the food sanctuary
Eating Like Locals & Superhosts
Food is a huge part of the Saralya experience. This guide, curated by John & Heather, highlights our most cherished spots—from high-end date-night treats to the best local spots.
Whether you go out and explore or stay in and utilize the Chef’s Kitchen, use this guide to eat like an insider.
Saralya Superhost Tip: While we may highlight many Western food places, rest assured that most of them also make incredible Cambodian dishes. Which is why they made it to our personal guide!
📍 Walking Distance Favorites (Immediate Fuel)
These spots are right across the street or a very short walk from the front gate:
- The Queen Cafe: Your immediate, go-to spots for morning coffee and breakfast, or lunch.
- Dreams Youth Cafe: An easy walk and a social enterprise all in one. (Google makes it look like there is no food there – but there is!)
🛵 Stay In: Our Favorite Delivery (Grab & Food Panda)
Sometimes, after a long day exploring, the only adventure you need is from the couch. Siem Reap offers fantastic, affordable delivery via Grab and Food Panda.
Our Top Delivered Picks (Tested for Quality & Speed):
- Joe’s Burgers: The Master Key Pick. Order their Smash burgers—delicious, and they taste even better delivered!
- Nick Restaurant: Seriously, always delicious and affordable – dine in or get delivery!
- Soraya Cafe: Wins best breakfast for delivery for us!
- My Little Cafe: Reliable, fast, and a huge menu, perfect for quick meals or to dine in.
- Aroi Dee: Good local Thai options when you crave something spicy and authentic.
- Paris Bakery: A delicious option for sandwiches, coffee, quiche, baked goods, and fast delivery when the craving hits.
- Mr. Dumpling: Affordable, delicious dumplings and noodles!
Saralya Superhost Tip: Save a little money and pay for membership for Grab and Food Panda, less than $2, get free deliveries, better pricing – then cancel when you leave Cambodia.
🇰🇭 Cambodian & Regional Favorites (Must-Try)
Khmer Cusine
You can choose between Beef, Pork, Chicken, or Tofu!
Choose whatever meat you like!
They probably offer Chicken or Tofu!
🍽️ The Master List: Our Vetted Recommendations
These are the spots we would take our own friends and family—categorized for every budget and mood.
💰 Good Food & Budget Friendly (Under $5 USD / Meal)
- Yi Nget BBQ Beef Sticks: They make ONE thing, and they make it well! The ultimate local street food experience. Delicious skewers, fresh bread, and pickled salad are perfect for a cheap dinner.
- Tevy’s Place: Great value for everyday Cambodian and budget Western food with extensive menus. Say Hi to Cecil for us!
- Nick Restaurant: Always a solid winner. We have never even had an “average” tasting dish here.
- Our Place: Everything is delicious, both Khmer and Western!
- Khmer Taste: Dependable spot for authentic, extremely affordable local flavor and $0.50 drafts.
🌮 Global Flavors & Treat Yourself
| Category | Restaurant Name | John & Heather’s Superhost Review |
|---|---|---|
| Mexican | Chubby Gonzo’s | Best Street Tacos in Siem Reap! |
| Maybe Later Mexican Bar & Grill | Best Chips & Salsa!! | |
| Pizza (Texas Ribs) | Lost City Pizza | Best Pizza Delicious but WOWZA for Wednesday nights ONLY Rib night!! |
| Middle Eastern | Sabai Lifestyle | Incredible selection, fresh, affordable |
| Indian | Soul cafe | Our go-to Indian restaurant: half the price of the others and just as delicious. |
| Buffet | Meng BBQ | Great Buffet and a lot of fun for $10. They offer both cook yourself and already-made dishes. Ice Cream included! |
| Treat Yourself | Swiss Restaurant & Delivery | FONDUE!! |
| Kilimandjaro | When you need a high-end night out. | |
| Tell Steak House | Excellent steak and atmosphere. |
🌱 Vegan & Vegetarian (Our Personal Favorites)
- Ojas Vegan & Vegetarian: Excellent menu focused on wellness and fresh ingredients.
- Wat Bong: All the comfort food you crave made guilt-free! Delicious.
- New Leaf Eatery: A beautiful social enterprise with great food and a relaxed vibe.
- Peace Cafe: Reliable Vegan and vegetarian cuisine with good sized menu.
Saralya Superhost Tip: There is never a shortage of places to satisfy vegans & vegetarians, since most Khmer food is vegetable-based. Pick any restaurant – you will have no problems staying true to you!
🍢 Street Food & Night Dining
- Night Market: A fantastic spot for an evening stroll and dinner. Located along the river, it offers a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of stalls selling grilled meats, noodles, shakes, and cold beer.
🛒 The Community Kitchen: Local Markets & Groceries
If you prefer to cook (and we encourage you to use our Chef’s Kitchen), here is where to stock up.
Local Markets (Best for Fresh Produce)
These are great for genuine cultural immersion and the best prices on fruits and vegetables:
- Phsar Samaki (Vegetable & Fruit Market): Excellent for fresh produce. Best to go in the mornings.
- Psar Leu (Local Indoor Market): A traditional market experience. The largest “locals” market in Siem Reap.
Grocery Stores (International & Convenience)
- Angkor Market: The biggest selection of international goods, but also the most expensive ($$). (There are now three in town of varying sizes.)
- Angkor Market I
- Angkor market II
- Angkor Market III (Massive brand-new three-story supermarket)
- Chao Sang Hok Superstore: Smaller, but carries a good range of international staples alongside local goods. (There are two, one on each side of town.)