Why Siem Reap is more vegan than ever /

Siem Reap was our home for over 8 years, during which time the demand for plant-based and vegan foods continued to increase around the world. When we arrived in town, our options were few and far between, but that has slowly changed. We worked with and supported anyone who wanted to expand their vegan and plant-based offerings as much as possible, with advice, menu advice and staff training. The global shutdown has slowed things down a bit, but believe us when we say that post-covid Siem Reap is more vegan than ever. We are spoiled for choice with luxury hotels and resorts, casual eateries and local street food, social enterprises and hospitality schools, and experiential gourmet restaurants to choose from. Even the leading wine purveyor now has an extensive list of vegan friendly wines to choose from. Below are just a few people we’ve worked with and some of our favorite vegan options that you should definitely consider when planning your trip to Siem Reap.

Jaya House River Park

We have worked with the excellent team at Jaya House River Park to create their vegan breakfast options, which have now become the most popular dishes on their breakfast menu. This unique riverside hotel is a true oasis where guests can relax beside one of the two swimming pools after a busy day at the temples. It also offers one of the coolest sunset spots in town with rooftop vibes, creative cocktails and treetop views over the river. In addition to vegan breakfasts, indulgent pools, and stunning sunset views, Jaya House River Park has once again received Tripadvisor’s ‘Number 1 Hotel in Cambodia’ award. This is one of our favorite vegan hotels for a reason and we know you’ll love it!

Shinta Mani Angkor

Guests on the Cambodia Vegan Tour with award-winning Vegan Travel Asia end their Cambodian adventure at Shinta Mani Angkor. There’s a good reason why this boutique hotel, created by hotel architect extraordinaire, Bill Bensley, was selected. With plenty of vegan breakfast options, vegan guests are sure not to go hungry at this vegan luxury hotel. Executive Chef Chanrith also offers vegan cooking classes offering the chance to learn from one of the most talented chefs in Siem Reap. A stay at Shinta Mani Angkor wouldn’t be complete without enjoying the exquisite plant-based multi-course dining experience at their signature restaurant, Kroya by Chef Chanrith. Delicious and creative Khmer fusion cuisine served in a sophisticated setting and not to be missed.

Tree line urban resort

The excellent Treeline Urban Resort has an incredibly strong plant-based breakfast game and an extensive selection of plant-based dishes that deliver on every level at their signature restaurant, Romiet. Chef Chantrea and his team have worked tirelessly over the years to ensure vegan food is the norm at this design-led, independent resort. So whenever you can drag yourself away from the divine rooftop pool or from your beautifully appointed room, you’ll be indulging in creative, plant-based dishes that will make you smile. Did someone say “vegan bangers and hash” for breakfast and “vegan gyoza” for dinner?

As a leading wine supplier in Cambodia, the Celliers d’Asie team has embraced the demand for vegan wines. Since our first meeting in 2016, they have developed an extensive selection of vegan wines. We’re thrilled to have been a part of that journey with them and love how they’re now driving vegan wine sales across their customer base wherever they can.

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Siem Reap also has a huge choice of vegan friendly restaurants and whether you want to enjoy a great pizza from the vegan menu at Fellini, a vegan version of Cambodia’s famous nom banh chok from the excellent training restaurant Haven, or a delicious vegan Khmer curry with OmniMeat balls from the socially responsible New Leaf Eatery; Siem Reap certainly has you covered.

There’s also our favorite vegetarian restaurant, Banlle, and our favorite vegan restaurant, Hey Bong! They are both committed to continuing to exceed expectations by creating and serving some of the best plant-based dishes in the region. It’s impossible to choose a favorite dish at one of these fantastic restaurants, because there are so many that we love. From vegan versions of Khmer classics to vegan fish and chips; from healthy salads to vegan burgers; these two restaurants are highly recommended. Banlle and Hey Bong! certainly lead the way when it comes to vegan food in Siem Reap and may stay that way for a long time to come.

This article lists just a few of our must-visit favorites in Siem Reap, but this relatively small town is an absolute ‘vegan heaven’ and plant-based food lovers will easily find many more options. You will love the vegan food that awaits you as much as you will love the Cambodian people you meet and their beautiful country. It’s all waiting for you to explore.

Paul Eyers is founder of Vegan Food Quest. Vegan Food Quest have become luxury vegan travel specialists as they continue to find, eat and write about the best vegan food in the world.

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