A hidden Cambodian foodie guide, listing the local's favorite trendy restaurants

Food seems to be a universal language and serves as a window for us to understand a local culture. Often, people say that the food in Siem Reap is not good, but I think you might have eaten at the wrong places. We have a group of local drivers and guides who enthusiastically recommend their favorite restaurants to guests. Before visiting Cambodia, guests often ask what delicious food can be found there. I spent a month eating at local restaurants and trying street food in Siem Reap based on their recommendations, and I have compiled this hidden foodie guide to share with you all!

The most famous internet celebrity restaurant locally, personally visited by Beckham, which often leads to it being very crowded with long queues. The dishes here are meticulously prepared, and both traditional Khmer and Western cuisines are outstanding in taste. Food lovers should not miss it.
A restaurant with an excellent dining environment and taste. The prices are relatively higher than other restaurants, but the exquisite dishes, unique flavors, and elegant environment definitely justify the cost. Dining here is not just about experiencing the temptation of gourmet food, but also a visual and spiritual enjoyment.

Tang Kitchen

A very famous Chinese restaurant in the area. If you are not used to the local cuisine, you must try Tang Kitchen. Their flavors and cooking methods are very traditional Chinese.
A traditional Khmer restaurant with Apsara dance performances, it is the best experience after a tiring day, suitable for families and groups to dine. The dining environment is very good, and the dance performances are presented by professional actors showcasing Khmer art. The food in the restaurant is meticulously prepared by experienced Khmer chefs, without any compromise. Coming here to enjoy lunch while watching traditional performances is definitely a great choice!

Koulen II Restaurant

Located opposite Lucky Mall, Lychee Restaurant is one of the most cost-effective buffets in the area. While enjoying the delicious buffet, you can also watch the Apsara dance, making it a popular itinerary for many tour groups. The restaurant mainly offers traditional Khmer cuisine with dozens of dishes to choose from. It is a great place to experience local culture and enjoy gourmet food.

Zodiac Restaurant (Sichuan Buffet Hotpot)

Cambodian local food is generally mild in flavor and quite sweet, which many Chinese people are not accustomed to. Therefore, a Sichuan hotpot meal is the best comfort for travelers in a foreign land. In Cambodia, there are tourists from both the north and south of China. Northerners mostly prefer noodles, while southerners love rice. However, there is one type of food that is beloved by people from both regions, and that is hotpot, known for its 'one pot with a hundred flavors, five tastes to savor life.' Located directly opposite the Paris Hotel in Siem Reap, the Sichuan hotpot at Zodiac Restaurant has captured the hearts of many with its spicy and flavorful taste. The thought of enjoying a fragrant and spicy hotpot in a foreign country is truly enticing.

Srey Kouch Soup

If you love traditional Chinese Beijing hotpot and Sichuan spicy hotpot, you shouldn't miss the Cambodian hotpot. Asians are very enthusiastic about hotpot and barbecue, and the people here are no exception. Impressively, they combine hotpot and barbecue into one, using a special steel hotpot to turn ingredients into delicious Cambodian delicacies. Visiting the street stalls here and ordering a table of delicious 'Niu Shang Shan' is the most authentic way to experience Cambodian style.
Cambodian seafood is known for its great quality and affordability. The large prawns and crabs are fresh, meaty, and reasonably priced, making it a great culinary experience in Cambodia. Of course, good ingredients need a good chef. The head chef at this seafood restaurant is exceptional, not only mastering Southeast Asian cooking techniques but also blending in Chinese flavors, leaving even the most discerning food enthusiasts with nothing to criticize.

Bugs Cafe

High energy ahead! Fried bugs are a local specialty high-protein snack~ such as fried spiders, fried water snakes, fried water cockroaches, etc. Many people gather around to take photos, but who dares to eat them~ Whether you dare or not, you have to see them when you come. I mustered up the courage to try fried grasshoppers, and they were crispy and tasted pretty good.