Joanna James
It would be a huge mistake if you do not savour some of the unique dishes in Siem Reap during your holiday in Cambodia. It has some of the best street food in the country. From crispy food to flavoursome dishes, there is something interesting for everyone who visits this part of the world. Here are seven mouth-watering dishes in Siem Reap you should not miss.
Also known as pork with broken rice, this will be a magical treat for all pork lovers. Never miss this dish while you stroll around local markets and food stalls in downtown Siem Reap. It would cost nearly US$1. If you are wondering what is included in this dish, it has juicy slices of pork topped on rice and scrambled egg. Bai Sach Chrouk typically has raw pork which is slow-cooked over a charcoal stove. You can also find this dish in many Siem Reap dining venues and resorts such as Anantara Angkor Resort. In order to make this dish more flavoursome, many restaurants marinate the meat with garlic or coconut milk.
Do you know how any food served in banana leaves would taste? No words can explain, you should try it. Fish Amok is a popular freshwater fish fillet steamed with banana and curry leaves. Steaming it with banana or curry leaves add a soft and mousse-like texture to the dish. It is not too spicy like other Asian dishes since the fish fillet is combined with kroeung (a Khmer-style curry paste with turmeric root, ginger, garlic, lemongrass, shallots and lime) and coconut milk. This classic dish is traditionally enjoyed during the Water Festival.
A delicious stir-fried beef dish is a must-try when in Siem Reap. The taste of Lok Lak might vary from one cook to another, but it is usually cooked with cucumber slices, red onion, fresh lettuce and tomato. The meat is marinated overnight by mixing with soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, lemon and pepper to get a distinctive flavour.
Sounds spicy? – No, It is not as it is implied from its name. Despite its striking colour, the dish does not contain chilli. Basically, it is a milder version of typical Indian and Thai curries. If you are not a lover of spicy food, then this dish is for you. This coconut milk-based dish will entice your taste buds because it has the Khmer curry paste flavour in it. This dish is served with a French baguette and it is cooked with eggplant, potatoes, meat slices (fish, chicken or beef) and green beans.
Those who have tasted Vietnam's Pho will find a similar flavour in this dish. If you are in a hurry to explore the city and in need of a quick and inexpensive breakfast, here is an ideal choice. It is mostly available in downtown Siem Reap. You will also find local women carrying it in handwoven baskets with a shoulder pole. Nom Banh Chok noodle dish contains mint leaves, banana flower, cucumbers in a fish-based green curry, rice noodles, green beans and bean sprouts.
This pork dipping sauce is a traditional condiment in Siem Reap prepared with its main ingredient – fermented fish paste. The dipping sauce is palatable, unlike many prahok-based dishes which have a pungent and strong flavour. It is usually served with freshly sliced vegetables such as long beans, cabbage, carrot, cucumber.
The perfect sweet and sour dish to end your day in style! This will be a memorable feast for all meat lovers as it contains diced beef (stewed in kroeung paste), morning glory, lemongrass, coriander leaves and turmeric. Peanuts give it a nutty and tangy flavour!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
