Published on March 13, 2025
When it comes to Southeast Asian cuisine, Cambodia offers a culinary experience that’s rich in heritage and full of bold, fresh flavours. Cambodian food blends influences from neighbouring Thailand and Viet Nam, with French colonial touches and Khmer ingredients. From aromatic curries to sizzling street food, the best local dishes in Cambodia offer a delicious glimpse into the country’s history and culture. Discover these must-try dishes that capture the spirit of Cambodian cuisine—and where to eat them.
Fish Amok
A silky, fragrant curry that’s steamed rather than simmered, Fish Amok is known as the national dish of Cambodia. Made with freshwater fish, coconut milk, and a traditional herb paste called kroeung, it’s typically served in a banana leaf bowl and topped with shredded kaffir lime leaves.
Where to Eat It:
• Malis Restaurant – Phnom Penh & Siem Reap
This restaurant, founded by celebrity chef Luu Meng, elevates Khmer cuisine with fine dining flair. The Phnom Penh branch (136 Norodom Blvd) features a serene garden courtyard, while the Siem Reap location is just minutes from the temples of Angkor. Their Fish Amok is delicate, balanced, and beautifully plated.
Located along the river on Pokambor Avenue, Chanrey Tree blends traditional Khmer architecture with modern interior design. Their version of Fish Amok is light, fluffy, and brimming with flavour—perfect after a day of temple hopping.
Located near the Russian Market, this cosy wooden house-turned-restaurant is a favourite among food lovers and visiting chefs alike. The family-run kitchen serves one of the most authentic Amoks in the city, using recipes passed down for generations.
Bai Sach Chrouk
A beloved Cambodian breakfast, Bai Sach Chrouk is all about simplicity and flavour. Thin slices of pork are marinated—often in coconut milk or garlic—then grilled over charcoal and served with broken rice, pickled vegetables, and sweet chilli sauce.
Where to Eat It:
• Street Vendors near Psar Kandal – Phnom Penh
Head to Kandal Market in the early morning to find vendors grilling pork over hot coals. The meat is tender and smoky, and the atmosphere is bustling, with locals grabbing their breakfast before work.
• Battambang Morning Market – Battambang
Around Psar Nath in central Battambang, local vendors serve a slightly sweeter, caramelised version of Bai Sach Chrouk. Pair it with a strong iced coffee for a perfect start to the day.
• Roadside Stalls on Road 33 – Kampot
In Kampot’s riverside area near the Old Market, early-morning stalls serve this dish with a view of the tranquil river. Many vendors use herbs and vegetables grown locally in the surrounding countryside.
Nom Banh Chok
Nom Banh Chok, affectionately known as “Khmer noodles,” is a refreshing dish made with rice noodles and a green fish curry gravy, topped with fresh vegetables like cucumber, banana blossom, and water lily stems. It’s light, herbal, and perfect for Cambodia’s tropical heat.
Where to Eat It:
• Phsar Leu Market – Siem Reap
This bustling market on National Road 6 is where locals go for an early bowl of Nom Banh Chok. Vendors set up before sunrise and dish out fresh noodles with fragrant green curry.
In the Toul Tom Poung area, you’ll find several vendors who specialize in regional versions of Nom Banh Chok—some with more fermented fish flavour, others with creamy coconut milk.
• Kampot Riverside Vendors – Kampot
Along the town’s peaceful promenade, you can enjoy a bowl of these noodles with Kampot’s laid-back charm as a backdrop. Many vendors grow their herbs, adding extra freshness to the dish.
Lok Lak
Lok Lak is Cambodia’s nod to its colonial past, featuring marinated beef cubes stir-fried with onions and served with rice or French fries, accompanied by a pepper-lime dipping sauce and, typically, a fried egg on top. It’s hearty, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying.
Where to Eat It:
Located on Street 57 in the BKK1 district, this tranquil garden restaurant offers a slightly upscale take on Lok Lak using premium beef and Kampot pepper. The ambience is relaxed and ideal for long lunches.
• The Lonely Tree Café – Battambang
On Street 2.5 in central Battambang, this mission-driven café supports local artisans and youth. Their Lok Lak is flavorful and made with ethically sourced ingredients, served with a smile.
Start Your Cambodian Culinary Adventure
From steaming bowls of noodles in local markets to refined curry dishes in garden restaurants, Cambodia’s food scene offers unforgettable flavours and cultural depth in every bite. These four iconic dishes—Fish Amok, Bai Sach Chrouk, Nom Banh Chok, and Lok Lak—not only reflect the soul of Khmer cuisine but also lead you on a journey through the country’s towns, markets, and riverside cafés.
Ready to taste the heart of Cambodia? Book your trip now and immerse yourself in the unforgettable culinary experiences that Cambodia has to offer!
