Unmistakable typical dishes of Cambodian cuisine

Although Cambodian cuisine has a long history, it has only recently become known to the world. When traveling to Cambodia and try the dishes which are typical of the Khmer people with the perfect combination of salty, sweet, spicy and sour with unique ingredients from the Mekong River region.

Cambodian cuisine is rich because of the Mekong River and the large Tonlé Sap Lake, which provide freshwater fish and seafood for dishes. Cambodia's main foods are rice, cassava, taro and sweet potatoes. Cambodians love greens or vegetables in curries, soups and stews. Spices, herbs, rhizomes, dried fruits, flowers and leaves are used for flavor and decoration.

Cambodian cuisine has been shaped by the country's culture and history, including the lasting influence of French colonialism, not only in the form of French baguettes but also dumplings and other baked goods.

The most typical side dish in Cambodia is prahok, a fermented paste made from a small fish called trey riel (a type of ling fish), gray or brown in color, with a strong smell and rich flavor. It is used as a spice in many dishes, making up a large part of the protein in the Khmer diet.

For travelers planning broader Indochina experiences through a vietnam travel agency or a regional tour operator, Cambodian food is often one of the most surprising highlights of the journey.

1. Amok (Amok trey)

This is a typical Cambodian dish, made from fish, shrimp or chicken mixed with coconut milk and many spices, then steamed in banana leaves. This dish has a delicious, sweet and mildly spicy flavor.

Read more: Phnom Penh street food tour : Top street food that makes young people crazy

2. Bai sach chrouk

A popular breakfast dish in Cambodian cuisine, consisting of steamed rice, grilled pork or chicken, and fish cakes. Thinly sliced pork is marinated with palm sugar and fish sauce, then slowly grilled over charcoal. This dish is often eaten with Mekong fish sauce and raw vegetables, pickled cucumbers, radishes.

3. Kuy teav

Kuy teav is a noodle dish in Cambodia, also a popular breakfast dish, often sold by street vendors. The broth of this dish is made from beef or pork bones, flavored with fried shallots, green onions, garlic and bean sprouts. Pork or beef balls are popular toppings, added immediately before serving.

4. Lap Khmer

This beef salad is made with slices of well-cooked beef marinated in lime juice with shallots, fish sauce, basil, mint, garlic, bell peppers and hot peppers. Due to its extremely rich flavor, it is often eaten as a bar snack.

5. Samlor kako

Samlor kako is considered one of Cambodia's national dishes. Samlor kako includes green kroeung, prahok, roasted rice, catfish, pork or chicken, vegetables, fruits and herbs.

In Khmer, “samlor” means soup, and “kako” means to mix or stir, so it is a mixed soup cooked with a variety of vegetables according to taste. Usually, this dish is cooked from pumpkin, papaya, green bananas, eggplant and long beans.

6. Nom banh chok

Nom banh chok is a noodle dish often served for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. The fermented vermicelli noodles are handcrafted in a mill, soaked in a sauce of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, turmeric and freshwater fish simmered for hours in coconut milk.

7. Prahok ktis

Cambodian rich Prahok ktis is served with fresh vegetables and rice. The three main ingredients of this dish are fermented fish (prahok), lemongrass powder (kroeung) and coconut milk.

8. Num pang

Num pang is a bread similar to Vietnamese bread, also influenced by French cuisine. It is one of the most popular and typical street foods of Cambodian cuisine. The dish is prepared with a variety of ingredients such as butter, pate, mayonnaise, hot chili, papaya salad and pork.

9. Kralan

Like Vietnamese lam rice, Kralan is a traditional rice dish cooked in bamboo tubes with ingredients such as beans and grated coconut. Locals tend to eat this dish during New Year as a long-standing tradition.

10. Lok lak

Lok lak is a Cambodian stir-fry dish that uses beef, chicken or shrimp as the main ingredients, although beef is often the most popular choice. Traditionally served with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and often a fried egg.

The famous Kampot lemon and black pepper dipping sauce really brings out the flavor of this dish.

11. Yaohon

Yaohon is a Cambodian hot pot dish containing a variety of vegetables, meat and seafood. The broth is made from coconut milk, chicken broth, barbecue sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass and palm sugar.

12. Samlar kari

This is a traditional chicken curry consisting of chicken pieces in a silky smooth coconut sauce flavored with Cambodian kroeung sauce, shrimp paste, fish sauce and palm sugar.

13. Pleah sach ko

Pleah sach ko is usually made with thin, bite-sized pieces of raw beef marinated in lime juice. Fresh herbs and vegetables are added, and roasted rice and crushed peanuts are sprinkled before serving.

14. Samlar machu

Samlar machu is made from meat, fish or seafood and vegetables cooked in sour broth. Acidic ingredients may include tamarind or kaffir lime juice.

Why Cambodian Cuisine Is Trending in 2026

Food-led travel is one of the strongest travel trends this year. Travelers booking vietnam travel packages, regional cultural tours, or even extended vietnam and cambodia tours are now prioritizing authentic local dining experiences.

Cambodian cuisine stands out because it is less commercialized than neighboring countries. The flavors are layered, balanced and deeply rooted in Khmer tradition.

Many travelers combining Cambodia with a vietnam tour package or broader Indochina itinerary say Khmer food becomes one of the most memorable parts of their trip.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cambodian Cuisine (2026 Guide)

Is Cambodian food spicy?

Cambodian food is generally milder than Thai cuisine. It focuses more on balance between sweet, sour and salty flavors rather than extreme heat.

What is Cambodia’s national dish?

Amok trey is widely considered the national dish of Cambodia.

Is Cambodian food vegetarian-friendly?

Yes. Many soups and curries can be adapted without meat, and vegetables play a major role in traditional cooking.

Is Cambodian cuisine similar to Vietnamese food?

There are similarities due to geography and history, but Khmer cuisine uses more fermented fish paste (prahok) and coconut-based broths.

Can I combine Cambodia food tours with Vietnam trips?

Absolutely. Many travelers book regional itineraries through a vietnam travel company that operates multi-country experiences across Indochina.

Planning a Culinary Trip to Cambodia

Cambodian cuisine is a great way to understand the country's culture and history. Whether you're exploring Angkor Wat or visiting Phnom Penh markets, local dishes provide insight into daily Khmer life.

If you're organizing a broader Southeast Asia journey, consider working with a reputable operator experienced in cross-border routes. A trusted vietnam tour company or regional specialist can design combined Cambodia experiences along with cultural highlights in Vietnam and Laos.

For travelers seeking multi-destination routes, curated itineraries including Cambodia and Vietnam are increasingly popular in 2026.