When visiting Siem Reap and the majestic Angkor temples, the experience isn't complete without tasting the unique and flavorful dishes of Cambodian cuisine. Whether you’re enjoying street food after a long day of exploring Angkor Wat or dining at a traditional Khmer restaurant in the city, Siem Reap offers a rich variety of local flavors.
Here’s a guide to the most popular foods you must try when visiting Angkor and Siem Reap.
Fish Amok
Fish Amok is Cambodia’s national dish and a must-try for any visitor. This creamy curry is made with freshwater fish, coconut milk, lemongrass, and a fragrant blend of spices known as kroeung. Traditionally, it's steamed and served in a banana leaf cup. The result is a mildly spicy, aromatic dish that melts in your mouth.
Many restaurants in Siem Reap serve Fish Amok, and you can even find it at some stalls near Angkor Wat.
Lok Lak
Another local favorite is Lok Lak, a stir-fried beef dish typically served with a pepper-lime dipping sauce, fresh vegetables, and a fried egg on top. It’s influenced by both French and Chinese cooking and is perfect for travelers who want something hearty but not too spicy.
Chicken and pork versions are also available, often with rice or fries on the side.
Khmer Red Curry
Khmer Red Curry is milder than its Thai counterpart, but no less flavorful. Made with beef, chicken, or fish, this dish includes sweet potatoes, eggplant, coconut milk, and red curry paste. It’s usually served with fresh baguette slices, a legacy of the French colonial era.
It’s a comforting dish, perfect after a day of temple exploration.
Nom Banh Chok (Khmer Noodles)
Popular as a breakfast dish, Nom Banh Chok is often sold by street vendors early in the morning. It features rice noodles topped with a green fish-based curry gravy and fresh vegetables like banana flower, cucumber, and herbs.
It’s light, refreshing, and uniquely Cambodian.
Grilled Meats and Street BBQ
Near the temples and throughout Siem Reap, you’ll find roadside grills offering skewered meats, sausages, and even frogs. These are usually marinated in lemongrass, garlic, and chili before being grilled to smoky perfection. Pair them with a cold Angkor Beer and you’ve got the perfect street food snack.
Insects and Adventurous Bites
For the bold, Siem Reap offers a chance to try Cambodia’s more adventurous cuisine. Fried tarantulas, crickets, and silkworm larvae are sold at night markets and on Pub Street. These are typically seasoned with garlic and chili and deep-fried until crispy.
While not for everyone, they’re a conversation starter and a memorable part of the culinary experience.
Bamboo Sticky Rice (Kralan)
For a sweet treat, try kralan—sticky rice mixed with black beans and coconut milk, then roasted inside a bamboo tube over a fire. It’s a traditional snack found in local markets and near temple entrances, especially popular among both locals and tourists.
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