Running Amok in Siem Reap: In Search of the Perfect Cambodian Curry

In the best restaurants in Siem Reap, as in the rest of south <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/asia">Asia</a> (both east or west), curry is the name of the game.Asian curries are fascinating, as they differ country by country. Even within countries they can also vary from state to state, even within similar ethnic groupings, as they are influenced by&nbsp;cultural, religious, agricultural or economic factors.Panang is my favourite in <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/asia/thailand">Thailand</a>, but in <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/asia/cambodia">Cambodia</a>, it’s definitely amok.<h3>Running Amok in Siem Reap</h3>In Southeast Asian cuisine, mok, amok, or ho mok&nbsp;are all terms that refer both to the process of steam cooking a curry in banana leaves, and to the resulting dish.Some of the classic ingredients include thick coconut cream and galangal, a type of plant that’s in the same family as ginger. But the full list of potential ingredients is long and includes many varieties of leaves and other regional staples.Amok&nbsp;can be found throughout Southeast Asia, particularly in Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, where it has a rich tradition among locals.On a recent trip to Siem Reap, I went in search of the best amok in town,&nbsp;starting with a few of my favourite haunts.<h3>A Few of My Favourites</h3>

<h4><a href="http://www.khmerkitchens.com/">Khmer Kitchen</a></h4>“Local” restaurants&nbsp;are a dime a dozen these days, but 15 years ago the Khmer Kitchen was the only&nbsp;game in town. And ever since, it has remained a shining light of friendly service in a casual setting. You can leave your credit card at home, just be sure to come with at least ten dollars – you’ll likely spend less than that per person!<h4><a href="https://www.thesugarpalm.com/">The Sugar Palm</a></h4>A traditional home-style comfort food spot that’s famous for it’s amok. They have a big menu with lots of vegetarian options and the food is great.<h4><a href="https://www.instagram.com/chanreytree_restaurant/?hl=en">Chanrey Tree</a></h4>Chanrey Tree has&nbsp;been around for a couple of years now and probably offers the best balance between fancy and good. They’re in a great&nbsp;location on the river and have terrific, friendly service.

<h4><a href="http://www.cuisinewatdamnak.com/">Cuisine Wat Damnak</a></h4>After many years of trying,&nbsp;I finally&nbsp;got&nbsp;to eat at the most famous game in town. And let me tell you, it was worth the wait – I will definitely be heading back. Cuisine Wat Damnak serves fantastic Cambodian food, cooked by a top French chef, and served by his lovely partner. The whole thing is set in a traditional Khmer home and it just works.

<h4><a href="https://www.spoonscambodia.org/">Spoons</a></h4>This special local restaurant not only serves delicious Cambodian food, but is also driven by an important social purpose. Spoons is part of an organization that trains underserved young Cambodians for careers in hospitality. Yes, it’s a training restaurant, but under the tutelage of experts, they produce excellent cuisine!Beneath a bamboo canopy, sample a wide array of Khmer dishes, including their scrumptious chicken wings with amok sauce.<h3>The Verdict</h3>After sampling amok and many other tasty delicacies at (what I consider) to be the best restaurants in Siem Reap, I have to confess that&nbsp;for my money, the best dinner option in the city is the three-dollar (that’s right&nbsp;– three dollars!) curry from Khmer Kitchen.&nbsp;Feeling inspired to taste your way through <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/asia/cambodia">Cambodia</a>? Get inspired and start planning your trip with <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/meet-the-designers/nathan-lane">Nathan</a> today.

Discover the best places to eat amok in Siem Reap—from traditional Khmer restaurants to local favourites serving Cambodia’s iconic coconut curry dish. 


Where to Eat Amok in Siem Reap | Cambodia’s Iconic Curry Dish

Cambodia

While Cambodia is famed for Angkor Wat, a marvel of ancient architecture and spirituality, its treasures extend far beyond the temples. In Siem Reap, discover an artistic pulse in funky cafés and lively markets, while Phnom Penh’s riverside hums with chic restaurants and local charm. Beyond the cities, Cambodia’s heart beats in its landscapes—seven biodiverse national parks harbour rare wildlife and untamed beauty, offering adventure from the Cardamom Mountains to the Mekong River’s shores. Cambodia is a land of contrasts, where ancient history and vibrant modern culture intertwine, inviting you to experience Southeast Asia’s spirit in a place both timeless and full of life.

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The ancient legacy of the Khmer empire rises from the tangles of the jungle in the spectacular temples of Angkor. Over an area the size of Paris, exquisite carvings sit side by side with towering temples and vast royal compounds. More modern history speaks to the incredible resilience of the people, who despite atrocities, still exude optimism and an unbreakable spirit, and that famous "Khmer smile." In the countryside, time seems to stand still in green rice paddies where water buffalo toil, or in the floating villages of Lake Tonlé Sap where life drifts quietly on. Let us craft your own timeless adventure in this beautiful land.

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Cambodia is ancient stone and unstoppable spirit. Marvel at Angkor’s jungle-clad temples, then trade sacred silence for Siem Reap’s café buzz or Phnom Penh’s riverside charm. Bike past water buffalo and through crumbling gates, sip cocktails by the beach, and feel the pulse of a country that endured hardship, but never lost its soul. This is history, with heart—and a whole lot of beauty.

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Bike Angkor at sunrise, explore Phnom Penh and discover rural Cambodia on a custom itinerary. Private temple access with guides who open doors tours can't.

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In Cambodia and Vietnam, every corner turned reveals a unique story woven by ancient histories and vibrant cultures. On this adventure, wander through sacred temples rising from the jungle floor in Cambodia, and experience the vast beauty of Angkor Archaeological Park. A short flight to Vietnam brings you to a different side of Southeast Asia teeming with culture, vibrancy and life. Starting in Hoi An, set out to explore local markets pulsing with energy, and travel under the iconic&nbsp;Hải Vân Pass, or "Pass of the Clouds" to bring us to the Imperial City&nbsp;of Hue. Dine aboard a cruise along the Perfume River, and head to the traditional home of our local friends for a special final night celebration.&nbsp;

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We've spent decades wandering these two countries for one simple reason: here, every step reveals a captivating story. We start by strolling through Cambodia’s jungle-cloaked temples, then hop to Vietnam’s energetic markets, take in Hoi An's colourful lanes, then cross beneath the majestic Hải Vân Pass en route to Hue’s Imperial City. And we finish aboard a Perfume River cruise, where our local friends have cooked up something special.

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The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

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Journey 5 nights from Angkor's ancient temples to Hoi An in a small group. Guided hikes, cultural immersion and insider access throughout.

Cambodia & Vietnam Walking Tour: Angkor to Hoi An's Lantern Streets

These destinations offer a rich fusion of history, culture and diverse cuisines. Explore the highlights, from lush jungles to scenic coastal roads. In Cambodia, marvel at the ever-changing history of Angkor Wat. Visit Vietnam and discover UNESCO-listed Hoi An, blending preserved history with Chinese temples, Vietnamese tube-houses, the ornate Japanese bridge, and eclectic restaurants. Conclude your week in Hue's Imperial City, where bullfrogs and crickets serenade you as Nguyen Dynasty relatives share grand history over royal cuisine.

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Pedal through our favourite corner of Southeast Asia, where ancient wonders pair beautifully with vibrant culture and outrageously good cuisine. Tuk-tuk past Angkor’s jungle-clad temples, then savour imperial flavours with Nguyen Dynasty descendants, and float down the utterly magical Perfume River.&nbsp; Cruise over the legendary Hai Van Pass, and spin through Vietnam’s lush countryside and historic Hoi An.&nbsp;

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In a corner of Asia known for its magic, we pull back the curtain on two distinct cultures united in the undeniable warmth of their people—and their delectable cuisine! Soak up quiet rice fields and endless miles of scenic coastal roads as we start in Cambodia for a behind-the-scenes look at Angkor's temples before flying to Vietnam where we'll immerse ourselves in both city and rural life.&nbsp;(Price is inclusive of $390 internal flights.)

Spend 6 nights biking and hiking from Angkor to Hoi An in a small group. Jungle temple routes, imperial citadels and the best of Southeast Asia on two wheels.

Cambodia & Vietnam Bike Tour: Angkor Jungle to Hoi An's Ancient Streets

B&amp;R’s Women’s Only trips are designed by women, for women to experience new regions, cultures and communities from female perspectives. Journey to Southeast Asia, where the enchanting regions of Cambodia and Vietnam are teeming with energy, culture and history. Your adventure begins in Cambodia, where you’ll pedal through lush jungles and ancient strangler fig trees to explore the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat. Witness the artistry of lotus flower spinning brought to life by skilled female artisans, and pedal through the serene countryside to reach the ethical craftswomen at the Kingdom of Wow. A swift flight then whisks you to Vietnam where the enchanting town of Hoi An awaits. Ride along the breathtaking Hai Van Pass—the world’s most beautiful coastal road—and cross the river to immerse yourself in the secrets of a local cooking school nestled on its shores. Along the way, you'll listen to the stories of remarkable women and their ancestors who are shaping the future of these vibrant lands.

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Pedal through Cambodia and Vietnam, where remarkable women lead the way. Spin through Angkor’s lush jungles, discover ancient temples, and meet the female artisans who skillfully bring the art of lotus flower spinning to life. Glide along Vietnam’s spectacular Hai Van Pass, soak in Hoi An’s riverside charm, and savour cooking secrets shared by local women shaping their communities.

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From the Mekong’s floating markets to Hoi An’s lantern-lit charm, this ride is Vietnam at its most deliciously vibrant. Pedal past silk-weaving villages, feast on street food from vintage Vespas, and cook with local masters. With riverboat luxury, market breakfasts, and countryside rides that put postcards to shame, it took us 60 years to craft a trip this divine—and you’ll still be dreaming about it for much (much) longer.&nbsp;

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Spend 4 nights cycling from the Mekong to Hoi An in a small group for B&R's 60th. Ancient temples, lantern-lit streets and Southeast Asia's finest cycling

Cambodia & Vietnam Bike Tour: Mekong Delta to Hoi An for B&R's 60th

Venture between lands where ancient temples rise from the jungle, rivers carve through timeless landscapes, and the air hums with the echoes of past civilizations. This journey through Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia takes you from misty mountain valleys and emerald rice terraces to sacred caves and golden-spired temples. Ride along the Mekong, walk through hidden villages where time slows, and stand in awe before the stone-carved wonders of Angkor. As you move from one destination to the next, you'll be immersed in the warmth of local traditions, from Buddhist blessings to vibrant market scenes and uncover layers of history, culture, and natural beauty that make this corner of the world truly unforgettable.&nbsp;B&amp;R Experience Designer Nathan Lane has been named a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler.

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Misty mountains, golden temples and ancient stories—this journey through Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia is pure magic. We walk through rice terraces and hidden villages, cruise the Mekong, and stand in awe before Angkor’s stone-carved wonders. Along the way, vibrant markets, sacred rituals and warm welcomes reveal the heart of this unforgettable corner of the world.

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In Laos, discover a UNESCO-protected city filled with colonial architecture, a Buddhist legacy, and miles of tranquil Mekong-side riding with thriving landscapes on the horizon. Switch gears and explore Siem Reap’s ancient Khmer temples of Angkor at sunrise and revel in the mystical atmosphere. Across these unique regions, connect with the wilderness and culture through rare intimate experiences.

Spend 5 nights biking, hiking and kayaking around Luang Prabang in a small group. Sacred temples, jungle waterfalls and Southeast Asia's most photogenic city.

Running Amok in Siem Reap: In Search of the Perfect Cambodian Curry

By Nathan Lane

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