Siem Reap: Real Local Food Tour with Tastings & Pickup

Summary

Evening food adventure in Siem Reap with locals and real flavors

You’ll wander Siem Reap’s lively streets with a local foodie host who knows every hidden corner. Taste ten different Cambodian dishes (from BBQ skewers to sweet desserts), sip local drinks, and hear real stories behind each bite. With hotel pickup included and no rush between stops, you’ll get a genuine taste of Cambodia’s food culture — plus a few laughs you’ll remember long after the night ends.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely stepped out of the tuk-tuk when the smell of grilled beef hit me — smoky, sweet, a little peppery. Our guide, Dara, waved us over to this tiny stall that’s apparently been here since 1981. He grinned and handed me a skewer before I could even ask what it was. “Khmer BBQ,” he said, and honestly, I didn’t expect it to be so tender. The vendor nodded at my awkward attempt to say thank you in Khmer — she laughed, which made me relax a bit. It felt like we were just tagging along with friends who knew every shortcut through the market.

By the time we reached the chive cake spot (Nhum Kuchai — Dara made us repeat it until we got close), the street was buzzing. Motorbikes weaving past, kids darting between stalls, that constant low hum of voices and frying oil. We tried this green curry noodle soup called Nhum Banchouk — light but somehow filling? I still think about that broth. At one point I lost track of how many bites we’d had; there was sugarcane juice, fried meatballs dipped in something tangy, and then all these little snacks Dara just kept handing us without much warning. He told stories about his grandma making some of these dishes during festivals — you could tell he meant it.

I liked how nobody rushed us. Even when I hesitated over a dessert that looked suspiciously purple (Khmer Bong Em), Dara just shrugged and said, “Try one bite.” So yeah, I did — soft and sweet, not what I expected at all. The whole evening felt less like a tour and more like being let in on something local people actually do after work. By the end my shirt smelled like smoke and lemongrass, which is probably how you know you did Siem Reap right.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening Food Tasting Tour

• Hotel pickup in Siem Reap
• Meet local foodie guide
• Starter: Cambodia BBQ beef skewers
• Starter: Chive Cake with local drinks
• Main: Cambodian Noodle Soup
• Main: Fried Meat Balls with local sauce
• Main: Various local foods at 60 Road
• Dessert: Khmer Bong Em local dessert

Top questions

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

The tour includes 10 hand-picked local tastings.

Is hotel pickup provided for the evening food tour?

Yes, complimentary hotel pickup is included in Siem Reap.

What time does the Siem Reap food tour start and end?

The tour starts at 5:30 PM and returns around 8:15 PM.

Are drinks included during the food tour?

Yes, free flow drinks are included with your tastings.

Can special diets be accommodated on this tour?

Yes, let them know if you have special dietary needs.

Who leads the Siem Reap street food experience?

A passionate local foodie host guides the evening tour.

What kind of foods will I try on this tour?

You’ll sample BBQ beef skewers, chive cakes, noodle soup, fried meatballs, various snacks from 60 Road area, and Khmer desserts.

What’s included

Your evening includes private transportation with hotel pickup in Siem Reap, a friendly local foodie host guiding you through ten hand-picked tastings (plus drinks), plenty of stories behind each dish, and time to explore lively night markets before heading back around 8:15 PM.