The Best Indian in Siem Reap

Siem Reap is a place of tradition that places a high value on its Khmer roots. But Cambodia has always been a country open to new cultures, which becomes obvious from analyzing the Eastern influences on its cuisine. The best Indian restaurants in Siem Reap strive to serve meals as close to authentic as possible, creating a symphony of taste and colour on beautifully embellished plates.

This city is a Mecca for Punjabi expats as well as Indian cuisine lovers because it offers a wide array of meals from different provinces of India, such as:

Biryani

Biryani is a versatile and nutritious dish that includes rice, eggs, veggies, and various sorts of meats, along with aromatic, Indian-specific spices.
There are several types of Biryani prepared throughout the country, so you will get plenty of surprises in Siem Reap.

Biryani has an interesting history, with roots that extend to the Persian Empire. But Indians loved its delicious ingredients and high-versatility, so they adopted Biryani as a traditional dish. Now, Biryani is popular throughout India and all over the world.

Tandoori Everything

You can’t discuss Indian cuisine without mentioning Tandoori, a popular clay oven that runs on charcoal and gives dishes a unique flavour.
You’ll notice that Indian restaurants in Siem Reap have the word “Tandoori” written in front of various dishes, including chicken, naan or roti (Indian bread types), as well as Gobi (cauliflower).

It doesn’t matter what ingredients you use in the Tandoori. From juicy vegetables to tender meat or simple ingredients for bread, the Tandoori will give them a special smoky tang and a tender texture. The Indian spices add extra savour, so these Tandoori meals will taste differently depending on your chef’s expertise and preferences.

Lamb Kebabs

Kebabs are other delicious Easter treats you can find in Indian cuisine as well as the Arabic countries. Indian restaurants in Siem Reap use high-quality, succulent mutton, which is cut into pieces and marinated for extra tenderness and aroma.

The mutton is then grilled over a charcoal fire or fried. You eat kebabs hot, directly from a skewer when you’re enjoying Indian street food, or from a plate, if your restaurant has this option.

You might also want to try Seekh Kebab. This popular Indian food has garnered the attention of foodies around the world because the minced meat is mixed with a variety of spices, including coriander, ginger, cumin, mint, and cumin pepper. The end result is a mouth-watering Indian-specific barbecue.

Chickpea Curry

Curry is another dish synonymous with Indian cuisine. Curry is so famous throughout the country and the world because it’s easy to make and versatile, so you can always find a version that fits your lifestyle and eating preferences.

Chickpea Curry is a classic dish from Northern India that has captured the attention of Western tourists thanks to its unique flavour and quick recipe.
Because of these characteristics, you can find chickpea curry in restaurants as well as street markets in Siem Reap.

Made with chickpeas, tomatoes, onion, ginger, garlic and any spices your chef considers appropriate, chickpea curry is best served hot with a side of traditional Indian bread.

Papdi Chaat

If you visit your friends in India, you will probably be invited to a Chaat party. That’s because these Chaat dishes are easier to make and to serve than oven-baked dishes with marinated ingredients, although they’re equally nutritious.

You don’t have to go all the way to India to enjoy a mouth-watering Chaat, though. You can find various types of variations in Siem Reap’s restaurants or in the city’s Street Food Markets.

One of these variations is called Papdi Chaat, and it’s made from deep-fried Papdi dough, which takes the shape of wafers. Chefs and street vendors will top these wafers with fresh, aromatic ingredients, including potatoes, which are covered in a sweet or spicy sauce.