Cambodia captivates visitors with the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex, French colonial architecture, and pristine tropical beaches. From the bustling capital of Phnom Penh to the serene countryside, Cambodia offers an unforgettable blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.
Khmer cuisine is one of Southeast Asia's most distinctive culinary traditions, built around freshwater fish from the Tonlé Sap Lake, fragrant herbs like lemongrass and galangal, fermented fish paste (prahok), and coconut milk. Dishes are lighter and less spicy than Thai or Vietnamese food, with complex layered flavors. Fish amok — steamed fish curry in banana leaf — is the national dish, while Kampot pepper is world-famous. French colonial influence persists in excellent baguettes, strong coffee, and café culture.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Cambodia.
Fish Amok
Cambodia's national dish — a delicate steamed fish curry made with coconut milk, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal, traditionally cooked in a banana leaf cup. Creamy, aromatic, and uniquely Cambodian.
Where to try: Malis Restaurant, The Sugar Palm, Haven Training Restaurant in Siem Reap
Price: $5-14
Lok Lak
Wok-fried beef cubes marinated in oyster and soy sauce, served on a bed of lettuce and tomatoes with a Kampot pepper dipping sauce and fried egg on rice. A beloved Cambodian staple influenced by French and Chinese cooking.
Where to try: Available at virtually every Cambodian restaurant, $5-16
Price: $4-16
Nom Banh Chok
Fresh rice noodles topped with a green fish curry sauce and raw vegetables — Cambodia's quintessential morning meal eaten by millions daily. The sauce is made with pounded lemongrass, kaffir lime rind, and freshwater fish.
Where to try: Old Market food court, Psar Chas morning stalls in Siem Reap, market breakfast vendors
Price: $1-2
Kep Crab with Kampot Pepper
Live blue swimming crabs from Kep's waters stir-fried with fresh green Kampot pepper, garlic, and butter. The combination of the sweet local crab with the world-famous pepper is considered one of Southeast Asia's great dishes.
Where to try: Kep Crab Market, Crab Shack restaurants at Kep Beach
Price: $12-20
Samlor Korkor
A hearty Khmer soup made with prahok (fermented fish paste), green papaya, pork ribs, and fresh herbs. Deeply savory and intensely flavored, this is an authentic local dish rarely found on tourist menus.
Where to try: Local neighborhood restaurants and market food courts
Price: $2-5
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Malis Restaurant Siem Reap
Renowned chef Luu Meng's flagship restaurant celebrating 'Living Cambodian Cuisine' with contemporary presentations of traditional dishes. The elegant space features modern Khmer decor and an extensive menu showcasing Cambodia's culinary heritage with seasonal ingredients.
Pokambor Avenue, Siem Reap
Haven Training Restaurant
A social enterprise training disadvantaged youth in hospitality skills. Excellent Khmer and international dishes served by enthusiastic trainees in a garden setting. Every meal supports a good cause.
Chocolate Road, Siem Reap
Pub Street Food Stalls
The bustling heart of Siem Reap's dining scene with numerous stalls and casual restaurants offering everything from local street food to international favorites. Lively atmosphere perfect for bar-hopping and people-watching.
Pub Street, Siem Reap
Old Market (Phsar Chas) Food Stalls
Traditional market with numerous food stalls serving authentic local breakfast and lunch. Experience genuine Khmer street food in a bustling market atmosphere with rock-bottom prices.
Old Market Area, Siem Reap
Brown Coffee Siem Reap
Cambodia's premier coffee chain serving high-quality locally-grown coffee in modern air-conditioned spaces. Excellent pastries, sandwiches, and free wifi make it popular with digital nomads.
Multiple locations, Siem Reap
Cuisine Wat Damnak
A Michelin-worthy restaurant combining authentic Cambodian flavors with French culinary technique. Chef Joannès Rivière creates innovative set menus that change fortnightly, featuring seasonal produce, edible flowers, and local fruits in non-traditional presentations.
Wat Damnak Village, Siem Reap
Marum Restaurant
Another fantastic training restaurant operated by Friends International, offering creative Khmer dishes with contemporary twists. The innovative menu includes exotic items like crickets and tarantulas alongside traditional favorites.
Pokambor Avenue, Siem Reap
Sister Srey Cafe
A cozy vegetarian cafe serving healthy smoothie bowls, salads, and plant-based Khmer dishes. The relaxed garden setting and excellent coffee make it a popular breakfast and lunch spot.
Sok San Road, Siem Reap
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Khmer
Genevieve's Restaurant
A beloved local restaurant serving authentic Khmer cuisine in a traditional wooden house. The extensive menu features family recipes, fresh ingredients, and generous portions at very reasonable prices.
Street 08, Siem Reap
Khmer Kitchen Restaurant
A no-frills local restaurant serving authentic and affordable Khmer food. Popular with both tourists and locals for its generous portions, friendly service, and traditional flavors at budget prices.
Street 09, Siem Reap
Romdeng Restaurant
A beautiful colonial villa turned restaurant run by Friends International. The menu features traditional Khmer cuisine with some adventurous options, served in an elegant garden setting supporting marginalized youth.
74 Street 174, Phnom Penh
Sokha Garden Restaurant
A garden restaurant offering traditional Khmer cuisine in a relaxed outdoor setting. Live traditional music performances create an authentic cultural dining experience at reasonable prices.
Street 25, Siem Reap
Champey Restaurant
A riverside restaurant in Kampot offering fresh seafood and traditional Khmer dishes. Famous for its crab with Kampot pepper, the restaurant provides stunning sunset views over the river.
Riverside Road, Kampot
Neary Khmer Restaurant
A family-run restaurant offering home-style Khmer cooking at very affordable prices. The simple setting and authentic flavors provide a genuine local dining experience away from tourist areas.
Street 20, Siem Reap
Cafe
Joe to Go
A favorite expat hangout serving excellent coffee, fresh juices, and Western breakfast. The garden setting, good books, and strong wifi create a perfect work-friendly environment.
Old Market Area, Siem Reap
Cafe Moi Moi
A cozy Japanese-style cafe serving quality coffee, matcha drinks, and light Japanese snacks. Minimalist decor and peaceful atmosphere provide a zen retreat in busy Siem Reap.
Wat Bo Road, Siem Reap
Cafe Yejj
A trendy cafe in Phnom Penh serving specialty coffee, healthy bowls, and Instagram-worthy desserts. Modern industrial design and creative menu attract young locals and expats.
Street 308, Phnom Penh
Khmer & Asian
Central Market Food Section
The food section of Phnom Penh's iconic Art Deco market offers diverse local dishes. Great for sampling various Khmer foods in one location with air-conditioned comfort nearby.
Central Market, Phnom Penh
Viroth's Restaurant
A stylish modern restaurant with beautiful garden setting serving refined Khmer and Asian cuisine. The sleek design, excellent cocktails, and sophisticated menu attract both locals and tourists.
Wat Bo Road, Siem Reap
Khmer Fine Dining
Mahob Khmer Cuisine
Young chef Sothea elevates original Khmer dishes using the freshest local ingredients. Famous for weekly degustation menus and volcanic stone barbecue cooked at 400 degrees, creating unique flavors in a sophisticated atmosphere.
Street 26, Siem Reap
Malis Restaurant Phnom Penh
The Phnom Penh flagship of chef Luu Meng's restaurant empire, offering riverside dining with panoramic views. The extensive menu celebrates Cambodian culinary traditions with refined presentations and impeccable service.
Preah Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh
Traditional Khmer
The Sugar Palm
A charming restaurant in a colonial-era building serving authentic Khmer dishes from family recipes. The passionate chef-owner ensures traditional cooking methods and flavors are preserved in every dish.
Taphul Road, Siem Reap
Chanrey Tree
An elegant restaurant in a traditional wooden house featuring authentic Khmer recipes passed down through generations. The romantic garden setting and candlelit tables create a magical atmosphere for experiencing Cambodia's culinary heritage.
Pokambor Avenue, Siem Reap
Various Street Food
Night Market Street Food
Evening street food market offering grilled meats, seafood, insects, and tropical fruits. The vibrant atmosphere and diverse options make it perfect for adventurous eaters.
Angkor Night Market, Siem Reap
Street 172 Night Food Vendors
A popular backpacker street with numerous food carts serving late-night snacks. Perfect for post-bar munchies with options from local to international street food.
Street 172, Phnom Penh
Bakery Cafe
Blue Pumpkin
A stylish cafe chain offering air-conditioned comfort, excellent ice cream, pastries, and light meals. The upstairs seating with cushions and free wifi is perfect for escaping the heat.
Pub Street, Siem Reap
Bbq Street Food
Riverside BBQ Stalls
Evening BBQ stalls along Sisowath Quay in Phnom Penh offering grilled seafood, meats, and vegetables. Join locals for fresh beer and smoky grilled treats with river views.
Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh
Cafe & Gallery
ARTillery Cafe
An art gallery cafe supporting local artists while serving excellent coffee and light meals. The rotating exhibitions and creative atmosphere make it a cultural hotspot in Siem Reap.
Wat Bo Road, Siem Reap
French
Topaz Restaurant
An intimate fine dining experience combining French techniques with Cambodian ingredients. The chef's creative tasting menus change seasonally, offering sophisticated dishes in an elegant colonial villa setting.
22 Street 240, Phnom Penh
International
FCC Angkor
The Foreign Correspondents Club offers colonial atmosphere, great cocktails, and diverse menu in a historic building. Perfect for relaxed lunches or sunset drinks with views of the Royal Gardens.
Pokambor Avenue, Siem Reap
International & Khmer
Epic Arts Cafe
A social enterprise cafe in Kampot employing people with disabilities. Serves excellent coffee, healthy food, and traditional Khmer dishes while supporting inclusive employment and arts programs.
Street 724, Kampot
Italian
Joe's Pizza
A casual pizzeria serving authentic wood-fired pizzas and pasta. Popular with expats and tourists craving familiar Western food with generous portions and friendly service.
Street 08, Siem Reap
Khmer Bbq
Khmer Grill Restaurant
A popular spot for traditional Khmer BBQ where diners cook their own meat and vegetables at the table. The lively atmosphere, fresh ingredients, and interactive dining make it a fun group experience.
Sivatha Boulevard, Siem Reap
Khmer Street Food
Kandal Market Food Stalls
A local market in Phnom Penh serving authentic Cambodian breakfast and snacks. Early morning is best for traditional dishes like bobor (rice porridge) and num banh chok.
Street 155, Phnom Penh
Local Khmer
Wat Bo Food Stalls
Neighborhood food stalls in quiet Wat Bo area serving locals and in-the-know tourists. Authentic Khmer dishes at local prices with friendly atmosphere.
Wat Bo Area, Siem Reap
Mexican
Viva Restaurant
A unique fusion restaurant combining Mexican flavors with Cambodian ingredients. The creative menu, craft cocktails, and vibrant atmosphere offer a refreshing break from traditional Khmer food.
Sok San Road, Siem Reap
Modern Khmer
Embassy Restaurant
Chef Kimsan Pol's elegant restaurant showcasing refined Khmer cuisine in a warm colonial-style setting. The menu features creative interpretations of traditional dishes with focus on presentation and locally-sourced ingredients.
Pokambor Avenue, Siem Reap
Pan
Sokkhak River Lounge
Upscale riverside restaurant offering Pan-Asian cuisine with Cambodian influences. The sophisticated menu, craft cocktails, and stunning Tonlé Sap River views create a memorable dining experience in Phnom Penh.
Street 106, Phnom Penh
Seafood
Kep Crab Market
Waterfront crab shacks serving the famous Kep crab with Kampot pepper sauce. Choose your crab from the tanks and have it cooked to order while enjoying ocean views.
Kep Beach, Kep
Various Asian
Angkor Night Market Food Court
An open-air food court offering diverse Asian cuisines from various stalls. Perfect for groups with different tastes, featuring Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer options at budget prices.
Angkor Night Market, Siem Reap
Vegetarian
Chamkar Vegetarian Restaurant
A local vegetarian restaurant serving traditional Khmer dishes made entirely plant-based. Extremely affordable prices and authentic flavors make it popular with Buddhist locals and budget travelers.
Wat Bo Area, Siem Reap
Western & Khmer
Bees Knees Cafe
A bright and cheerful cafe serving breakfast all day, sandwiches, and Khmer favorites. Known for excellent coffee, free refills, and air-conditioned comfort.
Sivatha Boulevard, Siem Reap
Food tours & tastings in Cambodia
Eat your way through Cambodia with a guide.
Browse food experiences in CambodiaWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Grilled Corn with Coconut Milk
Freshly grilled corn cobs brushed with seasoned coconut milk and a little salt — a ubiquitous Cambodian street snack sold by roving carts throughout Phnom Penh and Siem Reap evenings.
Find it at: Evening street carts near Pub Street Siem Reap and Sisowath Quay Phnom Penh
Fried Insects (A-Ping)
Deep-fried tarantulas, crickets, silkworms, and water bugs — a genuine local snack eaten throughout Cambodia. Crickets taste like popcorn; tarantulas are crunchy outside and soft inside.
Find it at: Old Market Siem Reap, Street 278 Phnom Penh night vendors, Skuon 'Spider Town' on Route 6
Num Pang (Cambodian Baguette)
A French-Cambodian hybrid sandwich of crispy baguette filled with pâté, grilled pork, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. Cambodia's $1-2 street food institution influenced by French colonial baking.
Find it at: Central Market food stands Phnom Penh, morning market vendors throughout Cambodia
Bai Sach Chrouk
Grilled pork marinated in coconut milk and garlic served over broken rice with pickled cucumber and a clear soup — Cambodia's favorite breakfast plate from early morning street grills.
Find it at: Morning street grills in every Cambodian town from 5-10AM, disappears by midday
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Psar Chas Old Market Food Court
The ground floor of Siem Reap's Old Market houses a lively food court with stalls serving local breakfasts, noodle soups, grilled meats, and fresh tropical fruits at rock-bottom local prices.
Hours: 5AM-2PM for food stalls, market open all day
Psar Thmei Central Market Food Section
Phnom Penh's iconic Art Deco market has a dedicated food section with dozens of vendors selling Cambodian baguettes, fresh fruit, grilled meats, and market breakfasts beloved by local workers.
Hours: 6AM-5PM daily
Kep Crab Market
A row of waterfront crab shacks at Kep Beach where you choose live blue crabs from tanks and have them cooked to order. The freshest and cheapest place to try Cambodia's famous Kep crab with Kampot pepper.
Hours: 9AM-8PM daily
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch (11AM-2PM) is when local restaurants are busiest and freshest — ideal time for the best market food
Tipping is not expected at local eateries; $1-2 is appreciated at mid-range tourist restaurants
Inform staff of any serious allergies — prahok (fermented fish paste) is an invisible ingredient in many dishes
Social enterprise restaurants like Friends, Haven, and Romdeng provide excellent food while supporting vulnerable youth
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $3-8/meal | Street food and local rice plate restaurants |
| Mid-range | $10-25/meal | Sit-down Khmer or international restaurants |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining at Malis, Cuisine Wat Damnak, or hotel restaurants |