One of the best parts of visiting Cambodia? The food. Whether we were exploring night markets or dining in tucked-away garden cafรฉs, Cambodian cuisine quickly became a highlight of our trip. Itโs rich with history, packed with local flavor, and full of surprises. If youโre new to Khmer food or just want to know what to order, here are 12 Cambodian dishes you absolutely have to tryโand where to find them in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
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1. Fish Amok
A national favorite, fish amok is a silky coconut curry with river fish, steamed in banana leaves. Mild and fragrant, itโs perfect for first-time visitors.
Where to try it:
Chanrey Tree (Siem Reap) or Romdeng (Phnom Penh)
2. Beef Lok Lak
Marinated stir-fried beef served with a peppery lime sauce, fresh tomatoes, onions, and rice or fries. Classic, satisfying, and slightly French-inspired.
Where to try it:
Khmer Kitchen (Siem Reap) or Khmer Surin (Phnom Penh)
3. Bai Sach Chrouk (Grilled Pork and Rice)
A beloved Cambodian breakfastโthinly sliced pork, sweetly marinated and grilled, served over rice with pickled veggies.
Where to try it:
Morning street stalls across both citiesโjust follow the locals!
4. Samlor Korkor
A hearty traditional soup packed with vegetables, pork or fish, and often flavored with prahok (fermented fish paste). Think of it as Khmer comfort food.
Where to try it:
Sugar Palm (Siem Reap) or Malis (Phnom Penh)
5. Nom Banh Chok
Light rice noodles topped with a green fish gravy and fresh herbs. Itโs especially popular for breakfast and sold by women with baskets on bikes.
Where to try it:
Local markets in the early morningโespecially in Siem Reap Old Market.
6. Khmer Red Curry
Milder than Thai curry, Khmer red curry includes coconut milk, kroeung (herb paste), and often beef, chicken, or fish with potatoes and carrots.
Where to try it:
The Sugar Palm (Siem Reap) or Friends the Restaurant (Phnom Penh)
7. Grilled Skewers (Ang Dtray-Meuk)
Street food staplesโgrilled meat or squid on sticks, often glazed with sweet-savory marinades and grilled over charcoal.
Where to try it:
Street vendors near Pub Street (Siem Reap) or riverside night markets (Phnom Penh)
8. Fried Insects
A bold snack! From crickets to tarantulas, insects are crunchy, salty, and surprisingly popular.
9. Lort Cha (Fried Egg Noodles)
Short rice noodles stir-fried with vegetables, beef, and topped with a fried eggโquick, filling, and full of flavor.
Where to try it:
Street carts in Siem Reapโs Old Market area or Orussey Market in Phnom Penh
10. Green Mango Salad
Tart, crunchy, and tossed with dried shrimp, fish sauce, and chiliโitโs a refreshing side or light meal.
Where to try it:
Banlle Vegetarian (Siem Reap) or ARTillery Cafรฉ (Phnom Penh)
11. Kuy Teav (Breakfast Noodle Soup)
A popular breakfast soup with rice noodles, pork, beef, or seafood, topped with herbs and fried garlic.
Where to try it:
BattBong Cafe (Siem Reap) or Pho Fortune (Phnom Penh)
12. Palm Sugar Desserts (Num Plae Ai, Num Ansom)
Sticky rice balls filled with palm sugar or banana, often wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. Sweet, chewy, and traditional.
Where to try it:
Street stalls near Angkor Night Market or Central Market in Phnom Penh
Final Thoughts
Cambodian food is deliciously diverseโrich in flavor, easy on spice, and filled with heart. From hearty soups to delicate desserts, every dish tells a story. Whether you’re exploring night markets or sitting down for a traditional meal, youโll find something memorable on every plate.
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