One of Phnom Penh’s best-kept urban secrets, Maloop, is set to host the third of its garden markets. Locals in the know are looking forward to this month’s edition of the fair, which will focus on “agriculture”. 

A green oasis in the heart of Boeung Tompun, Malloop can be found on Ta Phon Street, just 300 metres west of St. 271. It has already developed a deserved reputation among its regulars as one of the most relaxing spaces in the capital.

With lush grounds and shaded seating, some have described it as a “miniature version of the famous grounds of the French embassy”, arguably the best-kept green space in the city.

Many areas at Maloop are best referred to as “Instagrammable”, including a 1960s Cambodian villa swathed in greenery – which features the venue’s highly-regarded kitchen and an art gallery – and a swimming pool which has been repurposed as a lily pond. 

Surrounded by dozens of beautiful trees and manicured lawns, the agricultural edition of the garden market will take place on September 7 and 8. Environmentally-minded shoppers will have the opportunity to shop for the freshest fruits and vegetables, fertilisers, plants and much more.

The serene scene, dappled by the shade of the mature trees, is sure to conjure up romantic images of a rustic market from yesteryear.

The agriculture edition is co-organised with Pteah Chas, a social enterprise hub and creative community space.

Chansopheak Hem, a passionate gardener and the founder of Pteah Chas, aims to raise public awareness about food safety and renewable consumption. 

He hopes that the event will promote the development of a sustainable marketplace for high-quality, safe, fresh local produce and enhance connections through networking opportunities for key stakeholders in the agriculture ecosystem, while strengthening the system for all.

“The attendees can expect a wide range of local and sustainable agricultural products, from locally grown fruit and vegetables to houseplants and skincare products derived from plants,” he tells The Post.

His journey began with a love for nature and a desire to transform urban areas into lush, green environments. He has hosted several open markets – including a rooftop pop-up market – at his own premises, located near Wat Phnom. 

This farmers market is brought to you in collaboration with Davane, a local organic grocery store. Working with 50 agri-business cooperatives and small and medium-sized enterprises, Davane is now in its third year.

“We anticipate that approximately 2,500 people will attend. Our expected audiences are expats, families and young locals aged between 18 and 45,” Sopheak says.

He explains that participants can showcase their local or environmentally friendly wares at the market while engaging in a bit of old-fashioned social networking – done face-to-face with handshakes and business cards or just by striking up friendly conversations.

He also shares some specific ways the Maloop Garden Market encourages sustainable practices. 

“We do not encourage single-use plastic at our venue during the event. Vendors are required to use eco-friendly packaging,” he says.

Aside from ethical shopping and relaxing in the beautiful grounds, attendees will have the chance to learn new things through carefully curated workshops and panel discussions.

“We are partnering with Compost City to host a ‘Home Composting 101’ workshop and with Sreypov’s Orchid Garden to host a ‘How to Grow Orchids’ workshop,” Sopheak adds.

One other aspect of next weekend’s market that will make it stand out is a series of live shows.

Performances from Khmer Art Action are scheduled for both evenings of the event. They will revolve around traditional Cambodian mythology and spirituality, with a particular focus on the legendary figure Hanuman. 

“We would like to engage the attendees and keep them entertained by bringing both traditional and contemporary artistry to our event. We aim to create activities ... which could attract tourists visiting Phnom Penh to join as well,” explains Sopheak.

“The performances illustrate the balance between nature and human actions, the importance of protecting and nurturing the environment, and the enduring triumph of good over adversities,” he adds.

A one-hour traditional dance show will offer a captivating blend of dance styles and genres, each showcasing the unique rhythms, movements, costumes and artistic diversity of Cambodia. 

“The dancers will transition from the elegant fluidity of classical dance to energetic displays by characters like Hanuman, monkeys and peacocks, dynamically portraying livelihoods and a deep personal connection to nature,” Sopheak adds.

“This edition is our third Maloop Garden Market already, and we hope to continue to hold them. We will be focusing on various themes for each edition, to provide attendees with different experiences,” he continues.

The Maloop Garden Market will run from 9.00am to 5.00pm on September 7 and 8, and is free to the public. The Khmer Art Action performances – which will be staged on the lawn at the rear of the premises – will take place from 5.30pm to 7.00pm. Tickets will be available soon.

If you haven’t experienced this small oasis of green in the often hot and dusty capital, the market is the perfect chance to discover what those in the know are raving about.