Restaurants and food in Siem Reap

In 3 bullets

• Rich food scene for a city of this size: authentic Khmer cuisine, quality international restaurants, lively night markets — sustained by the tourist flow which keeps the offering at a high level.
• Very affordable prices outside the ultra-touristy zone (Pub Street): a full meal at the market or a local restaurant costs 2–5 USD.
• Street food and markets — the real taste of Cambodia. Phsar Chas (old market) and Phsar Leu are the reference markets for fresh produce and local cuisine.

Khmer cuisine — the essentials

Khmer cuisine is mild, aromatic and less spicy than its neighbours (Thai, Vietnamese). Some emblematic dishes:

• Amok — fish or chicken curry in coconut cream and kroeung paste, steamed in a banana leaf. The national dish.
• Lok lak — beef sautéed in black pepper served with rice and a fried egg.
• Bai sach chrouk — pork grilled in coconut milk on rice, a typical morning market breakfast.
• Kuy teav — rice noodle soup with pork or beef, sold at street stalls from 6 am.
• Nom banh chok — cold rice noodles with green fish curry, traditionally eaten in the morning.

Dining areas

Pub Street and Old Market (Phsar Chas)

The liveliest evening area in Siem Reap. International restaurants alongside street stalls, cocktail bars, festive atmosphere in high season. Value for money varies — addresses off the main streets are generally better.

Wat Bo Road

The favourite street for resident expats: quiet restaurants, terraces, varied cuisines (Khmer, French, Italian, Japanese, Vietnamese), mixed clientele of residents and travellers. Quality generally more consistent than the Pub Street area.

Phsar Leu (local market)

The main market for Cambodian residents, off the tourist circuit. Fresh produce, local food stalls, very low prices (full meal 1.50–3 USD). Ideal for breakfast or a quick lunch.

Food budget

Markets and grocery shopping

• Phsar Chas (old market): fruit, vegetables, fish, spices — open 6 am to 6 pm. The main city-centre market.
• Phsar Leu: larger covered market, local produce, less touristy. Outside the centre, tuk-tuk (2 USD).
• Lucky Mall: modern supermarket (imported products, cheeses, wines), air-conditioned. Northern part of the city.
• Angkor Trade Center: supermarkets with a decent international selection, more central.

Cafés and coworking-friendly spots

Siem Reap has many cafés with stable wi-fi, appreciated by digital nomads:

• The Wat Bo Road area and adjacent streets concentrate working cafés (wi-fi 20–50 Mbps, power sockets available, quiet atmosphere).
• Banlle Vegetarian Restaurant — vegetarian, quiet, wi-fi.
• Café Central / Common Grounds — popular with expats for morning work sessions.

FAQ

Can you find European food in Siem Reap?

Yes — several restaurants offer French or Franco-Khmer cuisine. The concentration is lower than in Phnom Penh, but enough for a weekly family meal. The Alliance Française regularly organises events with international buffets.

Do restaurants close in the low season (rainy season)?

Some highly tourist-oriented restaurants reduce their hours or close from May–September. Addresses frequented by residents (Wat Bo Road, markets) remain open year-round. It is actually one of the best periods for a peaceful meal.

Are there options for specific dietary requirements (vegetarian, gluten-free)?

Yes — Khmer cuisine is naturally low in allergens. Vegetarian restaurants are well represented in Siem Reap. For gluten-free, the rice and rice-noodle base is dominant. Restaurants that serve expats are accustomed to dietary restrictions — state them clearly in English.