5 dishes to try in Cambodia

Cambodian cuisine shares many similarities with that of its neighbors, Thailand and especially Vietnam. However, unlike Thai cuisine, Cambodian dishes generally contain less sugar and chili—which makes them much lighter! So, what can you expect from a typical meal? One thing is certain: rice is a staple food, traditionally served at every meal; and soup often accompanies one or two other main dishes, such as a curry or a stir-fry. Here are the 5 dishes you must try before leaving Cambodia:

1. Amok Fish Cambodia’s national dish is incredibly flavorful and easy to find everywhere. The term “Amok” refers to the steaming process associated with this dish, in which the curry—traditionally made with fish—is cooked in banana leaves. It’s incredibly aromatic, with flavors of lemongrass, turmeric, and ginger; and to give it an unforgettable taste: plenty of coconut milk!

2. Kdam Chaa The fresh seafood from Cambodia’s southern coast is excellent. Traditionally, Kdam Chaa is served with locally grown Kampot pepper in a sweet and spicy sauce. Try the crab with the unripe green peppercorns, which are unique to Cambodia and give this dish a distinctive floral flavor. You’ll find them at the Kep Crab Market. And since you’ll be near the Kampot Road, which is close to the market, you’re sure to find the famous green pepper sauce as a side.

3. Lok Lak An incredibly popular dish throughout Cambodia—especially among Western tourists—is the beef stir-fry known as lok lak. This dish consists of beef marinated in a salty soy sauce mixture, then stir-fried in a sweet, sticky sauce made from oyster sauce, tomato ketchup (believe it or not), fish sauce, and sugar. The result is an addictive dish, served with a runny fried egg and white rice to soak up all the juices.

4. Kuy Teav – Khmer Noodle Soup Often considered a breakfast dish in Cambodia, it’s also enjoyed at any time of day as a light yet delicious treat in the heat. Kuy Teav can be served with various toppings, such as duck or roasted chicken; but it always consists of flat rice noodles, herbs, and pork broth. This dish is often garnished with bean sprouts, holy basil, lettuce leaves, and chili peppers; so you can customize it to your taste.

The best way to enjoy Khmer noodle soup is to visit roadside stalls, street vendors, and small local restaurants. A SoGuide tip: look for places that are very popular with locals! These types of vendors tend to specialize in certain dishes and prepare them to perfection, so you won’t be disappointed.

5. The Strange and the Wonderful! Southeast Asia is known for offering a strange and wonderful variety of dishes, and no country does it better than Cambodia. In Battambang with your local SoGuide guide, try the Fried Delicacies—the guide will explain their origins! The Bugs Café in Siem Reap is famous for turning insects into “fine dining.” Try some tarantula fritters or insect skewers. Or if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, try their “discovery platters,” and let us know what you thought.