For nearly 30 years, Thalias Hospitality has contributed to Cambodia's renown through its iconic restaurants, hotels, and commitment to Khmer gastronomy.
Cambodia has experienced a true gastronomic renaissance in recent years. While many chefs and artisans contribute to this movement, certain groups have played a decisive role in this evolution.
Among them, Thalias Hospitality has established itself as one of the main ambassadors of Cambodian hospitality. Through its restaurants, hotels, and numerous projects, the group has been contributing for almost three decades to promoting Khmer culinary heritage while meeting international standards of haute cuisine.
Today, Thalias Hospitality is much more than a restaurant group: it has become an essential reference for anyone wishing to discover Cambodia through its cuisine, its art of hospitality, and its creativity.
What is Thalias Hospitality?
Founded in 1997 in Phnom Penh, Thalias Hospitality is a Cambodian group specializing in gourmet dining, hotels, artisanal bakeries, high-end catering, and event planning.
Over the years, it has become one of the major players in the hospitality sector in Cambodia.
The group now brings together several emblematic establishments that welcome both Cambodian and international clientele.
Its ambition is clear: to offer an experience where the quality of cuisine, service, and Cambodian identity occupy a central place.
An adventure born of passion
The history of Thalias is closely linked to that of its co-founder Arnaud Darc.
Arriving in Cambodia in 1994, when the country was gradually rebuilding itself, he quickly recognized the kingdom's potential in the fields of gastronomy and tourism.
In 1997, he participated in the creation of Topaz, before gradually developing a true hospitality group around a simple idea: to promote Cambodia while offering an experience of excellence inspired by the best international standards.
Even today, this vision continues to guide the group's development.
Establishments that have become benchmarks
Over the years, Thalias Hospitality has developed several concepts that are among the most renowned in the country.
Topaz: the excellence of French gastronomy
Topaz is today considered one of the best gourmet restaurants in Phnom Penh.
Renowned for its refined French cuisine, it regularly hosts Michelin-starred chefs who come to share their expertise with local teams.
Beyond its culinary offerings, Topaz also plays an important role in training young Cambodian chefs and in transmitting international gastronomic techniques.
Malis: restoring Khmer cuisine to its former glory
If there is one establishment that perfectly embodies the philosophy of Thalias, it is undoubtedly Malis.
Created with the ambition of bringing Cambodian cuisine back to the forefront, Malis revisits traditional recipes with a modern gastronomic approach.
Far from transforming Khmer cuisine, the restaurant primarily seeks to enhance it, highlighting local products, historical recipes, and the kingdom's culinary heritage.
Today, Malis is often considered one of the best places to discover contemporary Cambodian gastronomy.
Khéma: the French art of living
With Khéma, Thalias offers a more accessible approach to gastronomy.
Bakery, pastry, café, and bistro meet in a friendly atmosphere where French influences interact with Cambodian customs.
Arunreas Hotel
The group is also present in the hotel industry with Arunreas Hotel, a boutique hotel located in Phnom Penh.
The establishment emphasizes elegant hospitality inspired by Cambodian culture, while offering high-end services to an international clientele.
A philosophy focused on transmission
One of the strengths of Thalias Hospitality lies in its investment in training.
Since its creation, the group has supported many young Cambodians by enabling them to develop skills in the fields of:
- cuisine;
- pastry;
- hotel management;
- table service;
- reception.
This commitment to transmission contributes to the emergence of a new generation of hospitality professionals in Cambodia.
Promoting Khmer cuisine
Beyond its establishments, Thalias actively participates in promoting Cambodian gastronomy.
The group regularly takes part in culinary events, hosts international chefs, and highlights Cambodian local products.
This approach helps to strengthen the visibility of Khmer cuisine among an international audience and to demonstrate that it fully deserves its place among the great cuisines of Southeast Asia.
The inspiring journey of Chef Sao Sopheak
This desire to promote Cambodian talent is also reflected in the journey of Chef Sao Sopheak.
After several notable experiences in restaurants, he joined Thalias Hospitality as Executive Chef, where he notably participates in the gastronomic development of Malis Siem Reap.
His cuisine is based on a strong idea: to respect traditional Khmer recipes while enhancing them through contemporary gastronomy techniques.
His talent earned him several international awards, including victory at the first Private Chef World Cup organized in Paris in 2025, during the International Gastronomy Village.
We have dedicated a complete article to his journey and his vision of modern Cambodian cuisine, available on the TEVOA blog: “Sao Sopheak: the ambassador of modern Khmer cuisine”.
A key player in Cambodia's international standing
Beyond its restaurants, Thalias Hospitality participates in numerous projects that highlight Cambodia.
The group regularly supports:
- local products;
- Cambodian producers;
- gastronomic events;
- international culinary exchanges.
This involvement helps to strengthen Cambodia's image as an emerging gastronomic destination.
Conclusion
In nearly thirty years, Thalias Hospitality has become much more than a hotel and restaurant group.
Through emblematic establishments such as Topaz, Malis, Khéma, and Arunreas Hotel, it has contributed to transforming the perception of Cambodian gastronomy and to training a new generation of professionals.
By promoting local products, supporting talents like Chef Sao Sopheak, and fostering dialogue between tradition and innovation, Thalias actively contributes to Cambodia's international standing.
Its history perfectly illustrates a dynamic now found in many sectors of the kingdom: preserving cultural heritage while building a future focused on excellence and openness to the world.