Where to eat?
Types of Restaurants
- Street Stalls (Street Food): The foundation of Cambodian food culture. Food stalls by the roadside serve Num Banh Chok, Bai Sach Chrouk, fried rice, and noodles. 0.50–2 USD. Where the locals eat — authentic and fresh. Rule of thumb: High turnover = fresh and safe.
- Local Restaurants: Simple plastic tables, fans, menu in Khmer (sometimes also in English). Amok, Lok Lak, Fried Rice, noodle soups. 2–5 USD per dish. Here you find the best value for money.
- Tourist Restaurants: In Siem Reap (Pub Street area) and Phnom Penh (Riverside/BKK). Air-conditioned, English menu, often Khmer + Western food. 4–10 USD per dish. Quality varies greatly.
- Social Enterprises: Restaurants that train disadvantaged youth — excellent food AND a good cause. The best:
- Haven (Siem Reap): Training restaurant with excellent Khmer fusion cuisine. 4–8 USD.
- Marum (Siem Reap): Part of the TREE Alliance — young adults from difficult backgrounds cook Khmer tapas. 3–6 USD.
- Friends (Phnom Penh): The original social enterprise restaurant. Khmer tapas, cocktails, rooftop terrace. 3–7 USD.
- Epic Arts Café (Kampot): Run by deaf and disabled Cambodians. Excellent coffee and cake.
- Markets: The Russian Market (Phnom Penh), the Old Market (Siem Reap), and local morning markets — where locals have breakfast. Num Banh Chok, baguette sandwiches (a legacy of the French colonial era!), fresh fruit. From 0.50 USD.
Price Level
| Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Street Food (Rice + Meat, Soup) | 0.50–2 USD |
| Local Restaurant (Amok, Lok Lak) | 2–5 USD |
| Good Restaurant | 5–10 USD |
| Fine Dining Restaurant | 10–25 USD |
| Beer (Angkor, local) | 0.50–1.50 USD |
| Smoothie | 1–1.50 USD |
| Iced Coffee | 0.75–1.50 USD |
💡 Tipp
The best meals in Cambodia are found where the locals eat — at street stalls and morning markets. Dare yourself! The hygiene is better than it looks (high turnover = fresh). And visit at least one social enterprise restaurant — the quality is excellent, and your money changes a young life.
