WHAT ARE THE BEST FOODS IN CAMBODIA THAT YOU CAN’T MISS?

Cambodia isn’t just a place with amazing temples, stunning architecture, beautiful beaches, and majestic mountains—it’s also a paradise for food lovers craving the diverse flavors of Khmer cuisine. If you’re yearning for a real taste of Cambodia, look no further. VietLong Travel Team has put together a list of delicious dishes, along with suggestions on where to enjoy them. Let’s explore the best of Cambodian food!

Highlights of Cambodian Cuisine:

In Cambodian cooking, meat and seafood steal the spotlight, swimming in a mix of sauces like coconut milk, soy sauce, and fish sauce. The enticing flavors are enhanced by a blend of spices and herbs, making each dining experience truly special. Some dishes show influences from nearby countries, and there’s even a touch of uniqueness with the use of insects and bugs as ingredients.

About Cambodian Cuisine:

Cambodian food mirrors the country’s history—a fusion of authentic Khmer dishes and inspirations from neighboring regions. While some dishes might seem simple, like handmade noodles and broths, they require time and skill to prepare. Staple ingredients include rice, chicken, pork, seafood, frogs, snails, and yes, even edible insects. The locals expertly mix an array of herbs, spices, fish sauce, soy sauce, and coconut milk, creating a flavor palette that dances between sweet, slightly spicy, and sour notes.

20 Best Cambodian Dishes:

1. Pork and Rice Delight: Bai Sach Chrouk

Meet the star of the show, Bai Sach Chrouk, Cambodia’s go-to breakfast (Image: CNN). This flavorful dish holds the coveted title of the nation’s breakfast and is up for grabs at local eateries and market stalls until 10:00 in the morning.

What’s the fuss about? Imagine thin pork slices cozying up to steamed rice, all jazzed up in a marinade dance with garlic, Kampot pepper, palm sugar, soy sauce, fish sauce, and coconut milk. The slow barbecue action gives the meat a taste that’s nothing short of amazing.

But wait, there’s more! Bai Sach Chrouk isn’t just about pork and rice. It comes with a sidekick of pickled veggies—crispy cucumbers and carrots—to add a pop of color and taste.

Where to Eat:

Samnang Kitchen

• Location: 155 Toul Tom Poung market, Phnom Penh
• Open until: 10:00
• Cost: US$ 1-2

Pork and Rice Man

• Location: On the corner of Street 19 and Norodom Boulevard
• Opening at: 17:30
• Cost: US$ 1-2

Orussey Market

• Location: Oknha Tep Phan St. (182), Phnom Penh
• Open until: 10:00
• Cost: US$ 1-2

2. Fish Delight: Amok Trey (Fish Amok)

Fish Amok steals the spotlight as the second gem in Cambodian cuisine. Whether you go for chicken, beef, tofu, or the favorite fish version, it’s a treat.

Catfish, goby fish, or snakehead make up the usual suspects. The fish is cut into cubes and bathed in a mix of fish sauce, coconut milk, eggs, and palm sugar. But here’s the twist: it’s all steamed and served in a banana leaf bowl, giving it that extra touch of tradition.

Where to Eat:

Orussey Market

• Location: Oknha Tep Phan St. (182), Phnom Penh
• Open from: 8:00 – 17:00
• Grand Steak Restaurant (Formerly Anachak Steak Restaurant)

Grand Steak Restaurant (Formerly Anachak Steak Restaurant)

• Location: 170a Sivutha Boulevard, Siem Reap
• Open from: 9:00- 23:00
• Price range: US$ 3-12

Samaky Restaurant and Lounge

• Location: 9E0, Street 51, corner 278 in the west of Wat Langka, Phnom Penh
• Open from: 8:00 – 23:30
• Price range: US$ 5 – 15

3. Delicious Lime-Infused Beef Salad: Lap Khmer

Lap Khmer, also known as lime-marinated Khmer beef salad, is a must-try in Cambodian cuisine. It features high-quality tenderloin beef served almost raw or grilled to perfection. The lime juice delicately cooks the meat, creating incredible tenderness.

The dressing is where the magic happens, with lemongrass, garlic, shallots, basil, mint, green pepper, green beans, and fish sauce enhancing the sour and spicy flavor. Lap Khmer stands out among Cambodia’s popular dishes.

Where to Enjoy:

ST 63 BASSAK Restaurant

• Location: #2 Street 308, Phnom Penh
• Open from: 11:00- 23:00
• Price range: US$ 3-16

The Sugar Palm Restaurant and Bar

• Location: Opposite Pannasastra University Street 27, Wat Bo Village, Sangkat Svay Rok, Siem Reap City, Krong Siem Reap
• Open from: 5:30 – 21:30
• Price range: US$ 6-10

The King’s Cuisine Restaurant

• Location: BBU Street, Siem Reap
• Open from: 08:30 – 23:00
• Price range: US$ 6-10

4. Delightful Noodles: Nom Banh Chok (Khmer Noodles)

Nom Banh Chok, or Khmer noodles, is a sensation in Cambodian cuisine, found almost everywhere in the country. You’ll spot women carrying balanced sticks with ingredients, offering a delicious and affordable dish.

Thin rice noodles are drenched in green fish Cambodian curry, topped with chopped banana leaves, bean sprouts, cucumber, mint, basil, and other herbs.

Where to Enjoy:

Russian Market

• Location: 163 Corner of St. 440, Phnom Penh
• Open from: 6:00 – 16:30

Sam Khmer Noodles

• Location: Wat Damnak Area, Siem Reap
• Open from: 7:00 – 21:00
• Price range: US$ 3-15

Malis Restaurant

• Location: Pokambor Ave, Krong Siem Reap
• Open from: 6:30 – 21:00
• Price range: US$ 2.5-5

5. Hearty Khmer Beef Stew: Khor Ko

Our exploration of Khmer delights continues with Khor Ko, a slow-cooked beef stew celebrated for its tenderness and aromatic herb blend. This delectable mix includes onions, garlic, dried peppers, anise, galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, shallots, and more—an absolute treat for the taste buds. Pair it with bread for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Where to Savor:

One More Restaurant (Toul Kork)

• Location: #37, Street 315 Sangkat Beoung Kak 1, Khan Toul Kork, Phnom Penh
• Open from: 6:00 – 22:00
• Price: around US$ 12

6. Savory Stir-fry: Lok Lak (Stir-fry Beef with Brown Sauce)

Lok Lak, with its roots in Vietnamese cuisine, arrived in Cambodia during its French colonial era. This dish features stir-fried strips of tender beef seasoned with soy sauce and spices, adorned with raw onion rings, tomato, and cucumber slices. Occasionally, a fried egg graces the top, and the lime juice and Kampot peppers in the dipping sauce add a uniquely Cambodian twist.

Where to Savor:

Nelsons Restaurant & Bar

• Location: 273c Preah Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh
• Open from: 7:30 – 23:30
• Price: US$ 8-25

Jack’s Place

• Location: J54M+RF7, Krong Kampot
• Open from: 7:00 – 22:00

7. Simple Delight: Mee Kola (Kola Noodles)

Mee Kola, or Kola noodles, named after the Kola people from Burma who introduced it to Cambodia. This straightforward noodle dish, now a Cambodian staple, includes protein sources like shrimp or sliced-boiled eggs. It’s complemented by pickled vegetables and a light sweet fish sauce.

Where to Savor:

Celadon Restaurant

• Location: Angkor High School Road Mane Boutique Hotel & Spa, Siem Reap
• Open from: 6:30 – 22:00
• Price: US$ 10-50

8. Savory Seafood Delight: Fried Crab With Green Pepper:

Experience the coastal flavors with Fried Crab with Green Pepper, a showcase of Khmer culinary artistry. Fresh seafood from the Kep Crab market near Phnom Penh adds to the authenticity. The use of immature peppercorns, unique to the region, enhances the sweet crab taste, creating a sea-inspired sensation with every bite.

Where to Savor:

Kimly Restaurant & Lodge

• Location: Kep Crab Market, Krong Kaeb
• Open from: 9:00 – 23:00

So Kheang Restaurant

• Location: Crab Market, Kep 07503
• Open from: 7:00 – 20:00
• Price range: around US$ 30

Holy Crab

• Location: Kep 07503 Cambodia
• Open from: 9:30 – 22:30 (break time 15:00- 17:50)
• Price range: around US$ 25

9. Sweet Celebration: Rolled Banana Cake (Num Ansom Chek)

Num Ansom Chek, or Rolled Banana Cake, is a delightful treat found throughout Cambodia, often gracing special celebrations like the Cambodian New Year. Enclosed in banana leaves and steamed, this dish has a lengthy shelf life. The sticky rice, banana, and grated coconut filling can also feature jackfruit or mango for variety.

Where to Savor:

Phum Num Banh Chok

• Location: 315 Angkor Conservation St Phum Sla Kram, Sangkat Sla Kram, Siem Reap
• Open from: 6:00 – 20:00
• Price range: around US$ 5

Available in Almost Every Market

• Price range: US$ 1-10 depending on size and ingredients

10. Caramelized Comfort: Caramelized Braised Pork Belly (Kaw Sach Chrouk)

Indulge in the unforgettable flavors of Kaw Sach Chrouk, featuring caramelized braised pork belly. The sweetness of Thnot sugar, the aroma of Kampot pepper, garlic, and anise, all complemented by tender bamboo shoots, hard-boiled eggs, and roasted tofu, create an authentic and savory dish. Perfectly paired with hot, fragrant rice.

Where to Savor:

Orussey Market

• Location: Oknha Tep Phan St. (182), Phnom Penh
• Open from: 8:00 – 15:00

11. Tropical Harmony: Pomelo Salad With Prawns (Nhoam Krauch Thlong)

A star in Khmer cuisine, the Pomelo Salad with Prawns, adds a refreshing twist to traditional flavors. Swap out the pork for fresh prawns, and you’ll discover a perfect blend of taste and texture. Juicy prawns, pomelo, mint leaves, dried shrimp, roasted peanuts, and toasted coconut come together in a lively combination.

Where to Savor:

Element

• Location: #51A street 306, BKK1 Phnom Penh
• Open from: 11:30-13:30, 18:00-21:30, except Sunday
• Price range: From US$ 6

12. Crispy Elegance: Cambodian Spring Rolls (Nime Chow)

Indulge in the delightful crunch of Cambodian Spring Rolls, locally known as Nime Chow. Packed with vibrant veggies, cellophane noodles, meat, and peeled shrimp, all neatly wrapped in rice paper, these rolls offer a perfect balance of chewy exteriors and crunchy vegetables. Dip them in peanut sauce for an exquisite culinary experience.

Where to Savor:

Khmer Kitchen Restaurant

• Location: Mondul I, Sangkat Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap
• Open from: 9:00–23:00

Chanrey Tree8

• Location: Pokombo Ave., Siem Reap
• Open from: 11:00–14:30, 18:00–22:30

13. Crunchy Delight: Green Mango Salad (Nhoam Svay Kcha)

A must-try in Khmer Cambodian cuisine, Green Mango Salad, or Nhoam Svay Kcha, delivers a burst of flavors reminiscent of Somtum in Thailand and Laos. Featuring slightly unripe mango for a crunchy texture, this salad combines smoked fish, dried shrimp, basil, mint, and fish wort. The salty seafood harmonizes perfectly with the fresh veggies.

Where to Savor:

Nary Kitchen

• Location: 32 N. 650, Group | Prek Mohatep, Svay Por, Battamban
• Open from: 8:00 – 22:00
• Price range: US$ 2.5-3.5

14. Delightful Stir-Fry: Rice Pin Noodles (Lort Cha)

Embrace the Southeast Asian love for veggies with Lort Cha, a staple in Cambodian cuisine. Stir-fried rice pin noodles dance with minced delights like bean sprouts, Chinese broccoli, chives, and green onions. Proteins like chicken, beef, or shrimp join the party, while chili sauce and soy sauce add a flavorful kick. Crowned with a fried egg, this dish is a veggie lover’s dream.

Where to Savor:

Family Rice Noodle & Chives Cake

• Location: 618, 155 Wat Bo Road, Krong Siem Reap
• Open from: 7:00 – 22:00

15. Zesty Zing: Beef Ceviche (Pleah Sach Ko)

A star at Cambodian celebrations, Pleah Sach Ko, or Beef Ceviche, brings lime and prahok-cured beef together with veggies like shallots, basil, and mint. The finishing touch? A sprinkle of crushed roasted peanuts, all dipped in fish sauce. This dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also boasts a well-balanced and healthy combination of ingredients.

Where to Savor:

Meatophum

• Location: 70 St, Phnom Penh
• Open from: 9:00 – 20:30 on Thursday, Friday, Monday, and Tuesday. 9:00 – 17:00 on Wednesday. 9:00 – 15:00 on Sunday.

16. Hearty and Healthy: Cambodian Stirring Soup (Samlor Korko)

Samlor Korko, a Cambodian stirring soup, stands out for its wholesome ingredients featuring seasonal greens and fruits rich in multivitamins. The spice ensemble includes lemongrass, ginger, turmeric, galangal, fish sauce, and fish paste. With a medley of beans, green grated papaya, and eggplants, this soup welcomes beef, chicken, or pork. The result? A thick, umami-infused delight.

Where to Savor:

Malis Restaurant

• Location: Pokambor Ave, Krong Siem Reap
• Open from: 6:30 – 23:00

17. Banana Blossom Bliss: Trayong Chek (Banana Blossom Salad)

A light and crunchy delight for lunch, Trayong Chek features stir-fried banana blossom with lemongrass, garlic, shallots, and chilies. A splash of lime adds a refreshing citrusy kick, making it a perfect pick-me-up.

Where to Savor:

Cheay Krong Restaurant

• Location: 170 St. 464, Phnom Penh
• Open from: 7:00 – 22:00

18. Flavorful Essence: Prahok (Fermented Fish Paste)

Considered the hidden gem of Cambodian cuisine, Prahok, a fermented fish paste, enhances the flavor of many dishes, making them uniquely Cambodian. A local saying emphasizes its importance: “No Prahok, no salt,” highlighting its role in transforming dishes from bland to rich.

Where to Savor:

Khmer Food Restaurant Prak Sombath

• Location: GQCJ+PQX, Phnom Penh
• Open from: 7:00 – 18:00

19. Lemongrass Marvel: Stir-Fried Lemongrass Chicken (Char Kroeung Sach Moun)

Char Kroeung Sach Moun, a representation of Cambodian delicacies, offers a delightful blend of saltiness, sweetness, and a hint of spice. Featuring chicken, lemongrass, garlic, shallots, galangal, lime leaves, turmeric, and chili, this stir-fried dish pairs perfectly with rice or rice vermicelli.

Where to Savor:

Kroeung Garden Restaurant

• Location: 46 Corner of Street 352 & Street 57, Phnom Penh
• Open from: 6:00 – 21:00

20. Noodle Soup Nirvana: Kuy Teav (Noodle Soup)

Kuy Teav, a beloved Cambodian noodle soup with Chinese origins, boasts a broth made from beef or pork bones, green onions, fried shallots, bean sprouts, and garlic. Served with meatballs, it’s a popular breakfast choice, perfect to kickstart your day in the Land of Wonder.

Where to Savor:

Uy Kuyteav Restaurant Kampuchea Krom

• Location: Tek La Ork 1 Commune Office, #890, St. 128 Sangkat, Kampuchea Krom Blvd (128), Phnom Penh
• Open from: 6:00 – 21:00

Let’s join a tasty adventure through Cambodia’s diverse food scene, where each dish shares a story of tradition and flavor. From the refreshing Nhoam Krauch Thlong to the comforting Khor Ko, Cambodian cuisine is a delight for the senses.

For an extra special journey, consider booking your tours with VietLong Travel. Discover hidden gems, cultural wonders, and unique experiences beyond the ordinary. VietLong Travel offers a chance to explore Cambodia in a way that goes beyond the typical tourist experience. Let the flavors and landscapes weave together, creating lasting memories of your unforgettable journey through the Land of Wonder.