Must-try Dishes
Lok Lak - Tender beef marinated in a savory sauce, stir-fried and served with rice and a fried egg. It's a popular lunch dish where locals often share tips on the best dipping sauce while eating with friends.
Banh Mi - A French baguette filled with savory pork, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. You’ll find this on street corners, often enjoyed by locals for a quick breakfast on the run—just be careful not to confuse it with the simpler versions.
Fish Amok - Amok Trey (creamy fish curry) - Flaky fish steamed in a luscious coconut milk curry, flavored with lemongrass and kaffir lime. Traditionally, it's a celebrated dinner dish often served in special gatherings, where families take pride in their unique recipes.
Prahok Ktiss - A creamy pork dip blended with fermented fish, served with fresh vegetables and rice. This local specialty is typically eaten during gatherings, and it always surprises visitors with its robust flavors that speak of Sihanoukville's culinary traditions.
Deep-Fried Tarantula - Crispy tarantulas seasoned with garlic and salt, served hot. A street food adventure that some locals consider a delicacy, it’s usually enjoyed in the evening while sharing laughs and stories with friends (definitely a dish to try if you’re feeling adventurous!).
Snacks from the Sea - Sangha (seafood salad) - A refreshing salad with shrimp, squid, fresh herbs, and lime dressing. It's commonly made during the rainy season when seafood is plentiful, and locals relish it for lunch while swapping tales about their fishing escapades.
Khmer Red Curry - Kari Sach Moan (chicken curry) - A rich, aromatic curry made with chicken, potatoes, and coconut milk, served with rice. Often enjoyed for Sunday family dinners, it brings everyone together, highlighting the warmth of Khmer hospitality.
By the way, don’t forget to eat Lok Lak with a squeeze of lime—it's how the locals bring out the flavors!
Desserts & Drinks
Kompong Speu Palm Juice - ជក់ស្រូវ (sweet palm sap drink) - Freshly harvested sap from palm trees, slightly fermented for a fizzy effect. This drink is particularly popular during the warm season and is often enjoyed in local markets while chatting over a game of cards.
Khmer Iced Coffee - កាហ្វេអាយស (strong iced coffee) - A robust blend of dark roast coffee mixed with sweetened condensed milk and served over ice. Locals love it in the mornings, often complemented with a pastry, though some mistakenly expect it to be similar to Western iced coffee.
Bokator Beer - បឺរ (local beer) - A refreshing lager brewed locally, known for its crisp taste and light body. Best enjoyed with friends during evenings at beachfront restaurants, where locals often gather after a day at the beach.
Num Ansom Chek - នំអង្គោរCHECK (banana sticky rice cake) - A sweet treat made with sticky rice, mung beans, and ripe bananas, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. Typically savored during family gatherings or festivities, it's a must for any celebration.
Shaved Ice - ទឹកអញ្ញាណសទឹក (flavored shaved ice) - Finely shaved ice topped with sweetened condensed milk, colorful syrups, and fresh fruit. A favorite among kids and adults alike, it's most popular during the sweltering afternoons, providing a refreshing escape from the heat.
