Top 10 foods to try in Cambodia

Cambodian food (or Khmer’ian food is it is often referred to on the streets) is not as renowned internationally as some of its more famous neighbors, which makes it an exciting and unexpected discovery. Undoubtedly the rich and bold flavors will soon weave its way into the epicenter of ‘must have’ experiences.  

Some of the top dishes to try:

Bai sach chrouk (Pork and rice)

Served early mornings on street corners, Bai sach chrouk/ pork and rice, is one of the simplest and most delicious dishes of Cambodia. The main star of this dish is the thinly sliced pork that has been marinated with coconut milk or garlic, chargrilled to perfection allowing the natural sweetness to take you on a mouthwatering journey. Served with a portion of broken rice, freshly pickled cucumbers and daikon radish with plenty of ginger this is must try dish. 

Fish amok

Fish amok is one of the most well-known Cambodian is usually steamed and served in a banana leaf box with a little coconut cream and kroeung (a type of Khmer curry paste made from lemongrass, turmeric root, garlic, shallots, galangal or Chinese ginger).  It is deliciously creamy yet quite mild when compared to neighboring Thailand’s curries.

Khmer red curry

This braised dish was influenced by Indian cuisine and is a national favorite amongst the locals. It is usually served  for special occasions such as weddings, family gatherings and religious holidays when Cambodians make the dish to share with monks in honor of the departed. The dish combines meltingly tender beef, chicken or fish with eggplant, green beans, potatoes, fresh coconut milk, citronella and kroeung, with a pinch of coriander on the top. Khmer red curry is less spicy than Thai curry because it iscoconut-milk-based and served with French-styled bread.

Lap Khmer (Lime-marinated Khmer beef salad)

Khmer beef salad features thin slices of beef which are marinated in lime juice with shallots, garlic, fish sauce, basil, mint, and bell peppers. The accompanied salad is light and compliments the beef without stealing the show. Kmer men prefer the beef to be extremely rare whereas in restaurants it is usually served well done. This one comes with an added kick as it is topped with a generous helping of chilies, be warned it is very spicy indeed.  

Nom banh chok (Khmer noodles)

Nom banh chok or Khmer noodles is another popular dish, mainly eaten in the mornings. The image of a Khmer woman carrying her baskets of Nom banh chok strapped to a pole over her shoulders is almost as famous as some of the many temples you can find here.

The dish consists of noodles laboriously pounded out of rice, topped with green fish gravy, fresh beansprouts, banana flowers, cucumbers and a wide array of green vegetables. There is also a red curry version which is usually reserved for ceremonial occasions and wedding festivities.

Kdam chaa (fried crab)

Fried crab is a specialty of the Cambodian seaside town of Kep. Kdam chaa is normally prepared with Kampot peppercorns, a locally-grown variety of the spice. It is a delicacy that perfectly complements fluffy white rice with its salty and peppery notes.

Red tree ants with beef and holy basil

It is very typical that you’ll find all sorts of insects on the menu in Cambodia, but the dish that is most appealing to foreign palates is stir-fried red tree ants with beef and holy basil. Ants of various sizes, some barely visible and others almost an inch long are stir-fried with ginger, lemongrass, garlic, shallots and thinly sliced beef. Although it sounds rather strange, this dish is delicious and is one of the must try meals while in Cambodia.  

Ang dtray-meuk (grilled squid)

In Cambodia, you can find almost anything on skewers (even tarantulas!). This is simply sear grilled fresh squid. The squid are brushed with either lime juice or fish sauce and then barbecued on wooden skewers and served with a popular Cambodian sauce, originally from Kampot, that is made from garlic, fresh chilies, fish sauce, lime juice and sugar.

Cha houy teuk (jelly dessert)

Cha houy teuk (Jelly dessert) is a beloved dish of Cambodians, especially young people. You can find it around street only for as little 1,000 riel, about US$0.25. Cha houy teuk is a sweet jelly dessert made with agar agar, a gelatin that is derived from seaweed. Combined with sago, bleached mung beans and coconut cream, cha houy teuk is usually served in a bowl with a scoop of shaved ice.

Fried fish on the fire lake 

Fried Fish on the Fire Lake is a traditional cuisine for parties or special occasions. A whole fish is deep-fried and served with rice or rice noodles; fresh vegetable such as cauliflower and cabbage in a coconut curry which is made from yellow kroeung and chilies. 

Here’s some ASIA DMC recommendations on the best food. You can contact with our expert to have more information about other tasty food and restaurants in Cambodia and the most suitable option for you.

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