Cambodian cuisine is a vibrant blend of flavors, colors, and textures, reflecting the country’s rich history and cultural diversity. Here are the top 10 Cambodian foods you absolutely must try, each accompanied by a delicious image.
1. Amok Trey (Fish Amok)
A national treasure, Fish Amok is a creamy curry made with coconut milk, freshwater fish, and a variety of spices. It’s typically served in a banana leaf cup, giving it a unique presentation.
2. Bai Sach Chrouk (Grilled Pork and Rice)
This simple yet delicious breakfast dish features thinly sliced pork marinated in garlic and coconut milk, grilled to perfection and served over broken rice with pickled vegetables and a side of broth.
3. Samlor Korko (Khmer Vegetable Soup)
Known as the royal soup, Samlor Korko is a hearty vegetable soup made with seasonal vegetables, green papaya, and prahok (fermented fish paste), often enriched with fish or chicken.
4. Nom Banh Chok (Khmer Noodles)
Popularly known as “Khmer noodles,” this dish consists of rice noodles topped with a green fish gravy made from lemongrass, turmeric, and kaffir lime leaves, garnished with fresh vegetables and herbs.
5. Lok Lak (Stir-Fried Beef)
A favorite among locals and tourists alike, Lok Lak is stir-fried beef marinated in soy sauce and served with a peppery lime dipping sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and fried egg on top.
6. Prahok Ktiss (Prahok Dip)
This rich, creamy dip is made from minced pork and prahok (fermented fish), combined with coconut milk and spices, and served with a variety of fresh vegetables for dipping.
7. Ang Dtray-Meuk (Grilled Squid)
A seaside favorite, Ang Dtray-Meuk features fresh squid marinated with lime juice, garlic, and spices, then grilled to perfection and served with a tangy dipping sauce.
8. Kuy Teav (Noodle Soup)
A popular breakfast dish, Kuy Teav is a flavorful noodle soup made with pork or beef bones, rice noodles, and topped with herbs, lime, and sometimes fried garlic or chili paste.
9. Cha Kroeung (Stir-Fried Lemongrass Paste)
This dish features stir-fried meat (usually beef or chicken) with a lemongrass paste called kroeung, which includes ingredients like turmeric, garlic, and galangal, giving it a distinct and aromatic flavor.
10. Num Ansom Chek (Banana Sticky Rice Cake)
A traditional Cambodian dessert, Num Ansom Chek is a sweet sticky rice cake filled with banana, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed until tender and fragrant.
What’s Your Favorite Cambodian Food?
Cambodian cuisine offers a delightful array of flavors and textures that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. We’d love to hear from you! What’s your favorite Cambodian food? Share your thoughts and let us know which dish you’re most excited to try.