A Taste of Cambodia—Exploring the Culinary Delights of Siem Reap

This is a flavoursome meal for all meat lovers. Made with stir-fried chicken or beef, Lok Lak consists of rice and well-marinated meat served with a side of lettuce, tomato, and crunchy cucumber. The meat is marinated in an oyster and soy sauce mix, together with other spices and herbs that render it both tender and bursting with flavour. But that's not all; the dish is accompanied by a dipping sauce made from lime juice and traditional Kampot pepper. Known as "champagne pepper", Kampot was introduced to Cambodia by the French. Since then, it remains a premium spice that distinguishes many local and international dishes served across the nation.

You will find Lok Lak virtually anywhere around town. For a refined version of the delicacy, head to places like The Mansion, located at FCC Angkor, which is an example of a Siem Reap hotel that lets you savour an amalgamation of tradition and modern comforts.

This popular meal is often called the national dish of Cambodia and is a favourite breakfast option served at top restaurants in Siem Reap. The dish consists of rice noodles as the base, topped with a fish curry made with a traditional Khmer-style paste called kroeun, which consists of turmeric, spices, and coconut cream. The dish is accompanied by a salad of cucumber, bean sprouts, local herbs, and banana flower, all of which offer a beautiful burst of fresh flavours.

Kuy Teav is a Cambodian noodle soup that is also a breakfast staple. It is considered a nutritious meal packed with fresh flavours. Made with beef or pork bones, the clear broth soup contains rice noodles and other toppings like sliced beef, bean sprouts, minced pork, and local fresh herbs. You can choose to flavour the soup with chilli, lime juice, or hoisin sauce.

You will probably be asked if you want to try Prahok Ktis with some of your meals. It's a dipping paste that will add lots of flavour to your meal, so do give it a try. Prahok Ktis is made with a mix of minced pork, rich coconut cream, and local spices that give it a unique taste of tangy, savoury, and sweet flavours. It's often served with fresh vegetables, such as green beans, cucumber, and eggplant.

Cambodia is famous for its street food, and you must try the variety when exploring the top attractions in Siem Reap. One notable dish to try, apart from the fried insects, is grilled squid. Served on skewers that have been popped on a grill, the squid is eaten by dipping them in a sauce made from Kampot pepper, lime juice, and salt, which brings out the smoky flavour of the meat.