PRESS RELEASES
The Giffard West Cup was themed "The Art of Balance" for 2024 and two bartenders from Sora drew inspiration from Cambodia’s national fruits and culinary spices, highlighting Sora’s dedication to local ingredients and sustainability.
July 11, 2024
In a showcase of talent and creativity, two bartenders from Sora at Rosewood Phnom Penh took top honors at the prestigious Giffard West Cup 2024. Phirun Lek emerged victorious, claiming first prize, while Sokla Nan secured an impressive second place. The competition, held under the theme "The Art of Balance", challenged participants to blend innovation with the essence of their daily lives.
Phirun Lek hails from Siem Reap province and reflected on his journey from waiter to award-winning bartender: "I started my career as a waiter but always found myself drawn to the artistry behind the bar. Joining Sora was pivotal for me. I honed my skills within just three months. Crafting cocktails has become my passion, driven by storytelling and creating unforgettable experiences for my guests."
Phirun’s winning cocktail was "Well-Played", drawing inspiration from his everyday life, incorporating elements of his love for football and Cambodia’s national fruit, the banana. The cocktail featured an ingenious blend of ingredients, with port and dried banana symbolizing the pre-match energy boost, while Menthe-Pastille represented the smell of the pitch and Crème de Cacao White, among others, encapsulated the post-match rituals. It resulted in a mesmerizing cocktail that impressed the judges with its creativity and flavor profile.
Sokla Nan, also from Siem Reap, shared her joy at the art of bartending: "Being behind the bar is where I find happiness in creating new signature drinks. At Sora, we embrace local ingredients and sustainability, which are values I cherish very much."
Sokla's cocktail for the competition showcased her affinity for cooking, intertwining culinary spices with mixology. "Grassy Herb" epitomized the art of balance beyond her work-life routine. Drawing inspiration from her passion for cooking, Sokla ingeniously melded culinary finesse with mixology, transforming traditional cocktail ingredients into a harmonious blend of flavor and texture. Embracing a zero-waste ethos, Sokla repurposed ingredients thoughtfully. Where most cocktails discard the egg yolk, Sokla crafted delicate tuile leaves, showcasing her culinary ingenuity. The mezcal-infused spray, derived from leftover spices, imbued the cocktail with a nuanced depth, ensuring a seamless integration that masked the presence of egg white, creating a delightfully surprising sensory experience.
Mr. KT Lam, Sora Bar Manager, expressed his pride in his team's achievements: "At Sora, we not only strive for excellence in mixology but also prioritize sustainability initiatives, aligning with global trends in zero-waste practices."
Both Phirun and Sokla offered advice to aspiring mixologists, urging them to immerse themselves fully in the industry and participate in international competitions to elevate Cambodia's presence on the global stage. Sora continues to set benchmarks in Phnom Penh's bar scene, combining creativity, local flavors and sustainability in each cocktail it crafts. The success of Phirun and Sokla at the Giffard West Cup underscores their dedication to their craft and reinforces Sora’s reputation as a beacon of excellence.
To enjoy Phirun and Sokla’s creations, visit Sora on level 37 of Rosewood Phnom Penh. For reservations or information, please call +855 23 936 888 or email phnompenh@rosewoodhotels.com
Sora is open daily from 5 p.m. to midnight, with last orders called at 11:45 p.m.
