When traveling to Cambodia, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture is through its food. Cambodian cuisine, or Khmer food, is a delicious blend of fresh ingredients, spices, and traditional cooking techniques. You’ll find a range of dishes from noodle soups to flavorful curries, and plenty of street food that will blow your mind.
In this guide, I’ll share some of the best local foods you should try and recommend a few restaurants where you can get the most authentic experience. Get ready to eat your way through Cambodia!
Must-Try Traditional Dishes
Amok
Amok is one of the most iconic Cambodian dishes. It’s a creamy curry-like dish that’s often made with fish, coconut milk, and a blend of spices, including lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. The ingredients are usually steamed and served in a banana leaf, giving the dish a subtle, fragrant flavor that’s hard to beat.
You can find amok anywhere, from street vendors to high-end restaurants, but for a truly authentic experience, try it at Khmer Kitchen Restaurant in Siem Reap or Romdeng in Phnom Penh.
Kuy Teav (Noodle Soup)
Kuy Teav is a flavorful noodle soup that’s popular as a breakfast dish in Cambodia. It’s made from rice noodles and pork or beef broth, and it’s topped with a variety of ingredients like garlic, green onions, beansprouts, and lime juice. Some variations also include pork, shrimp, or beef, so there’s something for everyone.
For a great bowl of kuy teav, I recommend visiting Phnom Penh Bopha Noodle Shop or Rustic Restaurant in Battambang.
Bai Sach Chrouk (Grilled Pork and Rice)
This is a simple yet delicious dish made up of thinly sliced pork marinated in garlic and soy, then grilled to perfection. It’s typically served with a plate of rice and sometimes a side of pickled vegetables. You’ll find bai sach chrouk at street food stalls all over Cambodia, especially in the morning when it’s a common breakfast choice.
For the best bai sach chrouk, head to Central Market in Phnom Penh or any bustling morning market; you’ll see locals grabbing a quick bite before work.
Lok Lak
Lok Lak is another classic Cambodian dish that you can’t miss. It’s a stir-fried beef dish that is usually served with a side of rice or salad. The beef is marinated in a tasty mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and pepper, giving it a deep, rich flavor. The dish is usually accompanied by a dipping sauce made from lime juice, black pepper, and salt.
Check out The Sugar Palm in Phnom Penh or Friends the Restaurant to enjoy one of the best Lok Lak plates in the city.
Street Food You Must Try
Nom Banh Chok (Khmer Noodles)
Nom Banh Chok is a traditional Khmer breakfast that you shouldn’t miss. It’s made of rice noodles topped with a fish-based green curry sauce, along with plenty of fresh herbs and vegetables like banana blossoms. You can find vendors selling it on the streets early in the morning, and it’s the perfect way to start your day.
If you’re in Phnom Penh, the street food stalls near Wat Botum Park serve a fantastic version of Nom Banh Chok.
Kralan (Sticky Rice in Bamboo)
Kralan is a popular street food snack made from sticky rice, black beans, grated coconut, and coconut milk. The ingredients are stuffed into bamboo tubes and cooked over an open flame until the rice has absorbed all the coconut flavor. It’s a simple but incredibly tasty treat and perfect for munching on while you explore.
To find kralan, look for vendors along the road when traveling between cities, as it’s especially popular with travelers. However, good kralan is also sold around Psar Chas (Old Market) in Siem Reap.
Lort Cha
Lort Cha is stir-fried rice pin noodles with vegetables, eggs, and sometimes beef or seafood. The dish is commonly finished with a hearty dollop of chili sauce, making it spicy and savory. It’s a great go-to option if you’re walking around and looking for a quick bite.
Try Lort Cha from small vendors near Orussey Market or the Russian Market in Phnom Penh.
Pong Tea Khon (Fertilized Duck Eggs)
For something a little more adventurous, you should try Pong Tea Khon. Similar to the Filipino dish balut, this delicacy consists of eggs with duck embryos inside. It’s definitely not for everyone, but it’s a local favorite packed with protein and flavor. The Cambodian way of serving it includes a sprinkle of salt, lime, and pepper.
If you’re curious and brave enough, check out street vendors who sell it around The Riverside in Phnom Penh.
Top Restaurant Recommendations
Khmer Kitchen Restaurant (Siem Reap)
This restaurant is a local favorite and consistently serves up great traditional meals. From hearty bowls of Khmer curry to amok, the food at Khmer Kitchen is affordable and delicious. It’s a popular spot, so go early, especially during dinner.
Location: Corner of 11th Street and Wat Bo Road, Siem Reap.
Friends the Restaurant (Phnom Penh)
Besides being famous for its heart-warming social mission (helping disadvantaged youth), the food at Friends is fantastic. You can expect a blend of traditional Cambodian dishes with modern twists. Try the beef lok lak or some of their unique tapas-style dishes.
Location: No. 215, Street 13, Phnom Penh.
The Sugar Palm (Phnom Penh)
This is one of the best places in Cambodia to try authentic Khmer dishes in a charming setting. The Sugar Palm is known for their delicious caramelized fish dishes and incredible amok. It’s a great place to kick back and enjoy a refined Cambodian dining experience.
Location: No. 19, Street 240, Phnom Penh.
Romdeng (Phnom Penh)
Romdeng offers a truly local dining experience while also supporting a great cause. Their creative menu offers Khmer comfort food along with a few daring dishes, like fried tarantulas. If you want the real deal with a twist, this is the spot to go.
Location: No. 74 Street 174, Phnom Penh.
Chamkar (Siem Reap)
If you’re vegetarian or just looking for a healthy meal, Chamkar should be on your list. This restaurant specializes in Khmer-inspired vegetarian dishes and delivers incredibly fresh flavors. Their coconut-milk-based curries are a must-try.
Location: Alley West, Old Market Area, Siem Reap.
Foodie Tips for Traveling in Cambodia
1. Street food is safe, but choose wisely
Street food is a huge part of Cambodian culture, and it’s generally safe to eat. Just use common sense: look for vendors who are popular with locals, and try to avoid food that has been sitting out for too long. Freshly cooked food is always your best bet.
2. Don’t be afraid to try new things
Cambodian cuisine offers a mix of familiar and more adventurous dishes. It might take you a minute to get used to certain dishes, especially items like fertilized duck eggs or fried insects, but you’ll end up with some stories to tell. Give everything a try at least once!
3. Bargain at local markets
If you’re buying food at local markets, particularly if you’re buying fruit or dry snacks, feel free to bargain. It’s expected, and you can often get prices lower than what’s first quoted. Just remember to be respectful and keep the vibe friendly.
4. Get ready to eat rice
Rice is a staple in nearly every meal in Cambodia. Whether it’s served with grilled pork, stir-fried vegetables, or wrapped in a bamboo tube, rice is the anchor of the Khmer diet. Just be prepared to see a lot of it on every plate!
Final Thoughts
Cambodia has a rich culinary history, and there’s a huge variety of food to try, from comforting staples to daring street snacks. Whether you’re sitting down at a local restaurant or grabbing something quick from a vendor, you’ll find a meal that satisfies your craving for adventure. The best part? Eating in Cambodia won’t break the bank, so you can truly indulge without worrying about your budget.
Leave a reply