The Dead Fish Tower Inn was my most memorable meal during my recent trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Absolutely unique! Alas, my camera went dead before i could snap pictures of my food =( Prior to the trip, my companion read many reports of this popular inn, and we knew we just had to check it out.

The name itself was interesting enough to lure us in. In addition, at the entrance, there was a convincing signboard stating - “Don’t serve dog, cat, rat or w(o)rm!”

The interior of this restaurant is spacious. However, the excessive use of tiny stairs and the dim lights made it a little hard for us to navigate our way around. On the ground level, there was even a little crocodile pit with the sign, “Don’t play with them, they run faster than you”. This restaurant sure has a sense of humor!

There was also a live band playing, as well as dance performances to entertain you while you dine on the second level. Tables are low, and you sit on mats. A really relaxing feel, good for a chill out evening with your friends.

Okay, here comes the main part - the food was mainly Thai, Khmer, and Western. It is highly advisable not to visit during important days of Cambodia, such as the Election Day, which unfortunately happened to me. Their Election Day was like Singapore’s Chinese New Year, during which shops are mostly closed. This also meant that we had limited menus to choose from. I had their set meal consisting of Amok fish, stir-fry cabbages,sweet and sour chicken and sticky rice (a staple of Thai food). It was only moderate, but their Amok Fish (traditional Khmer dish) is a must try! It’s something you definitely don’t get in Singapore. I ended up eating Amok Fish most of the time during my trip! Their free desert (some cakey thing which wasn’t even in the menu) was a total disaster.  It was almost stale, and there was even a small insect on the plate. The Americans next to us had western food, french fries and all, and it looked pretty normal to me. I suggest having their Thai / Khmer food instead, since you’re at Cambodia.

I love the way they delivered our food - by a pulley system! The chefs were at ground level, and after preparing my food on a tray, they tied a rope around it, rang a bell, and the waiters/waitresses on the second level started pulling it up. It was a really innovative idea.

The cost of my meal was around US$7. Pretty expensive going by the standards in Cambodia. For the ambience and architecture, I guess its worth a visit if you visit Siem Reap.

Here’s the address, its in the heart of the city. Ask around and you won’t miss it!