What's Amara?

Amara is a vegan and vegetarian restaurant born from a deep connection between my heritage and my chosen home, Siem Reap. The name ‘Amara’ itself holds special significance.

In its Sanskrit roots, a word still alive in the Khmer language and as a cherished local name, ‘Amara’ (अमर) means ‘immortal’ or ‘deathless’.
I chose it to honor the enduring, resilient spirit of Khmer culture—those invaluable aspects that can never truly be lost.

Conversely, in my native Italian, ‘Amara’ translates to ‘bitter’. Far from being negative, this reflects a deeper complexity. Bitterness is a taste we often grow to appreciate with maturity, representing depth beyond simple sweetness.

For me, ‘Amara’ encapsulates both these ideas: a tribute to the undying essence of this incredible land and a celebration of the rich, complex, and mature spirit of its culture and this vibrant city. It's about a profound connection to Siem Reap.

Our Ingredients

At Amara, exceptional Cambodian produce is the star. Our fully vegan and vegetarian menu reflects this focus and our deep commitment to a zero-waste philosophy.

Drawing on our founder's pastry chef expertise, we bring a technical curiosity to our kitchen, meticulously crafting many elements in-house ‐ from vibrant ferments and probiotic drinks to our own plant milks and carefully brewed coffee.

We celebrate Cambodia's rich terroir through a creative fusion approach. Instead of replicating traditional dishes, we exalt the unique quality of local ingredients, allowing them to shine in new, exciting contexts.
This is how we honour culture: through innovation that lets the ingredients speak for themselves.

Our Commitment

At Amara, we're dedicated to making a positive impact right here in Siem Reap.

We champion local producers by sourcing ingredients directly from them and take our environmental responsibility seriously with careful waste management and transport to an eco-center.
We also invest in our fantastic team through regular team-building. Beyond our daily operations, both Amara and Amara Beer Lab actively engage with our community by fundraising for local non-profits, hosting film screenings, and providing a platform for talented local artists.

To learn more about our current projects and how we're contributing, please visit our social media channels, websites, or simply ask any of our staff.

Thanks!