Common Grounds Coffee & Cyber Cafe: a cup and a cause

With large posters of smiling Khmer children and signs stating, “We’re not about profit, but about people,” Common Grounds Coffee and Cyber Cafe has a bigger mission than (strong/tasty) coffee. 100% of the profits support its parent organization, People for Care and Learning (PCL), to fund empowerment programs geared toward underprivileged people in Siem Reap and throughout Cambodia. On the back of each menu, next to the Wifi password and below a list of coffee and Khmer/Western eats, are the organization’s beliefs:

• Opportunities for advancement and continued education
• Training staff with needed job skills
• Providing medical assistance and paid time off benefits
• Paying fair salaries
• Building strong character and integrity
• Developing future leaders

In Siem Reap, a westernized tourist hotspot, it’s easy to miss the real story. But beyond Pub Street and a long list of seriously swanky hotels, the people of this beautiful riverfront town seem to be struggling. We’re pleased to visit Common Grounds multiple times during our week here and support its fantastic mission. The strong coffee at $1.25/cup with a very decent Wifi connection doesn’t hurt either.

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the details:

• Find it at #719-721, Street 14 in the old French quarter
• Hours: 7:30am-8pm
• Coffee Prices range from $1.25 for a large coffee to $3.50 for a fancy flavored latte
• Breakfast and lunch items range from $4-7 and include Khmer favorites and Western comfort food (grilled cheese & tomato soup!)