There are many good hotels in Siem Reap to cater for the increased numbers of tourists booking Cambodia travel packages now that the country’s problems are far behind them. Every Cambodia holiday should include Siem Reap because it is the best base for tourists who want to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor, the former capital of the Khmer Empire. If you have all your arrangements booked in advance and it includes your dinner in the hotel, you are unlikely to want any information on Siem Reap’s restaurants. However, one of the real pleasures of a holiday is to get out into the community, village, town or city. Sampling the local cuisine is one of those pleasures so here is a list of some good eating options in Siem Reap:

•    Maiya's Café and Inn is a family-ownedcafe serving great food and coffee for guests and those coming in off the road.

•    Kaya Café cooks traditional Khmer dishes from fresh produce grown locally. It’s a lovely place and you can watch the life of the Market from its balcony.

•    Bugs Café in Steung Thmey Village serves insect tapas with cocktails. It may not appeal to your tastes but the fresh fruit drinks and other things on the menu certainly will.

•    Father's Restaurant in Soksan Road concentrates on Khmer and Chinese food.

•    Makan in Themey Village serves halal food, Asian and western and is open for everything from breakfast to dinner. If you visit during the day, you can use the infinity pool below the waterfall.

•    La Volpaia Pizzeria Restaurant concentrates on Italian cuisine but more than just pizzas; there are steaks and pasta dishes as well.

•    Singing Tree Café concentrates mostly on vegetarian cuisine, authentic Khmer but also sandwiches and salads.

•    Sunflower Restaurant is a little different from most cafes in Siem Reap; Hong Kong dim sum, Vietnamese pho and Chinese wonton soup are included on the menu.

•    Viva is a Mexican restaurant with authentic burritos, enchiladas and quesadillas. It is fairly popular and there are some nice views from its balcony.

•    New Leaf Book Café close to the Old Market serves traditional Khmer food.

•    Sister Srey Café has views of the river as you sample vegetarian, some vegan and gluten-free options.

•    Aha, The Alley is astylish restaurant with Khmer and international food. Try the dried snake?

•    The Red Piano in Pub Street is on 2 floors serving Italian and other European food with western backgroundmusic. Chicken Cordon Bleu is the restaurant’s specialty.

•    L'Angelo, Le Meridien is the most adventurous restaurant in Siem Reap offering Italian dishes such as foie gras on white asparagus as well as balsamic vinegar ice cream.

•    Le Malraux in Sivatha Street serves French and Khmer specialties using locally grown fresh produce.

•    Meric at Hotel de la Paix, Sivutha Blvd lays claim to be the best Khmer restaurant in the whole country. There are seasonal set menus with a good wine list.

•    The veg'G'table café on Wat Bo Rd serves vegetarian/vegan food on a Mediterranean theme.

•    Viroth's Restaurant nearby is usually busy; book or you may have to wait. The menu includes Khmer and Asian-esque courses as well as some vegetarian alternatives.

•    Alliance Art Café on Wat Damnak Road in a 1950s French colonial building has French and Cambodian choices and is a great place for both a business meeting and a romantic date. If you are on a Vietnam and Cambodia tour, try here.

You are unlikely to have time to visit many of these during your time in Siem Reap, but you shouldn’t be disappointed with any of them.