Top 5 Places to Eat in Siem Reap

Majestic view of Angkor Wat temple entrance surrounded by palm trees in Cambodia.
Serg Alesenko, Pexels

Siem Reap's dining scene is a vibrant fusion of authentic Khmer cuisine and international influences, offering everything from affordable street eats to exquisite fine dining experiences.

1. Old Market Street Food Stalls (Street 09)

Cuisine: Authentic Cambodian Street Food

Located just above the Old Market, these bustling stalls offer a truly local dining experience. The atmosphere is lively and casual, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal. I find a wide array of dishes, from various curries and dried meats to fresh vegetables and egg dishes. Beers are readily available and very affordable. It is ideal for a quick lunch or early dinner, typically completing a meal within 45 minutes.

Price: Dishes typically range from $1 - $5 USD, with beers around $0.75 USD.

Getting There: Located on Street 09, directly adjacent to the Old Market and at the bottom of Pub Street, it is easily accessible by foot from most central accommodations.

2. Lao Noodle

Cuisine: Khmer & Thai Noodle Dishes

Tucked away on Wat Bo Road, this unassuming eatery offers a small but exceptionally flavorful menu. I particularly enjoy the stir-fried yellow noodles with chicken and the beef loc lac, both consistently delicious. The Cambodian meatballs are also a delightful discovery. It's a no-frills setting, with the menu displayed on the wall, emphasizing quick service and fresh, tasty food.

Price: Most dishes are priced between $2 - $3 USD.

Getting There: Situated on the corner of Wat Bo Road and Street 23, it is a short tuk-tuk ride (approximately $2-3 USD) from the Pub Street area, or a pleasant walk from nearby Wat Bo accommodations.

3. Marum Restaurant

Cuisine: Modern Asian-Fusion Tapas (Khmer focus)

Set within a charming two-story wooden house with a spacious, verdant garden, Marum offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. As a social enterprise, it provides hospitality training to disadvantaged youth, making dining here a supportive experience. I enjoy exploring their menu of small, sharing plates, which features both traditional Khmer flavors and creative, fusion twists. Highlights often include their unique cocktails made with fresh fruits.

Price: Main dishes are generally in the range of $5 - $15 USD.

Getting There: Located in Por Trach Village, a short tuk-tuk ride (approximately $2-4 USD) from the main urban center.

4. Mahob Khmer Cuisine

Cuisine: Traditional Cambodian with a Modern Twist

Nestled slightly outside the bustling town center in an authentic Khmer wooden house, Mahob Khmer Cuisine offers a serene garden setting complete with a lotus pond. I appreciate the emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, evident in every dish. The menu features a la carte options, including barbecue cooked on volcanic stone, and a weekly degustation set menu, showcasing the chef's innovative approach to Cambodian culinary heritage. The presentation of the food is impeccable.

Price: Mains typically range from $8 - $15 USD, with some premium dishes like surf & turf around $15 USD.

Getting There: Located in Traing Village, a few minutes' tuk-tuk ride (approximately $3-5 USD) from the town center, offering an escape from the busy areas.

5. Embassy Restaurant

Cuisine: High-Quality Khmer Gastronomy

For a refined dining experience, Embassy Restaurant offers sophisticated Khmer cuisine in luxurious and intimate surroundings. The indoor dining room is bright and filled with plants, with an outdoor terrace option available. Helmed by the renowned Kimsan Pol (or 'Kimsan Twins'), the restaurant presents traditional Cambodian flavors reimagined with finesse and creativity. I find their monthly set dinner menus, paired with fine wines, to be a culinary journey through Cambodia's provinces. It is an ideal choice for a special occasion.

Price: Expect to pay approximately $50 USD per person for a set menu, excluding wine.

Getting There: Situated in a quiet corner of King's Road Village, near Street 5 in Mondul 1 Village. It is centrally located and easily reachable by a short walk or quick tuk-tuk ride from most central Siem Reap accommodations.