Best Restaurants in Cambodia 2025
Explore the culinary scene of Cambodia - from local favorites to fine dining.
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
These iconic dishes define the culinary identity of 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Complete Food Guide
100+ restaurants, local recipes, and dining recommendations for Cambodia.
Top Restaurants
Our handpicked recommendations 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Restaurants by Cuisine
Find restaurants that match your taste preferences.
Khmer Fine Dining Cuisine
Malis Restaurant Siem Reap
Mahob Khmer Cuisine
Malis Restaurant Phnom Penh
Khmer & International Cuisine
Haven Training Restaurant
Street Food & International Cuisine
Pub Street Food Stalls
Khmer Street Food Cuisine
Old Market (Phsar Chas) Food Stalls
Kandal Market Food Stalls
Cafe Cuisine
Brown Coffee Siem Reap
Joe to Go
Cafe Moi Moi
Cafe Yejj
Contemporary Khmer Cuisine
Cuisine Wat Damnak
Street Food & Markets
The best local flavors 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.
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.
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.
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.
Food Markets
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.
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.
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.
Dining Etiquette & Tips
Navigate the local food scene like a pro.
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.
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