Discover the Best Cambodian Food
While Cambodian food might not be as well known as neighboring Thailand’s, it’s a unique cuisine full of vibrant flavors and spices and is a must-try when you’re in the country. If you’re a person with timid taste buds, the food here might sound scary to you, but trust me, it’s worth a try. Here are some of the most popular and common dishes available in Cambodia.
Bai Sach Chrouk (pork and rice): This is one of the simpler dishes, and should satisfy even the pickiest eaters out there. Sweet pork is grilled, often marinated first in coconut or garlic, and served over warm rice with a side of pickled cucumbers and radishes and broth. This is a common breakfast item in Cambodia, and you’ll find it on most street stalls throughout the country.
Fish Amok: While the idea of a “fish mousse” might sound repulsive, this curry dish offers a warm and buttery melt-in-your-mouth taste that perfectly balances local herbs like lemongrass and ginger with just the right amount of spice. This is one of the most popular dishes in Cambodia.
Lap Khmer (lime-marinated beef salad): Similar to ceviche, Lap Khmer features thin slices of beef that are marinated in lime juice and spices. Sometimes the beef is lightly seared first. Packed with fresh chilies, this is definitely not a dish for those with sensitive palates!
Nom Banh Chok (Khmer noodles): While you might think of noodle soup as a perfect lunch or dinner meal, in Cambodia it’s actually most popular for breakfast. You can find it at street stalls or from vendors wandering the streets in the early mornings. Rice noodles are combined with a fresh green curry sauce and topped with bean sprouts and other vegetables.
Khmer Red Curry: Khmer red curry is similar to the famed curries of Thailand, but with just a little less spice. A creamy coconut milk base blends with chunks of beef, pork, or chicken and a blend of local herbs and spices. You can eat it over rice, but in Cambodia, it’s most often served with bread.
