Cost of eating out

How long is a piece of string? Phnom Pehn's food is so diverse and caters to all tastes and budgets. Meals can start around $0.50 and go upto very expensive indeed.

I guess for someone new to Cambodia the capitol gh is ok as the rooms are reasonable for the price but the location is not so great as far as the western section of the city. It is however located right near a very good night food market that does some great BBQ.

Captal is only for those who don't know their way around PP & use it because it's convienient for the first night or for long termers who negotiate a really cheap monthly rate. Far better value is the cluster of Guest houses on st 111 - All owned by the same family & very clean, safe & secure with extremely friendly & helpful staff. The Spring GH gets the most business as it's in the LP, indeed the top budget choice. Just as good is the Burley or Sky Park GH's slightly further down the road - plus they have an elevator to save our weary legs.
All these Gh's cost from $5 (Burley $6) & inc cable TV & are only a few minutes walk from the Capial.

Food - A filling meal at a street stall costs around $0.50 - A decent meal in a budget resturant $1.25 to $1.50 - Try Sinan resturant on 110 St for the best value Western food in Phnom Penh or Pich Sovan (corner of 154 & 51 st) for great value Cambodian (& some Thai) food.
Thats the best budget options I know of but as #1 says you can also go to a fancy resturant & blow $10 or $20 on a meal.

Same situation in Siem Reap, depends on where and what kind of food you're eating. I get the feeling it is just a little more expensive than PP.

Is it as cheap as eating out in India for example ?

No. Certainly not.

Secondly, is the Capitol Guesthouse a good place to stay

No.

In general the food is healthier then in India .If you are used to eating on the sub continent ,and the precautions it is wise to adopt there ,it is possible to lower you defences a bit .Bonn appetite!!!!