Where to Eat in Siem Reap

Siem Reap's dining culture is a vibrant fusion of ancient Khmer culinary traditions and modern gastronomic innovation, shaped by centuries of influence from neighboring Thailand, Vietnam, and China, as well as French colonial heritage. The city's food scene revolves around bold flavors built on a foundation of prahok (fermented fish paste), lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime, and Kampot pepper, with signature dishes like fish amok (steamed fish curry in banana leaves) and nom banh chok (Khmer noodles with green fish curry) defining the local palate. Beyond the temple complexes, Siem Reap has evolved into a sophisticated culinary destination where traditional street food stalls serving bai sach chrouk (grilled pork with broken rice) coexist with contemporary Khmer restaurants reimagining ancestral recipes. The dining landscape caters to every budget, from $1 street meals to $30 multi-course experiences, with the Old Market and Pub Street areas forming the epicenter of the city's food culture.

Key Dining Features:
• Pub Street and Old Market District: This pedestrian zone serves as Siem Reap's primary dining hub, packed with restaurants, bars, and street food vendors operating from late morning until past midnight. The adjacent Kandal Village neighborhood offers a quieter alternative with boutique eateries specializing in refined Khmer cuisine and farm-to-table concepts.
• Essential Khmer Dishes: Travelers must try samlor machu (sour soup with tamarind and fish), lok lak (stir-fried beef with lime-pepper sauce), prahok ktis (creamy pork and coconut dip with vegetables), and kuy teav (rice noodle soup traditionally eaten for breakfast). For adventurous eaters, street vendors sell deep-fried tarantulas, crickets, and balut (fertilized duck eggs) near the Old Market.
• Price Structure: Street food and local markets charge 4,000-12,000 Cambodian Riel ($1-3 USD) per dish, with a full meal at a neighborhood restaurant costing 16,000-40,000 Riel ($4-10 USD). Mid-range restaurants serving Khmer and international cuisine typically charge 32,000-80,000 Riel ($8-20 USD) per person, while upscale dining experiences range from 80,000-120,000 Riel ($20-30 USD) including drinks.
• Seasonal Dining Considerations: The dry season (November through March) brings peak tourist crowds and longer waits at popular venues, while the wet season (May through October) offers quieter dining with shorter queues and fresher produce at local markets. Pchum Ben (Ancestors' Day) in September-October sees many family-run restaurants close temporarily, though tourist-oriented establishments remain open.
• Unique Siem Reap Experiences: The city offers traditional Apsara dance dinner shows combining classical Khmer performance with multi-course meals, cooking classes at local homes where you shop at Phsar Leu market before preparing dishes, and "dining in the dark" experiences supporting visually impaired staff. The Saturday night Angkor Night Market features dozens of food stalls serving regional specialties rarely found in restaurants.