Typical dishes of Khmer Cuisine you shouldn't miss

Among the many reasons to visit Cambodia, discovering its gastronomy is certainly one of the best! Indeed, Cambodian cuisine stands out from other Asian countries due to its originality and diversity. Whether you are a gourmet or simply passionate about food, Khmer cuisine will undoubtedly meet all your expectations.

An overview of Cambodian cuisine

To fully understand what Cambodian cuisine is, one must refer to its history. It dates back to the time of the Angkor Kingdom, the birthplace of Khmer civilization. Initially, Khmer cuisine consisted of only two main elements: rice, sourced from the country's abundant rice fields, and fish, from the Tonlé Sap River and the Mekong. However, over the centuries, it has enriched itself through the influence of various countries that have shaped Cambodia's history, particularly Thailand, Vietnam, India, China, and France. These culinary influences have added refinement and great diversity, which still characterize Cambodian cuisine today.

Must-try Cambodian culinary specialties

Here are some typical Cambodian dishes you absolutely must try during your visit to the country:

Le samla chapek

Samla chapek is a highly popular dish in Cambodia. It’s a ginger pork soup that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. In fact, in Cambodia, as in most Asian countries, it’s common to eat soups at any hour of the day, whether in the morning, at noon, or in the evening!

L’amok trei

Amok trei is a very popular dish in Cambodia. It consists of fish or chicken, depending on your preference, combined with coconut milk and numerous spices, all cooked in a banana leaf.

Le kdam chaa

Kdam chaa is a delicious sautéed crab with green pepper. It is a specialty of coastal cities such as the famous seaside resort of Sihanoukville or Kep. Slightly sweet and slightly spicy, Kdam chaa is a dish you shouldn’t miss during your stay in Cambodia.

Le lok lak

A classic of Khmer cuisine, Lok lak is a beef stir-fry dish. Although there are numerous ways to prepare it, the meat is typically marinated in a special sauce before being cooked in a wok. This dish is then served with rice.

Le bai sach chrouk

Bai sach chrouk, or grilled pork with rice, is one of the most delicious dishes in Cambodia. It can be found on every street corner, especially in the morning. In fact, bai sach chrouk can be considered the typical Cambodian breakfast.

Le phlea sach ko

This dish is a fresh salad bursting with flavor, combining herbs like mint, lemongrass, and coriander with thinly sliced beef marinated in lime juice. A true delight for the taste buds… This dish should be enjoyed without moderation during your trip to Cambodia!

Le Ang dtray-meuk

Another specialty of the coastal cities, Ang dtray-meuk, or grilled squid, is a true treat that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Cambodia.

And you, what was the dish you liked the most during your stay in Cambodia? We look forward to your feedback in the comments !