Cambodia is a country with a long and colorful history and a unique cultural heritage that will make any visitor’s experience truly unforgettable, not only the temples and the beautiful scenery. A particular attraction that draws people to Cambodia is its food; the gastronomic experience that is a blend of different tastes that represents the culture of the country. When you are choosing the time to travel to Cambodia and when you are going to apply for your Cambodia visa, it is important that you get to know more about Cambodian cuisine. The traditional meals you are going to taste starting from the Amok Trey to Bai Sach Chrouk will not only invigorate your taste buds but also help to understand the culture of Cambodian people better. In this blog, let me share with you five traditional Cambodian dishes that you should not miss out on to make your trip a culinary one.
Here is the 5 traditional dishes you should eat in Cambodia
1. Amok Trey (Fish Amok)
Amok Trey is also considered as the national dish of Cambodia. This tasty fish curry is a preparation of fresh river fish, especially the snakehead fish which is coated with spices such as coconut milk, lemongrass, turmeric and kaffir lime leaves. The fish is then steamed in banana leaves to give it not only a different texture but also the smell. When taken with rice, Amok Trey has a perfect blend of the salty and the aromatic that should not be missed by any visitor to the country. Remember to enjoy the coconut sauce which accompanies this dish!
2. Lok Lak (Stir-Fried Beef)
Lok Lak is a Cambodian meal made from soft beef cooked with garlic and onions. The beef is often seasoned in soy sauce and lime juice to increase its taste. It is served with raw vegetables like cucumber and tomatoes and sometimes with lime juice, salt, and pepper dip. It is quite enjoyable to have the tasty beef and then have the sour taste of the sauce to follow. Lok Lak is best eaten with rice in order to make it a fulfilling meal.
3. Khmer Red Curry
Khmer Red Curry is a delicious dish that has some similarities with Thai and India and is served with rice. This curry is mostly prepared using chicken, beef or fish and the curry comes with vegetables like eggplant, green beans and bamboo shoots. The difference of Khmer Red Curry is in the spices, where the lemongrass, garlic, galangal and coconut milk are used. This curry is not as hot as most of the curries in the region, thus making it ideal for anyone with a low tolerance for spiciness. Accompany it with rice or bread to help one mop up the lovely sauce.
4. Bai Sach Chrouk or Grilled Pork and Rice
Bai Sach Chrouk is a breakfast meal in Cambodia, the simplicity and delicious taste of which make it very much loved. It is made of marinated pork barbecue on top of jasmine rice. The pork is usually soaked in a marinade made of garlic, soy sauce and coconut milk before it is barbecued. It is usually accompanied by pickled vegetables, and a portion of fresh fruit, perhaps watermelon or pineapple. It is always yummy and if you are in Cambodia, it is one meal that can really set you up for the day.
5. Num Banh Chok (Khmer Noodles)
Num Banh Chok is another famous Cambodian breakfast meal whereby rice noodles are served with fish gravy prepared from fermented fish, turmeric as well as various herbs. The noodles are cold and served with a variety of vegetables including beansprouts, cucumber and some herbs. It is usually eaten with a dash of lime juice for that extra taste. Num Banh Chok is not only a cool meal but also exciting to taste the Khmer food.
Conclusion:
It is crucial to understand Cambodia’s food and what you can taste in the country. When you are eating these foods, not only do you get to savor the delicious tastes but you also get to learn about the Cambodian people and their past. When planning for your tour, it is also important that you have your Cambodia visa in place to avoid making the trip a nightmare. The delicious smell of the Amok Trey or the taste of the Lok Lak will remain in your mouth and will remind you of Cambodia.