Travancore Indian Restaurant — Restaurant in Siem Reap

BAD SERVICE BRIAN STRIKES AGAIN

I had been my saving my first Indian cuisine experience in Cambodia for Travancore, after hearing so many raving reviews. Three months later I caved in due to craving butter chicken.

Unfortunately my experience was ruined by an individual staff member called Brian (who is not the actual owner as stated in previous reviews, the owner is great!). I came for a peaceful lunch but instead I was pestered and stared at by the constantly watching Brian. Fortunately it takes a lot for me to feel uncomfortable, if anything I found his customer service so bad it was comical.

The food itself was extremely tasty, although due to the mentioned member of staff, I found out it was apparently reheated and that "I should come at dinner for freshly cooked as it's much better..." The price was also very steep, hence saving it for a special experience. Travellers and expats alike will have to justify the price. Overall the food was very nice and filling, I chose to ignore Brian's comments.

Brian even decided my drink without asking because "he knows best." I asked for an ice coffee and he said it's all instant coffee and that I'd like a sweet lassi, he then took away the drinks menu. Luckily for him I often ask for recommendations, I am also not allergic to lactose.

I tried to listen to my music but was routinely interrupted by Brian. At first i thought he was friendly and service orientated, but then he started to try and make me order multiple starters and even bring home a meal for my partner?! He actually stopped the small talk interaction abruptly to try and sell more food...

A few more interactions later, Brian mentioned he had been here for nearly 3 months which is the same as myself. Brian then told me he didn't actually like Cambodia and preferred "Dubai, etc." But was too old so stuck here not by choice but due to easily accessible visas. Great chat Brian, thanks for telling me the country Ive decided to live in that it's not very good whilst I was eating my meal 👍😂 if you don't like it, at least keep it you yourself or pre/post meal.

I eventually had enough and watched something on my phone, cutting him off. Brian then started pacing back and forth in front of me, watching me eat and trying to see what I was watching. It was truly surreal! I don't think he means to give off intimidating energy, I just also don't think he knows how to be front of house or even waiting staff either.

At the end Brian kept mentioning to me to leave a review and specifically mention him... "BRIAN"... I said I usually leave a Google review and his face lit up. I don't usually go into so much detail, especially if not needed. But I specifically wanted to share my whole (literally) jaw dropping lunch time experience thanks to Brian. just as Brian so desperately wanted me too 👍

I did have the pleasure of meeting the owner (not Brian!) who was lovely, passionate and endearing about his restaurant, customers and Cambodia overall. He saved this review last minute from a very low rating. Hopefully he manages to either get Brian some training on mannerism, demoted or replaced after seeing this is a reoccurring issue in many recent reviews. The predominantly low scoring issue from all the reviews, is all thanks to one individual's attitude and service skills... Which are yet...

Really exceptional customer service and food. Was hosted by Mr Trilock himself and my cousin and I were extremely grateful for the service. Mr Trilock is also very knowledgeable, which made it even more enjoyable to converse with him.

I had the Aloo Jeera and my cousin has the Chicken Jafreezi, really cannot complain. My cousin stated that it is the best Indian she has had in South East Asia and I would agree it's the best in Cambodia thus far. The portion sizes were really good as well, even more so for Cambodia and South East Asia, where we have been accustomed to a bit smaller portion sizes. So I must say we were full when we left, most importantly.

The setting is really nice, great air setting too - which isn't too cold and not too warm. Lovely lighting, clean cutlery, plates, glasses etc and overall clean restaurant. Would highly recommend!

Lastly, many VEGAN options which is amazing and...

Had a great meal here on one of our last nights in Cambodia, Brian particulally was very chatty and friendly but all of the team here are lovely friendly people. Had not tried Onion Pakoras before and they were delicious : ) We had two veggie main dishes and 2 garlic Naans.. all very yummy with a decent amount of flavour and spice and we were both very full afterwards. Would highly recommend if you fancy an Indian, this one is great and it is just off Pub street so not too noisy if you want to chat but equally great location with a 1 minute walk to end the night on pub street or at the Night market as we did 😁😁 P.s. I recommend the masala tea too (chia tea/ginger milk tea) it goes really well along side a curry if you are not...