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Siem Reap food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Siem Reap.
What to eat in Siem Reap
6 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Amok Trey
$3–$7
A rich, steamed fish curry traditionally prepared with coconut milk, kroeung (a Cambodian spice paste), and often served in a banana leaf bowl. It's a delicate, fragrant dish that showcases the subtlety of Khmer flavors.
Where to try: Many restaurants in the Wat Bo and Taphul Village areas offer good versions, with street stalls around the Old Market (Phsar Chas) often having excellent, affordable options.
Kdam Chaa
$8–$15
Stir-fried crab, often cooked with Kampot pepper, garlic, and sometimes chili. The freshness of the crab and the pungent aroma of the pepper are key to its appeal.
Where to try: Look for seafood stalls and restaurants along the riverfront, particularly those near the night markets.
Nom Banh Chok
$1.5–$3
Khmer noodles, a breakfast staple featuring thin rice noodles served in a fish-based green curry broth, topped with fresh vegetables like bean sprouts, banana flowers, and cucumbers. It's a refreshing and complex start to the day.
Where to try: Early morning street food stalls, especially those found in residential areas away from the main tourist hubs, and around the local markets like Phsar Leu.
Bai Sach Chrouk
$1–$2.5
Grilled pork and rice, a ubiquitous breakfast dish where thinly sliced pork is marinated and grilled over charcoal, served with rice, pickled vegetables, and sometimes a fried egg. The smoky, sweet pork is the star.
Where to try: Ubiquitous at breakfast stalls throughout the city, particularly in the early morning hours near local markets and bus stations.
Lok Lak
$5–$9
Stir-fried beef cubes, often marinated in a savory sauce, served with a side of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a dipping sauce, frequently featuring lime and pepper. It's a satisfying and flavorful dish, often adapted for local tastes.
Where to try: Commonly found in most Cambodian restaurants, with many establishments in the Pub Street area and around the Old Market serving popular versions.
Samlor Machu Trey
$3–$6
A sour fish soup, typically made with tamarind, lemongrass, and various vegetables like tomatoes and water spinach. It offers a tangy, herbaceous counterpoint to richer dishes.
Where to try: Found in many local eateries and food stalls, especially those frequented by locals in neighborhoods like Wat Bo.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Old Market (Phsar Chas) Area
Bustling, traditional market with surrounding eateries and street food stalls.
Street foodLocal snacksSouvenir shopping
Pub Street and Surroundings
Lively, tourist-focused with a high concentration of restaurants, bars, and night markets.
International cuisineCambodian classicsNightlife
Wat Bo Area
A mix of traditional Khmer restaurants, guesthouses, and more modern cafes, slightly quieter than Pub Street.
Authentic Khmer dishesCasual diningRelaxed atmosphere
Taphul Village
More residential with local eateries and some smaller, family-run restaurants.
Local flavorsOff-the-beaten-path diningAffordable meals
Dietary notes
Khmer cuisine is generally meat and fish-centric, with fish sauce a common ingredient. Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available, especially in tourist areas, but may require specific requests. Gluten-free can be challenging due to rice noodles and soy sauce, though many dishes can be adapted.
Local etiquette
- •When eating with locals, wait for the eldest person to start eating first.
- •Use your right hand for eating and passing food; the left hand is considered unclean.
- •Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service, typically around 5-10% for restaurant staff.
- •Bargaining is common in markets, but do so politely and with a smile.
- •When visiting temples or more traditional eateries, dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees.
Plan the rest of your Siem Reap trip
Food guides elsewhere