Phnom Penh: MORI Bistro officially celebrated its grand opening on 25 September 2026 at The Lane, One Park, introducing a new dining destination where Japanese and Korean-inspired cuisine, creative expression, and a welcoming atmosphere come together through a shared appreciation of food, art, and community.
The intimate celebration brought together over 60 distinguished guests, including industry leaders, entrepreneurs, media representatives, influencers, and models, for an evening of culinary discovery, artistic expression, and meaningful connections. The occasion featured a curated dining experience alongside a special collaboration with Phnom Penh-based contemporary artist Anya Minko, whose works brought an additional creative dimension to the celebration.
Inspired by the Japanese word “Mori”, meaning “forest”, the bistro blends contemporary interiors with a warm and inviting dining experience. Designed to transition from accessible daytime dining to a more refined evening atmosphere, MORI offers a welcoming setting for casual meals, meaningful conversations, and special gatherings.
Opening the celebration, Ms Lenen Mar Porras, Director of Sales & Marketing of Oakwood Premier Phnom Penh, welcomed guests and shared the vision behind MORI Bistro as a destination that brings together Japanese and Korean-inspired dining, art, culture, and community.
During her remarks, Ms Lenen Mar Porass shared, “MORI was created with a simple idea: to be a place that feels just as right for a casual daytime meal as it does for an evening of good food, conversation, and celebration. More than just a restaurant, we envision MORI as a place where food, art, culture, and community come together. Tonight is a wonderful reflection of that vision, as we celebrate not only the opening of MORI but also the creativity of Cambodia-based artist Ms Anya Minko, whose work adds another layer of character and inspiration to this space.”
Following the opening remarks, the celebration continued with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebratory toast with management and distinguished guests, marking the beginning of MORI’s journey as a new dining destination in Phnom Penh.
A key highlight of the evening was MORI Bistro‘s collaboration with Anya Minko, a contemporary artist based in Phnom Penh, where she has lived for over two decades. Known for her bold colours, layered textures, and intricate linework, Anya’s work explores themes of identity, human connection, and nature, with her paintings held in private collections across Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America.
Her exhibition brought a distinctive artistic energy to MORI’s contemporary dining environment. The vibrant colours and intricate details of her paintings added depth and character to the space, inviting guests to discover and connect with the stories behind each piece.
Continuing the celebration of creativity and community, Ms Anya Minko expressed her appreciation for the collaboration and the opportunity to showcase her artworks within MORI’s dining space:
“I’m so happy to be here tonight and to have my art showcased in such a beautiful space like MORI. As an artist who has lived in Cambodia for many years, I truly value the freedom to express myself and the opportunity for my work to be seen and appreciated.”
The collaboration reflects MORI’s commitment to bringing food, art, and culture together, providing a platform for creative expression while creating opportunities for guests to discover and appreciate contemporary art within the dining environment. The featured artworks are also available for purchase, allowing guests to discover and take home a piece of Anya’s artistic expression beyond their visit to MORI.
Complementing the artistic showcase, guests were invited to experience “A Taste of MORI”, a curated tasting featuring a selection of the bistro’s signature dishes and specially crafted cocktails. The experience offered a glimpse into MORI’s culinary identity, showcasing Japanese and Korean-inspired flavours through contemporary presentation in a relaxed yet refined dining environment.
Throughout the evening, guests explored the bistro’s interiors, discovered the featured artworks, and connected with fellow guests over food and drinks. The celebration reflected MORI’s vision of creating a space where dining extends beyond the table, bringing people together through shared experiences, creativity, and conversation.
Beyond everyday dining, MORI Bistro offers a flexible setting for private celebrations, corporate gatherings, and social occasions. With personalised menus, table arrangements, and setups available to suit each occasion, the bistro provides guests with opportunities to create experiences tailored to their preferences. Together, its contemporary culinary offerings, thoughtfully designed interiors, and appreciation for art and culture establish MORI Bistro as a destination for everyday dining and memorable occasions.
To extend the opening celebration and welcome guests to discover MORI Bistro, the restaurant is introducing its “Dine Today, Save on Your Next Visit” promotion, available from 26 September to 31 December 2026. First-time dine-in guests will receive a USD 15 cash voucher for their next visit and a USD 10 cash voucher for the following visit. No minimum spend is required during the initial visit to receive the vouchers, while a minimum spend of USD 30 applies to each subsequent voucher redemption. The promotion invites guests to return, explore more of MORI’s menu, and enjoy new dining experiences throughout the opening celebration period.
Following the grand opening, MORI Bistro warmly welcomes residents, families, friends, and visitors to discover its culinary offerings and the featured works of Anya Minko. Whether visiting for a casual meal, an evening with friends, or a personalised celebration, guests are invited to enjoy a dining experience where food, art, and community come together.
Photo by: Supplied
