Harmonious and diverse, Cambodia’s definitely got a cuisine to die for! With dishes that are rich and balanced and preparation deeply rooted in tradition and culture, Cambodian food is sure to take you on a vibrant culinary journey you won’t soon forget. Here’s eight of our must-try foods the next time you find yourself in Phnom Penh!

Exploring Cambodia’s Culinary Delights: 8 Must-Try Cambodian Foods

Fish Amok

Rich and flavorful, fish amok is a delightful combination of luscious coconut and aromatic spices. Traditionally prepared with a coconut milk-based curry sauce infused with spices and herbs, the dish has a creamy sweetness cut through with the mild heat of fresh chili peppers or chili paste. Combined with the umami taste of the marinated fish, this dish has a deliciously balanced flavor profile that’s sure to leave you craving more!

Kampot Pepper Crab

True to its name, Kampot pepper crab perfectly showcases the unique Kampot pepper’s flavor profile. Its robust taste with floral and citrusy notes creates a sauce with a balanced spiciness thanks to the use of fresh aromatic herbs and a touch of sugar. Fresh crab meat absorbs the flavors of the Kampot pepper sauce, enhancing the meat’s natural sweetness and brininess. A pop of fresh herb or a splash of citrus completes this crab dish, each flavor delicately complementing the other to create an experience that’s a feast for all the senses.

Bai Sach Chrouk

Complex yet refreshing, bai sach chrouk is a perfect example of Cambodia’s harmonious flavor profile. The pork is marinated with a sweet and savory marinade, combined with the umami flavor of soy sauce or fish sauce. Grilling the marinated pork caramelizes the dish and gives it a charred flavor and smoky richness. Served for breakfast with rice as a neutral base and pickled vegetables adding an element of acidity and crunch, bai sach chrouk is a delightful combination of perfectly balanced flavors and is definitely a great start to anybody’s day.

Samlar Kako

Sour, savory, and aromatic, samlar kako is a delicious comfort food enjoyed across Cambodia. Ingredients like tamarind paste or lime juice add a bright tanginess to the soup, and aromatic herbs and spices add a fragrance with citrusy, herbal, and earthy tones. The sour and aromatic flavors are perfectly balanced by the varying meats and vegetables added for texture and substance, and a spicy kick of chili peppers or paste to bring it all together. Bright and rich, it’s no wonder samlar kako has solidified itself as a cornerstone comfort food of Cambodian cuisine!

Khmer Chicken Red Curry

Diverse and delicious, Khmer chicken red curry perfectly showcases the rich spices and ingredients commonly used in Cambodian cooking. The rich and creamy coconut milk base provides a sweet and slightly nutty flavor balancing the red chili heat of the dish. Spices and aromatics in the curry paste gives the flavor profile an element of earthy fragrance, and a variety of tender chicken and vegetables are added to provide texture and color to the dish. Curry is always a rich, deliciously iconic dish, and Cambodia definitely didn’t come to play!

Nom Banh Chok

Satisfying and flavorful, nom banh chok is a delicious interplay of fish-based curry sauce, rice noodles, and fresh vegetables. Freshwater fish is pounded into a paste and simmered with aromatic herbs and spices, creating a savory and fragrant curry sauce with a rich umami taste from the fish. The smooth, slippery texture of the rice noodles serve as a base, soaking up the flavors of the curry sauce and providing a satisfying texture. Served with fresh vegetables providing crunch and freshness, nom banh chok perfectly showcases the aromatic and harmonious flavor profile of Cambodia.

Lort Cha

With mouthwateringly rich flavors and a hint of sweetness, lort cha is a comfort dish perfectly representing the diversity and deliciousness of Cambodian cuisine. Wide rice noodles are stir fried with pork, chicken, or seafood, and flavored with soy sauce or fish sauce to add a savory umami depth to the dish. Spices and seasonings are added according to personal preference, with black pepper or chili added for a bit of heat and lime juice or vinegar for a touch of acidity to brighten the dish. You can’t go wrong with a delicious noodle stir-fry!

Nhoam Svay Trei Cha’eur

Refreshing and vibrant, this Cambodian salad is known for its fresh ingredients and tangy dressing. Lime juice, tamarind paste, or vinegar add a bright sourness, balanced with umami from the fish sauce and a spicy kick from fresh chili peppers or chili paste. Fresh herbs and vegetables add a burst of freshness and crispness to the salad. Light and delicious, nhoam svay trei cha’eur is the perfect appetizer on a hot summer day — or any other day of the year!

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