If you are a lover of global cuisine and looking to discover new flavours during your travels, Cambodia is the place for you! A rising gastronomic scene, many tourists today have heard about the delicious cuisine of this country and make it one of the motivations of their trip. So we set off to discover the gastronomy of Cambodia through mountains, sacred temples, immaculate beaches, but also cities that never sleep.
Cambodian gastronomy is a subtle blend of spices, fresh fruits and vegetables, but also simple and healthy dishes. A mixture of Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai and French influences, the cuisine of this country has a unique richness and many legacies that give it its greatness. Although slightly less spicy than Thai cuisine, Cambodian gastronomy is rich in flavour thanks to the many spices omnipresent in its dishes. Among the best known are lemongrass, coriander, but also ginger, which is found in almost all local specialities.
Cambodian cuisine is made up of many soups and broths of which rice is the first ingredient used. Noodles and vegetables are also found as basic ingredients in the country's dishes. At the same time, chicken and freshwater fish are the proteins most often associated with Cambodian dishes.
If you're looking for surprising taste experiences, you won't be disappointed, as locals also enjoy roasted locusts, cockroaches and other insects as well as stuffed frog legs.
On the dessert side, tropical fruits are widely available in Cambodia and each one is more delicious than the next. Whether it is the dragon fruit, mango, coconut or papaya, you will be able to enjoy delicious desserts and fruit drinks.
The dishes you must absolutely taste
Rich in cultural heritage, Cambodia has a wide variety of restaurants and you can experience food in many different forms. Indeed, there are many French restaurants run by expatriates, but there are also Cambodian restaurants that offer dishes from other countries including French. Depending on the region of Cambodia, different specialities exist with often their vegan adaptations. In the big cities such as Phnom Penh, the capital of the country, or Siem Reap you will find many small corners offering Cambodian street food, bistros or very high-end restaurants. Among the most famous dishes of Cambodian gastronomy, but also the tastiest, you will not be able to miss :
The Amok Trei: like many traditional dishes, fish is cooked in a banana leaf and made with coconut, lemongrass but also curry, a traditional ingredient.
The Kuy Teav: this soup composed of pork, fresh herbs and rice noodles, a must in Cambodian gastronomy.
The Bok L'hong: nothing is more refreshing than this salad of grated green papayas combined with lemon juice, fine herbs, chilli pepper and crab.
Teukolok: this can be combined with a local milkshake. Made with fresh fruit, crushed ice, eggs, milk and sugar. This delicacy is easily found in the streets of the big cities.
