Cooking classes

Tigre de Papier is one of the longest running restaurants on Pub Street and its cooking school also has one of the best reputations in town thanks to its reliability and value. For just $12 per person, you can choose yourself which dishes you want to prepare or ask the staff to suggest something based on your tastes. This is one of the best options around for a solid experience right in town that won't break the bank.

Pub Street, Siem Reap
T: 012 265 811
www.letigredepapier.com

The RiverGarden is a good choice for those with more refined tastes, with an outstanding restaurant offering classes in a lush garden setting that don't hold anything back for $25 per person ($35 if just one). They also run interesting sounding guided street food tours.

113 Mondul 111 Phoum Treang, Slorkrum, Siem Reap
T: (063) 963 400
www.therivergarden.info

Sojourn is set in the countryside and takes students on, well, a food driven sojourn to a neighbouring village, where you can pick local herbs and vegetables off the vine while learning about food-related Cambodian customs and beliefs. The cooking takes place in a lovely bamboo kitchen, after which students enjoy their creations in a romantic lotus pond pavilion. The cost is $22 for a half-day or $35 for a full-day course.

Treak Village, Siem Reap
T: 012 923 437
www.sojournsiemreap.com

Hariharalaya Retreat Centre isn't for everyone, but may interest the more holistic minded of travellers. Situated just outside of town in a tranquil country retreat, classes focus on preparing healthy, vegetarian foods while also incorporating yoga. Classes cost $20 per person, and although the focus is on Cambodian fare, Indian recipes are also touched upon.

T: (088) 932 9556
www.hariharalaya.com