Lifestyle
Updated 2026-08-02 5 min
In short
- ●New Leaf has run as a social enterprise since 2013, with more than 1,000 Google reviews at 4.8/5.
- ●Strengths: Khmer and international plates, extensive vegetarian and vegan options, a bookshop and library in the room.
- ●Good to know: 20% of profits go to education projects and 15% is shared with the Khmer team — over $57,000 donated to date.
- ●Verdict: the social enterprise that convinced National Geographic and Condé Nast, and still serves the best fish and chips in town.
4.8/5
Google rating
1,000+
Google reviews
2013
Since
$57,000+ to education
Donated
At a Glance
- Type: Social enterprise eatery, Khmer and international menu.
- Since: 2013, in central Siem Reap.
- Kitchen: Fish and chips, meat pies, fish amok, and a large vegetarian and vegan section.
- Google rating: 4.8/5 across more than 1,000 reviews.
- Model: 20% of profits to local education projects, 15% shared with the Khmer staff.
Strengths
- The split is public and precise. A fifth of profits to education, a further 15% to the team, more than $57,000 donated since 2013. Numbers, not slogans.
- Comfort food that lands. Fish and chips and meat pies are what reviewers order, and the fish amok gets named as superb.
- Vegetarians and vegans are properly served. An extensive section rather than two adapted dishes.
- An environmental record with substance. Among the first in Siem Reap to move to biodegradable takeaway containers, bamboo straws and recycled glassware.
- Outside recognition. National Geographic Travel and Condé Nast Traveler have both featured it — rare for a restaurant at this price.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Central, so busy. The location that makes it convenient also fills it at peak hours.
- A café as much as a restaurant. The bookshop and library corner is part of the appeal — and means people linger.
- Not a Khmer specialist. The menu is deliberately mixed; for a purely Cambodian meal, look elsewhere.
Who It's For
New Leaf suits diners who want the meal and the mission in the same bill.
- Travellers choosing social enterprises: among the most transparent in Cambodia.
- Vegetarians and vegans: a genuine section of the menu.
- Homesick expats: fish and chips, meat pies, a proper English breakfast.
- Readers: the bookshop makes it a place to stay rather than pass through.
Practical Info
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Area | Central Siem Reap |
| Google rating | 4.8/5 — 1,000+ reviews |
| Price range | $$ |
| Signature plates | Fish and chips, meat pies, fish amok |
| Giving | 20% of profits to education, 15% to staff |
| Extras | Bookshop and library on site |
Verdict
New Leaf publishes what it gives away, down to the dollar. Thirteen years and $57,000 later, the claim holds up — and so does the fish and chips.
It is the easiest recommendation in this list: you will eat well, and you will know exactly what your bill did.
Frequently asked questions
What does New Leaf do with its profits?
20% goes to local education projects and 15% is shared with the Khmer staff. More than $57,000 has been donated since 2013.
Is New Leaf vegetarian-friendly?
Yes — the menu carries an extensive vegetarian and vegan section alongside the Khmer and international dishes.
What should I order?
Fish and chips and the meat pies are the signatures; the fish amok is the Khmer dish reviewers single out.
Is there really a bookshop?
Yes, a bookshop and library corner shares the room, which is part of why people stay.
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Published by
Siem Reap Hub
The community guide for expats and travelers in Siem Reap, Cambodia