Siem Reap Food Scene: Where to Eat and What to Order

Traditional Khmer dishes like Fish Amok, Khmer Red Curry, and Lok Lak are essential choices when dining in Siem Reap.

Fish Amok, a creamy steamed curry with freshwater fish, typically costs around $5 to $7 per serving. Khmer Red Curry is milder than its Thai counterpart and usually priced at $6 to $8. Lok Lak, featuring stir-fried marinated beef served with rice and a lime-pepper dipping sauce, can be found for $4 to $6. These dishes are widely available at siem reap restaurants specializing in local cuisine, often within walking distance of Siem Reap city center.

Street food stalls around the Old Market and Pub Street areas provide affordable and tasty options starting from $1 to $3.

At the Old Market, visitors can sample grilled meats, noodle soups, and fresh fruit shakes. Popular street snacks include Num Pang (Cambodian sandwiches) and Kuy Teav (noodle soup), generally costing between $1 and $2. Pub Street, located about 1.5 kilometers from the Angkor Wat complex, also has numerous vendors selling quick bites and local desserts. Street food is often a fast, inexpensive way to enjoy authentic Cambodian flavors.

Several siem reap restaurants serve international dishes such as Italian pasta, Indian curries, and Western-style burgers at prices ranging from $5 to $15.

Restaurants along Sivutha Boulevard and surrounding streets provide menus in English and include options like wood-fired pizzas ($7 to $12) and gourmet burgers ($6 to $10). Indian restaurants are also present, offering vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries priced around $5 to $9. These venues are typically within 2 kilometers of the main tourist areas, making them convenient for travelers seeking familiar tastes.

Breakfast spots in Siem Reap range from cafes serving Khmer rice porridge to bakeries offering French pastries, with prices between $2 and $7.

Popular breakfast items include Banh Chao, a Cambodian-style crepe, and Num Banh Chok, a traditional noodle dish priced at about $2 to $3. Western-style cafes near the Siem Reap River serve coffee and croissants for around $4 to $6. Many breakfast venues open early, from 6:30 AM, accommodating tourists heading out for temple tours.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available in many siem reap restaurants, with dedicated menus and dishes priced between $3 and $8.

Restaurants such as Chamkar and Peace Cafe offer plant-based meals including tofu stir-fries and vegetable curries. These venues are generally located within 2 kilometers of the city center. Additionally, street food vendors often have fresh fruit and vegetable snacks suitable for vegan diets. Prices are affordable, with many dishes costing less than $5.

Siem Reap's dining prices tend to be slightly higher than cities like Battambang and Kampot, reflecting its tourist popularity.

While street food in Siem Reap starts around $1, similar snacks in Battambang can be found for $0.50 to $1. Mid-range restaurant meals in Siem Reap average $6 to $15, whereas in Kampot, prices often fall between $4 and $10. The city's large number of siem reap restaurants provides a wider variety of cuisines compared to smaller towns. Visitors planning trips to other cities such as Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville can expect comparable or slightly varied dining experiences.

Traditional beverages like Khmer iced coffee and sugarcane juice complement meals well and cost about $1 to $2 per serving.

Khmer iced coffee is a sweet, strong brew served over ice, popular in cafes and street stalls alike. Sugarcane juice, freshly pressed and served cold, is another refreshing choice. Local beers such as Angkor Beer are widely available in bars and restaurants for $1.50 to $3 per bottle. Many establishments also serve fresh fruit smoothies priced around $2 to $4, ideal for cooling down during hot afternoons.