Apsara dance is a Khmer classical dance and is a big part of the culture of Cambodia. The dance is particularly inspired by the thousand Apsara statues in Angkor Wat. Apsara means celestial nymph or maiden and is considered very beautiful and filled with supernatural abilities.
Apsaras carved in stone at the entrance arch of Bayon Temple in Angkor.
The Apsara dance itself is performed by women with graceful and sinuous or intricate curves and turn gestures. This dance is highly revered and was performed in the past only for the king and his court. Fast forward to today, Apsara dances are found in most theaters and restaurants in Cambodia for everyone to enjoy.
Apsara Dance at Koulen II Restaurant in Siem Reap
Most upscale restaurants offer a buffet dinner to go with the performance. Fantastic tandem…dinner and entertainment! Food ranges from Khmer to Vietnamese to Thai to Chinese to Japanese and a few European and American. I fervently wish that one day, a true Filipino dish or two will make it to the spread.
Here are a few that stood out for moi…..
Duo of fresh and deep fried spring rolls
Dublin fish and mushroom
A lovely Tom Yum Po Taek (mixed seafood and mushrooms) bursting with hot and sour flavors, generously laden with fragrant herbs was had twice by TBW! Lemon grass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, lime juice and cilantro were very much represented in taste. One of the best ever. Was so engrossed with the taste that I forgot to take a photo. O well….most of us know how a regular tom yum looks. Just imagine one with shrimps, fish, squid and several types of mushrooms, with all the herbs floating on top.
Savory beef salad, Khmer style. Spicy and a good mix of sliced beef and crunchy vegetables like turnips, carrots, etc.
A very good chicken amok. This one was prepared with a consistency similar to a cross between a savory souffle & a cake.
Grill station. There were several other stations for fried noodles, noodles with soup, fried vegetables, etc.
Sliced squash with custard filling
A very interesting and tasty jack seed cake. Jack fruit seeds made into a cake paste consistency.
Basil seeds with sugar and milk. A super find and is actually good....textures and tastes commingling for that ummph =) When soaked in water, the seeds of basil become gelatinous, and are used in Asian drinks and desserts. They look like tiny gelatin lumps with black centers.
Another feast for the senses!
The Butcher's Wifey 
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