Food & Drinks in Cambodia | Khmer Cuisine Guide

Cambodian (Khmer) cuisine is one of Southeast Asia’s most distinctive yet still under-appreciated food cultures. It balances sweet, sour, salty and bitter flavours, relies heavily on freshwater fish, herbs, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime and the famous fermented fish paste prahok, and showcases world-class Kampot pepper.

From bustling street-food stalls and wet markets to refined modern Khmer restaurants and hands-on cooking classes, food is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Cambodia.

Signature Dishes to Try

Fish Amok – Steamed fish curry in banana leaf, the national dish.
Lok Lak – Stir-fried beef (or chicken) with pepper sauce, served with rice and a fried egg.
Nom Banh Chok – Fresh rice noodles with green fish curry and herbs (popular breakfast).
Bai Sach Chrouk – Grilled pork with rice and pickled vegetables.
Samlor Korko / Samlor Machu – Traditional Khmer soups.

Kampot Pepper Crab – Fresh crab stir-fried with world-famous Kampot pepper (best in Kep & Kampot).
Kuy Teav – Rice-noodle soup, often eaten for breakfast.
Fried insects & street snacks – Cricket, spider (for the adventurous) and banana fritters.
Fresh tropical fruit – Mango, dragon fruit, rambutan, longan, and palm sugar sweets.
Modern Khmer tasting menus – Available in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap fine-dining restaurants.

Key Food Experiences

Cooking classes – Half-day or full-day classes in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Battambang and Kampot. Many include a market visit to choose ingredients.
Street-food & market tours – Guided evening tours in Phnom Penh (Russian Market, Central Market areas) and Siem Reap (Pub Street side streets and local markets).
Kampot Pepper farms – Visit working pepper plantations, learn about the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, and taste green, black, red and white peppercorns.
Kep Crab Market – Fresh seafood cooked to order right by the sea.
Coffee experiences – Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri highland coffee; specialty cafés in the cities.
Palm sugar & palm wine – Especially around Battambang and the countryside.
Fine dining & fusion – Contemporary Cambodian restaurants in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap that elevate traditional flavours.

Where to Eat by Destination

Phnom Penh

Widest range: street food, classic Khmer, French-colonial influence, modern fine dining and international options. Russian Market and riverside are good starting points.

Siem Reap

Excellent cooking classes, lively street-food scene, and high-quality restaurants ranging from casual Khmer to refined tasting menus near the temples.

Kampot & Kep

Seafood, Kampot pepper dishes, riverside cafés and the famous Kep Crab Market. Perfect for slow food experiences.

Practical Tips

Drink bottled or filtered water. Ice in tourist restaurants is usually safe.
Street food is generally safe if it is cooked fresh in front of you and the stall is busy.
Vegetarian options exist but are less common; “no meat / no fish” needs clear communication. Prahok (fish paste) is used in many dishes.
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory (5–10% in restaurants is generous).
Many restaurants close mid-afternoon; dinner service often starts around 17:00–18:00.

For restaurant recommendations see also the Restaurants page. To arrange a private cooking class or food tour, contact us via WhatsApp.

Plan a Food Experience All Activities