The 5 Best Cooking Classes in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Learn to cook Khmer style with this four-hour class led by a local chef. With morning and afternoon options, each class includes a trip the market before heading to the kitchen in this small village on the outskirts of Siem Reap. Dishes include chicken amok, banana blossom salad and pumpkin custard.

For some authentic Cambodian cooking in a traditional local setting, then Lily’s Secret Garden Cooking Class provides just that. Set in a family home approximately five minutes from Siem Reap centre, chef Lily is on hand to guide guests through the steps of creating some of Cambodia’s signature dishes. Morning, afternoon and private classes all include a trip to the local market to buy ingredients.

As one of Siem Reap’s longest-running cookery classes, led by the well-established Le Tigre de Papier in the centre of town, this class takes in a trip to Phsar Chas market in the centre of town, followed by a two-and-a-half hour lesson in how to rustle up a starter, main and dessert. Specialities include amok, Mekong shrimp, Tonle Sap fish, coconut and local vegetables.

Starting with a trip to Siem Reap’s Old Market – Phsar Chas in Khmer – this class introduces budding chefs to local ingredients, cooking techniques and how to cook a three-course Cambodian meal. After the cooking is over, guests can relax in the tropical gardens and enjoy their meal. At the end of the class, students are given a box of spices, certificate and a Cambodian recipe book written in English.

The luxurious Lotus Blanc Resort hosts daily cookery classes for those wanting to take a taste of Cambodia back home. There is the option to include a market visit before the class, which teaches a range of dishes including Samlor Proher Trey (herbal soup with vegetable and fish), fish amok and Sach Moarn Chha Kngey (stir-fried chicken with ginger).