Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
The best food in Cambodia reflects its rich blend of flavours, spices, and traditions shaped by its cultural heritage. Cambodian cuisine is known for its balance of sweet, sour and salty tastes and features fresh herbs, rice, and freshwater fish as staples. Dishes often include prahok, a fermented fish paste that adds depth and complexity. From aromatic curries to refreshing salads and vibrant street food, the country’s culinary offerings provide a truly unique experience. Cambodian food is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the flavours of Southeast Asia.
10 Best Food In Cambodia
Cambodian cuisine offers a variety of flavours and textures, reflecting the country’s rich history and cultural influences. Here are 10 of the best food in Cambodia.
1. Fish Amok
Photo: Ben Yapp / Wikimedia Commons
Fish Amok is a well-known Cambodian dish made with fish cooked in a thick coconut curry. The curry is mixed with a special blend of spices and herbs like lemongrass and turmeric. The fish becomes soft and full of flavour as it cooks slowly in the rich sauce. This dish is often served in a banana leaf, giving it a nice look and keeping the flavour locked in. The creamy texture and balanced taste make it the best food in Cambodia.
Average Cost: 15,000 – 25,000 KHR / ₹310 – ₹510
Best Places To Try: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap
Best Time To Eat: Lunch or dinner
2. Khmer Red Curry
Photo: joannawielgosz / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Khmer Red Curry is a traditional Cambodian curry with a smooth and slightly sweet taste. It is made using coconut milk, red curry paste, ingredients like beef, chicken or fish, and vegetables such as carrots, potatoes and eggplants. Unlike other Southeast Asian curries, this one is not too spicy, making it easy to enjoy. The curry is slow-cooked until the meat becomes soft and the flavours blend perfectly. It is usually eaten with bread or rice. The creamy texture and mild spice make Khmer Red Curry the best non-veg food in Cambodia.
Average Cost: 12,000 – 20,000 KHR / ₹250 – ₹450
Best Places To Try: Battambang, Phnom Penh
Best Time To Eat: Lunch or dinner
3. Bai Sach Chrouk
Photo: cutekirin / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Bai Sach Chrouk is a simple and tasty Cambodian dish made with thin slices of pork that are grilled until soft and juicy. The meat is often marinated in coconut milk or garlic to give it more flavour. It is served over rice, along with pickled vegetables and sometimes a small bowl of broth. The mix of smoky pork, soft rice and tangy pickles makes this a filling and well-balanced meal. It is one of the most famous food in Cambodia.
Average Cost: 6,000 – 10,000 KHR / ₹150 – ₹250
Best Places To Try: Kampot, Takeo
Best Time To Eat: Morning
4. Nom Banh Chok
Photo: Cats Coming / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Nom Banh Chok is a Cambodian noodle dish often enjoyed for its light and fresh flavour. The thin rice noodles are topped with a green curry made from lemongrass, turmeric and kaffir lime. It usually comes with crisp vegetables like cucumber, banana blossom and bean sprouts. The mix of fresh herbs and mild curry makes it refreshing and filling at the same time. Nom Banh Chok is the best street food in Cambodia and is often sold by local vendors.
Average Cost: 5,000 – 8,000 KHR / ₹110 – ₹200
Best Places To Try: Siem Reap, Kampong Thom
Best Time To Eat: Morning
5. Lok Lak
Photo: Nadin Sh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Lok Lak is a stir-fried beef dish that is both filling and full of flavour. The beef is marinated in a tasty sauce made with soy, oyster sauce and pepper, then quickly cooked until tender. It is usually served on a bed of lettuce, tomato and onion, with a side of rice and a dipping sauce made with lime and black pepper. The soft meat and tangy sauce make a great match. Lok Lak is loved for its rich yet balanced taste.
Average Cost: 10,000 – 18,000 KHR / ₹200 – ₹350
Best Places To Try: Phnom Penh, Kratie
Best Time To Eat: Lunch or dinner
6. Kuy Teav
Photo: DragonSamYU / Wikimedia Commons
Kuy Teav is one of the best foods in Cambodia, known for its clear broth and thin rice noodles. It usually includes slices of pork or beef and sometimes meatballs, along with bean sprouts, green onions and fresh herbs. The broth is light yet flavourful, often made from pork bones and seasoned gently. Diners can add lime, chilli or garlic to match their taste. Many people enjoy Kuy Teav for its clean flavour, soft noodles and warm, satisfying broth.
Average Cost: 6,000 – 9,000 KHR / ₹150 – ₹200
Best Places To Try: Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham
Best Time To Eat: Morning or lunch
7. Samlor Korko
Photo: Shameel Mukkath / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Samlor Korko is a stew and a popular food in Cambodia. It has a thick texture and is made with vegetables and meat. Fish paste or prahok is added to give it flavour. Common ingredients include green papaya, pumpkin, eggplant and long beans. Everything is cooked slowly so the flavours mix well. The stew is warm, filling and full of local taste. Samlor Korko is a good choice for anyone who likes a hearty meal with fresh vegetables and mild spices.
Average Cost: 7,000 – 11,000 KHR / ₹150 – ₹250
Best Places To Try: Pursat, Battambang
Best Time To Eat: Lunch or dinner
8. Num Pang
Photo: amanderson2 / Wikimedia Commons
Num Pang is a popular Cambodian sandwich made using a crispy baguette filled with meat, vegetables and sauces. The fillings often include grilled pork, pate or meatballs, along with pickled carrots, cucumbers, fresh herbs and chilli. The bread is lightly toasted, giving it a crunchy outside and soft inside. The tangy, spicy and savoury flavours make it a favourite street food in Cambodia. It’s a good option for anyone looking for a simple but tasty bite while exploring Cambodian towns.
Average Cost: 4,000 – 7,000 KHR / ₹100 – ₹150
Best Places To Try: Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville
Best Time To Eat: Morning or afternoon
9. Kralan
Photo: Alexander R / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Kralan is a simple Cambodian snack made by stuffing sticky rice, black beans, and grated coconut into a bamboo tube and roasting it over hot coals. The result is a slightly sweet and smoky snack that’s soft on the inside with a light roasted outer taste. The bamboo adds a faint woody aroma that blends nicely with the coconut and rice. Kralan is sold in roadside stalls and markets, especially in the countryside. It’s a good snack for travelling and offers a nice balance between chewy texture.
Average Cost: 2,000 – 4,000 KHR / ₹50 – ₹100
Best Places To Try: Battambang, Kratie
10. Ang Dtray-Meuk
Photo: axelslash7 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Ang Dtray-Meuk is a grilled squid dish often sold at beaches and roadside stalls across Cambodia. The squid is brushed with lime juice, garlic and a bit of salt before being grilled over an open flame. This gives it a smoky flavour and a slight char on the outside. The texture is chewy but still tender, making it a fun snack to eat. It’s usually served with a spicy dipping sauce that adds an extra kick. Ang Dtray-Meuk is known as one of the best foods in Cambodia.
Average Cost: 7,000 – 12,000 KHR / ₹150 – ₹250
Best Places To Try: Kep, Sihanoukville
Best Time To Eat: Afternoon or evening
The best food in Cambodia offers a wide mix of bold flavours and simple ingredients that reflect the country’s everyday life and culture. From light noodle soups to grilled seafood and hearty stews, each dish is tasty and easy to enjoy. If you plan to explore Cambodia, its food should be part of your bucket list. Plan your food trip today with TripXL and discover meals you will never forget.
Cover Photo: Gu Ko / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
