Cambodian Food: 12 Traditional Dishes You Must Try

Cambodia’s rich culinary heritage is an exciting blend of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and traditional cooking techniques. While the country’s most famous landmarks like Angkor Wat attract global visitors, its food scene offers a unique glimpse into Cambodian culture. From hearty soups to vibrant curries, here are 12 traditional Cambodian dishes you must try during your visit.

1. Amok: Cambodia’s Iconic Dish

Amok is known as a dish that represents Cambodian cuisine to the world. With its rich, creamy texture and delicate blend of spices, Amok is not just a meal – it’s a culinary experience deeply rooted in Cambodia’s history and culture.

Amok is a traditional Khmer curry dish, often made with fish (though chicken, tofu, or other proteins can also be used). 

• Coconut milk: Creates a creamy, velvety texture.
• Kroeung: A spice paste made from lemongrass, turmeric, galangal, garlic, and chili.
• Fish or Protein: Typically freshwater fish like snakehead or catfish is used.
• Banana Leaves: The dish is often steamed in a banana leaf bowl, which enhances its flavor and presentation.

Amok is a celebration of Cambodian culinary artistry. Its use of fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and traditional cooking methods makes it a must-try for anyone visiting Cambodia.

Tourists traveling to Cambodia can try this dish at street vendors or local restaurants in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

2. Lok Lak: A Flavorful Cambodian Stir-Fry Dish

One of Cambodia’s most beloved and satisfying dishes. Lok Lak is a stir-fry made from tender beef cubes (though chicken can also be used) marinated in a flavorful sauce and quickly seared in a hot pan. The key components of the marinade include soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and black pepper, along with a touch of sugar for a subtle sweetness. This delicious dish always is served with a side of lettuce, cucumbers, and fresh tomatoes, providing a refreshing contrast to the savory beef.

In addition, Lok Lak is a quintessential Cambodian dish that showcases the country’s ability to create bold, comforting meals with a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or dinner, this flavorful stir-fry dish will give you a true taste of Cambodia’s culinary charm. Tourists can find it in Cambodian restaurants or street food vendors in these cities: 

• Phnom Penh: Restaurants like Friends the Restaurant and Romdeng serve refined versions of Lok Lak.
• Siem Reap: Lok Lak is available in local eateries near the temples and markets, where you can taste the dish in a more traditional setting.
• Battambang and Kampot: These towns offer a more rustic, home-style version of Lok Lak, often served by small, family-run restaurants.

3. Bai Sach Chrouk

Bai Sach Chrouk is a traditional and delicious breakfast dish in Cambodia. Bai Sach Chrouk translates to “pork and rice” in Khmer. It consists of thinly sliced pork, usually marinated with garlic, coconut milk, and sometimes turmeric, grilled over a charcoal fire to achieve a smoky, tender flavor. The marinated and grilled pork adds a smoky richness that is complemented by the subtle sweetness of the rice. The addition of pickled vegetables introduces a refreshing tang, creating a well-rounded and satisfying breakfast.

 It’s a dish that is not only popular, delicious but also offers a taste of local life in Cambodia, tourists can find it at local eateries throughout Cambodia, particularly in the mornings when it’s a traditional breakfast option.

4.Nom Banh Chok: Cambodia’s Popular Rice Noodle Dish

Nom Banh Chok is a beloved Cambodian dish often referred to as “Khmer noodles”. It’s a flavorful, refreshing, and satisfying dish that is enjoyed throughout Cambodia. Nom Banh Chok is a perfect example of the freshness and lightness that characterizes many Southeast Asian dishes. It’s often served as a light and energizing breakfast, but it can also be enjoyed at any time of the day.

What makes Nom Banh Chok stand out is its balance of flavors and textures. The creamy and aromatic curry sauce combined with the chewy rice noodles provides a perfect foundation for the fresh vegetables and herbs that add crunch, spice, and fragrance. The addition of fish, which is a staple in Cambodian cuisine, brings an extra layer of umami that makes the dish hearty and satisfying.

Nom Banh Chok is an iconic dish of Cambodia, whether you’re enjoying it as a morning pick-me-up or a midday meal, this dish is a must-try for anyone visiting Cambodia.

5. Prahok Ktis: A Unique and Flavorful Cambodian Dish

Prahok Ktis is a creamy and flavorful dip or sauce made from prahok, a fermented fish paste that is one of Cambodia’s most iconic and traditional ingredients. The paste is strong, salty, and umami-packed, adding an intense depth of flavor to the dish. Combined with the creaminess of coconut milk and the richness of ground meat, Prahok Ktis is a balanced and complex dish that highlights the boldness of Cambodian flavors. The resulting mixture is rich, spicy, and has a deep umami flavor.

Prahok Ktis offers a unique and authentic taste of Cambodia, showcasing the country’s love for bold flavors and fermented ingredients. It’s an essential dish for adventurous eaters who want to explore the depth of Cambodian cuisine. Prahok Ktis can be found at local restaurants, particularly those serving traditional Cambodian fare. It is often available in small, family-run eateries or markets where you can experience authentic Cambodian food. 

6. Kuy Teav – Phnom Penh Signature Noodle

Kuy Teav is a staple in Cambodian cuisine, widely enjoyed as a comforting and versatile dish. This dish, which consists primarily of rice noodles, can be served in various forms depending on the preparation. 

The beauty of Kuy Teav lies in its simplicity and versatility. The dish can be customized to suit anyone’s preferences, whether you like it mild or spicy, meaty or vegetarian. The light, comforting nature of the dish, combined with its fragrant broth or savory stir-fry, makes it a go-to meal for any time of the day. It’s a reflection of Cambodian cuisine’s focus on fresh ingredients and balanced flavors, where aromatic herbs, savory meats, and rice noodles come together to create a fulfilling meal.

In addition, this dish has two versions including Kuy Teav Phnom Penh and Kuy Teav Chao. They are not too different, Kuy Teav Chao is a stir-fried version of Kuy Teav, typically served with a mix of vegetables, meat, and a savory sauce. It’s easy for tourists to find the dish at almost any street food stall, local restaurant, or market throughout the country. 

7.A Traditional Cambodian Stew You Must Try

Samlor Korkor is a traditional Cambodian stew made with a mix of fresh vegetables like bamboo shoots, eggplant, and pumpkin, along with meat such as chicken, pork, or fish. The dish is flavored with kroeung, a Cambodian spice paste made from lemongrass, turmeric, and garlic, and often includes prahok, fermented fish paste, for a deep umami taste. The stew is simmered until tender, seasoned with fish sauce, lime, and sometimes chili for added depth and freshness.

A hearty and comforting dish, Samlor Korkor is popular across Cambodia, especially in local eateries in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Battambang. It’s typically served with steamed rice and garnished with fresh herbs, making it a perfect meal for sharing. Samlor Korkor showcases the rich flavors of Cambodian cuisine and is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the country’s culinary traditions.

The dish is not only delicious but also comforting, making it a great choice for tourists looking to experience the warmth and hospitality of Cambodian food culture.

8. Samlor Machu Trey

Samlor Machu Trey is a traditional Cambodian sour fish soup that is both flavorful and refreshing. The dish features a tangy broth made from tamarind or lime juice, infused with aromatic herbs and spices such as lemongrass, garlic, and ginger. The soup typically includes fish, commonly river fish like catfish or tilapia, which are simmered in the broth along with vegetables such as tomatoes, long beans, and eggplant.

Samlor Machu Trey is often served with rice and is known for its balance of sour, salty, and savory flavors. It’s a popular dish in Cambodian households and restaurants, especially during hot weather, as it provides a cooling and satisfying meal. The use of tamarind gives the broth a distinct sourness that is the hallmark of this dish, while the fish adds a rich, delicate protein. It’s a perfect representation of the Cambodian love for vibrant, balanced flavors.

9. Stir-Fried Morning Glory

Stir-Fried Morning Glory  is a popular and simple dish in Cambodian cuisine, often served as a side dish with rice. The main ingredient, morning glory (also called water spinach), is a leafy green vegetable known for its tender stems and slightly peppery taste. The dish is typically stir-fried with garlic, chili, and fermented soy bean paste, which adds depth and flavor to the otherwise light and crisp vegetable. Sometimes, it is cooked with a bit of oyster sauce or fish sauce for additional richness.

This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a staple in many Cambodian meals. Its simplicity, combined with the fresh, vibrant taste of the morning glory, makes it a popular choice among both locals and tourists. It’s often served alongside rice and pairs well with other protein-rich dishes like fish or chicken. Stir-fried Morning Glory is a perfect example of the fresh, seasonal ingredients used in Cambodian cuisine.

10. Grilled Street Foods

Grilled Street Foods are a beloved part of Cambodian street food culture, offering a wide variety of savory treats cooked right in front of you. Commonly found at street stalls or local markets, these dishes are quick, affordable, and packed with flavor.

Popular grilled items include skewered meats like chicken, beef, or pork, often marinated in flavorful spices and grilled over an open flame. Another favorite is grilled fish, typically served whole, seasoned with herbs, and accompanied by dipping sauces. Grilled satay—skewers of meat or tofu served with a peanut sauce—are also commonly enjoyed. These grilled delights are often served with fresh vegetables, rice, or a spicy dipping sauce, and are perfect for a light, satisfying meal or snack while exploring the streets of Cambodia. The smoky aroma and charred textures make grilled street foods a must-try experience for visitors.

11. Twa ko (Cambodian sausage)

Twa Ko is a popular Cambodian sausage made from a mixture of ground pork, garlic, and various spices, including lemongrass and black pepper. The sausage is usually flavored with fish sauce, sugar, and salt, which gives it a savory-sweet profile. After the meat mixture is prepared, it’s stuffed into natural casings, typically made from pork intestines, and then grilled or steamed to perfection.

The grilled version of Twa Ko is crispy on the outside, with a juicy and flavorful filling inside. It is often served with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce, making it a delicious snack or side dish. Twa Ko is commonly enjoyed as street food, served on skewers or sliced into pieces, and is a great representation of Cambodia‘s love for flavorful, well-seasoned dishes.

12. Num Ansom Chek

Num Ansom Chek is a traditional Cambodian rice cake made with sticky rice, banana, and coconut, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection. The dish is a popular snack or dessert, especially during holidays and celebrations like the Khmer New Year. To prepare it, slices of banana are placed in the center of sticky rice, often mixed with sugar and coconut milk for added sweetness. The rice is then wrapped in banana leaves and tightly packed into a cylindrical shape before being steamed.

The result is a soft, sweet, and aromatic rice cake with a delightful balance of flavors from the coconut, banana, and sticky rice. Num Ansom Chek is commonly enjoyed as a breakfast snack or a sweet treat during festive occasions, and its portability makes it a great option for a quick, satisfying bite on the go.

Cambodian cuisine is an essential part of the country’s cultural identity. From the creamy indulgence of amok to the refreshing simplicity of nom banh chok, every dish tells a story of Cambodia’s history, traditions, and resourcefulness. When exploring the country, tourists must try 12 traditional dishes to truly savor the flavors of Cambodia.