Our Model and Why...
New Leaf Eatery opened in Siem Reap in 2013 with a straightforward idea: that a restaurant could operate under a different kind of financial model. One where profit wasn’t the only measure of success.
From the beginning, we committed to donating 20% of profits to educational charities in Siem Reap province and sharing 15% among our Khmer staff.
More than thirteen years later, that commitment has generated over $73,000 in donations to 18 organisations — and continues to grow with every meal served.
Why Education?
Siem Reap has welcomed tourists for over 25 years, yet widespread poverty persists across the province.
We believe education is the most powerful tool available to Cambodians working to change that. It creates better employment opportunities, helps families make more informed decisions, and — perhaps most importantly — offers genuine hope to parents who never had the chance to learn themselves.
Since 2017 we have focused our giving on two organisations doing exceptional work: SeeBeyondBorders, which transforms rural primary education by training and empowering teachers, and PEPY Empowering Youth, which connects young Cambodians with the skills, scholarships and mentorship needed to build real careers.
Together they reflect our belief that lasting change in Cambodia starts in the classroom.
How We Do Business
Donating profits is only part of the story. We are an entirely Khmer-run restaurant, and our team is treated accordingly — fair pay, health insurance, pension contributions, and a share of the profits they help create.
We source ingredients locally where possible, stock products from local artisans and social enterprises, and minimise single-use plastic throughout our operations.
These things matter to us. They also mean we donate a little less than we otherwise might — and we think that’s the right trade-off.
We try to reflect our commitment to education in the restaurant itself, not just in the cheques we write. The books on our shelves can be read here or bought second-hand.
Our wall displays connect to Cambodian stories and share something new about the country with every visitor.
The UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals are on the wall — not as decoration but as a framework we genuinely try to live by.
Our Team
New Leaf is entirely run by Khmer staff. The warmth and professionalism our visitors consistently remark on isn’t accidental — it comes directly from how we treat the people who work here. Low staff turnover, fair pay, profit sharing and genuine investment in each person’s development means our team stays, grows and cares about the work they do. Two of our longest-serving team members share what that means to them.
Channty — Kitchen Team, with New Leaf since 2013
“I didn’t think I would stay more than 10 years. But when I saw that New Leaf was special — with gluten-free, vegan food and the combination of Khmer and international cuisine — it made me want to keep learning and growing here. Every dish we serve is made with love, effort and great care.”
Sopheap – Service team since 2015
“We work together like a family here. New Leaf is not just chasing profits — it considers the community.”