Typical Format: Meet at the market at 8:30 AM, guided tour of spices and ingredients (1 hour), cooking session (2-3 hours), lunch of prepared dishes. Return around 1-2 PM. Some classes also offer an evening option (5-8 PM) without a market visit.

In Siem Reap — the largest selection

Siem Reap hosts the majority of Cambodian cooking classes. Most include a visit to Psar Chas (Old Market) or the local Psar Leu market, which is less touristy. Classes are held in traditional Khmer houses or educational kitchens.

The dishes taught vary by provider but generally include amok, a stir-fry (lok lak or shrimp), a soup (samlor kako or samlor machu), and sometimes a dessert. Level: absolute beginner.

Average Price 30-55 USD/person (market + cooking + meal)
Duration 4 to 5 hours total
Group Size 4 to 12 people depending on the class
Language Mostly English, some classes available in French

In Phnom Penh — NGO School Restaurants

Phnom Penh offers fewer traditional tourist classes, but two places deserve mention for their approach:

Friends (Mith Samlanh) trains street youth in restaurant trades. Some of their meals are participatory. Romdeng, their fine dining restaurant, offers tasting menus featuring edible insects — a unique experience. Daughters of Cambodia and Maison Polanka organize cooking workshops on request.

In Kampot — pepper specialty

Some guesthouses in Kampot offer classes focused on Kampot pepper and coastal cuisine (crab, fish, shrimp). These classes are smaller (2-6 people), often cheaper, and more intimate. Ask your accommodation or look for local signs.

Reservation: Book 1-2 days in advance during high season, especially for classes that include a morning market visit — spots are limited and departures are at fixed times.

Book a Cooking Class

GetYourGuide — Khmer Cooking Classes in Siem Reap
Market visit included · Meal at the end · Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
On nous pose souvent ces questions

Questions fréquentes

Yes, most providers adapt the menu upon request. Be sure to specify this when booking. The challenge is that Khmer cuisine uses a lot of prahok (fermented fish paste) as a base, so substitutions may slightly alter the authentic taste. Some classes are 100% vegetarian by default.

Almost always yes — serious providers give a printed recipe booklet or send a PDF by email. This is one of the criteria to check before booking.

The morning class (with market visit) is more complete and interesting. The evening class is more convenient if you have visited Angkor during the day. The evening class usually does not include a market visit, but some include an appetizer and a tasting of Khmer cocktails.