Siem Reap: Private Street Food Tour & 10 Tastings

Summary

Siem reap private food tour with locals ten tastings plus city walk

On this private street food tour in Siem Reap, you’ll taste dishes like Nom Banh Chok noodles and Fish Amok while exploring city highlights between bites. With a local guide leading the way, expect laughter over iced coffee, quick lessons in Khmer phrases, and vibrant market scenes that stick with you long after the last bite.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you’re not sure if you’re hungry or just curious? That’s how I felt stepping into the first busy corner of Siem Reap with our guide, Dara. He grinned and handed me something wrapped in banana leaf — I think it was called Num Ansom. Sticky rice, black sesame, a little smoky from the charcoal grill. The air smelled like lemongrass and motorbikes, if that makes sense. We sat on tiny stools by the river, just watching tuk-tuks blur past while Dara explained how his grandma used to make these for holidays. I tried saying thank you in Khmer — didn’t quite nail it, but Dara laughed and said it was close enough.

The private street food tour kept moving, and honestly, I lost track of time between bites. Nom Banh Chok noodles were fresh and a little sour with lime, crunchy sprouts on top. At one stall near Wat Damnak, we tried Fish Amok (I went for the veggie version) — creamy coconut sauce with some mystery greens that I still dream about. There was this moment where the light hit the temple’s golden roof just right and everything felt extra alive. In between tastings, Dara pointed out old French shopfronts and told us which fruit sellers to trust (hint: always look for the ones laughing with customers).

I didn’t expect to love the iced coffee so much — strong enough to wake up my jetlagged brain, sweetened with condensed milk that stuck to my teeth a bit. We ended up sharing a table at a tiny café near Angkor Archaeological Park with two locals who asked where we were from and taught us how to say “delicious” in Khmer (I probably butchered that too). The papaya salad was fiery but balanced out by fresh pineapple slices from a vendor who winked at us as she handed over our plate.

Honestly, by tasting number eight or nine I lost count — there were cakes made from rice flour and coconut milk that reminded me of childhood breakfasts somehow. Walking along the Siem Reap River after all that food felt necessary; cool air off the water mixed with incense drifting from somewhere nearby. I still think about how easy everyone smiled here, even when we mangled their language or fumbled chopsticks. This day trip around Siem Reap wasn’t just about eating; it felt like borrowing a piece of someone else’s daily life for an afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Taste local foods and explore landmarks

• Try Cambodian appetizer with black sesame
• Eat local noodles and fresh spring rolls
• Drink sweet and refreshing Cambodian beverage
• Enjoy curried fish dish
• Bite crispy fried cake with sweet sauce
• Munch tropical fruits like locals
• Try fresh papaya salad with chili and lime
• Eat local rice flour cakes with coconut milk
• Drink warm coffee in local cafe
• Visit Wat Damnak temple and cultural hub
• Walk along Siem Reap River

Top questions

How many tastings are included on this Siem Reap food tour?

The tour includes 10 different food and drink tastings selected by your local guide.

Is there a vegetarian option available during the street food tour?

Yes, vegetarian alternatives are offered for all dishes if requested in advance or at the start of your tour.

Does this private food tour include pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet their guide at an agreed location in Siem Reap.

How long does the day trip around Siem Reap last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect several hours including multiple tastings and short walks between stops.

Are drinks included on this Siem Reap street food tour?

Yes, some local drinks such as iced coffee are included among your 10 tastings.

Will we visit any landmarks during this private food tour?

You’ll pass city highlights like Wat Damnak temple and walk along the Siem Reap River during your tastings route.

Is public transportation accessible near the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby for convenience before or after your tour.

Can I customize my itinerary or swap dishes on this tour?

You can request changes or dietary adjustments either before booking or by speaking directly with your guide at the start.

What’s included

Your private day out includes ten different Cambodian street foods and drinks handpicked by your local guide (with vegetarian options), flexible stops around central Siem Reap’s markets and temples, plus cultural tidbits shared along every bite-sized stop as you wander together between tastings — all at your own pace before heading back full and happy.