Top 5: Foods to Try in Cambodia

Cambodia may not have the culinary reputation of its neighbors (Thailand and Vietnam), but the small Southeast Asian country specializes in its own unique cuisine that is rarely replicated elsewhere in the world.

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Fish amok

Common in Southeast Asia, a ‘mok’ is a curry dish cooked in dried banana leaves. Amok is served with a spoonful of coconut cream, often used to balance the heat of the dish.

Prahok

This fermented fish paste, often used as a condiment, is certainly an acquired taste for diners who are not native to Cambodia. Mixed with meat and sometimes chili, it can also accompany vegetables and can be served raw or fried.

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Khmer noodles

As simple as it sounds, Khmer noodles are a fresh, flavorful dish typically eaten for breakfast and served in a bowl with green curry, lemongrass and sometimes mint.

Cha houy teuk

A popular dessert, especially among the youthful Khmer crowd, this colorful jelly dish is sold as street food fare for as little as 25 cents. Made with the staple ingredient of coconut cream, the sweet dish also features agar (a sticky substance from sea algae) and is served with shaved ice, which is an ideal treat for the tropical climate.

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Red curry

Cambodians love the heat, but their traditional Khmer red curry is not as hot as curries from neighboring nations. Meats and vegetables accompany this coconut milk–based dish with less chili power than other curries.