Serei Saophoan Upside-Down Tea: Drinking Tea Like the People of Serei Saophoan

Serei Saophoan Upside-Down Tea: Drinking Tea Like the People of Serei Saophoan

When it comes to travel experiences that mr.hotsia enjoys the most, besides food, it is immersing myself in the local way of life firsthand. One of the impressions I encountered in Banteay Meanchey Province, Cambodia, is the "Upside-Down Tea" tradition of Serei Saophoan city, which is the capital of this province.

Serei Saophoan is a city of considerable interest. Although it is a transit town for travelers journeying from Poipet to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, the simplicity of local life and culture here still preserves the warmth and charm of a small community worth exploring.Serei Saophoan City, Banteay Meanchey ProvinceIt is a city I have passed through many times, and each time there are new stories to tell.

One morning, after stopping to eat fried chicken rice and fried pork at a shop beside the morning market in Serei Saophoan (which Thai travelers might find familiar because the taste is similar to home), I witnessed a tea serving method that amazed me because I had never seen it anywhere else. This is the "Upside-Down Tea."

What is Upside-Down Tea? Why does it look unusual?

Upside-Down Tea is a tea drinking method I learned directly from the people of Serei Saophoan. The tea shop in front of the market in this city is where I observed people enthusiastically sipping tea. Though it is a simple shop, the atmosphere is lively. For those who have never seen this method before, it might be confusing why the tea is served in an inverted glass.

The way the people of Serei Saophoan drink upside-down tea is by placing a small tea glass upside down on a saucer, then slowly lifting the edge of the glass to let the tea drip through the tea leaves. Then, they drink the tea from the saucer instead of directly from the glass. This requires skill and care because only a small amount of tea drips out, but it is a method the locals are familiar with and proud to preserve as a traditional practice.

I was fortunate to have a local from Serei Saophoan demonstrate this tea drinking method in detail, which helped me understand and try it myself in an authentic local atmosphere. It was a wonderful and very different experience from ordinary tea drinking.

Atmosphere and Way of Life Around Serei Saophoan Market

Serei Saophoan Market is the community center where I, as a traveler, enjoy strolling in the morning. Here, there are fresh produce, ready-to-eat foods, and many local snacks to try. Imagine walking past a fried chicken rice stall with the aroma of fried garlic and a special dipping sauce mixed with Khmer conversations interspersed with Thai words, as many locals here speak Thai due to historical ties and close relations with Thailand.

Serei Saophoan MarketIt is like the heart of the city, allowing me to see the blend of two cultures clearly here. Of course, tasting upside-down tea at a shop by the market completes the authentic local experience.

Why Visit Serei Saophoan? More Than Just a Transit City

Many may know Banteay Meanchey Province from Poipet, famous for its casinos and as a gateway to Siem Reap. But if you have the chance, try visiting Serei Saophoan. This city has a quiet charm with few Thai tourists and is suitable for those wanting to experience Cambodian culture more deeply.

Besides local markets and restaurants with flavors similar to home, there are also affordable accommodations and convenient travel connections to other provinces in Cambodia.Hotels in Serei Saophoan CityThere are not many options, but they are sufficient for travelers seeking basic comfort.

Connecting Experiences with Cambodia Routes

From Serei Saophoan, you can continue to Poipet to experience the Thai-Cambodian border atmosphere or head to Siem Reap to see Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, popular routes for international tourists. Even within Serei Saophoan itself, the way of life is interesting and worth exploring.Traveling in Banteay Meanchey ProvinceA detailed look will help you get an overview of this province and better understand its cultural diversity.

Clips and Photos from mr.hotsia

I recorded photos and videos of the upside-down tea drinking method at that time. Anyone interested in seeing the real atmosphere can follow my YouTube channel, which features several episodes about Cambodian food and culture, such as dry Khmer noodles in Kampot Province or roast duck in Phnom Penh. These help complete the picture of Cambodia’s diverse food and lifestyle.

If you are planning a trip to Cambodia, don’t forget to stop by and try the upside-down tea in Serei Saophoan. I guarantee this experience will leave a lasting impression.