Huyly Lim – Founder, Infusion Bar Siem Reap
In this interview, Huyly Lim, founder of Infusion Bar in Siem Reap, shares a little about the bar scene in the city and future plans.
What do you do?
I’m Ly, the owner and current manager of Infusion Bar. I oversee the day-to-day operations and ensure our guests have a memorable experience.
How did you get into the industry?
I’ve been in this industry for about 13 years. It started when my wife and I opened a restaurant, and later, we expanded our venture by establishing the Ratanakiri-Boutique Hotel.
Share with us a story from behind the scenes.
During the early days before opening, I was uncertain about the cocktail themes. I ended up testing every cocktail and recipe myself because I didn’t know many people in Siem Reap. It was a few weeks of tasting and refining the menu from afternoon till late.
What food memory from your childhood or travels stands out?
A standout memory is from my teenage years when I visited a restaurant in Deauville with my parents. I had a steak with a unique mushroom sauce that completely transformed the dish. It made a lasting impression on me, and I aspired to create memorable experiences through flavours in my own venture.
What’s the best/worst part of your job?
The best part is the creative process—experimenting with flavours and combinations that aren’t immediately obvious. Seeing guests enjoy and be surprised by their drinks is incredibly rewarding.
The worst part is the late hours, which can make it challenging to maintain a balanced family life.
What’s one of Huyly Lim’s favourite food and beverage pairings?
A classic French combination of red wine, charcuterie, and cheese is my favourite. It’s simple yet sophisticated.
What’s one of the most impactful things you’ve observed behind the scenes?
One aspect that stands out is our ability to significantly influence the mood and experience of our guests during an event. This can range from altering the music, adjusting the cocktail profiles, and offering shots to even hosting themed costume events. We can create an environment that encourages easy interaction among guests, should they choose to engage with one another.
The perfect day off would be…
relaxing and recharging—enjoying fresh air, reading a book, and spending time with my family.
What does Huyly Lim do for fun?
I like to explore new places with my kids, try out new restaurants, visit the library, and simply enjoy some downtime at home. We also make it a point to travel around the country every few months.
What’s something you’d like guests to know about Infusion Bar?
At Infusion Bar, we’re deeply committed to providing a great experience. We focus on crafting exceptional cocktails and fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
How have you grown in your profession?
Given that we’ve only been operating for nine months, it’s a bit early to reflect on significant growth, but improving our communication has been a key development for us.
What have you learned from your start in the industry until now?
Innovation and continuous improvement are crucial, especially since our location is outside the centre of Siem Reap. We’ve learned that being a destination spot requires us to constantly offer new and exciting reasons for people to visit.
What’s your view on the cocktail scene in Siem Reap?
Although Siem Reap has a vibrant bar scene, the concept of cocktail bars is still relatively new. There’s a lot of potential to educate and attract guests interested in unique drink experiences.
What practices do you currently implement or hope to implement to work towards social responsibility and sustainability in the future?
We’ve already incorporated several sustainable practices, such as partnering with eco-conscious suppliers and planning to use solar energy. Our future plans include further enhancing our menu with sustainable food options and continuing to innovate to reduce our environmental impact.
What can guests anticipate in the near future?
In the upcoming months, we will introduce a new food menu. We are meticulously pairing this menu with our cocktails to enhance the overall experience.
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