Popular Cambodian Foods

Cambodian cuisine, also known as Khmer cuisine, is often praised for its fresh, vibrant flavors and subtle use of spices. Unlike some of its spicier regional counterparts, it balances sweet, sour, salty, and bitter notes to create harmonious dishes. Rice is a staple of almost every meal.

Here are some of the most popular and celebrated Cambodian foods:

Main Dishes

• Amok Trey (Fish Amok): Often considered the national dish, this is a creamy, yellow fish curry. A fillet of fish is steamed in a cup made from a banana leaf with a thick coconut milk and kroeung (a traditional spice paste made from lemongrass, turmeric, galangal, and other aromatics).

• Lok Lak: A favorite throughout the country, this dish consists of stir-fried cubed beef served on a bed of fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber. It is traditionally served with a dipping sauce made from lime juice, salt, and pepper.

• Khmer Curry: This red or green curry is less spicy and sweeter than Thai curries. It is made with coconut milk, chicken or beef, and vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and green beans. It is often served with steamed rice or a baguette.

• Bok L'hong (Green Papaya Salad): A refreshing salad made from shredded green papaya, carrots, and long beans. It is pounded in a mortar with chilies, garlic, roasted peanuts, and a sweet, savory dressing.

Noodle Soups and Street Food

• Kuy Teav: A delicious and popular noodle soup for breakfast. It's a light pork or beef broth served with rice noodles, sliced meat, and a variety of fresh herbs and sprouts.

• Nom Banh Chok (Khmer Noodles): This is a very common breakfast dish. It features thin rice noodles topped with a green fish-based curry and a variety of raw vegetables like cucumbers, water lily stems, and fresh mint.

• Num Pang: The Cambodian version of a baguette sandwich, a legacy from the French colonial era. It is filled with a variety of meats, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.

• Trei K'bal (Fermented Fish Paste): A pungent but flavorful condiment that is a staple of many rural homes. It is used as a base for many dipping sauces and curries.

Desserts and Snacks

• Chek Chien (Fried Banana): Slices of banana are coated in a sweet, crunchy batter and deep-fried. They are a popular and readily available street food snack.

• Num Kaom: A sweet treat made from glutinous rice flour filled with palm sugar and shredded coconut. They are often wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed.

• Twa Ko: A Cambodian sausage made from beef or pork that is seasoned and grilled until crispy. It is often sold by street vendors and enjoyed as a snack.