I had heard of The Starfish Project before i arrived in Cambodia and was determined to pay them a visit. The Starfish Project can be found in a small narrow backstreet in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. It took me sometime to actually find it as there were not any signs, or any that were obvious, to lead me there.
Entrance to the Starfish Bakery and Cafe
The Starfish Project in Sihanoukville was started in 2001. The Starfish Centre provides employment opportunities for Cambodian people with disabilities in its bakery and café, massage, and shop. All employees have some kind of disability which makes it difficult for them to obtain meaningful employment elsewhere.
Walking round the courtyard of Starfish Project
I asked a tricycle driver who pointed me down a narrow side street and explained that it was about 100 metres on the left. They have a lovely little bakery there where you can eat a freshly baked cake and drink coffee and all proceeds go to supporting the projects work in helping disabled children and adults learn new skills to help them lead a normal life.
The outside dining area at Starfish Bakery and Cafe
Breakfast at Starfish Bakery
I decided to have an afternoon snack and also a late breakfast there the next morning. The old house which is the bakery has been renovated and is a nice cool place to hang out and get away from the noisy Sihanoukville streets. Around the courtyard are several massage rooms and a small shop where they sell handicrafts and souvenirs.
Afternoon coffee and chocolate brownie at Starfish Bakery
There is plenty of shade to relax and enjoy the fresh food in the Cafe area surrounded by lots of greenery.
Even though the food is a little bit more expensive than out on the street it is well worth visiting this place to help support the work of the project.
About Starfish
You can read more about The Starfish Project on their website http://www.starfishcambodia.org and if you are in Sihanoukville go along and enjoy a snack or breakfast there in the bakery, have a massage or buy some handmade souvenirs from their shop knowing that you will be helping a disabled person to learn the skills to live a good life.
Plenty of greenery in Starfish Entrance and Courtyard
How to get to the Starfish Project
The Starfish Bakery is located down a small street off of 7 Makara St. Find your way to the Phsar Leu Market which is also on 7 Makara St. and walk downhill along the busy main road for about 500 metres. You will come to a busy cross junction. Take the next left turn down a small street and the Starfish is located about 50 metres walk . See map below
Address: off 7 Makara St in Downtown Sihanoukville
Tel: +855(0) 12 952 011
Opening hours: Morning till Mid Afternoon
Map of Sihanoukville showing location of starfish bakery
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What a great initiative! I love that story about the monk and the starfish. It’s a philosophy I try to integrate into my everyday life. Thanks for sharing this!
I must second what Danik said! This is all news to me. Very interesting way to spend your time abroad too 🙂
Very nice initiative! Way to empower people with disabilities. It must be especially hard for them in countries like that. Thanks for sharing!
Great post. 🙂 Never knew about the Starfish Project. 🙂
The Starfish Cafe sounds amazing, and what a great initiative! I’m already planning to visit when I’m there, and try the yummy breakfast you mentioned. Keep writing, loved your blog. 🙂
This is an awesome initiative, and it loos like a lovely little café to boot!
I’ve been to Sihanoukville and loved Otres Beach. Starfish is a super cool initiative 🙂
What an inspiring trivia about the name of the project. It helps indeed to do something instead of nothing. Every little help counts.
Amazing advocacy. Wish to go there when I visit Cambodia!
Cheers!