subscribe
Travel

Beyond Angkor Wat: Where To Eat & Drink In Siem Reap

From hidden cocktail bars to farm-to-table dining, Siem Reap’s culinary scene is as rich in flavour as its legendary temples.

| Tejashee Kashyap
Cambodia
Photograph: (Photo by allPhoto Bangkok on Unsplash )

When I landed in Siem Reap, I expected temples to take centre stage—and they did, in all their sunrise-lit glory. But I hadn’t anticipated how effortlessly the city would entice me with its food and drink. The country’s Khmer cuisine shines with its fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Over centuries, Cambodian dishes have absorbed influences from Indian, Chinese, and French traditions, creating a distinct gastronomic identity. Though the Khmer Rouge nearly erased Cambodia’s culinary heritage, today, chefs and local communities are reviving ancestral recipes. The food and drink culture here is finally getting worldwide recognition, and Siem Reap is a great place to start.  

BAR43

BAR43 may seem like a simple watering hole, but it’s the perfect place for craft cocktails and a buzzing social scene. It has a sleek yet inviting vibe, with intimate lighting and bar-side seating that lets you watch the mixologists work their magic up close. You might walk in for ‘just one drink’ but find yourself lingering for hours. The bartenders here are true alchemists, crafting drinks that spotlight indigenous ingredients—think Kampot pepper, kaffir lime leaves, sticky rice syrup, and more. 

What to have: Holy Water, a bestseller with vodka, aloe vera, lemongrass syrup, lime juice, and coconut water. Another signature is Sunshine with gin, Kampot pepper and kaffir lime.

Miss Wong

Tucked away in Siem Reap’s lanes, Miss Wong is a mood and a step into a pocket of old-world glamour. Unlike the raucous bar strips nearby, you can escape the frenzy, sink into a plush banquette, and savour sips here, with the soft glow of red lanterns, polished wood interiors and 1930s Shanghai film noir where the protagonists hang out in speakeasy jazz clubs. The signature cocktails pay homage to both Cambodia and China, balancing familiar flavours with creative twists. If you’re feeling adventurous, trust the bartenders to whip up something unexpected; they have a knack for reading the mood of the night. 

What to have: Indochine Martini, a vodka-based bestseller with ginger cognac and pineapple juice.

Cuisine Wat Damnak

Started by French chef Joannès Rivière, the restaurant reinterprets Khmer food in French techniques. Housed in a traditional wooden home, it features a modern dining room downstairs adorned with local artwork and handicrafts. Upstairs, the fan-cooled area preserves the charm of a Cambodian countryside home. Outside is a garden—surrounded by lush tropical greenery and fragrant local herbs. The elevated Cambodian cuisine is based on a fresh and seasonal menu. Think Mekong River fish paired with delicate tamarind notes, silky palm heart salads, and bold flavours drawn from foraged herbs and spices. Wash it all down with locally brewed beer.

What to have: Jackfruit dessert with puffed rice and caramelised coconut milk sauce. The monthly tasting menu includes a plant-based option.

Chi

Photo Courtesy: Chi Restaurant & Bar

 

The restaurant stays true to its name—Chi, meaning ‘herb’ in Khmer—by embracing farm-to-table freshness in every dish. Chi serves modern Khmer cuisine with subtle Western influences. The chefs work with locally sourced ingredients like wild mushrooms, river fish, and fragrant herbs. Pair it all with a glass from their curated wine selection.

What to have: Cambodian Seafood Amok, a rich coconut curry with fish, prawns, and squid, infused with lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, and kaffir lime; Banteay Srei Green Mango & Tuna Salad with a zesty Khmer dressing and the Battambang Pomelo Salad. 

Lum Orng

Another farm-to-table gem, Lum Orng is helmed by Chef Sothea Seng – a pioneer of Cambodia’s “New Mekong Cuisine” – who brings a deep respect for local ingredients, many of which are grown on-site or sourced from nearby farms. Set in a beautifully restored wooden house, the decor and food are Cambodian in its most thoughtful, soulful form. The menu is a masterclass in balance—earthy, fragrant, and full of depth. The Royal Khmer menu brings flavours of the former Khmer Empire—from southern Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand—into refined Cambodian cuisine. 

What to have: Pork Rib Ravioli, slow-cooked pork and dried shrimp wrapped in delicate wontons tossed in cinnamon and peppercorn caramelised sauce.

Brother Bong Cafe

If you’re looking for a laid-back café, Brother Bong Café is where warmth, community, and a seriously good caffeine fix come together. Founded by a local barista with a deep passion for Cambodian-grown beans, Brother Bong takes its coffee seriously. Expect expertly brewed cups, hearty breakfasts, and an easygoing vibe that makes you want to soak in Siem Reap’s unhurried charm. Oh, and the playlist? It always seems to hit the right notes.

What to have: Wholesome smoothie bowls and homemade granola; Khmer noodle soup with fried chicken.

The Little Red Fox Espresso Cafe

Before you leave, stop at the artsy enclave of Kandal Village. One of the shining stars in speciality coffee is The Little Red Fox Espresso Cafe. Everyone who knows good coffee swears by this quaint place. Mornings here can fade into leisurely afternoons. It is where most local artists and backpackers are found. The food? Thoughtfully curated with wholesome bites and vegan-friendly options that don’t feel like an afterthought. 

What to have: Coconut and cinnamon mocha with some peanut butter pancakes and a Foxy Espresso Martini.

Related stories