Cambodia has a rich culinary heritage, and there are several local delicacies you shouldn’t miss when visiting.
- Amok (Fish Amok):
- A traditional Khmer dish featuring fish (often catfish) coated in a rich coconut milk and curry paste, then steamed in banana leaves.
- Lok Lak:
- Stir-fried beef (or other meats) with a flavorful marinade, often served with a dipping sauce and fresh vegetables.
- Bai Sach Chrouk:
- A popular breakfast dish consisting of grilled pork served over rice, accompanied by pickled vegetables and a side of chicken broth.
- Kuy Teav:
- A noodle soup usually made with pork or beef, featuring rice noodles, broth, and a variety of herbs.
- Num Banh Chok:
- A traditional Khmer noodle dish with a fish-based green curry sauce, typically served with fresh vegetables.
- Fish Achar:
- A pickled fish dish, often prepared with snakehead fish, mixed with herbs, spices, and sometimes green mango.
- Prahok:
- A type of fermented fish paste, commonly used as a condiment in Cambodian cuisine.
- Nom Banh Chok Samlor Khmer:
- Rice noodle soup with a fish-based broth, topped with fresh mint, bean sprouts, green beans, and banana flower.
- Bok Lahong:
- A green papaya salad often made with fermented fish, lime, garlic, and chilies.
- Cha Houy Teuk:
- A sweet and refreshing dessert made from agar-agar, sugar, and coconut milk, sometimes with a variety of fruits.
- Num Ansom Chek:
- Sticky rice cake filled with banana or taro, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.
- Mee Ka-Tang:
- A Cambodian version of stir-fried noodles, often with seafood, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce.
- Grilled Insects:
- Various types of insects, such as crickets and spiders, are often sold as snacks and street food.
- Trey Ampleung:
- A sour soup made with fish, tamarind, and various vegetables.
- Prahok Ktis:
- A dip made with prahok, minced pork, coconut milk, and herbs, often served with fresh vegetables.
- Kralan:
- A type of bamboo sticky rice cake, often mixed with beans and grated coconut, and cooked in bamboo tubes.
Exploring local markets and street food stalls will provide you with an authentic taste of Cambodian cuisine. Each dish reflects the country’s unique flavors and culinary traditions.