Cambodian cuisine is a hidden gem in the world of food. It’s a vibrant mix of flavors, textures, and aromas that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Think tangy, sweet, salty, and spicy all in one bite. If you’re a foodie looking to explore something new, you’re in for a treat.
These Cambodian recipes are not just delicious—they’re a journey into a rich culinary culture that’s often overlooked.
Ready to dive in? From hearty soups to mouthwatering stir-fries, we’ve got you covered with the best Cambodian recipes you absolutely need to try.
Trust us, once you taste these dishes, you’ll be hooked. Let’s get cooking!
1. Amok Trey (Cambodian Fish Curry)
Amok Trey is the crown jewel of Cambodian cuisine. This creamy, fragrant fish curry is steamed in banana leaves, giving.
It a unique flavor and presentation. It’s a must-try for anyone exploring Cambodian food.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb white fish fillets (like cod or catfish)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp palm sugar
- 1 tbsp kroeung (Cambodian curry paste)
- 1 egg
- Banana leaves for steaming
- Fresh herbs (like kaffir lime leaves and basil)
How to Make It:
- Cut the fish into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix coconut milk, fish sauce, palm sugar, kroeung, and egg in a bowl.
- Add the fish to the mixture and let it marinate for 15 minutes.
- Wrap the fish in banana leaves and steam for 20-25 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with steamed rice.
Why We Chose It:
Amok Trey is a classic Cambodian dish that showcases the country’s love for bold flavors and fresh ingredients.
The banana leaf steaming method is a game-changer, infusing the fish with an earthy aroma.
2. Samlor Kako (Cambodian Vegetable Soup)
If you’re looking for a hearty, veggie-packed dish that’s both nutritious and bursting with flavor, Samlor Kako is your go-to.
This traditional Cambodian soup is a medley of vegetables, herbs, and spices, often enjoyed with rice or noodles.
It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin, cubed
- 1 cup eggplant, cubed
- 1 cup long beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup okra, sliced
- 1 cup spinach or moringa leaves
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp kroeung (Cambodian curry paste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste (for tanginess)
- Fresh herbs (like basil and cilantro)
How to Make It:
- In a large pot, bring the broth to a boil. Add the kroeung, garlic, fish sauce, sugar, and tamarind paste. Stir well.
- Toss in the pumpkin and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until it starts to soften.
- Add the eggplant, long beans, and okra. Cook for another 5-7 minutes.
- Finally, stir in the spinach or moringa leaves and let them wilt for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Why We Chose It:
Samlor Kako is a celebration of fresh, seasonal vegetables and bold Cambodian flavors.
It’s a versatile dish that you can customize based on what’s in your fridge, making it a practical and delicious choice for any home cook.
Plus, the tamarind adds a tangy kick that keeps you coming back for more.
3. Nom Banh Chok (Khmer Noodles)
Nom Banh Chok is a traditional Cambodian noodle dish often enjoyed for breakfast. It’s light, refreshing, and full of fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
- Rice noodles
- 1 cup fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp kroeung
- Fresh herbs (mint, basil, cilantro)
- Bean sprouts
- Green beans
How to Make It:
- Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions.
- Mix fish sauce, sugar, and kroeung to make the dressing.
- Toss the noodles with the dressing and top with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and green beans.
Why We Chose It:
Nom Banh Chok is a refreshing dish that’s perfect for hot days. The combination of herbs and tangy dressing is irresistible.
4. Samlor Machu Trey (Sour Fish Soup)
This tangy fish soup is a Cambodian favorite. It’s sour, spicy, and loaded with veggies.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fish fillets
- 4 cups water
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh herbs (like cilantro and green onions)
How to Make It:
- Bring water to a boil and add tamarind paste, fish sauce, and sugar.
- Add fish, pineapple, and tomatoes. Simmer until the fish is cooked.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Why We Chose It:
Samlor Machu Trey is a flavor explosion in every spoonful. The sourness from the tamarind and the sweetness from the pineapple make it unforgettable.
5. Lok Lak (Cambodian Beef Stir-Fry)
Lok Lak is a popular Cambodian dish featuring tender beef stir-fried with a tangy sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef sirloin, cubed
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomatoes and cucumbers for garnish
How to Make It:
- Marinate the beef in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar for 30 minutes.
- Stir-fry the beef until cooked through.
- Mix lime juice and fish sauce for dipping.
- Serve on lettuce leaves with tomatoes and cucumbers.
Why We Chose It:
Lok Lak is a crowd-pleaser. The combination of savory beef and tangy sauce is simply divine.
6. Kuy Teav (Cambodian Noodle Soup)
Kuy Teav is a comforting noodle soup often enjoyed for breakfast.
Ingredients:
- Rice noodles
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Garlic, minced
- Green onions and cilantro for garnish
How to Make It:
- Cook the rice noodles and set aside.
- Bring the broth to a boil and add fish sauce and sugar.
- Serve the broth over noodles and garnish with garlic, green onions, and cilantro.
Why We Chose It:
Kuy Teav is the ultimate comfort food. It’s warm, flavorful, and perfect for any time of day.
7. Cha Houy Teuk (Cambodian Jelly Dessert)
This colorful dessert is a sweet ending to any meal.
Ingredients:
- Agar-agar powder
- Coconut milk
- Sugar
- Food coloring (optional)
- Fruit (like jackfruit or lychee)
How to Make It:
- Dissolve agar-agar in water and bring to a boil.
- Add sugar and coconut milk.
- Pour into molds and let it set.
- Serve with fruit.
Why We Chose It:
Cha Houy Teuk is a fun and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
8. Cha Kdav (Cambodian Lemongrass Chicken Stir-Fry)
This quick and flavorful stir-fry highlights Cambodia’s love for bold, citrusy flavors with a mix of lemongrass, garlic, and tender chicken.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast (sliced)
- 2 stalks lemongrass (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- Fresh chilies (optional)
- Steamed rice for serving
How to Make It:
Heat oil in a pan and sauté lemongrass and garlic until fragrant. Add the chicken and cook until golden.
Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is well coated. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Why We Chose It:
Cha Kdav is an easy, aromatic dish that brings the bold flavors of Cambodia to your dinner table.
9. Num Ansom Chek (Sticky Rice Cake)
This sweet and savory cake is a Cambodian delicacy.
Ingredients:
- Sticky rice
- Banana leaves
- Coconut milk
- Sugar
- Mung beans
How to Make It:
- Soak the sticky rice overnight.
- Layer the rice with mung beans and wrap in banana leaves.
- Steam for 1-2 hours.
- Serve with coconut milk and sugar.
Why We Chose It:
Num Ansom Chek is a unique and delicious treat that’s worth the effort.
10. Bai Sach Chrouk (Grilled Chicken Over Rice)
A popular Cambodian breakfast dish, Bai Sach Chrouk is a simple yet deeply flavorful grilled chicken dish served over rice.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs (sliced)
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp lemongrass (finely chopped)
- Steamed rice for serving
- Pickled vegetables (optional)
How to Make It:
Marinate the chicken with fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and lemongrass for at least 30 minutes.
Grill or pan-fry until caramelized and cooked through. Serve hot over steamed rice with pickled vegetables on the side.
Why We Chose It:
Bai Sach Chrouk is a simple, smoky, and satisfying dish that’s loved all across Cambodia!
11. Cha Kroeung Sach Ko (Lemongrass Beef Stir-Fry)
This fragrant stir-fry is a Cambodian classic.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp kroeung
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Fresh herbs for garnish
How to Make It:
- Stir-fry the beef with kroeung, fish sauce, and sugar.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with rice.
Why We Chose It:
Cha Kroeung Sach Ko is a fragrant and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress.
Conclusion
Cambodian cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be discovered.
From the creamy Amok Trey to the tangy Samlor Machu Trey, these dishes are a testament to the country’s rich culinary heritage.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, head to the kitchen, and start cooking these amazing Cambodian recipes.