• 5
• Chamkar is Amazing!

Second vegetarian venue in Siem Reap on this trip - surprised and delighted to find so many vegetarian spots here. Friends said we would find it difficult traveling in Cambodia as vegetarians. While most of the places with vegetarian food are not great, there is one that rocks. It's called Chamkar, and it's near the tourist night club area called Pub Street. Actually, there are some "Alleys" between streets which are packed with bars and restaurants. Chamkar is on one of these Alleys. So, I am going to describe the location because it might be a bit hard to find when the area is crowded and noisy. If you stand right on the actual "Pub Street" which is where the Temple club and Red Piano are, and turn so that you are looking in the direction of the river, then it is in the next alley in that direction. You can cut through between shops. If you walk up that alley you will see it. There's an odd thing that happens a lot at Cambodian restaurants. Outside There is often a little podium with a menu standing right on the curb. If you approach the podium and flip through the menu, very often a member of the staff will come and watch you look at the menu. It feels like they are "hovering," but it's just part of their job description. Sometimes they might say something in English like, "Eat something lady!" And when this happens it might be hard to hold back the giggles, especially if you are a little tipsy from all the 50 cent draft beer! We tried the Coconut Khmer Curry and it was delicious. The name might sound Indian, but don't worry. The owner is French and the staff are all Cambodian, so it is spectacularly confusing. just point at something on the menu and "Eat something lady!"