10 Khmer dishes to try in Phnom Penh

Khmer food is the quiet hero of Phnom Penh. It is herby, fragrant and less spicy than you might think. This is a short list for beginners: ten dishes, what they are, and where to start. Our full list of places is in the Khmer food in Phnom Penh guide.

One tip first. Order a few dishes and share them with plain rice. That is how a Khmer meal works.

Khmer food in Phnom PenhThe guide · 8 places

1. Fish amok

A creamy coconut curry, traditionally made with freshwater fish and steamed in banana leaf. It is mild and fragrant, with a soft, mousse-like texture. Most visitors order it first.

Try it at: Malis, Titanic Restaurant, Tbal Khmer or Khmer Women's Food. Our guide mentions amok at each of them.

2. Lok lak

Marinated beef, stir-fried fast and served with rice and salad. The dip is lime juice, salt and Kampot pepper. Sometimes there is a fried egg on top.

Try it at: Titanic Restaurant, Tbal Khmer or Khmer Women's Food.

3. Kuy teav

A noodle soup, usually with a pork or beef broth, and a classic breakfast. Add herbs, lime and chilli at the table.

Try it at: Malis, which our guide suggests for kuy teav. For a simple bowl, go to KohKong Khmernoodle in Boeung Proluet. It opens at 7am and is usually cheap.

4. Lort cha

Short, fat rice noodles stir-fried with chives, bean sprouts and often a fried egg. Quick, cheap and filling.

Try it at: Khmer Women's Food, a small family-style place on Street 21.

5. Pork belly with Kampot pepper

Kampot pepper is Cambodia's most famous spice. Pork belly cooked with it is rich and peppery.

Try it at: Romdeng. It is run by Mith Samlanh, a social enterprise that trains young people. It is also known for adventurous snacks like fried tarantula, if you are brave. Check the hours before you go.

6. A Khmer soup

Soups are a big part of a Khmer table. They are usually light and sour or herby, and they go well with rice.

Try it at: Sovanna II Restaurant, an evening place on Street 21 that opens at 4pm. Our guide says to look for grilled meats and a Khmer soup there.

Three to look for on your own

We do not have a place in our guide for these yet. You will meet them at markets and street stalls.

7. Bai sach chrouk. Pork grilled over charcoal and served on broken rice with pickled vegetables. It is the classic Phnom Penh breakfast.

8. Nom banh chok. Fresh rice noodles with a fish-and-coconut gravy and a pile of raw vegetables and herbs. It is usually a morning dish.

9. Samlor korko. A thick, herby stew, often with vegetables and meat or fish. It is slow-cooked and good to share.

Bonus pick: prahok

Prahok is fermented fish paste, and Cambodians love it. It can smell strong. You will meet it in dips and soups. If you want to try it, start with a small taste.

Where to start

Only one night? Pick a polished room like Malis or Kravanh Restaurant, a French colonial villa with courtyard seating. Order amok, lok lak and a soup. Prices there run higher, around $15 to $25 at Malis and roughly $20 to $35 at Kravanh.

Got a week? Add the home-style places, like Khmer Women's Food and Tbal Khmer, where you will usually spend around $6 to $12 each. Then add a noodle breakfast at KohKong Khmernoodle.

Prices change, so check before you go.

Save these places in yummers

Found your favourite amok? Save it to a list in yummers and share it with your friends. Start with the Khmer food in Phnom Penh guide.