AsiaLIFE

Meaning green in Khmer, Baitong is simply a fantastic find. The large air-conditioned café-restaurant with a fresh, modern décor, serves quality food at low prices. While aimed at the growing Khmer middle class, the Khmer-British owners hope to attract some expat custom.

Opened in early 2009, the place is evidently prospering. The lunchtime crowd spills over into vacant meeting rooms, and there is not much left of the express lunch buffet by 1pm. This comes as little surprise as the daily 12pm to 2pm buffet offers a full lunch, including a drink, for a mere US$2-3.

The owners are keen on creating a community feel about the place. To this end, art by local art collective ‘The Art Rebels’ is exhibited in the adjoining Sasa Gallery. Free meeting rooms are also offered to NGOs. Baitong promotes green values by serving only organic rice, as well as selling local produce in the restaurant. There is talk of organising exhibits to raise environmental awareness in the future.

The menu at Baitong is Khmer dominated. The finger food, which doubles up as starters, is served in generous portions. The fresh spring rolls with prawns (US$2.50) are light and tasty, while the fried ones (also US$2.50) are large and not overly greasy. The crispy goujons (US$2.50), which can be ordered as meat, seafood or vegetable versions, come similarly recommended. A less ordinary choice is the crispy salad (US$2.50), featuring deep-fried noodles, dried fish, and cashew nuts. Though the fish can be slightly hard to chew, the salad comes together very well. The smooth and creamy Thai green curry (US$2.50) is equally good. Most dishes can be ordered either with chicken, pork, beef, shrimp or tofu. They can also be had as small portions for one or two persons, or large ones for three to four people. Along with the general price scheme, several decent bottles of wine are available for US$10.

Parts of the establishment are furnished in a more café-like fashion, with armchairs and sofas. You can spend your day taking advantage of the free WiFi while sipping a tea or coffee. Most hot drinks on the menu will cost you less than a dollar. On the first floor, there is also a pool table for customers use. Service is friendly and attentive, though there is room for improvement in terms of English-language skills. The non-smoking policy makes for a salubrious dining experience.

To sum up, Baitong is a steal. Fair prices make the restaurant fit the bargain bucket bill, while the cleanliness, air-con, WiFi and delicious food put it a cut above places usually covered in this section. Definitely worth a try.

Baitong 7 Street 360, Tel: 092 500 400. Open: 7am-11pm