18 Cambodian Food That Will Make You Crave a Second Bite

Cambodian food has similarities to cuisines from other Southeast Asian countries. But as you try their popular dishes one at a time, you’ll realize that Cambodia’s food has a unique, flavorful, aromatic, and well-balanced approach you can’t taste elsewhere.

Cambodian cuisine can be categorized into two main types. Firstly, dishes are influenced by Indian, French, Chinese, and Vietnamese flavors. Additionally, traditional Khmer food has been enjoyed for over 1,000 years. Khmer cuisine is further divided into rural and royal categories, with differences in the quality of ingredients and the amount of meat used in the recipes.

The heart of Cambodian culinary traditions revolves around rice, accompanied by a medley of pork, chicken, and fish. The generous incorporation of herbs, spices, fermented sauces, homemade flavorful pastes, and various vegetables characterizes the dishes.

Most Popular Cambodian Foods 

If you’re visiting soon, this list of must-try Cambodian foods should help you decide where you’d want to eat:

1. Amok (Fish Curry)

The term “amok” refers to steaming food in a banana leaf. In this case, the fish (or sometimes chicken or prawns) is mixed with herbs like lemongrass, spices, and coconut milk before wrapping in banana leaves to be steamed.

2. Bai Sach Chrouk (Grilled Pork with Rice)

Bai sach chrouk is a traditional Cambodian street food breakfast. It is a pork dish marinated with coconut milk and garlic, grilled to perfection, and served over hot rice. This Cambodian BBQ is often eaten with pickles, fresh seasonal veggies, and your dipping of choice.

3. Nom Banh Chok (Khmer Noodle Soup)

Nom banh chok is a breakfast soup dish with rice noodles, vegetables, and a flavorful fish-based green curry sauce. 

4. Banh Chiao (Savory Vietnamese Pancake)

Inspired by Vietnamese cuisine, this breakfast or snack Cambodian dish is an oversized, crispy pancake with a mix of pork, shrimp, and bean sprout filling. It’s served with generous lettuce on the side and dipped in a sweet-and-sour sauce. 

5. Samlor Korko (Khmer Stirring Soup)

Considered by many locals as the national dish of Cambodia, samlor korko is a soup that explodes with tasty flavors. It is made with either fish or chicken, mushrooms, vegetables, and the famous prahok (fermented fish paste) that gives it the unique notes of umami. 

6. Nom Plae Ai (Khmer Red Curry)

Nom plae ai is a traditional Cambodian curry dish made with either fish or meat, rice noodles soaked in coconut milk, mixed with herbs, spices, and veggie toppings like green onions, bean sprouts, or fried shallots. 

7. Ongkrong Saek Koo (Stir-Fried Beef with Red Tree Ants)

If you’re adventurous and looking for exotic Cambodian dishes, the ongkrong saek koo is perfect. 

The dish combines thinly sliced, stir-fried beef with shallots, ginger, garlic, basil, lemongrass, and an army of red tree ants. It is served with white rice and sprinkled with chili. 

8. Kuy Teav (Cambodian Noodle Soup)

Kuy Teav is a hearty rice noodle soup with tender pork, fish sauce, lemongrass, ginger, and fresh vegetables. The soup is served with a lime wedge for squeezing.

9. Kari Saraman (Saraman Curry)

If you’re looking for a Cambodian curry dish, the Kari Saraman is one of the most aromatic curries you can try. This beef dish is cooked in cassia bark, star anise, whole peanuts, and curry, then served with a baguette to counter the richness.

10. Kdam Chaa (Deep-Fried Crab Cambodian Street Food)

Kdam chaa is a fried crab dish spiced with locally-grown Kampot pepper and is a specialty of the seaside town of Kep. They even have a Kep market where you can buy fresh crab; the food stands on the market will prepare it for you. 

You can find kdam chaa everywhere, from street vendors to fancier restaurants. 

11. Nhoam Svay Kchai (Cambodian Mango Salad)

Nhoam svay chai is a smoked fish dish made special with green mango salad, spring onions, Thai basil, cucumber, mint, and a hint of fish sauce.

 Some variations of this dish include dried shrimp, banana blossom, or cucumbers.

12. Num Pang (Cambodian Baguette Sandwich)

Num pang is an example of how Cambodia’s French colonial history has influenced its dishes. The dish is a baguette sandwich filled with vegetables, a flavorful mix of herbs and condiments, then a choice of tofu, chicken, pork, or fish.

13. Yao hon or Ya-hon (Cambodian Hot Pot)

Cambodia’s hot pot is similar to many Asian countries, except their version uses coconut milk or buttered herb paste as the soup base. The broth gets the flavor of various beef, seafood, and vegetables. 

14. Lok Lak (Stir-Fried Beef)

Lok lak is a stir-fried dish made of super-tender, marinated beef and served with a fried egg and a tangy dipping sauce. 

15. Pork with Prahok Ktiss (Fermented Fish Dip)

Prahok (fermented fish paste) is the special ingredient of this savory dish. A rich stew dish is prepared with coconut cream, ground pork, baby eggplant, or other fresh vegetables. 

16. Samlor Machu Kroeung (Tamarind Soup)

Tamarind gives samlor machu kroeung the tangy taste. Fish and seasonal veggies complete this dish.

17. Num Ansom (Cambodian Sticky Rice Cake)

Num ansom is a Cambodian dessert or snack staple during the Khmer New Year and other festivals. The rice cake with mung bean and pork filling is wrapped in banana leaves for deep-frying.

18. Bai Cha (Stir-Fried Morning Glory)

Bai cha is a crave-inducing Cambodian side dish that is simple yet memorable. It’s a stir-fry of morning glory greens seasoned with oyster sauce, soy sauce, and garlic. 

Be Aware When Dining Out in Cambodia

• No knives as cutlery options. 

Meats are sliced bite-sized, so there is no need for guests to use knives at the table. Locals traditionally eat with their hands, but modern Cambodians prefer spoons and forks. For soup dishes, they prefer a spoon with chopsticks. 

• Food is served as they are cooked, not in any course order. 

Dining out in Cambodia means multiple dishes will be served in the middle of the table for everyone to share. In some cases, each order is brought out as they are cooked. 

The exception is when you decide to eat in a French restaurant or other more upscale restaurants in Cambodia, which may follow set courses.

• The average cost of meals, drinks, and tips

Cambodia’s street food costs about 4,000 to 16,000 Cambodian Riel/KHR (1 to 4 US Dollars), while restaurant meals can go from 10,000 to 50,000 KHR ($2.50 to $12) per person. 

If you find a Coke in a can (or other drinks you didn’t order) served on your table, note that you’d likely be billed if you consume it. However, this also meant no charge if you didn’t consume it. 

There is no standard tip amount at Cambodian restaurants. But if you want to leave a tip, around 10% of your bill should be a reasonable starting point. 

• Condiments are shared, but you’re encouraged to DIY your sauce.

Cambodian street food vendors and sit-down restaurants are generous with condiments. 

However, you must share the garlic flakes, chili jam, peanut sauce, spiced paste, salt, pepper, fish sauce, sugar, pickled chilies, and other dipping sauces with other guests.

You’ll usually be provided your dipping saucer. You can then mix and match any condiment combination your tastebuds are craving.

Frequently Asked Questions – Cambodian Food

What Is Cambodian Traditional Food?

Rice is a traditional staple in Cambodia, usually eaten at every meal. They also have rice-based noodles and desserts to squeeze into your main meals.

What Is Unique About Cambodian Food?

Cambodian dishes use locally-produced ingredients like prahok (a fermented fish paste), Kampot pepper (Cambodia-grown pepper), and kroeung (paste from a mix of galangal, lemongrass and spices). 

Is Cambodian Food Similar to Thai?

Cambodian food is always mistaken for Thai food because both cuisines love chili and peppers in their dishes. However, Cambodia’s recipes generally have less heat and often have a balanced mix of salty, sweet, sour, and savory flavors. 

What Does Cambodian Food Taste Like?

Khmer cuisine is often described as balanced flavors of sour, salty, and sweet with a decadent umami twist. Freshness is also a significant part of Cambodian food, which you’ll taste when eating seafood, fruits, herb-induced dishes, and vegetables. 

Conclusion – Cambodian Food

Cambodian food leaves a lasting impression. Each bite is a memorable adventure with its bold flavors and distinctive blends. Have fun exploring the unique tastes of Cambodia for an unforgettable dining experience.

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