Lotus Dosa Corner Indian Restaurant - தமிழர் உணவகம் / Tamil Food — Restaurant in Siem Reap

Lotus Dosa Corner, tucked away in the vibrant heart of Siem Reap, embodies a culinary gem set ablaze with flavors reminiscent of South India's sunny shores and the added magic of Cambodian craftsmanship. The soul of this humble abode lies in the warm hands of Gnanasekaran, Thamarai, and Gokul, a trinity of owners who not only serve dishes but curate experiences that resonate deeply with the affectionate spirit of both Indian and Cambodian heritages.

Upon entering, I was greeted with entrancing smiles from the Cambodian hospitability crew, girls with hearts as endearing as their homeland's famous temples, orchestrating a symphony of service that's both attentive and gracious. The Cambodian chefs, in perfect harmony, stand as testaments to the successful cross-cultural culinary exchange, having mastered the complexity of South Indian cuisine with a finesse that is nothing short of remarkable.

One cannot articulate the Lotus experience without singing praises of the Lemon Rice—a zesty revelation that dances on the palate, delicately punctuated with mustard seeds and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon. The Mint Rice comes as a refreshing contrast, whereas the Curry Leaf Rice paired with pickles and Appalam transform the simple into the divine. Each grain of rice carries with it stories from afar, united harmoniously on a single platter.

The Masala Tea carries the perfect blend of spices, a warm hug in a cup, while the Masala Papad adds a delightful crunch to the spread. Lotus's Kerala Parotta, flaky and buttery, is the perfect vessel to scoop up the rich Pepper Chicken Masala, which surprises with every bite as the heat, spice, and savoriness unfold in a meticulous dance. The Chicken Soup is a nurturing concoction, promising to heal more than just hunger, and the Biryani, with its aromatic depths, is a triumph of textures and tastes worthy of a ceremonious feast.

Gnanasekaran's gesture of arranging tour packages for my companions and me was the ribbon on the gift that Lotus Dosa Corner truly is. With his inside knowledge, we were able to immerse ourselves in the enchanting allure of Siem Reap, with day trips that added layers of cultural understanding to our savory escapades at the restaurant.

Such was the allure of Lotus that it became my culinary home during my five days of exploration - a testament to the connection forged over 10 shared meals. Each visit reaffirmed the sheer dedication to quality and service, a comforting constant in a land foreign to my own.

Thus, Lotus Dosa Corner stands not merely as a restaurant but as a beacon of hospitality that bridges cultures, serving generosity on a platter and warmth in a cup. The memory of its culinary caress lingers long after the last morsel is relished, urging a return, promising that, like the lotus, it will be there—serene and welcoming—in the hustle...

Tucked away near Siem Reap’s lively Pub Street, Lotus Dosa Corner is a delightful little gem that brings the authentic flavors of Tamil Nadu to Cambodia. For anyone craving South Indian food or simply wanting to explore something beyond the usual Asian fare, this place is a wonderful discovery. It’s easy to find, just a short walk from the main street but what makes it special is not just its location, but the warmth and flavor that greet you as soon as you step inside.

The food here is genuinely good and simple, comforting, and full of the kind of authenticity that only comes from people who truly understand their cuisine. The dosas, of course, are the highlight. Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, they come with a trio of chutneys and a nicely spiced sambar that instantly transport you to South India. The masala dosa is the crowd favorite, filled with perfectly seasoned potatoes. The idlis are soft and fluffy, and the vadas have that satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with hot filter coffee or masala chai. You’ll also find other Tamil staples like pongal, uttapam, and thali meals, each prepared with care and consistency.

Price wise, Lotus Dosa Corner is quite reasonable for Siem Reap, especially given its central location. However, if I’m being honest, it could be a touch more affordable. The portions are fair, and the quality is definitely worth it, but slightly lower prices would make it even more inviting for regular visits. Still, for the quality and authenticity of the food, it’s hard to complain too much.

The ambiance is modest and functional, which suits the spirit of a South Indian eatery. There are actually two entrances and two dining halls, but most of the time, only the smaller section near the reception is open. This can make the place feel a bit cramped, especially during busy hours. It would be wonderful if they opened up the larger space more often after all, good food deserves a little more breathing room.

The staff are polite and helpful, and there’s an unpretentious charm to the whole experience. You get the feeling that the focus here is on good food and genuine hospitality rather than fancy decor or marketing gimmicks.

All in all, Lotus Dosa Corner is a must-visit spot in Siem Reap if you’re looking for delicious Tamil cuisine made with heart. With a bit more space and slightly adjusted pricing, it could easily become the go to Indian restaurant in town. As it stands, it’s already one of those places you leave with a happy stomach and a warm...

Having been to Siem Reap several times already and as lovers of Indian food, I don't quite understand how we've not come across this restaurant before. But yesterday, whilst walking around during the day, we spotted the place then read the reviews and decided we had to try it that very evening. We were pleased to see on arrival that the restaurant was nicely full (always a good sign) and on entering we found the atmosphere immediately appealing. We were invited to take our seats and a very pleasant, smiling lady came up and welcomed us, handing us our menus. We took our time browsing through the extensive choice of dishes on offer and were pleased to see all our favourites on offer and the presentation of each fish helpfully illustrated in the accompanying photos. We ordered Lamb Bhuna and Lamb Jalfrezi and a cauliflower bhaji, with a single portion of basmati rice as an accompaniment, plus the customary two Singha beers. Our drinks arrived very shortly afterwards, together with two small bottles of highly chilled water, which were complimentary (nice touch), followed after about 5 mins by our eagerly awaited curry dishes. Without further ado we started to tuck into our food and both of us immediately made those approving vocalisations people often make (well, we do anyway!) when a mouthful of food is particularly delicious. The lamb was melt-in-the-mouth tender and the spicing in the sauce (perfect consistency) was perfect. Even the cauliflower in the bhaji was cooked to just the right degree of bite, without a trace of mushiness. Portion sizes were more than adequate and by the time we had finished our meal and downed our beers, we felt completely satisfied and replete. Having tried various other Indian restaurants in Siem Reap, I have no hesitation in declaring Lotus Dosa Corner to be without doubt the best I have come across to date. But having had such a great meal there last night, I feel rather disinclined to look elsewhere and instead shall definitely be paying a return visit to Lotus Dosa to sample some of their other dishes, the friendly and pleasant atmosphere of the place and the excellent service from, amongst others, the owner himself who took the trouble to come to our table at the end of our meal to greet us personally and to thank us...