The dining scene at Siem Reap has evolved rapidly. Chanrey Tree is one of the promising restaurant along Pub Street, and it has been a popular choice since 2013.

Located in heart of Siem Reap along the riverside, Chanrey Tree serves traditional Khmer food in a lush contemporary setting. Chanrey Tree’s fresh spring rolls is one of the best I have eaten. Wrapped with minced pork, chicken, river shrimp, pineapple, cucumber, rice noodle, lettuce, chive and khmer herbs in soft rice paper, the flavours are clean and fresh and served with peanut dressing.

Crispy rice crackers is an old-fashioned starter which is always everyone’s all-time favorite. Combined with a flavorful and creamy “Natang” Sauce filled with minced pork, chrimp, coconut milk and peanut, it is a perfect complement of tastes. For a classic salad dish, go for the chicken salad with banana blossom, peanuts, herbs and Khmer dressing.

My favourite is “Char Khroeung”. With a choice of frog leg, chicken or beef, the meat is stir-fried with delicious blend of Khmer spices including lemongrass, turmeric, lime leaf, galangal, garlic, peanuts, Chinese celery and spring onion. We picked the frog leg version, such simple flavours perfectly executed.

Using local free-range beef tenderloin, we really enjoyed tucking into the Khmer version of Beef Lok Lak that is stir fried in =garlic, pepper lime sauce and wilted green leaf. Each thin slice is in fragrant peppery juices and best paired with white rice.

‘Amok’ is one of the national dishes of Cambodia. This wonderful combination of fresh fish with rich spicy coconut custard. Usually steamed in a banana leaf, it is served in a bowl here. The steamed bar fish has a firm but moist texture, and served with green “gno” leaf.

Using Free-range Khmer chicken roasted till perfection with honey and rice brandy, Roasted Khmer Chicken has a unique pairing with young jack fruit and lemongrass, served with prahok dipping sauce and fresh crudites.

Ending the night with deep fried sticky rice and taro balls, topped with ice cream. It smells amazing but unfortunately, I was quite full to finish it all. The balls are dense but not too sweet. We also had Khmer white sticky rice with Jack fruit, ripe mango and longan.

Chanrey Tree

Address: Pokombo Ave, along Siem Reap river side (50m before Preah PhrumRath Pagoda)
Tel: (855) 63 76 79 97
Opening hours: 11am-2.30pm; 6pm-10.30pm daily
Website: www.chanreytree.com