Welcome to the People’s Socialist Party of Wong

Step back in time and have a drink or three in a setting that takes you to the 1920s. Step into Miss Wong in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Sure, a pint of beer at 50 cents is ridiculously cheap on Pub Street in Siem Reap. And that means, a few pints and hours later, you are still sitting on the same seat, in the same bar you have chosen to make your preferred spot for the day, or evening.

But it’s not every evening that you can tolerate doing the same thing, only changing the bar depending on the price of beer.

If, for some unforeseen reason, you suddenly tire of the cheap beers, bright lights, loud music and crowds of tourists looking for a good deal on their drinks and food, then why not do something totally different. Why not choose to relax in a setting that transports you back in time.

Miss Wong is an intimate cocktail lounge, down a small lane off Pub Street. Taking its inspiration from the speakeasies of the 1920s, this vintage Shanghai themed lounge beckons you with its red lantern that dangles tantalisingly from the doorway in that narrow alley.

Depending on how crowded it is, and it can be that way most evenings, you can choose to be seated outdoors or indoors. Not that it should matter, as the vibe is good wherever you sit. As you look at the interiors, you are struck by the number of antiques all over, on the walls, across the bar, or leading to the washrooms. Each have been meticulously chosen to reflect the overall mood and feel of the place.

Once you have settled down, go through the menu and decide what’s going to be your poison for the night. While you may have heard of some, or all the cocktails – Moscow Mule or Caipiroska – what makes each of them surprisingly unique is that the bartenders have reimagined them creatively, with local infusions to add an extra punch. Spiced Bloody Mary, anyone?

If cocktails aren’t your thing, they have an excellent choice of wines too, either by the glass or bottle. Then later, if you feel like a nibble, why not order for any of their authentic Asian snacks. Choose from the pork sliders and duck pancakes, or dim sums, vegetarian spring rolls and more.

I should state though that this place is not cheap. After having paid 50 cents for each pint of beer on Pub Street, paying upwards of US $ 4.50 for each of their signature cocktails can bite. And talking of bites, the prices for snacks start from US $ 4.50 per serving. Not that it would make a difference, as, by the end of the evening, you will be in high spirits. For a unique, one-off experience, I would recommend Miss Wong.

On a side note, I have always wondered why, while most of the bars charge you 50 cents, there are still a few that will charge you a dollar for that same pint. Never made sense to me. But heck, I was out for the cheap beers, remember!

Miss Wong Cocktail Bar is in House 2, an alley off Pub Street. It’s just about five minutes from the night market. If you can’t figure it out, I suggest you keep referring to Google maps, or ask around. Everyone knows of the place.