Top 10 foods in Cambodia

Cambodia is in between Vietnam and Thailand. When it comes to food, it is one of the countries overlooked. But once you have tasted one of the many foods served in Cambodian restaurants you won’t turn back. Here are some of the top dishes that make up the top 10 foods in Cambodia and which every person traveling in the country should sample.

1. Beef Lok Lak
You will find this classic dish in any part of Cambodia. Frenchmen are thought to bring the dish to Cambodian from Iran. In Iran, it’s known as “Bo Luc Lac” which means a shaking beef.

2. Fish Amok
Most Individuals refer to the dish as the “national dish.” It is also available in almost every part of the country. Mostly, the dish is served in a simple bowl or in a banana leaf. Kroeung’a Cambodia curry paste – made by simply combining lemon grass, Galangal, garlic, shallots, chilies and turmeric - gives the dish its unique taste. Coconut milk is also added to the paste to make the base for the fish amok. Kaffir lime leaves and white fish are finally added to form the dish.

3. Khmer red curry
The rich red curry is not as spicy as that from Thailand. Khmer version also requires a coconut milk base sauce but without heat associated with Thai cuisine. The protein in this dish comes in form of fish or chicken. In addition, the meal has to contain potatoes, kroeung’a and lemon grass. Mostly, it is served with bread. It is popular in some events like family gatherings, weddings and religious holidays.

4. Kampot pepper
This is the finest pepper you will ever get. Most restaurants all over the world import the pepper and it only takes a single taste to understand the reason. It is the flavorsome and aromatic pepper and a major part of Cambodian meals. It highly grows in Kampot area.

5. Peppered crabs
In Kampot – where you also get the aromatic and flavorsome pepper – crabs are plenty. The sea is near the place. Kep village is famous for serving this food. The crabs are cooked in pepper sauce to form the most delicious meal around Asia. Individuals in this area make the sauce with garlic chives and immature green peppercorns.

6. Grilled squid
This is a sear grilled fresh squid mostly found in the small seaside towns. Whole squids are placed on a wire grill over burning coal or wood and seared fast. It is served with cucumber and light salad of greens after it’s chopped up. Pepper addition makes it more delicious.

7. Khmer barbecue
You can find barbecue restaurants in any part of Siem Reap. In these restaurants you will get a full display of pork, beef, squid, fish, vegetables and chicken. A waiter brings a pot full of hot coals and offers you a chance to cook the food. You will need to add compote pepper mixed with lime.

8. Lap Khmer
This is an amazing lime-preserved Khmer beef salad. It is almost similar to Thai beef salad. Sometimes, it is preserved in lime juice and at other times it is dressed with garlic, shallots, lemon grass, Asian Basil, fish sauce, green beans, mint and green pepper. It is a sweet but salty meal with proper flavor combination and in addition, fresh red chilies are added to improve the taste.

9. Samlor Machu Trey
The soup has a spicy and sweet bitter taste. It is delicious and also very easy to make and therefore common in Cambodian restaurants. Its main ingredients are garlic, celery, white fish, tamarind, lemongrass, pineapple and bean sprouts. You may also choose to add salt, sugar or fish sauce. Most locals serve it with chilies and green herbs.

10. Beef, holy basil and red tree ants
Insects are eaten in almost every part of Southeast Asia and if you have never eaten them, then this is the best place to start. The dish is prepared with ants of all sizes. They are fried together with thinly sliced beef, garlic, lemongrass, shallots and ginger. For extra flavor, any larvae is added and the dish is served with plain rice.

You will find the guide useful as a new visitor in Cambodia. The country has much to offer including incredible temples, amazing countryside and great cuisine.