Discovering Cambodian Cuisine - Iconic Dishes You Can't-Miss

Fish Amok is Cambodia’s national dish and a culinary treasure. It’s a creamy, fragrant curry made with fresh fish, coconut milk, and kroeung, a traditional spice paste. The mixture is often steamed in a banana leaf cup, giving it a distinct texture and flavour. Mildly spiced and slightly sweet, it’s the perfect introduction to Khmer cuisine. If you're staying at a luxurious resort such as Anantara Angkor Resort you're bound to taste many flavourful seafood dishes like this one.

Start your dining in Siem Reap right. This popular breakfast dish features thinly sliced pork marinated in coconut milk and garlic, grilled to perfection, and served over steamed rice. Often accompanied by pickled vegetables and a side of chicken broth, Bai Sach Chrouk is simple yet satisfying.

A staple in Cambodian households, Kuy Teav is a flavorful noodle soup made with pork or beef bone broth. Rice noodles are topped with slices of meat, bean sprouts, herbs, and sometimes a poached egg. Street vendors often serve it with lime, chilli, and hoisin sauce for customization.

Lok Lak is a hearty dish of stir-fried beef marinated in a tangy sauce, served over lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers, and accompanied by rice or fries. A key feature is the dipping sauce made from lime juice and Kampot pepper, which adds a zesty kick to each bite.

Prahok Ktis is a robust dish made from minced pork, coconut milk, and prahok—a fermented fish paste that is a hallmark of Cambodian cuisine. Served with fresh vegetables like cucumbers and green beans, it’s a flavorful dip that showcases the boldness of Khmer cooking.

Often referred to as Khmer breakfast noodles, this dish features rice noodles topped with a green fish curry made from lemongrass, turmeric, and kaffir lime. It’s served with a medley of fresh greens, banana blossoms, and bean sprouts, making it a light yet flavorful meal.

Often called Cambodia’s “everything soup,” Samlor Korkor is a hearty and versatile dish made with a variety of vegetables, meats, and spices. Traditionally including prahok and kroeung, it’s a dish that highlights the depth of Khmer flavours.

For a sweet treat, try Cha Houy Teuk, a dessert made from agar jelly, coconut milk, and palm sugar. Often layered with mung beans, tapioca pearls, or taro, it’s served cold and offers a refreshing end to any meal.

Hailing from the coastal town of Kep, this dish is a seafood lover’s dream. Fresh crabs are stir-fried with aromatic Kampot pepper, creating a spicy and flavorful dish that’s best enjoyed by the sea.

This street food favourite features whole squid marinated in a tangy sauce made from lime, garlic, and Kampot pepper, then grilled to perfection. Served on skewers, it’s a snack that perfectly balances smoky, sour, and spicy flavours.