Embark on a culinary journey in Cambodia by trying everything from creamy Amok to sweet Cha Houy Teuk. Exploring the flavours of Cambodia is a must for any foodie. Here are ten traditional dishes to try.

Amok

This is a coconut fish curry that is available in many places, including in hotels such as FCC Angkor Siem Reap. Often considered Cambodia’s national dish, Amok is steamed in banana leaves with a fragrant paste of lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime, giving it a silky, custard-like texture that sets it apart from other Southeast Asian curries.

Photo: Marcin Konsek / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0, 2016 Phnom Penh, Amok trey (02), CC BY-SA 4.0

Samlar Machu

This is a sour broth-based soup that is cooked with seasonal local vegetables and the meat of your choice. It is available in the top restaurants in Siem Reap. The sourness comes from tamarind or unripe fruit, giving the broth a bright, refreshing tang that balances beautifully with the savoury depth of the meat and fresh herbs.

Nom Banh Chok

If you are craving rice noodles and fish, this is what you should try. Commonly eaten for breakfast, it features freshly pressed rice noodles topped with a light fish-based green curry sauce and garnished with raw vegetables like bean sprouts, banana blossom, and mint leaves.

Lok Lak

No visit to Cambodia is complete without trying its famous stir-fried dishes. Lok Lak typically features cubes of marinated beef wok-tossed in a savoury sauce and served over a bed of fresh lettuce and tomatoes, alongside a tangy dipping sauce made with lime juice and cracked Kampot pepper.

Grilled Bananas

If you are looking for something warm and cheap, grilled bananas are a great snack to try. Small finger bananas are pressed flat and cooked over charcoal until caramelised, often brushed with coconut milk or honey for an extra layer of sweetness. You’ll find them at street stalls and markets throughout the country.