Cambodian (Khmer) cuisine is fragrant, balanced and full of fresh herbs, vegetables, fish and subtle spices. From simple street-side noodles to refined modern interpretations and the famous Kampot pepper crab, eating is one of the great pleasures of travelling here.
Must-Try Khmer Dishes
- Fish Amok — Coconut-curry fish mousse, often served in a banana leaf. Mild, aromatic and iconic.
- Lok Lak — Stir-fried beef (or chicken) with a lime-pepper dipping sauce, usually served with rice and a fried egg.
- Nom Banh Chok — Fresh rice noodles with a green fish-based curry gravy, herbs and vegetables. A classic breakfast or light meal.
- Kampot Pepper Crab — Fresh crab stir-fried with world-famous green or black Kampot pepper. Best enjoyed in Kampot or Kep.
- Bai Sach Chrouk — Grilled pork with rice, pickles and broth — simple, delicious street-food staple.
- Samlor (soups) — Various sour, sweet and savoury soups with fish, meat or vegetables.
- Fresh spring rolls, green mango salad, grilled meats, tropical fruit and local desserts.
Recommended Restaurants
Popular and well-regarded places for Khmer and international cuisine. Opening hours and menus change — check recent reviews or ask your hotel for the latest advice.
Phnom Penh
- Malis — Elegant modern Khmer cuisine in a beautiful setting; one of the city’s signature fine-dining experiences
- Romdeng — Excellent traditional and contemporary Khmer food; training restaurant supporting underprivileged youth
- Friends the Restaurant — Delicious food with a social mission (Friends International)
- Khmer Kitchen / local market stalls — For authentic everyday Khmer flavours and street food
- Chinese House — Historic riverside venue with Khmer and Asian fusion
- Khéma — Popular for French-Khmer and international comfort food
Siem Reap
- Cuisine Wat Damnak — Highly regarded modern Khmer tasting menus using seasonal local ingredients
- Marum — Training restaurant with creative Khmer and international dishes; supports vulnerable youth
- Chanrey Tree — Classic and contemporary Khmer cuisine in an elegant garden setting
- The Sugar Palm — Long-standing favourite for authentic Khmer home-style cooking
- Embassy — Modern Cambodian tasting experience focused on heritage recipes
- Khmer Kitchen Restaurant — Reliable, affordable Khmer dishes popular with visitors
Kampot & Kep
- Kep Crab Market — Fresh crab cooked with famous Kampot pepper; the essential local experience
- Rikitikitavi (Kampot) — Riverside restaurant with good Khmer and international options
- Sailing Club / Knai Bang Chatt (Kep) — Seaside dining with fresh seafood and sunset views
Other notes
- Hotel restaurants at 4- and 5-star properties (e.g. Raffles, Park Hyatt, Shinta Mani) often serve outstanding Khmer and international menus.
- Night markets and street-food areas in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are excellent for informal, flavourful meals.
- Cooking classes in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Kampot are a great way to learn about Khmer ingredients and techniques.
Where to Eat by Destination
Phnom Penh
Excellent range from street-food stalls and market eateries to sophisticated Khmer and international restaurants. Riverside and BKK1 have high concentrations of quality options. Don’t miss market breakfasts and evening street-food areas.
Siem Reap
Pub Street and the lanes around the Old Market are lively; many excellent Khmer restaurants and cooking-class venues exist beyond the main tourist strip. Hotel restaurants can also be outstanding.
Kampot & Kep
Seafood is the star — especially crab with Kampot pepper. Riverside restaurants in Kampot and the crab market / waterfront in Kep are highlights.
Islands & Coast
Fresh grilled fish, prawns, squid and simple beachside meals. Expect more international options in popular tourist pockets.
Battambang & Provinces
Authentic local Khmer food at very reasonable prices. Market stalls and family-run restaurants offer genuine flavours.
Drinks & Other Experiences
- Fresh sugarcane juice, coconut water and tropical fruit shakes.
- Local and international coffee culture is strong in the cities.
- Craft beer and cocktail scenes in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
- Cooking classes — highly recommended in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Kampot.
- Pepper plantation visits and tastings in the Kampot region.
Practical Tips
- Street food at busy stalls is generally fine; choose places with high turnover.
- Bottled or purified water is recommended.
- Many restaurants offer good vegetarian options — ask if you have dietary requirements.
- Tipping is appreciated but not always expected; rounding up or 5–10% for good service is common in tourist restaurants.
- Meal times are flexible; many places serve throughout the day.