Nam Ben Chok Noodle Stalls, Preah Dak Village
Long before tourists discovered Banteay Srei, locals were lining up at the noodle stalls of Preah Dak village for a bowl of nom banh chok — Cambodia's beloved national breakfast noodle. These stalls are the most celebrated food stop in the entire district, and the flavours are a world away from anything on a tourist-menu laminate.
What you're eating
Nom banh chok (also written nam ben chok) is a bowl of thin fermented rice noodles served with a fragrant fish-based green curry broth or a lighter lemongrass-and-coconut sauce, piled high with fresh bean sprouts, banana blossom, mint and water lily stems. It's bright, herbaceous and nothing like the Thai curries most visitors expect.
The Preah Dak version is famous across Cambodia for the quality of its broth, made from freshwater fish sourced from nearby waterways. Order one bowl, watch the vendor ladle it together, and add lime and dried chilli to taste at the table.
When to go and what to order
These are breakfast stalls — arrive between 6:30 AM and 9:00 AM for the best selection and the freshest broth. By 10:30 AM many stalls have sold out. The village sits on the road to Banteay Srei, so it's easy to stop on the way out from Siem Reap.
Point and smile — menus are rarely in English. A generous bowl costs less than $1.50. Order a Vietnamese iced coffee from a neighbouring stall to complete the meal. This is as local as breakfast gets in Siem Reap Province.
More of Banteay Srei
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Banteay Srei →
