From Sora to Milan: Phirun Lek puts Cambodian cocktails on the global stage

Rosewood Phnom Penh proudly announces that Phirun Lek, lead bartender at Sora, has been crowned Cambodia’s Number One Campari Ambassador, earning the opportunity to compete on the international stage in Milan, Italy, on January 21–22, 2026. This recognition not only celebrates Phirun’s exceptional talent but also positions Sora and Cambodia on the global bartending map.

Phirun’s journey is a story of passion, dedication, and rapid growth. Beginning his hospitality career as a waiter in Siem Reap, he quickly discovered a love for mixology while assisting behind the bar. Within just three months at Sora, Phirun’s dedication elevated him from bar back to full-fledged bartender, where his innovative approach and respect for storytelling through cocktails truly shone. His creations often blend personal narratives, from his love of football to incorporating Cambodia’s rich produce, such as the nation’s cherished bananas.

The Campari Ambassador competition is one of the most prestigious platforms in the cocktail world, challenging participants to showcase creativity, technical skill, and the ability to craft memorable experiences in a globally recognized format. Phirun’s win is a significant milestone for Cambodian bartending, demonstrating that local talent can compete and excel on the international stage.

Following the Milan finals, Phirun will continue his international journey with a guest bartender shift at Rosewood Munich on January 24–25, 2026, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience his artistry and the signature Sora touch abroad.

“Phirun’s achievement is a testament to his skill, creativity, and dedication,” said Daniel Simon, Managing Director at Rosewood Phnom Penh. “His success is not only a personal triumph but a moment of pride for Rosewood Phnom Penh. Through Phirun, the world will experience the innovation, passion, and warmth that define Sora and Cambodian heritage.”

Phirun hopes his journey will inspire bartenders in Cambodia to embrace the craft, compete internationally, and share the rich flavors and stories of their homeland with the world. Drawing inspiration from Num Ansom, a traditional Cambodian cake deeply rooted in Khmer heritage since the time of the Khmer Empire, the cocktail tells a story of culture, devotion, and identity. Long associated with Hindu and Buddhist rituals and celebrated during Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben, Num Ansom serves as both a symbolic and sensory foundation for the drink. Built upon the classic Negroni framework, the cocktail bridges tradition with modern mixology: coconut fat-washed gin lends a silky, rounded texture reminiscent of the cake’s creamy richness, sweet jackfruit vermouth adds depth and warmth, while Campari introduces a refined bitterness that brings balance to the composition. Created for an international cocktail competition, the drink reflects Phirun’s passion for expressing his personal heritage on a global stage. “Cocktails allow me to tell stories beyond the glass,” said Phirun Lek. “This creation is my way of sharing Cambodian culture and the flavors that define who I am, while honoring tradition through a modern lens.”