Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
1. Amok Trei (Fish Amok)
A traditional Cambodian curry made with fish, coconut milk, and kaffir lime leaves, served in a banana leaf. Try it at Malis Restaurant.
- Authenticity: Prepared by chefs trained in royal Cambodian cuisine.
- Presentation: Served in a banana leaf, adding to the dish's aesthetic appeal.
- Taste: A rich and creamy curry with subtle spices.
2. Khmer Red Curry (Khmai K'tiss) at Romdeng Restaurant
An aromatic curry with a variety of vegetables and meats, served with steamed rice. Experience it at Romdeng, a restaurant run by former street children.
- Charity: Proceeds support the children's rehabilitation program.
- Cultural Impact: Empowering former street children through employment and skills training.
- Flavor: A spicy curry with a unique blend of Cambodian spices.
3. Num Korok (Crispy Rice Cakes)
Golden fried rice cakes made from glutinous rice and served with a savory dipping sauce. Enjoy them at Phnom Penh Night Market.
- Street Food Experience: Part of the bustling night market atmosphere.
- Taste: Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside with a savory dipping sauce.
- Value for Money: Inexpensive yet delicious snack option.
4. Nom Banh Chok (Khmer Noodles)
A popular breakfast dish made from rice noodles, fish gravy, and various vegetables. Taste it at Psar Thmei (Central Market).
- Cultural Immersion: Part of the daily life and breakfast ritual in Cambodia.
- Taste: A light, refreshing dish perfect for a hot morning.
- Value for Money: Affordable and filling breakfast option.
5. Nom Sachek (Fried Spiders)
Deep-fried tarantulas served with a dipping sauce. Try this unique dish at the O'Malley's Irish Pub during their Tarantula Night.
- Adventure: A chance to try one of Cambodia's most unusual dishes.
- Atmosphere: Tarantula Night creates a fun, lively atmosphere with live music and entertainment.
- Taste: A crunchy exterior with a mild flavor.
6. Bai Sach Chrouk (Pork and Rice)
A simple yet delicious dish consisting of steamed rice and grilled pork served with pickled vegetables. Enjoy it at a local street vendor.
- Authenticity: Prepared by street vendors using traditional methods.
- Value for Money: An affordable and filling meal option.
- Taste: Grilled pork with a slightly sweet, smoky flavor.
7. Kuy Teav (Cambodian Noodle Soup) at Phsar Reussei
A popular noodle soup made with rice noodles, meat, and various vegetables. Try it at the bustling Phsar Reussei market.
- Cultural Immersion: Part of daily life in Cambodia.
- Taste: A hearty, flavorful soup perfect for any meal.
- Value for Money: Affordable and filling meal option.
8. Samlor Machu Kh'tis (Sour Soup with Banana Tree Trunk)
A traditional Cambodian soup made with banana tree trunk, vegetables, and fish or meat. Try it at a local restaurant like Chan Ouan Village Restaurant.
- Authenticity: Prepared using traditional ingredients.
- Taste: A sour, tangy soup with a unique flavor from the banana tree trunk.
- Cultural Experience: An opportunity to try a lesser-known Cambodian dish.
9. Nom Banh Chok Kaki (Kampot Prawn Noodles)
A breakfast noodle dish made with fresh Kampot prawns, rice noodles, and various vegetables. Try it at a street vendor near the river in Kampot town.
- Freshness: Using freshly caught Kampot prawns.
- Taste: A light, flavorful dish perfect for a morning meal.
- Value for Money: Affordable and delicious breakfast option.
10. Khmer Nom Banh Chok (Cambodian Rice Noodles) at Chey Mony Restaurant
A breakfast dish made with rice noodles, fish gravy, and various vegetables. Enjoy it at Chey Mony, a popular local restaurant.
- Cultural Immersion: Part of daily life in Cambodia.
- Taste: A light, refreshing dish perfect for a hot morning.
- Value for Money: Affordable and filling breakfast option.
11. Fish Amok at Le Tigre de Cambodge
A traditional Cambodian curry made with fish, coconut milk, and kaffir lime leaves. Try it at Le Tigre de Cambodge for a modern twist.
- Modern Take: Prepared with a modern interpretation while staying true to tradition.
- Taste: A rich and creamy curry with subtle spices.
- Service: Elegant dining experience in a chic, upscale environment.
12. Khmer Red Curry at Marum Restaurant
An aromatic curry with a variety of vegetables and meats, served with steamed rice. Experience it at Marum, a restaurant supporting landmine victims.
- Support for Landmine Victims: Proceeds support mine clearance efforts and livelihood opportunities.
- Cultural Impact: Empowering landmine victims through employment and skills training.
- Flavor: A spicy curry with a unique blend of Cambodian spices.
13. Kuy Teav Kak (Dried Noodle Soup)
A hearty noodle soup made with dried noodles, meat, and various vegetables. Try it at a local restaurant like Thida Kar Restaurant.
- Taste: A warming, flavorful soup perfect for any meal.
- Cultural Experience: An opportunity to try a traditional Cambodian dish.
- Value for Money: Affordable and filling meal option.
14. Nom Banh Chok (Khmer Noodles) at Psar Toul Tom Pong (Russian Market)
A popular breakfast dish made from rice noodles, fish gravy, and various vegetables. Try it at a stall in the vibrant Russian Market.
- Cultural Immersion: Part of daily life in Cambodia.
- Taste: A light, refreshing dish perfect for a hot morning.
- Value for Money: Affordable and filling breakfast option.
15. Nom Banh Chok Kaki (Kampot Prawn Noodles) at Riverside
A breakfast noodle dish made with fresh Kampot prawns, rice noodles, and various vegetables. Enjoy it while taking in the beautiful riverside view.
- Scenic View: Enjoy the stunning riverside view while dining.
- Freshness: Using freshly caught Kampot prawns.
- Taste: A light, flavorful dish perfect for a morning meal.