10 Must-Try Cambodian Dishes

Cambodia offers more than just temples and spectacular ancient ruins - visitors are given the opportunity to experience the ultimate gastronomic indulgence throughout their stay here. An average meal in this region typically consists of dishes of contrasting textures and flavours, served with an obligatory bowl of freshly steamed local rice. Each dish is heartily prepared using numerous types of herbs and pickled vegetables, and dipping sauces of all colour sorts are always readily sitting on the tables, acting as a magical taste-enhancing potion that must not be disregarded during meals.

While there are countless Cambodian dishes worth mentioning, listed below are 10 of my top picks which I think you should definitely try!



    10 Must-Try Cambodian Dishes

    Num Banh Chok

    A definitive breakfast in Cambodia, Num Banh Chok is prepared using rice noodles made by hand in heavy stone mills. Simple yet appetizing, it is served with fish gravy and fresh, crisp vegetables such as banana blossom, water lily stems and herbs.

    Nom banh chok
    Nom banh chok in Cambodia


    Khmer Red Curry

    Unlike the Thai Red Curry, the Cambodian variant is less spicy and are usually eaten with soft bread. It is cooked using fresh coconut milk and aromatic Cambodian marinade known as Kroeung, with beef or chicken, lemongrass, eggplant, beans and potatoes.

    most popular cambodian street food
    Khmer Red Curry


    Lok Lak

    Perhaps my favorite Khmer dish of all, Lok Lak is an emblematic dish in this country and is most commonly prepared using beef (options of chicken and fish are available too). A traditional recipe said to be brought to Cambodia from Vietnam via the French, it is strips of beef stir fried with soy sauce and Kampot pepper served with lettuce and tomatoes.

    Lok Lak in Cambodia
    Lok Lak in Cambodia


    Fish Amok

    A national culinary tradition in Cambodia, "Amok" refers to the steam cooking process of curry in banana leaves. It is commonly prepared using fish, beef or chicken, along with aromatic additions such as galangal, coconut cream and lemongrass.

    Fish Amok in cambodia
    Fish Amok in Cambodia


    Grilled Frog

    Grilled or fried, frogs are a common dish found in restaurants, markets or by the streets. It is regarded as a healthy protein source and is usually captured in the wild.

    Grilled Frog in cambodia
    Grilled Frog in Cambodia


    Kampot Pepper Crab

    A local and distrinct specialty of Krong Kampot, this dish is loaded with Cambodia's spicy peppercorn. Located on the southern coast of the country, Kampot is famous not just for its pepper production but also for its incredible supply of fresh seafood.

    Kampot Pepper Crab
    Kampot Pepper Crab in Cambodia


    Fish on the Fire Lake

    Known locally as Trei Bung Kanh Chhet, this traditional dish is prepared by deep-frying the fish in boiling cooking oil and dipped into fragrant coconut curry consisting hot chilies, cabbage and yellow kroeung.

    Fish on the Fire Lake
    Fish on the Fire Lake in Cambodia


    Red Tree Ants with Beef Stir-Fry

    More than anything, Cambodia is known for its exotic delicacies. Insects, including tarantulas, are common on restaurant menus and it is said that this particular dish - red tree ants stir-fried with beef is always the top pick. It is almost like a salad thanks to the generous addition of nutritious vegetables such as ginger, lemongrass, holy basil leaves, shallots, garlic and of course chilies.

    Red Tree Ants with Beef Stir-fry
    Red Tree Ants with Beef Stir-Fry in Cambodia


    Morning Glory

    Morning glory or Tra Kuen is a common component in dishes such as curry, salad, soups, or stir-fried with noodles or on its own. Its hollow stems and thin leaves are a delight to chew on, and it has a mild grassy flavor - comparable to the taste of spinach.

    Morning Glory recipe in cambodia
    Morning Glory dish in Cambodia


    Bai Sach Chrouk

    A simple combination of pork and rice, this dish has made it to the top of the list of the most loved breakfast dish in Cambodia. Tender pork steaks are infused with garlic and coconut milk before being grilled to the perfect texture with an outer crisp over hot charcoal.

    Bai Sach Chrouk
    Bai Sach Chrouk in Cambodia


    Have a feast to celebrate your days in hot, exotic Cambodia! Don't forget to share your travel & dining moments with us on Instagram by tagging @rollinggrace or #RollingGrace. Happy travelling!

    Comments

    1. never been to cambodia. hopefully after the pandemic. all the food look yums except one . lol. have u try the grilled frog?

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    2. I never been to Cambodia. Most of my friends have travelled there. They said Cambodia is a very interesting country.I would like to travel there too after this pandemic ends. thank you for sharing this list of food.

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    3. I remember when I was in Siem Reap, I was less than impressed with the local food. But maybe that's because I didn't try any of these delicious-looking food you shared here. I must pay another visit.

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    4. Betul ke orang Combodia ni suka makan ikan, kebanyakkan menu mereka semua ikan?.. Fish Amok tu pernah tengok youtube orang masak, nampak sedap..

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    5. lolak dan fish amor yang i ras abetul2 nak cuba kalau ke cambodia...tak pernah lagi sampai ke sini..hope one fine day...boleh lawat negara yg kaya dengan sejarah peperangan ini

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    6. Wahhh this is important lists for me to keep it for my next trip.. I never been to Cambodia before.. Already in my plan but ya dont know when only can fulfill it...

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    7. woww nampak sedap masakan cambodian ni..iena tak pernah makan lagi masakan cambodian ni ..lepasni boleh la cuba :D

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    8. Tak pernah makan makanan dan pergi ke cambodia. Boleh cuba kalau ada di Malaysia

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    9. Nampak menarik terutamanya ikan tu... tak pernah lagi makan makanan Cambodia ni..

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    10. Never had a chance to try Cambodian food. All looks so delicious and yummy except the fried frogs 😅.

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    11. lok lak tu nampak sedap dan macam mudah je nak cuba masak kalau jumpa resepinya

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    12. I have been there once, the fish amok is delicious its like otak otak in Malaysia but with more fresh fish inside

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