Must-try Dishes
Fish Amok - Amok Trey (steamed fish curry) - A rich coconut milk curry with tender fish, lemongrass, and spices, steamed in banana leaves for a unique flavor. It’s commonly served for lunch, and the smell alone is enough to draw you in.
Khmer Red Curry - Kari Khmer (savory curry) - This dish features a fragrant mix of beef, coconut milk, eggplant, and yard-long beans, served with rice or bread. You can often find it at home-cooked meals, especially during festive occasions.
Bamboo Sticky Rice - Kralans (street food) - Sticky rice mixed with coconut milk, layered with mung beans, and steamed in bamboo tubes, giving it a subtle smoky flavor. It’s a popular street snack, best enjoyed in the evening while wandering the night markets.
Pork and Rice - Bai Sach Chrouk (breakfast classic) - Grilled marinated pork served over fragrant rice with pickled vegetables and a drizzle of hot sauce, providing a perfect start to the day. Locals often grab this from small stalls in the morning.
Ang Dtray-Meuk - Grilled Squid (local specialty) - Tender squid marinated in a spicy sauce and grilled to perfection, served with a spicy dipping sauce. This is a favorite for dinner along the riverside, especially when shared with friends.
Fresh Spring Rolls - Nem (surprising combination) - Rice paper rolls filled with fresh herbs, shrimp, and vermicelli noodles, typically dipped in peanut or hoisin sauce. This light dish is a summer favorite, perfect as a refreshing snack on hot days.
Seasonal Salad - Bok Bloy (seasonal variation) - Mixed greens tossed with seasonal fruits and grilled chicken or tofu, drizzled with a tangy dressing. This is often enjoyed during the rainy season, when local markets overflow with fresh produce.
Desserts & Drinks
Kuy Teav - កុយទាវ (noodle soup) - A comforting bowl of rice noodle soup usually served with a rich broth made from bones, herbs, and spices. Locals often enjoy it for breakfast, with each vendor having their own twist; some add hints of lime and fresh herbs to enhance the flavor.
Cha - ចាយ (local tea) - This sweetened tea is brewed with a blend of robust black tea and sometimes flavored with local spices like lemongrass or ginger. It's a staple for both leisurely afternoons or gatherings, often enjoyed with a side of sweet pastries.
Angkor Beer - ប៊ីយ៉ែរ អង្គរ (local lager) - A crisp, refreshing lager brewed locally, perfect to cool off in the humid evenings. Typically served ice-cold in a chilled mug at family gatherings or casual evenings with friends while chatting about daily life.
Num Ansom Chrook - នំអញ្ជុំឈូក (sticky rice cake) - This is a steamed banana rice cake wrapped in banana leaves, creating a chewy texture and a subtly sweet flavor from the ripe bananas. It's abundant during festive celebrations like Khmer New Year, often enjoyed as a communal treat among families and friends.
Coconut Ice Cream - អ៊ីស្ត្រោះមបូ្លឈូក (froze dessert) - A refreshing coconut-based dessert that often includes bits of roasted peanuts or corn, served in half a coconut shell for that authentic touch. Locals love to enjoy this unique treat during hot afternoons, especially when the streets are bustling with activity. By the way, don’t be surprised if you see a scoop with some fresh mango on top!
