Over the past 15 years, our small village has grown significantly, and the variety of international and local cuisine available is truly impressive.
Looking for restaurant recommendations?
There is an exciting buzz surrounding Southeast Asian cuisine. Not only is the street food scene thriving, but recipes and traditions that were once lost to history are making a comeback.
The country’s top chefs are dedicated to elevating Cambodian cuisine to the global stage, after spending years overshadowed by the gastronomies of Thailand and Vietnam.
Famous chef Luu Meng explains that while Cambodia's cuisine has absorbed influences from its neighbors, it also has distinct differences. For instance, it’s not as hot or as sweet as Thai food; Cambodian dishes are only mildly spicy, and we use less fish sauce than is typical in Vietnam. We do use spices, but prefer them fresh rather than powdered, as in Indian cooking. In Khmer cuisine, freshness is key.
We would like to start by recommending our own restaurant. We offer a vegan- and vegetarian-friendly menu, as well as traditional Khmer dishes that include chicken and fish. Many people say you haven't fully experienced Cambodia until you've tried the national dish, Fish Amok.
Our restaurant is open from 7:00 AM to 9:30 PM
Dont worry. Siem Reap is a foodies paradise! Here are our personal favourites:
There are numerous restaurants and cafés in Siem Reap with a strong focus on Responsible Tourism and the environment. Here is a list of recommendations from us at Babel Hotels.
Eat at ANY of these restaurants and know that you are dining for a good cause. And you are guaranteed great service, lots of smiles and GOOD FOOD.
Sala Bai: The Sala Baï training restaurant offers a diverse selection of dishes, including both international and Khmer cuisine, providing you with an unforgettable culinary experience. By dining at our training restaurant, you support the students as they practice in real professional conditions. The restaurant is open for lunch on weekdays from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM (Monday to Friday) from November to mid-July. Please note that the last service is at 1:15 PM to allow students to return to their classes on time.
They also provide vegetarian options and can accommodate vegan and gluten-free requests upon prior notice.
Haven: This place is amazing in many ways. It is eco-friendly, features a beautiful, lush garden restaurant, and offers many fresh vegetarian and vegan dishes. By choosing to eat here, you support their training program, helping disadvantaged young adults. Highly recommend making a booking during high season (Nov-March)
Spoons: SPOONS Café & Restaurant, operated by SPOONS Cambodia Organization, channels all profits to support the programs and students. Visiting this stunning bamboo restaurant not only allows you to enjoy some of the best local food in town but also contributes to life-changing opportunities. Spoons commitment to sustainability is evident in the food, construction, and design.
Sister Srey Cafe: Great Coffee, Healthy Eats, and Vegan-Friendly Delights with a Riverside View. Located along the tranquil banks of the Siem Reap River, just a short walk from the bustling Old Market, Sister Srey Cafe is a hidden gem in Siem Reap that has been winning hearts since 2012. Founded by two spirited Australian sisters, the cafe is now fully owned and operated by Cambodians, which we truly appreciate!
Sister Srey Cafe is more than just a place to grab a bite before heading to Angkor Wat; it embodies community spirit, serves exceptional coffee, and is dedicated to making a difference.
New Leaf: The menu offers a selection of traditional Khmer dishes alongside simpler Western options. Popular items include fish and chips, grilled chicken salad, and various burgers and pies. Additionally, there is a comprehensive vegan and vegetarian menu available, and the staff is trained to assist with gluten-free options. This cafe donates 20% of its profits to a selected charity and shares 15% with the Cambodian staff. Since 2013, they have contributed over $65,000 to educational projects in Siem Reap, currently supporting PEPY Empowering Youth and SeeBeyondBorders.
The Little Red Fox Espresso Cafe: This small, quirky cafe opened in 2014 with a simple vision: to bring the best of Australian cafe culture to Siem Reap. The goal was to create a space that is uniquely enjoyable for both customers and the amazing team. Since its inception, the cafe has continued to support various community projects, with a focus on music, art, and film.
Footprint: Footprint Cafes in Siem Reap aims to become a global chain of social enterprise cafes that connect tourism with local community empowerment. The cafe offers a calm environment with hundreds of books to browse or buy. The menu features authentic local dishes and international favorites, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Here you can find some of the best coffee roasts in town, prepared by our friendly baristas.
Footprint is dedicated to empowering local communities through our PPP model: People—providing great employment; Planet—committing to sustainability; and Profit—donating 100% of net profits as community grants.
Tevy’s Place: Tevy’s Place is a humble restaurant located on the vibrant Street 26, offering outstanding food made with love. Founded by Tevy, a local woman dedicated to helping Cambodian women build better lives, the restaurant provides jobs, training, and a supportive environment. Tevy’s remarkable story is one of hardship, resilience, and inspirational courage, and her food reflects her life experiences. At Tevy’s Place, you can enjoy delicious Cambodian cuisine made from fresh, local ingredients. Every meal you order contributes to empowering the women who work here, providing them with valuable skills and opportunities.
Other favorites:
Cuisine Wat Damnak: Restaurant Cuisine Wat Damnak uniquely blends authentic Cambodian flavors with French cooking techniques. Chef Joannès Rivière crafts innovative menus inspired by Cambodia's culinary traditions, using fresh herbs, vegetables, and local fish.
Focusing on ingredients from nearby farms and villages around Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, the restaurant features seafood from Koh Khong and European-style vegetables from Mondulkiri. The menu changes regularly, reflecting the seasons and the chef's creativity, ensuring a distinctive dining experience. Booking is highly recommended!
(Kids under 12 are not allowed)
Banlle - Vegetarian Garden restaurant, with indoor AC option. They grow their own herbs and vegetables in the garden. Prices from $5 to $12. Street 26
Wild - Located in a beautiful, lush garden, this creative bar and spring roll restaurant offers an incredible variety of fresh and fried spring rolls, as well as some delicious dessert rolls. Their cocktail menu features innovative creations alongside classic favorites, and there is also a decent selection of mocktails available. Prices range from $3.50 to $5.00. Wat Damnak area
Viva Mexican - The location is what keeps us coming back, along with their famous frozen margaritas. Their extensive menu offers a variety of options, ranging from Mexican dishes to pizza and local favorites. Situated on the corner of Old Market, this is a fantastic spot for people-watching. Prices range from $2.50 to $10.00.
Elia Greek - Situated directly opposite viva. This is a gem in Siem Reap. High quality Greek favorites, finger food and sangría jugs. A perfect place for lunch or dinner when you need a break from local food. Prices from $5 to $16.
Il Forno - Another favorite in Old market area. This is the most authentic Italian Restaurant in Siem Reap. Enjoy wood-fired pizzas, original Italian meals, and fresh hand cut pasta from the owner’s grandmother's traditional Italian recipes. Check out their upstairs balcony! Prices range from $6 to $20.00.
Muffin Man - Our kids favorite! Probably the best cakes and muffins in Siem Reap. “The muffin man” himself was trained in Australia - and knows very well how to make us come back for more of his treats. Also a big selection of brownies, smoothies and toasted sandwiches using homemade wholegrain breads. Gluten free and vegan alternatives available. Food made with love!
Olive French restaurant - A high-end French restaurant in Old market area. Indoor AC seating and outdoor seating available.
Curry Walla Indian - Our favorite Indian restaurant!
Le Cul De Sac - Amazing French food in a renovated Khmer-style house. A beautiful, charming garden setting. They have a playroom, trampolines and some rabbits in their garden. They only accept payments with cash. Prices from 8 usd - 20 usd
Pomme Brewhouse - British-owned garden bar and restaurant, with a low-key atmosphere. A big menu with anything from British favorites like Scotch eggs, English muffins, and beans on toast, to amazing Thai dishes and local favorites. Siem Reap’s only Craft beer brewery on site. Beer flights available for 4usd.
Primetime - Huge pizzas and subs - American style. Cool down in their diner-style restaurant, or outside on the porch. They also have a piano for anyone to play on - and receive a free refreshment.
Krousar Cafe - A variety of healthy options, including Australian classics.