Cambodian Food: Top Traditional Dishes You Should Try

Cambodian cuisine is a delicious fusion of influences, shaped by the country’s unique geography, history, and cultural heritage. Known for its harmony of flavors and fresh ingredients, Cambodian food balances sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes, often in a single dish.

Essential ingredients include rice, which forms the base of most meals, freshwater fish from the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake, and the liberal use of herbs like lemongrass, kaffir lime, and galangal.

The cuisine’s distinct flavor also comes from prahok (fermented fish paste), coconut milk, and local spices, making each dish a new experience. Here are some traditional Cambodian dishes that highlight the nation’s rich culinary culture.

Top 10 Traditional Cambodian Dishes

1. Fish Amok (Amok Trey)

Often considered Cambodia’s national dish, Fish Amok is a creamy, flavorful fish curry that is steamed in banana leaves. The dish features fillets of freshwater fish mixed with kroeung (a spice paste made from lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, and lime) and coconut milk, creating a fragrant, custard-like texture. Traditionally enjoyed at festivals, Fish Amok embodies the rich, creamy side of Cambodian cuisine, with a balance of earthy, spicy, and sweet flavors.

2. Bai Sach Chrouk (Grilled Pork and Rice)

A staple breakfast item, Bai Sach Chrouk features tender, marinated pork grilled to perfection and served with broken rice and pickled vegetables. The pork is typically marinated in garlic and coconut milk, giving it a subtle sweetness. Paired with the sour tang of pickled vegetables, it’s a complete and satisfying meal commonly found at street food stalls in the early mornings.

3. Samlor Korkor

Known as a comforting and hearty soup, Samlor Korkor is sometimes referred to as Cambodia’s “national soup.” Made with seasonal vegetables, prahok, and a variety of meats or fish, it is a dish deeply rooted in local culture. The use of kroeung and prahok gives it a bold flavor, while ingredients like eggplant, pumpkin, and green papaya add nutrition and texture, making it a wholesome favorite for family gatherings.

4. Beef Lok Lak

Beef Lok Lak is a stir-fried beef dish typically served with a tangy lime and Kampot pepper dipping sauce, alongside fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. The tender strips of beef are marinated in a flavorful sauce before being seared, creating a delicious contrast between the warm beef and the fresh vegetables. A fried egg is often placed on top, and it’s usually served with rice, making it a hearty and satisfying meal enjoyed across Cambodia.

5. Lap Khmer (Khmer Beef Salad)

Lap Khmer is a light and refreshing salad made with thinly sliced beef marinated in lime juice, garlic, and chilies. The salad is tossed with lemongrass, mint, and fresh herbs, giving it a spicy, zesty, and herbaceous profile. Often served as an appetizer, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy Cambodia’s fresh, vibrant ingredients in a lighter dish that pairs perfectly with rice.

6. Khmer Red Curry

Unlike its Thai counterparts, Khmer Red Curry is mild in spice, focusing more on aromatic flavors from kroeung, coconut milk, and a mix of vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and eggplant. Commonly made with chicken, beef, or fish, this curry is a popular dish at weddings and other festive gatherings. The use of coconut milk adds a creamy sweetness, while the spices keep the dish deeply flavorful without overwhelming heat.

7. Nom Banh Chok

Nom Banh Chok is a beloved breakfast noodle dish made with rice noodles topped with a green fish-based curry sauce, fresh herbs, and bean sprouts. Known as Khmer noodles, this dish is widely enjoyed in the mornings by locals and is available from vendors across the country. With its fresh, light flavors and crunchy texture, Nom Banh Chok is a refreshing way to start the day.

8. Kampot Pepper Crab

Kampot pepper is famous worldwide for its unique aroma and spiciness, and Kampot Pepper Crab showcases this regional specialty. Fresh crab is stir-fried with generous amounts of garlic, green Kampot peppercorns, and chilies, resulting in a fragrant, spicy dish that is best enjoyed in the coastal regions of Kep and Kampot. This dish is a must-try for seafood lovers and offers a taste of Cambodia’s unique flavors from its coastal regions.

9. Pleah Sach Ko (Beef Ceviche)

Pleah Sach Ko is a Cambodian-style beef ceviche made with thin slices of raw beef marinated in lime juice, fish sauce, and mixed with fresh herbs, roasted peanuts, and garlic. The lime juice “cooks” the beef, creating a dish that is both tender and tangy, with the herbs and spices adding a refreshing complexity. Often served as an appetizer, Pleah Sach Ko is enjoyed for its light and vibrant flavor.

10. Green Mango Salad

This tangy and crunchy salad uses unripe green mangoes, mixed with chilies, fish sauce, and fresh herbs for a spicy, sour flavor profile. The salad is often served alongside grilled meats or as a side dish, adding a refreshing contrast to richer, heavier dishes. Its bright flavors and crisp texture make it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.

Where to Experience Cambodian Cuisine

Exploring local markets is one of the best ways to experience authentic Cambodian cuisine. Markets like Psar Thmei in Phnom Penh or the Old Market in Siem Reap are filled with stalls offering fresh produce, street food, and snacks. Local vendors often serve popular dishes, providing a glimpse into the daily food culture of Cambodia.

For a more refined dining experience, several renowned restaurants in Cambodia offer traditional Khmer dishes with an elevated touch. In Phnom Penh, Friends Restaurant and Khmer Surin are well-known for their flavorful and authentic dishes. In Siem Reap, Marum Restaurant and Cuisine Wat Damnak are highly regarded for their commitment to preserving and innovating Cambodian culinary traditions.

Conclusion

Cambodian cuisine is a reflection of the nation’s history, culture, and natural resources. From the creamy coconut and fragrant herbs in Fish Amok to the tangy bite of Green Mango Salad, each dish offers a window into Cambodia’s unique culinary heritage.

Tasting local flavors is essential for a deeper understanding of Cambodian culture, so be sure to explore and savor these traditional dishes for a rich and immersive experience.