Welcome to Cambodia! If you’re curious about the must-try popular foods in Cambodia during your visit, you’re in the right place. We’re here to guide you through the most popular Cambodian dishes that will surely satisfy your culinary cravings.

Cambodian cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors, textures, and aromas, deeply influenced by the country’s rich history and diverse cultural heritage. With rice as the staple food, Khmer cooking emphasizes fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, and a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter flavors. The culinary landscape of Cambodia is shaped by centuries of interactions with neighboring cultures, including Indian, Chinese, and French influences. This fusion is evident in the variety of dishes that highlight local produce, freshwater fish from the Mekong River, and unique flavor profiles created with ingredients like prahok (fermented fish paste) and kroeung (a fragrant spice paste).

Meals in Cambodia are often communal and reflect a strong emphasis on hospitality. Street food vendors play a vital role in everyday dining, offering an array of delicious options that showcase the country’s culinary diversity. When you are in Cambodia, don’t forget to try the most famous Cambodian foods. This list is based on popularity of the food.

This article will explore 50 popular foods in Cambodia that you need to try that represent the essence of Cambodian cuisine, providing insights into their preparation and cultural significance.

Popular Cambodian Foods

The popular foods in Cambodia include:

1. Fish Amok
   • A signature dish of Cambodia, fish amok features diced freshwater fish cooked in a creamy coconut curry sauce with kroeung. Traditionally steamed in banana leaves, it offers a rich and fragrant flavor profile.
2. Nom Banh Chok
   • Known as Khmer noodles, this beloved breakfast dish consists of rice noodles topped with a fish-based green curry gravy made from lemongrass, turmeric, and garlic.
3. Bai Sach Chrouk
   • This simple yet delicious dish features marinated pork grilled over charcoal and served with rice and pickled vegetables. It’s a popular breakfast choice among locals.
4. Beef Lok Lak
   • Stir-fried strips of beef served on a bed of lettuce with tomatoes and cucumbers. It’s often topped with a fried egg and accompanied by a tangy dipping sauce made from lime juice and Kampot pepper.
5. Samlor Korkor
   • Considered by many as Cambodia’s national dish, this hearty soup is made with seasonal vegetables and meats like catfish or pork belly, flavored with prahok and kroeung.
6. Kuy Teav
   • A popular noodle soup made from rice vermicelli served in a flavorful broth with beef or pork balls. It’s often garnished with herbs and lime for added freshness.
7. Khmer Red Curry
   • Milder than its Thai counterpart, this coconut milk-based curry includes chicken or beef along with sweet potatoes and is typically served with rice or bread.
8. Prahok Ktis
   • A creamy dip made from prahok mixed with coconut cream and minced pork, served alongside fresh vegetables for dipping.
9. Samlor Machu Trey
   • A sour fish soup seasoned with tamarind and lemongrass, featuring ingredients like pineapple and bean sprouts for a refreshing taste.
10. Kari Saraman
    • A rich beef curry influenced by Cham cuisine, featuring spices like star anise and served with bread or rice.
11. Lort Cha
    • Stir-fried rice noodles mixed with vegetables and meat (often beef or chicken), seasoned with soy sauce for a savory flavor.
12. Babor
    • Cambodian rice porridge typically enjoyed for breakfast; it can be sweet or savory depending on the toppings added.
13. Mi Kola
    • A lesser-known dish from Battambang consisting of fried noodles topped with various meats and vegetables.
14. Cha Kroeung
    • A stir-fry using kroeung paste as the base flavoring; it can include various proteins such as chicken or seafood.
15. Num Pang
    • Cambodian sandwiches made using baguettes filled with meats, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili sauce—a reflection of French influence.
16. Kuy Teav Phnom Penh
    • A regional variation of kuy teav featuring richer broth flavors; often includes both beef and pork toppings.
17. Fish Soup (Somlor Trey)
    • A light soup made primarily from fresh fish seasoned with herbs like basil and lemongrass; it’s typically served hot.
18. Bai Manao
    • Rice served with lime juice; a simple yet refreshing accompaniment to many dishes.
19. Sangkhak
    • A traditional dessert made from glutinous rice flour mixed with coconut milk; it’s often shaped into small balls.
20. Pineapple Fried Rice
    • Stir-fried rice cooked inside a hollowed-out pineapple; it combines sweet flavors with savory ingredients like shrimp or chicken.
21. Kuy Teav Chao (Stir-Fried Noodles)
    • Stir-fried rice noodles mixed with vegetables and proteins; it’s a popular street food option enjoyed throughout Cambodia.
22. Chha Kroeung Sach Ko
    • Stir-fried beef flavored with kroeung paste; it’s often served over rice or alongside fresh vegetables.
23. Nhoam Svay (Green Mango Salad)
    • A refreshing salad made from shredded green mango mixed with herbs, peanuts, and sometimes dried shrimp for added flavor.
24. Kuy Teav Phnom Penh Style
    • A variation of kuy teav that features richer broth flavors; often includes both beef and pork toppings for depth.
25. Coconut Sticky Rice (Bai Dom)
    • Glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk; it’s often served as dessert or alongside savory dishes for added richness.
26. Grilled Eggplant Salad (Banh Chao)
    • Roasted eggplant blended into a salad dressing; it’s typically served over fresh greens for a smoky flavor contrast.
27. Prahok Ktis (Fermented Fish Dip)
    • A unique dip made from fermented fish mixed with coconut cream; it’s enjoyed as an appetizer alongside fresh vegetables.
28. Sesame Balls (Banh Chung)
    • Deep-fried pastries filled with sweetened bean paste; they are crispy on the outside while soft inside—popular as snacks or desserts.
29. Coconut Cream Curry (Amok)
    • A variation of amok that uses coconut cream to create a richer sauce; it’s typically prepared using chicken or tofu instead of fish.
30. Chha Kreung Sach Ko (Beef Stir-Fry)
    • Beef stir-fried using kroeung paste as the primary seasoning; it’s often served over rice or alongside fresh vegetables for balance.
31. Pineapple Salad (Nhoam Svay)
    • A vibrant salad featuring shredded pineapple mixed with herbs like mint and cilantro along with peanuts for crunchiness.
32. Sweet Potato Dessert (Num Tumpang)
    • Steamed sweet potatoes mashed together then formed into small cakes coated in coconut flakes—popular during festivals!
33. Chha Khao (Fried Rice)
    • Fried rice cooked using leftover ingredients mixed together creating flavorful dish perfect for lunch!
34. Sangkhak Pudding
    • Sweet pudding made from glutinous rice flour combined coconut milk then steamed until firm—often enjoyed as dessert!
35. Banana Leaf Fish
    • Fish wrapped tightly in banana leaves then grilled imparting smoky aroma enhancing flavors beautifully!
36. Kuy Teav Chao
    • Stir-fried noodle variant featuring various proteins tossed together creating satisfying meal option!
37. Spicy Crab Soup
    • Crab cooked within spicy broth featuring chilies garlic adding depth making it perfect accompaniment alongside rice!
38. Coconut Pancakes
    • Fluffy pancakes infused coconut milk served warm topped syrup making them delightful breakfast treat!
39. Vegetable Curry
    • Mixed vegetable curry simmered slowly allowing flavors meld together creating comforting dish perfect anytime!
40. Sesame Seed Cookies
    • Crunchy cookies flavored sesame seeds enjoyed alongside tea making great snack option throughout day!
41. Mango Sticky Rice
    • Sweet sticky rice paired ripe mango drizzled coconut milk creating delicious dessert loved by many!
42. Tamarind Fish Sauce
    • Tangy dipping sauce made tamarind used enhance flavors grilled meats seafood making ideal accompaniment!
43. Rice Paper Rolls
    • Fresh rolls filled vegetables proteins wrapped tightly enjoyed dipping sauces adding extra flavor!
44. Pumpkin Soup
    • Creamy pumpkin soup seasoned spices garnished herbs creating comforting dish perfect during cooler months!
45. Spicy Noodle Salad (Yum)
    • Cold noodle salad tossed spicy dressing featuring herbs crunchy veggies providing refreshing option during hot days!
46. Sweetened Coconut Rice Balls
    • Balls formed using glutinous rice flour coated sugar creating delightful dessert enjoyed festive occasions!
47. Stuffed Tofu (Tofu Goreng)
    • Fried tofu stuffed various fillings such minced meat veggies offering protein-packed snack option!
48. Coconut Jelly Dessert (Banh Da)
    • Soft jelly-like dessert infused coconut milk served chilled providing refreshing treat during warm weather!
49. Rice Crackers (Banh Trang)
    • Crispy crackers made rice flour enjoyed alone paired dips enhancing snacking experience greatly!
50. Fried Insects Snack
    • Unique snack option found street vendors crispy fried insects seasoned spices offering adventurous culinary experience!

This extensive list showcases just some highlights reflecting Cambodia’s diverse culinary offerings! Each dish tells its own story about this beautiful nation while inviting travelers to explore its rich food culture!

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Explore Cambodia Further

• Cambodia [Country Info]
• Common Misconceptions – Cambodia
• Currency Guide – Cambodia
• Essential Travel Tips for Cambodia
• Geographical Regions of Cambodia
• Popular Cities To Visit In Cambodia
• Popular Foods In Cambodia
• Popular Museums To Visit In Cambodia
• Safety Guide For Travelers To Cambodia
• Top 50 Things To Do In Cambodia
• Top Historical Places To Visit In Cambodia