Siem Reap: Sombai Liqueur Tasting & Workshop with Local Art

Summary

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You’ll step into a traditional Khmer house in Siem Reap for a guided Sombai liqueur tasting—sampling 11 unique flavors plus three boozy jams. You’ll meet local artists through their hand-painted bottles and snack on Cambodian treats as you learn how each blend is made. Expect laughter, new tastes, and moments that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what Cambodian rice wine mixed with Mauritian recipes actually tastes like? I didn’t either, not until we ducked into this old wooden house just outside the main bustle of Siem Reap. The air was sticky and sweet—lemongrass and something else I couldn’t name right away. Our guide, Dara, grinned when I wrinkled my nose. “That’s the galangal,” he said, waving us toward shelves stacked with bottles painted by young artists from around here. Some of the designs looked almost too pretty to open.

The Sombai liqueur tasting started slow—first a sip of lemon & lemongrass (I swear it tingled all the way up my nose), then mango & green chili, which was weirdly good. Dara kept passing little dishes—dried fruits, salty peanuts—to nibble between shots. He showed us the maceration room where they infuse everything; it smelled earthy and sharp, like wet wood after rain. My favorite was probably banana & cinnamon, though I’m still not sure if that’s because it tasted like dessert or because Li laughed so hard at my face when I tried the ginger & red chili one.

I liked how relaxed it all felt—nobody rushed us, even when we lingered over the hand-painted bottles or asked about how Sombai got started (the story involves a couple from Mauritius falling for Cambodia, which feels about right). There were three jams to try too—alcoholic ones—which sounded odd but worked somehow. The coconut & pineapple flavor was dangerously easy to drink; Dara winked and said “careful,” which made me laugh because he wasn’t wrong.

We left with sticky fingers from the jams and maybe a slight buzz (it’s possible). Walking back into Siem Reap’s heat felt different after that hour inside the Khmer house—the colors outside seemed brighter or maybe it was just me. Sometimes I still think about those painted bottles lined up in the sun near the window.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sombai workshop tour and tasting

• Visit Sombai workshop in Siem Reap
• Learn about rice wine infusion
• See maceration room with fruits and spices
• Admire hand-painted bottles by local artists
• Taste 11 Sombai liqueur flavors
• Sample 3 alcoholic jams
• Enjoy local snacks during tasting
• Discover unique souvenirs

Top questions

How many Sombai liqueur flavors do you taste?

You taste 11 different Sombai liqueur flavors during the tour.

Is there a guide during the Sombai liqueur tasting?

Yes, an English-speaking guide leads the tour. French is available on request.

Are snacks included in the tasting?

Yes, local snacks are served along with the liqueurs and jams.

Where does the tasting take place in Siem Reap?

The tasting is inside an old wooden Khmer house decorated with art by young Cambodian artists.

Can children join this Sombai workshop tour?

Children can join if accompanied by an adult; non-drinking guests are free of charge.

Are there vegetarian or non-alcoholic options?

The focus is on alcoholic liqueurs and jams; non-drinking guests can attend but won’t taste alcohol.

How long does the Sombai workshop last?

The workshop and tasting experience lasts about one hour.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the visit.

What’s included

Your visit includes a guided tour in English (French available on request), tastings of 11 distinct Sombai liqueur flavors plus three alcoholic jams, local snacks throughout your hour in a Khmer house filled with contemporary Cambodian art—and there’s no extra charge for non-drinking companions who’d like to join you for company or curiosity’s sake.