More than a Meal: Supporting Local Restaurants and Social Enterprises in Siem Reap, Cambodia

People travel from all over the world to Siem Reap to visit Angkor Wat, but many visitors don’t realize the city of wonder is also home to an incredible food scene. Beyond the famous temples, the city is filled with vibrant cafes, family-run restaurants, and social enterprises serving unforgettable Khmer and other global cuisines.

The food scene in Siem Reap is especially meaningful because of the strong connection between many restaurants and community organizations. To this day, Cambodia is still recovering from the social and political effects of the 1970s Khmer Rouge. Travelers flock from all over the world to visit Siem Reap, but despite the city’s booming tourism industry, many local communities continue to face economic hardship. A thriving tourist destination does not always equal a thriving local economy. In response, social enterprises have taken shape in restaurants and cafes, and are creating positive change through hospitality training programs, fair-wage employment, and community support initiatives.

As travelers, our spending choices can have a real impact. In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite restaurants in Siem Reap where you can enjoy amazing food while supporting the local community.

Footprint Cafes ហ៊្វូតព្រីនកាហ្វេ

When you visit Siem Reap, you’ll notice that despite it being the most booming tourist destination in Cambodia, there is still widespread poverty throughout the local community. Footprint Cafes is on a mission to change this by creating a space where tourists have a positive impact when they eat and shop. The enterprise donates 100% of net profits back to the local community through education, environmental, entrepreneurial grants, sources their food locally, and provides their employees with fair wages, bonuses, equal maternity and paternity leave, paid sick leave, and ongoing skills development training. Footprint has implemented unique recycling initiatives such as donating its used cooking oil to Naga Earth, an innovative local social enterprise in Siem Reap that converts used cooking oil into soap and biodiesel. Check out Footprint Cafe and use your spending power for positive local impact. You can learn more about their mission here.

What I order: Eggs florentine and an oat milk matcha latte

New Leaf Eatery

New Leaf Eatery is a social enterprise cafe located in the heart of Siem Reap. It was founded with the mission to support education in the Siem Reap Province, through the profits generated by the restaurant, with 20% of the restaurant’s profits being donated to charities, and 15% is shared among their staff. The restaurant also supports their employees with living wages, health insurance, full paid social security, profit sharing, and career development opportunities. They also implement environmental practices throughout the business by locally sourcing food and drinks, using biodegradable packaging for take away orders, and requiring food suppliers to use crates and reusable bags for deliveries. To top off all the amazing work New Leaf Eatery is implementing, their food is delicious and affordable! With a blend of Khmer and western cuisine, you are sure to find something you love.

What I order: Pumpkin and coconut soup, smoked chili cashew chicken, chili sin carne, and green iced tea

Sister Srey Cafe

Sister Srey Cafe is more than a cafe, but also a social enterprise that supports local education, fair wages and ongoing professional development for their staff, and donate to the APOPO Visitor Center, an organization that clears landmines in Cambodia and worldwide. This cafe is the perfect place to refuel with a tasty meal and coffee and escape the Siem Reap heat. Located along the lazy riverside, this cafe offers mainly Western style and some Khmer breakfast dishes, refreshing smoothies, and delicious coffees for an affordable price.

What I order: Corn fritters and a coconut milk latte

Tevy’s Place ទេរីផ្លេស

When you walk into Tevy’s Place it feels like home. The eatery was founded by Tevy Moung, a local Khmer woman whose cooking is inspired by her mother who she takes care of after sadly losing her brother and three sisters to the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s. Tevy’s mission to support women to build better lives is reflected in her all wonderful all woman staff. She values her ability to support herself independently, work hard, serve others, and feed locals and travelers alike. You will find both Khmer and western dishes, offering a large variety of vegetarian and vegan options. Tevy’s Place is a must try while in Siem Reap!

What I order: Tofu breakfast bowl, lemongrass tea and chocolate cake

FAQs

What is the best cafe in Siem Reap?

One of my personal favorites is Tevy’s Place. I love the laid back vibe and as a solo female traveler, I appreciate the all woman staff. They are all incredibly kind and welcoming. The Khmer and Western food options are equally delicious.

Are there laptop friendly cafes in Siem Reap?

Yes! All of the cafes I listed are work friendly and offer high speed WiFi. Out of these, Footprints Cafe is definitely my favorite option for working because of the quiet, library feeling charm. If you want to know about other laptop friendly cafes in Siem Reap, check out my favorite cafes in Siem Reap.