Boasting possibly the best pub name in the Penh – and in triplicate – Hongster has taken up Revolution’s poisoned chalice. Craig Gerard discovers what lies behind the name.
It is rare that the same location graces these pages twice in the span of a year. But when Revolution (featured in May 2009) closed down, and the yellow canopy went up blaring “HONGSTER HONGSTER HONGSTER” it seemed worthy of our curiosity.
The venue is actually Mr. Horng Restaurant and Sports Bar, named after the manager and Cambodian partner Horng. “Hongster” is the nickname given to Horng by the Australian owner Noel Hunt. Noel regularly visited Cambodia prior to moving to Phnom Penh last year. He first met Horng four years ago, and they struck up an immediate friendship.
“I was impressed with how honest he was,” says Noel of their first encounter. Horng was able to get things done for Noel and his other barang friends. He would arrange a SIM card here, a tour guide there, always keeping things both affordable and honest.
When the property became available, Noel jumped on it. “There are no downsides to this location,” he claims, even though there are six other bars within a stone’s throw. In fact, he welcomes the competition. “You have to be better than the other guy, or you won’t make it.”
Normal pub fare is available, with delicious fish ‘n’ chips and, according to Noel, “the best chicken curry I’ve ever eaten.” Almost everything on the menu is under US$4 because good value is their top priority. The duo spent time building the balcony upstairs, to include large screen TVs showing all sorts of sports.
With US$1 draft beers all the time, a deep menu, and a resource like the Hongster, Mr. Horng Restaurant and Sports Bar may just make the grade on a block with plentiful options. Most of all, the Hongster is a laid back place where everyone is welcome. And if you still none the wiser, hongster means a male flirt apparently.
Mr. Horng Restaurant & Sports Bar, 9CEo Street 51, Tel: 012 666 796
