Guide to Eating Vegan in Siem Reap

You will discover Siem Reap's vegan scene exceptionally diverse, with over 25 dedicated plant-based restaurants offering everything from traditional Khmer dishes to international cuisine. Top-rated spots like HeyBong and JOMNO serve creative local fare, while budget-friendly options at markets offer vegan baguettes and noodles under $2. From luxury tasting menus at Cuisine Wat Damnak to street food adventures, the city's plant-based offerings cater to every budget and taste preference. Let's explore where to discover these culinary gems.

Key Points

• Top-rated restaurants like HeyBong and Banlle offer authentic vegan Khmer cuisine using local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
• Budget-conscious travelers can find vegan options under $2 at local markets, including baguettes, noodles, and tofu skewers.
• International restaurants including Fellini's and Elia Greek Kitchen provide dedicated vegan menus alongside their regular offerings.
• Luxury vegan experiences are available through specialized tasting menus and butler-served picnics near Angkor Wat.
• Street food and unique dishes like nom ga chai and banana flower "fish and chips" offer authentic vegan Cambodian flavors.

Where to Find Top-Rated Vegan Restaurants in Siem Reap

Looking to explore Siem Reap's thriving vegan food scene? You'll discover an impressive selection of restaurants serving plant-based cuisine that ranges from traditional Khmer dishes to international favorites.

HeyBong, voted the city's best vegan restaurant, offers 100% plant-based Khmer dishes using local ingredients, while Banlle Vegetarian Restaurant creatively reimagines classics like prahok ktis with fermented tofu. Their signature Khmer Red Curry is a must-try dish that perfectly captures authentic Cambodian flavors in vegan form.

For an upscale dining experience, head to JOMNO Modern Khmer Cuisine, where award-winning chefs craft refined vegan interpretations of traditional dishes.

Peace Cafe serves vegan-labeled Khmer curries, and if you're craving international flavors, you'll discover everything from Vanakkam's South Indian specialties to Fellini's Italian vegan dishes.

Many of these establishments, like New Leaf Eatery and Peace Cafe, also support local charities and environmental initiatives.

Budget-Friendly Plant-Based Dining Options

While Siem Reap offers numerous high-end vegan establishments, budget-conscious travelers can still enjoy delicious plant-based meals without breaking the bank.

You'll discover incredible street food options at Psar Chas market, where vegan baguettes cost under $1, and local night markets serve up fried noodle dishes for less than $2. For self-catering, Lucky Supermarket offers affordable tofu blocks and instant vegan ramen. The city's affordable dining ranges from local noodle shops to upscale restaurants, with options starting at just $1.

• Visit Kang Le for their $1.75 noodle dumpling soup
• Explore Wat Damnak Market for 50-cent tofu skewers
• Stop by New Leaf Eatery for a $3 tofu stir-fry
• Check out Footprints Café's $3 brown rice veggie curry

Community-minded spots like New Leaf Eatery and Peace Café offer budget-friendly meals while supporting local education and wellness programs, making your dining choices both economical and impactful.

Non-Vegan Restaurants With Great Vegan Menus

Despite specializing in traditional meat-based dishes, many of Siem Reap's mainstream restaurants have embraced plant-based dining with creative and substantial vegan menu sections.

Siem Reap's dining scene evolves beyond tradition, as established restaurants embrace plant-based cuisine with innovative vegan offerings.

You'll discover diverse international options, from Fellini's complete vegan Italian menu to Elia Greek Kitchen's plant-based dolmades and falafel gyros. These restaurants provide vegan fine dining experiences that rival major culinary destinations.

Maybe Later Mexican Grill has revolutionized its offerings with OmniMeat tacos and dairy-free cheese alternatives, while Slam Dunk Sandwich Co serves up hearty vegan burgers. Local night markets also offer plentiful vegetarian street food options for budget-conscious diners.

For Asian fusion, try JOMNO Modern Khmer Cuisine, where the chef crafts innovative vegan interpretations of local dishes.

Even hotel restaurants like Treeline Urban Resort and Sala Baï have jumped on board, offering sophisticated plant-based options that rival their conventional counterparts in taste and presentation.

Luxury Vegan Dining Experiences in Siem Reap

Siem Reap's luxury vegan dining scene elevates plant-based cuisine to new heights, offering sophisticated experiences that rival the world's finest restaurants.

You'll discover exquisite tasting menus at HeyBong and JOMNO, where local ingredients transform into artistic creations like Ocean Kissed Jackfruit Salad and smoked eggplant roulade. The local favorite vegan Amok adds a traditional Cambodian flair to the upscale dining experience.

For the ultimate experience, luxury hotels like Jaya House River Park and Shinta Mani Angkor offer bespoke vegan menus in stunning settings.

• Enjoy a 7-course tasting menu at HeyBong for $45, featuring sous-vide jackfruit and edible flowers
• Experience butler-served vegan picnics near Angkor Wat through Heritage Suites Hotel
• Sample rare herbs from Phnom Kulen National Park at Cuisine Wat Damnak's $55 seasonal menu
• Book Jaya House's private dining sala for a floating meal on their lotus pond at sunset

Must-Try Unique Vegan Food Adventures

Beyond the polished luxury dining scene, Siem Reap's vegan food adventures offer a thrilling mix of modern creativity and authentic street flavors.

You'll discover innovative dishes like HeyBong's Ocean Kissed Jackfruit Salad and Banlle's banana flower "fish and chips," which showcase the city's evolving culinary landscape. Traditional nom ga chai is a must-try street snack made from rice flour dough and chives fried until golden.

Don't miss the lively street food scene, where you can sample crispy chive cakes at local markets and fresh spring rolls with peanut dip from vegetarian-friendly stalls.

For a unique fusion experience, try The Chippy's British-inspired vegan comfort food or catch one of SreyVegan's pop-up events featuring Cambodian-inspired dishes.

If you're craving traditional flavors with a plant-based twist, head to Peace Cafe for their Kreung Khitis, a spicy peanut-coconut dip served with green beans and tofu.

Essential Tips for Vegan Travelers in Cambodia

Maneuvering Cambodia's culinary landscape as a vegan requires smart preparation and cultural understanding to guarantee satisfying, authentic experiences.

You'll need to master key Khmer phrases like "jay" (vegan) and "mun nyam tduk tdrei" (no fish sauce), while carrying translation cards to clearly communicate your dietary needs.

When dining out, always verify that "vegetarian" dishes don't contain eggs or fish paste, and seek out Buddhist-affiliated eateries for expanded vegan options. Be cautious with street food and uncooked vegetables since tap water is unsafe for consumption.

• Download the HappyCow and Abillion apps to locate vegan-friendly restaurants
• Pack emergency snacks for remote areas where options may be limited
• Learn to identify common hidden ingredients like prahok (fish paste) and shrimp paste
• Join local vegan Facebook groups for up-to-date recommendations and community support

The Wrap Up

Siem Reap's vegan scene blossoms like a lotus flower, offering you endless possibilities to explore Cambodia's plant-based treasures. From street-side noodles to elegant dining rooms, you'll discover that this ancient city nurtures both your spiritual and culinary journey. Armed with these tips and restaurant recommendations, you're ready to set out on a compassionate food adventure that honors both local traditions and your vegan lifestyle.