Food In Siem Reap

Food History of Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap, a city that is synonymous with the magnificent temples of Angkor, has a rich and ancient food culture. The traditional Khmer cuisine reflects the influences of Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, and French culinary styles, creating a unique and flavorful blend. Rice, the staple food of Cambodia, is a prominent ingredient in many dishes. Siem Reap's proximity to the Tonle Sap Lake provides an abundance of freshwater fish, which is a significant component of the local diet. Traditional cooking methods often involve grilling, steaming, and stir-frying, with a fantastic array of herbs and spices such as lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, and kaffir lime leaves bringing the dishes to life. Over time, Siem Reap has developed a dynamic food scene that offers both authentic tastes of Cambodia’s culinary past and contemporary reinterpretations.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Siem Reap, Cambodia

1. Amok Trey (Non-Veg)
   A classic Khmer dish, Amok is a creamy curry that is steamed inside banana leaves and typically made with fish, coconut milk, and a paste called kroeung, which is a mix of Cambodian spices.
2. Bai Sach Chrouk (Non-Veg)
   One of the simplest and most delicious street foods is this barbecue pork and rice dish, usually served in the morning with pickled vegetables.
3. Khmer Red Curry (Non-Veg)
   Less spicy than its Thai counterpart, this coconut milk-based curry is made with beef, chicken, or fish, and a variety of vegetables and is served with bread - a remnant of the French influence.
4. Lort Cha (Non-Veg)
   A delightful stir-fry made with short rice noodles, bean sprouts, and greens, it’s often topped with a fried egg and served with a side of pickled chillies.
5. Nom Banh Chok (Non-Veg)
   Known as Khmer noodles, this dish consists of green curry made from fish gravy and fresh vegetables, served over rice vermicelli noodles.
6. Banh Cheav (Non-Veg)
   This Khmer version of a pancake is rolled with ground pork, bean sprouts, and other vegetables, then dipped in a sweet fish sauce.
7. Kuy Teav (Non-Veg)
   A popular breakfast dish, Kuy Teav is a hearty pork bone broth served with rice noodles, topped with fried garlic, green onions, and bean sprouts.
8. Mango with Sticky Rice (Veg)
   A classic dessert that combines the sweetness of mango with the texture of sticky rice, often drizzled with a coconut milk sauce.
9. Fried Insects (Non-Veg)
   For the adventurous eater, fried insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, and silk worms are a common snack, seasoned with lime juice and pepper.
10. Vegetarian Spring Rolls (Veg)
    Fresh or fried, these spring rolls are filled with vegetables, glass noodles, and sometimes tofu, paired with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.

Top Famous Restaurants in Siem Reap, Cambodia

• Cuisine Wat Damnak (Vegetarian & Non-Veg)
  Address: Wat Damnak village, Salakamreuk, Siem Reap
  Famous For: Creative Cambodian gastronomy that offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian tasting menus showcasing the freshest local ingredients.
• Haven (Vegetarian & Non-Veg)
  Address: Chocolate Rd, Siem Reap
  Famous For: A social enterprise restaurant with a serene ambiance, serving delectable Western and Asian dishes including vegetarian options.
• Mahob Khmer Cuisine (Vegetarian & Non-Veg)
  Address: Siem Reap, 137 Street 6
  Famous For: Offering a traditional Khmer cuisine experience with a variety of options, including farm-fresh vegetables and local meats in a garden setting.
• Viroth's Restaurant (Vegetarian & Non-Veg)
  Address: 246 Wat Bo Street, Siem Reap
  Famous For: Stylish dining with a blend of contemporary and traditional Khmer dishes, using high-quality and fresh ingredients.
• The Sugar Palm (Vegetarian & Non-Veg)
  Address: Taphul Rd, Siem Reap
  Famous For: Classic Khmer comfort foods in home-cooked style, including its famous fish amok and a range of vegetarian dishes.