Where to eat and drink while in Siem Reap

 TEMPLES OF ANGKOR  |  SIEM REAP ATTRACTIONS  | CITY GUIDE |  NIGHT LIFE

With its breath-taking mix of ancient temples and historical landmarks, Siem Reap is a city that captures the hearts of the hundreds of tourists who come every year. One of the highlights of any visitor’s trip here should be the large number of restaurants and bars that have elevated the city’s gastronomic landscape.

In the last few decades, Siem Reap’s dining scene has undergone a huge transformation, with many a Siem Reap restaurant becoming world-renowned for high quality of food combined with a vibrant culinary experience.

Khmer cuisine Siem Reap is a unique one; filled with inspirations from other countries in the region, including Vietnam and Thailand. Spicy curries and rich noodle soups make up the basic Cambodian diet. Street vendors are a common sight here serving up the food Siem Reap is famous for.

The city offers a mix of both traditional and modern dishes from both the East and West. Visitors to this city can find all kinds of eateries, from the simple budget Siem Reap restaurant to the more upmarket establishments that offer gourmet food Siem Reap. Also, thanks to Cambodia’s long history with France, many  French Siem Reap restaurants can also be found along the streets of the city.

Khmer Cuisine

The best place to have excellent Khmer cuisine Siem Reap is The Royal Court at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort. Indulge in a magnificent buffet spread completed with Cambodian classics like Fish Amok and Beef Tenderloin, while you enjoy a traditional Apsara dancing show.

Another great establishment that sells the unique Khmer cuisine Siem Reap is known for is Malis Restaurant Siem Reap, which has a lush riverside setting, and puts a contemporary twist on Cambodian fare. One more prominent restaurant that serves Khmer cuisine Siem Reap is Mahob Khmer Cuisine, which overlooks the Siem Reap River. Offering both indoor and outdoor seating in a lush garden, the Siem Reap restaurant also provides cooking classes for those who want to learn how to make their own food in Siem Reap.

French fine-dining

For a more luxurious French dining experience, try Mouhot’s Dream at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, considered a top Siem Reap restaurant. This restaurant is located beside a tranquil lake and serves fine French cuisine, which can be enjoyed alongside a selection of wines.

Pub Street

The other must try for Khmer cuisine Siem Reap has to offer can be found in the area of Pub Street in Siem Reap, which is known for its neon lights and electric atmosphere, but also is home of more quiet small lounge  bars and restaurants.  Pub Street in Siem Reap is also home to Khmer Family Restaurant, a Siem Reap restaurant that has a large menu of local favourites for groups to share.

But Pub Street in Siem Reap is more than just a food-lover’s paradise. The area is the main tourist hub of the city, filled with restaurants, bars, and even night market Siem Reap. Pub Street in Siem Reap is known for its backpacker vibe, and is a hotspot for some of the city’s most happening clubs and pubs. For a more quiet evening, choose to relax at Asana Bar, just a street away from the noisier Pub Street. A little haven of peace to enjoy wonderful cocktails and delicious fruit shakes. Asana Bar also offer cocktail tastings.

Away from Pub Street in Siem Reap, those looking for a more sophisticated outing, will delight in the Mouhot’s Dream at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort. Praised as one of the city’s best bars, its colonial era décor makes a great backdrop to its extensive wine list, featuring wines from all over the world.

Night Markets

Don’t forget to check out the famous night market Siem Reap while here. The downtown area of the city is where you will find most of them. Affordable traditional Khmer handicrafts can be found here, along with plenty of rows of jewellery, clothes and shoes to please bargain hunters of all interests. The best night market Siem Reap boasts is Angkor Night Market, where vendors sells their goods under bamboo huts. These one-of-a-kind goods comprise of fashion accessories made from recycled materials.

Another night market Siem Reap is famed for is The Old Market, which as the name suggests, is the oldest market in the city. Siem Reap Art Market is another highlight which should prove a worthwhile diversion. Found in the Pub Street area of the city, this night market Siem Reap is connected to the Psar Chaa area by a beautifully designed wooden bridge, and sells some of the most aesthetically pleasing goods in the city.

Cafés in Siem Reap

For other culinary must-visit venues, try a cafe in Siem Reap. Peace Cafe is just five minutes from Old Market, the night market Siem Reap mentioned above. This is a cafe Siem Reap first-time visitors should stop by, for its sumptuous vegetarian cuisine, quaint bakery, fair-trade shop and authentic café Siem Reap atmosphere. One other cafe of note is the Sister Srey Cafe, located near the night market Siem Reap district. Welcoming with its boho chic décor, this cafe Siem Reap draws the crowds thanks to its authentic Cambodian food, as well as a menu of cafe Siem Reap specialities including burgers and sandwiches. It is also the perfect setting for a late morning brunch, as they serve excellent Eggs Benedict.

The Hive is another great choice. Tucked away in a small alley, this cafe Siem Reap is run by two expats who pride themselves on sourcing their own beans. Alongside the mouth-watering brews, there is a range of breakfast and brunch menu food Siem Reap visitors will love.

For a more luxurious style of Cambodian breakfast, The Citadel at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort is a Siem Reap restaurant that serves the best breakfast in the city. Live cooking stations, buffets and appealing ala carte menus make this a top Siem Reap restaurant to try during your stay here.

 TEMPLES OF ANGKOR  |  SIEM REAP ATTRACTIONS  | CITY GUIDE |  NIGHT LIFE