Ready to explore Cambodia's vibrant flavors? Beyond the ancient temples, the country's true spirit is found in its delicious food.
Khmer cuisine is all about balance, masterfully blending sweet, sour, salty, and savory notes using fresh herbs, a unique spice paste called kroeung, and the signature fermented fish paste, prahok. Here is your essential guide to the 10 best dishes you simply can't miss.
1. Fish Amok
Often hailed as Cambodia's signature dish, Fish Amok is a must-try for any visitor. This luscious and fragrant fish curry is more of a steamed mousse than a liquid soup.
Slices of freshwater fish are smothered in a thick coconut cream and a generous amount of kroeung. The mixture is then placed in a handmade banana leaf bowl and steamed until it's perfectly cooked and custard-like. The result is an incredibly aromatic and savory dish with a smooth, velvety texture.
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2. Lok Lak (Stir-Fried Beef)
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser, Lok Lak is a flavorful dish of stir-fried beef cubes marinated in a savory sauce. The beef is typically cooked until tender and served on a bed of fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and onions, often with a fried egg on top.
The experience is completed by the dipping sauce: a simple yet potent mix of fresh lime juice and ground black pepper, providing a zesty kick that cuts through the richness of the beef.
3. Kuy Teav (Noodle Soup)
Kuy Teav is the quintessential Cambodian breakfast. This nourishing noodle soup features a clear, pork-based broth simmered for hours to draw out its flavor.
It's served with rice vermicelli noodles and a variety of toppings, such as sliced pork, pork meatballs, shrimp, or beef. A fresh garnish of bean sprouts, scallions, cilantro, and crispy fried garlic adds the finishing touch, creating a complex and comforting start to the day.
4. Nom Banh Chok (Khmer Noodles)
Another beloved noodle dish, Nom Banh Chok is often eaten for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. It consists of fresh, hand-made rice noodles topped with a light, greenish-yellow curry gravy made from fish, lemongrass, and turmeric.
A basket of fresh vegetables and herbs—including bean sprouts, cucumber, banana flower, and mint—is always served alongside, allowing you to customize the dish with as much fresh crunch as you desire.
5. Bai Sach Chrouk (Pork and Rice)
Simplicity at its finest, Bai Sach Chrouk is one of Cambodia's most popular breakfast dishes. It consists of thinly sliced pork marinated in coconut milk or garlic, then slow-grilled over charcoal to give it a smoky, slightly sweet flavor. This delicious pork is served over a bed of warm rice, accompanied by a side of freshly pickled cucumbers and daikon radish, and often a small bowl of chicken broth.
6. Lap Khmer (Lime-Cured Beef Salad)
For those who enjoy bold and zesty flavors, Lap Khmer is an absolute delight. This refreshing "salad" features thinly sliced beef that is either quickly seared or "cooked" ceviche-style by marinating it in lime juice.
The beef is then tossed with lemongrass, shallots, garlic, fish sauce, fresh herbs like mint and basil, and plenty of chili. It's a fiery, tangy, and herbaceous dish that packs a serious punch.
7. Kdam Chaa Mrek (Stir-Fried Crab with Kampot Pepper)
A specialty of Cambodia's coastal towns like Kep and Kampot, Kdam Chaa Mrek is a dish that highlights two of the region's treasures: fresh crab and world-renowned Kampot pepper.
The crab is stir-fried in a savory sauce with an abundance of green Kampot peppercorns. These peppercorns are aromatic and have a unique, spicy-sweet flavor that is less intense than black pepper, allowing you to eat them whole.
8. Samlor Machu (Sour Soup)
Samlor Machu is a traditional sour soup that is beloved for its ability to refresh the palate, especially on a hot day. There are many variations, but a typical version includes a tamarind-based broth with fish or chicken, pineapple, tomatoes, and various vegetables and herbs. It perfectly embodies the Khmer love for balance, delivering a soup that is simultaneously sour, sweet, and savory.
9. Ang Dtray-Meuk (Grilled Squid)
As you wander the coastal cities, you'll inevitably smell the enticing aroma of Ang Dtray-Meuk being grilled by street vendors. Fresh squid are marinated in lime juice and fish sauce, then skewered and grilled over hot coals until they are tender and smoky. They are often served with a classic Cambodian dipping sauce made from garlic, chilies, lime juice, and fish sauce.
10. Num Pang (Cambodian Sandwich)
A clear legacy of the French colonial period, Num Pang is Cambodia's answer to the Vietnamese banh mi. A crispy, airy baguette is sliced open and filled with a variety of ingredients, such as pâté, grilled pork, ham, or sardines. It's then loaded with pickled carrots and radish, fresh cucumber, cilantro, and a drizzle of savory and spicy sauces, creating the perfect on-the-go meal.
Exploring Cambodian food means exploring the stories, rhythms, and values of its people. Each dish, whether humble or elaborate, speaks of resilience, heritage, and shared joy. For travelers and food enthusiasts alike, these ten dishes offer a delicious introduction to the rich world of Khmer cuisine one bite at a time.
