About Magnolia Restaurant

My name is Lee, and I am the Founder of Champa Restaurant, which opened inns in 2008 at No. 55 Pasteur Street, corner of Street 242.
The Magnolia building was originally constructed as a villa shortly after Cambodia gained its independence in 1953. The structure beautifully combines modern and traditional elements, embodying the distinctive architectural style popularized during that period by the renowned Cambodian architect, Vann Molyvann.
Magnolia (“Champa in Khmer language”) is the name of a flower I have always loved. To me, it symbolizes the harmony between Eastern and Western cultures. The pure white color of the Magnolia blossom represents purity, elegance, nobility, and loyalty.
Cooking has always been my greatest passion. Since childhood, the kitchen has been more than just a place to prepare food—it has been where I find joy, express love, and channel creativity. I have always believed that each dish is not merely a meal, but a bridge that connects people, evokes emotions, and brings warmth and happiness.
With the desire to share these values with the community, in 1995 I began my journey toward realizing my dream by opening my first small eatery, called Lee @ Phea Restaurant, on Pasteur Street. Starting from scratch, facing countless difficulties and challenges, I remained steadfast in my vision. Every day, I worked to perfect each dish, listened to customer feedback, and continually learned to improve the quality of our service.
In 1999, I opened my second in Siem Reap city. The Soup Dragon one of the first restaurants to open the street that later became famous as Pub Street.
After 30 years of dedication to the culinary arts—with persistence, passion, and hard work—I am proud to have achieved meaningful success in this field. What began as a small eatery has now grown into a beloved and well-known brand. This success is not only a reward for years of effort, but also a source of inspiration for me to continue striving and reaching even greater heights.