Top 10 Cambodian dishes not to be missed

During your trip to Cambodia, let yourself be seduced by authentic cuisine that has remained simple while being both very original and tasty. Make your trip a gourmet hopscotch game by tasting some Khmer gastronomic specialties. Do not miss trying these 10 traditional dishes of Cambodian cuisine that will star your taste buds and your stay in Cambodia.

Amok or Cambodian fish

This fabulous popular Cambodian dish is a must-have in Khmer cuisine. This tasty dish consists of tender pieces of fish wrapped in a banana leaf with kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal, Thai basil, coriander, chili pepper and coconut milk. The preparation is carefully wrapped in a papillote and then steamed. This cooking method allows you to exhale all the aromas and all the subtle flavors. This dish can be enjoyed with good fragrant rice from Battambang Province.

Shaking beef

Originally from Vietnam, shaking beef is another classic dish very popular with both Cambodians and travelers. This dish which testifies to the French presence is made up of diced meat marinated in a mixture of sauce and other condiments. The meat is stir-fried in a wok with onions and vegetables. Of course, this typical dish is served with rice which is garnished in some restaurants with tomato sauce. Generally, you can accompany this dish with a little sauce made with lime juice, salt and pepper.

Kep crab or kdam chaa

A must-try of Khmer cuisine to savor especially if you are passing through the Cambodian coast, especially in the small seaside resort of Kep which has made it its specialty. A simple but terribly effective recipe that superbly combines two exceptional products of the region: Kep crab and Kampot pepper, renowned for being one of the best in the world. Kdam chaa is a delicious dish of freshly caught crabs then sautéed with green pepper. It can be enjoyed on the beach with your feet in the water.

Samla chapek

This tasty soup is a traditional dish very popular with Cambodians. Samla Chapek is a noodle and pork soup flavored with ginger. This soup can be eaten at any time of the day, both for breakfast and during the two other main meals. Kratie Province is renowned throughout the country for the special flavor of samla chapek soup due to the quality of its pork.

Grilled fish trey aing

Enjoy the fishy waters of the Gulf of Thailand or the Mekong to taste this famous grilled fish in the Cambodian style. We recommend the fish stuffed with lemongrass grilled on the BBQ on the beach of the seaside resort of Sihanoukville. It is accompanied by vegetables, aromatic herbs, lemon and Kep salt.

Phlea sach ko

This delicious Khmer beef salad is similar to Laotian laap. A fresh and gently spiced salad composed of minced beef with herbs, fresh herbs and raw vegetables including bean sprouts and crunchy beans. The sauce is rich in aromas and complex flavors. The originality of this Cambodian salad also lies in the grains of rice that are grilled and then reduced to powder and poured over the salad.

Insects

Eating insects is a very common culinary practice in Cambodia, Cambodians love them. Insects are found almost everywhere, on market stalls, in some restaurants or from street vendors. Fried, grilled, sautéed, boiled, steamed, choose your cooking method and your type of insect to taste to try a completely unique gastronomic experience. Gourmets will not be disappointed, most insects are really delicious and rich in protein.

Bai sach chrouk

Grilled pork with rice or bai sach chrouk is one of the most popular breakfasts in Cambodia. Skip the breakfast buffet at your hotel at least once to taste this little culinary treasure. This typical pork dish is first marinated in a sauce made with coconut milk, garlic, palm sugar, soy sauce, fish sauce, lime and Kampot pepper. The marinated meat is grilled on charcoal and then thinly sliced. It is served with rice and pickled vegetables. Perfect for starting the day!

Samlar kako

Here is a beautiful and tasty traditional dish that will not fail to awaken your taste buds. This succulent soup can be prepared in various ways depending on the region and the family, but the base always remains the same. Samlar kako soup is made with spicy curry paste and consists of green papaya, small eggplants, pumpkin, beans, leafy vegetables, spinach and toasted rice, then pounded. Then add, as desired, pork or fish.

Num Kroch

Let's finish on a sweet note with this Cambodian dessert which consists of a Cambodian ball of sticky rice flour stuffed with mung bean paste, and coated with sesame before being fried. A small ball that will melt with pleasure young and old at any time of the day and which will wonderfully satisfy your small hunger.

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