Cambodian foods

Cambodian food is a vibrant fusion of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and rich culinary traditions. Characterized by the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and umami flavors, Cambodian cuisine features fragrant herbs, fermented pastes, and tropical ingredients that create unforgettable dishes. From aromatic curries to savory stir-fries and refreshing salads, every bite offers a glimpse into the country’s diverse culinary heritage. Let’s join Style Travel as we explore 25 must-try traditional and famous Cambodian food dishes that showcase the heart and soul of this unique cuisine!

15 Traditional Cambodian dishes worth savoring

Cambodian cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition, offering a harmonious blend of fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and contrasting flavors. Traditional Cambodian food is known for its balance of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter tastes, often enhanced by ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and prahok (fermented fish paste).

Fish Amok – National dish of Cambodia

Fish Amok is one of Cambodia’s signature dishes, known for its rich flavor from fresh fish, coconut milk, and unique spices, all wrapped in a banana leaf. The dish offers a perfect blend of creaminess and aromatic notes from kaffir lime leaves, making it a must-try for anyone visiting Cambodia.

Samlor Kari – Traditional Cambodian chicken curry

Samlor Kari is a fragrant and hearty chicken curry, deeply rooted in Cambodian cuisine. Made with tender chicken, a blend of aromatic spices, and coconut milk, this dish offers a perfect balance of heat and creaminess. Served with rice, Samlor Kari is a comforting, flavorful meal that captures the essence of traditional Cambodian cooking.

Kuy Teav – Cambodia’s famous noodle dish

Kuy Teav is a beloved Cambodian noodle soup made with a savory pork or beef bone broth, rice noodles, and a variety of fresh toppings like herbs, lime, and bean sprouts. Often enjoyed for breakfast, this flavorful dish offers a perfect balance of richness and freshness.

Nom Banh Chok – Traditional Cambodian breakfast

Nom Banh Chok, often called ‘Khmer noodles,’ is a beloved Cambodian breakfast. Delicate rice noodles are topped with a fragrant fish-based green curry, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables, making it a light yet flavorful start to the day.

Bai Sach Chrouk – Cambodian breakfast dish

Bai Sach Chrouk is a simple yet flavorful Cambodian breakfast featuring thinly sliced pork marinated in coconut milk and garlic, then grilled to perfection. Served with fragrant rice and pickled vegetables, this dish offers a delicious balance of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, making it a popular morning meal across Cambodia.

Lap Khmer – Cambodia’s flavorful beef salad

Lap Khmer is a bold and refreshing Cambodian beef salad made with thinly sliced or minced beef marinated in lime juice, fish sauce, and aromatic spices. Tossed with fresh herbs, chili, and crunchy vegetables, this dish offers a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors, making it a must-try in Cambodian cuisine.

Banana flower salad – Cambodian traditional salad

Banana Flower Salad is a refreshing Cambodian dish made with thinly sliced banana blossoms, fresh herbs, and a tangy fish sauce dressing. Often mixed with chicken or shrimp, this salad offers a perfect balance of crunch, acidity, and subtle sweetness.

Samlor Machu – Cambodia’s traditional sour soup

Samlor Machu is a popular Cambodian soup with vibrant sour and savory flavors. Made with tamarind, pineapple, and fresh herbs, it’s often cooked with fish, pork, or chicken. The tangy broth, aromatic spices, and tender meat create a refreshing yet comforting dish.

Samlor Korkor – Hearty Cambodian vegetable soup

Samlor Korkor is a rich and nourishing Cambodian soup made with a variety of fresh vegetables, fish or meat, and fragrant spices. Known for its thick, flavorful broth, this traditional dish often includes ingredients like green papaya, eggplant, and moringa leaves. Packed with nutrients and deep umami flavors, Samlor Korkor is a comforting staple in Cambodian cuisine.

Lok Lak – Traditional Cambodian stir fry

Lok Lak is a classic Cambodian stir-fry featuring tender, marinated beef cooked to perfection and served with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty lime and black pepper dipping sauce. With its savory, slightly sweet, and tangy flavors, this dish is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Kampot pepper crab – Cambodia’s iconic dish

Kampot Pepper Crab is a famous Cambodian seafood dish that combines fresh, succulent crab with the world-renowned Kampot pepper. Stir-fried with garlic, green peppercorns, and a savory sauce, this dish delivers a perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and umami.

Red tree ants with beef – Must-try Cambodian dish

Red Tree Ants with Beef is a unique Cambodian delicacy that blends tender beef slices with stir-fried red tree ants, aromatic herbs, and chili. The ants add a tangy, citrus-like flavor that enhances the dish’s savory and spicy profile.

Pleah Sach Ko – Cambodia’s unique beef ceviche

Pleah Sach Ko is a refreshing Cambodian beef ceviche made with thinly sliced raw beef marinated in lime juice, fish sauce, and fragrant herbs. Tossed with lemongrass, garlic, shallots, and fresh vegetables, this dish offers a vibrant mix of tangy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors.

Yaohon – Delicious Cambodian hot pot

Yaohon is Cambodia’s take on hot pot, featuring a rich, flavorful broth infused with coconut milk, lemongrass, and aromatic spices. Typically enjoyed with a variety of meats, seafood, fresh vegetables, and rice noodles, this communal dish is perfect for sharing. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, Yaohon offers a comforting and interactive dining experience.

Prahok – Cambodian fermented fish paste

Prahok is a pungent and flavorful Cambodian fermented fish paste, often referred to as the “soul of Cambodian cuisine.” Made from crushed and salted fish left to ferment, it adds a deep umami richness to many traditional dishes. Whether used as a dipping sauce, seasoning, or cooked with meats and vegetables, Prahok is a must-try for those looking to experience authentic Cambodian flavors.

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Top 10 Must-try Cambodian street foods

Cambodian street food is a vibrant reflection of the country’s rich culinary culture, offering a mix of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and unique textures.

Crazy Cambodian fried bites

Crazy Cambodian Fried Bites are not for the faint of heart! From crispy fried tarantulas and golden-fried frogs to crunchy fried lizards, each bite offers a unique taste experience, combining a perfect crunch with bold local spices. Adventurous food lovers won’t want to miss the chance to try these “crazy” yet surprisingly delicious treats when visiting Cambodia. Are you daring enough to take a bite?

Cambodian BBQ pork ribs

Cambodian BBQ Pork Ribs are a flavorful street food favorite, marinated in a fragrant blend of lemongrass, garlic, palm sugar, and fish sauce. Grilled over charcoal, these ribs develop a smoky caramelized crust while remaining tender and juicy inside. Served with a zesty lime and pepper dipping sauce, this dish offers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors – an irresistible treat for barbecue lovers.

Num pang

A Cambodian twist on the classic baguette, Num Pang is a must-try street food bursting with bold flavors. This crispy, airy bread is stuffed with a delicious mix of grilled meats, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and a spicy chili sauce, creating a perfect balance of crunch, zest, and heat. Whether grabbed on the go or enjoyed as a quick meal, Num Pang is a flavorful bite that showcases Cambodia’s fusion of French and local culinary influences.

Nom krok

Nom Krok are delightful bite-sized coconut rice cakes, crispy on the outside and soft, creamy on the inside. Made from rice flour, coconut milk, and a hint of sugar, these golden treats are cooked in a special cast-iron pan, creating a delicious contrast of textures. Slightly sweet and fragrant, Nom Krok is a popular Cambodian street snack, best enjoyed fresh and hot.

Cambodian fried doughnuts

Golden, crispy, and irresistibly sweet, Cambodian Fried Doughnuts are a beloved street snack enjoyed by both locals and visitors. Made from glutinous rice flour, these doughnuts boast a delightfully chewy interior and a crunchy, sesame-coated exterior. Lightly sweet and perfectly fried, they offer a simple yet satisfying treat that’s hard to resist.

Nom Plae Ai

Nom Plae Ai is a delightful Cambodian dessert featuring soft, chewy rice dumplings filled with melted palm sugar. These bite-sized treats are coated in freshly grated coconut, adding a light, fragrant touch. With their satisfying texture and sweet, caramel-like filling, Nom Plae Ai is a simple yet irresistible snack that perfectly captures the essence of Cambodian sweets.

Nom Ka Chai

Nom Ka Chai is a beloved Cambodian street snack, known for its crispy golden crust and soft, savory center. Made from rice flour and fresh chives, these flavorful cakes are pan-fried to perfection, creating a delightful contrast of textures. Served with a tangy soy-based dipping sauce, this simple yet irresistible treat is a must-try for anyone exploring Cambodia’s vibrant street food scene.

Mango Sticky Rice

A delightful combination of creamy coconut-infused sticky rice and juicy ripe mango, Mango Sticky Rice is a must-try Cambodian dessert. The rich, sweet coconut sauce drizzled over the warm, glutinous rice perfectly complements the fresh mango slices, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Simple yet indulgent, this tropical treat is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Cambodian iced coffee

Rich, aromatic, and irresistibly smooth, Cambodian Iced Coffee is a must-try for caffeine lovers. Made with strong, dark-roasted coffee beans and sweetened condensed milk, this drink is poured over ice for a perfectly chilled, creamy treat. Its bold flavor and sweet, velvety finish make it a refreshing pick-me-up, especially in Cambodia’s tropical heat.

Coconut ice cream

Smooth, refreshing, and bursting with tropical flavor, Cambodian Coconut Ice Cream is a must-try treat. Made with rich coconut milk, this dairy-free dessert is naturally creamy and slightly sweet, often served in a coconut shell with toppings like roasted peanuts, sticky rice, or fresh fruit. Perfect for cooling down in Cambodia’s warm climate, it’s a deliciously indulgent way to enjoy the country’s love for coconut.

Cambodia Food offers a rich and flavorful journey through the country’s culinary heritage, from fragrant curries and tangy soups to crispy street snacks and sweet delights. Each dish tells a story of tradition, culture, and unique local ingredients. If you have the chance to visit this incredible country, don’t miss the opportunity to savor its authentic flavors. And if you’re looking for the perfect Cambodia tour, let Style Travel help you explore the best of Cambodian cuisine and culture!