Cuisine from Cambodia and beyond, based on seasonal produce from his farms, local markets, and growers across the region.
PHILOSOPHY
In Khmer, Lum Orng means ‘pollen’, a grain that fertilises and gives life. For Sothea Seng, whose farm-to-table philosophy is rooted in seasonality and sustainability, it’s a symbol of growth and regeneration. It’s also a metaphor for his journey as a chef as passionate about preserving Cambodian culinary traditions as venturing in new directions.
PHILOSOPHYMENU
Having redefined traditional fare at Mahob Khmer restaurant, where Sothea Seng serves modern Cambodian food, the chef is exploring new territory at Lum Orng. Inspired by Cambodia’s rich culinary heritage, remnants of which are found in the cuisines of its neighbours, once part of the great Khmer Empire, Sothea Seng presents New Mekong Cuisine.
CHEF SOTHEA
Born in Kampong Cham, 250 kilometres from Siem Reap, Sothea Seng grew up on the family farm where he began cooking at age ten. His career has taken him from luxury hotel kitchens in Cambodia, Dubai and the Caribbean to opening his first restaurant Mahob Khmer in 2013, and now his most personal project yet, farm-to-table restaurant, Lum Orng.
THE FARM
A farmers’ son, Sothea appreciates that nothing tastes as delicious as just-picked produce – which is why he established organic gardens at Lum Orng restaurant and nearby Isann Lodge, his boutique accommodation, and an organic farm and fruit orchard near Beng Mealea temple, 65 kilometres from Siem Reap.
COOKING SCHOOL
Committed to sharing Cambodia’s culinary heritage, Sothea and his chefs offer cooking classes at the Lum Orng Cooking School opposite the restaurant. The culinary experience includes a tour of the gardens to learn about Cambodian produce and pick ingredients for your class, and hands-on cooking lessons in making dishes from the Lum Orng menu.
RESERVATIONS
Lum Orng farm-to-table restaurant is open daily for lunch from 12noon to 2pm and dinner from 6pm to 10pm. Reservations are essential due to our sustainable goal of reducing food waste, and our location, a 15 minute drive or 4.5 kms from Siem Reap centre, in Thlok Andong village on the city’s outskirts.
CHEF’S TABLE
Launching January 2024. Be the first to taste new dishes Chef Sothea is developing before they go on the menu at his exclusive Chef’s Table in a private dining room at Lum Orng restaurant. Chat to the chef as he cooks you his creative Chef’s Tasting Menu during this omakase-inspired gastronomic experience. Reserve now – only 8 seats per sitting.
MEALEA BEYOND DINING
Enjoy a private meal prepared by Chef Sothea or his team in a traditional wooden house on the chef’s organic farm near beautiful 12th century Beng Mealea. Every dining experience is customized and can include everything from countryside activities – fishing or fruit-picking? – to cultural performances by local musicians or shadow puppeteers. Book a min. 24 hours in advance.