Siem Reap: Khmer Cooking Class & Market Tour at Paper Tiger

Summary

Khmer flavors come alive as you shop then cook with local chefs

You’ll wander Siem Reap’s vibrant market with a local guide, learn how to choose fresh ingredients for classic Khmer dishes like amok or chicken curry, then cook side by side with a professional chef at Paper Tiger Eatery. Share your meal with fellow travelers and take home digital recipes—plus memories of laughter and real Cambodian flavors.

What’s the experience like?

We slipped into the morning bustle outside Paper Tiger Eatery, following our guide—Sophea, who grinned and waved us down a dusty lane. The air smelled like lemongrass and something sweet I couldn’t place. At the old market, Sophea handed me a knobbly root and asked if I knew what it was (I didn’t). She laughed, then showed us how locals pick out the best fish for amok. I tried to say “prahok” properly—she winced but smiled anyway. There’s this rhythm to the market: vendors calling out, knives hitting wood, kids weaving between baskets. I kind of wanted to just stay there watching people haggle over herbs.

Back at Paper Tiger, we tied on aprons—mine was too big but whatever—and got started on Khmer chicken curry. Our chef, Dara, moved fast but made sure we all kept up. He explained why coconut milk should go in slow (“not too hot or it splits!”), and let us taste the curry paste—fiery but somehow floral. My hands still smelled like kaffir lime leaves hours later. We chopped, stirred, and joked about whose spring rolls would explode in the pan (mine almost did). Lunch was noisy and relaxed; everyone compared their beef loc lac and swapped stories about where they’d eaten before Siem Reap.

I didn’t expect to feel so proud eating my own amok—maybe because it tasted like something I’d never make at home, or maybe just because Dara gave me an approving nod when I finally got the banana slices right for dessert. The digital recipe book came through on my phone after class; I keep telling myself I’ll try these back home but honestly… nothing will taste quite like that day with new friends around the table in Cambodia.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Khmer cooking class and market visit

• Visit historic market for fresh produce
• Return to Paper Tiger Eatery
• Learn to prepare Khmer dishes
• Cook amok, chicken curry, or beef loc lac
• Share meal with fellow students
• Receive digital recipe book

Top questions

How long does the cooking class last?

The cooking class lasts around three hours including the market tour.

Is lunch included in this Siem Reap cooking class?

Yes, you eat the meal you prepare during the class as lunch or dinner.

Do I get recipes to take home?

You receive a digital recipe book after finishing the class.

Are vegetarian options available?

Yes, vegetarian options are offered for most dishes on the menu.

Where does the Khmer cooking class take place?

The class is held at Paper Tiger Eatery in Siem Reap.

Is there a market visit included?

Yes, you start with a guided tour of a historic local market before cooking.

Can children join this cooking class?

Infants and small children can participate; prams or strollers are allowed.

Who teaches the cooking class?

A professional chef from Paper Tiger Eatery leads the session.

What’s included

Your experience includes a guided tour of Siem Reap’s historic market to select ingredients, hands-on cooking instruction from a professional chef at Paper Tiger Eatery, plus lunch or dinner featuring your own Khmer dishes—all topped off with a digital recipe book sent after your visit.