Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Eating
The dining scene in Siem Reap is something to savour, offering a superb selection of street
food, Asian eateries and sumptuous restaurants. The range encompasses something from
every continent, with new temptations constantly on offer. Sample the subtleties of Khmer
cuisine in town, or simply indulge in home comforts or gastronomic delights prior to - or
after - hitting the remote provinces. Some of the very best restaurants also put something
back into community projects or offer vocational training. Check out the boxed text (right)
for recommendations.
Tourist numbers mean many top restaurants are heaving during high season. But with so
many places to choose from, keep walking and you'll find somewhere more tranquil. Quite
a lot of restaurants work with tour groups to some degree. If you prefer to avoid places with
tour groups, it's better to stick to the Psar Chaa area and explore on foot. The restaurants
reviewed here represent just a fraction of the food on offer.
Some of the budget guesthouses have good menus offering a selection of local dishes
and Western meals; while it's easy to order in-house food, it hardly counts as the full Siem
Reap experience. Several of the midrange hotels and all the top-end places have restaur-
ants, some excellent. Several hotels and restaurants around town feature dinner and a per-
formance of classical dance.
The Alley is wall-to-wall with good Cambodian restaurants, many of which are family
owned. Most have 'Khmer' in the name and offer cheap beers and meal deals. Take a stroll
and see what takes your fancy.
Markets are well stocked with fruit and fresh bread. For treats like cheese and chocolate,
try the local supermarkets. Eating in the market usually works out cheaper than self-cater-
ing, but some folks like to make up a picnic for longer days on the road.
