Cambodian Restaurant sales dip 80 percent since 2019
Cambodian Restaurant sales dip 80 percent since 2019 in a sign from above that we should all be eating out much more.
According to the Star Online and various other local outlets, restaurant sales in Cambodia have dropped a whopping 80 percent since the virus came along and kicked the life out of the economy.
To read about when Cambodia was “normal” click here.
According to the Cambodian Restaurant Association (CRA) — the trade body that looks after restaurants within the Kingdom — sales dropped 50 percent in 2020 over 2019 and now 60 percent since 2020. This equals 80 percent over 2019-2021, which we have consulted a mathematician about.
Why have Cambodian restaurant sales dipped?
Many reasons were given, the most popular being the decrease in tourism — which is now almost non-existent — and the various rules related to past lock downs in the country which have also changed peoples’ eating habits.
While the burgeoning delivery app service sector in Phnom Penh has certainly helped many restaurants stay afloat, it has also meant many locals and barang alike shifting focus from restaurant food to good old-fashioned home cooking.
Street food is thriving – kinda
The CRA did note that food vendors and fast-food joints have thrived to an extent due to smaller staffs and their ability to adapt during the pandemic.
And the alcohol ban?
Although they were not mentioned in the report, bars have suffered the most. The on-again/off-again alcohol ban has meant that establishments that do not serve food have had to survive with zero income. This has meant many a favorite haunt, such as the FCC and even the Flicks closing during this period.
Speaking to Khmer Nights, Hoonie Lim, who co-owns Margarita Cocktail Bar, said: “During the alcohol ban we have still had to pay rent and cover other expenses, so it has been really hard”.
Liam Elliot of Ruby’s added “We are lucky because we have Brooklyn Pizza and Bistro, but having to close the bar has been tough”
Step out of your comfort zone!
With the alcohol ban hopefully ending tomorrow, the best thing we can all do is go out eat, drink, be merry and support struggling bars and restauranteurs. We should though also step out of our comfort zones and try other places. We all have a our favorite places, but if there was ever a time to spread the money around a little, that time is now.
And Khmer Nights will be here to help point you in the right direction!
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Author: Adam Reeves
An avid traveler and telecommunications expert, Adam has explored over 25 countries, immersing himself in their cultures to discover the best they offer. His passion for connecting people extends from his professional life to his adventures abroad.
