Quick Answer
Must-try Cambodian dishes include Fish Amok, Khmer Red Curry, Lok Lak, and Nom Banh Chok, which showcase a range of flavors from creamy coconut curries to fresh herb-based noodles. Travelers can find authentic Cambodian food at local markets and street vendors, especially near Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, where meals typically cost between $1 and $5.
Best for
Tasting traditional Khmer flavors at affordable prices in local markets and street stalls.
Main advantage
Access to fresh, authentic dishes prepared with local ingredients at low cost.
Main tradeoff
Limited seating and basic dining conditions at street vendors compared to restaurants.
Good alternative
Mid-range local restaurants near major tourist areas offering similar dishes at slightly higher prices ($5-$10) with more comfortable seating.
Cambodian food reflects the country's agricultural roots and coastal geography, blending fresh herbs, spices, and local ingredients. Traditional meals balance sweet, sour, salty, and bitter flavors, often featuring rice as the staple. Many dishes are influenced by neighboring countries but retain a distinct Khmer identity. Street vendors and markets are excellent places to sample authentic Cambodian food at prices ranging from $1 to $3 per dish. Regional variations exist, with coastal areas specializing in seafood, while inland regions favor freshwater fish and herbs.
To save money on food near Angkor, opt for meals at local markets where dishes typically cost $1 to $3, and avoid tourist-centered restaurants that charge significantly higher prices.
Top Cambodian Food and Cooking Tours
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Siem Reap Food Tour By Local
4 hoursBook Now. Pay LaterMobile ticketInstant confirmation
- Experienced Cambodian guides with over 15 years in tourism who share authentic culinary knowledge.
- Combination of street food and small restaurants offering a range of traditional Khmer dishes.
“Access to lesser-known local food venues not listed in mainstream travel guides.”
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Countryside Morning Life Vespa Tour
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- Visits to an active pagoda with explanation of Buddhist rituals and community roles.
- Demonstrations of traditional weaving and palm juice collection methods.
“Guided Vespa ride offers access to less traveled rural paths with ease and local interaction.”
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Siem Reap Floating Village Sunset Jeep Tour / SUV Car Available
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- Visit active floating villages to see homes, markets, and schools on water.
- Private boat cruise timed with sunset to observe natural light and lake reflections.
“Travel by open-air Jeep through rural countryside rarely accessed by tourists.”
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Khmer Cooking Class Full Day
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- Step-by-step instruction on Khmer spice pastes and cooking methods.
- Meals prepared are eaten on-site, allowing immediate tasting of homemade dishes.
“Market visit early in the day to observe and shop for authentic ingredients.”
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What are the most popular Cambodian food dishes to try?
Popular Cambodian food dishes include Fish Amok, Khmer Red Curry, Lok Lak, and Nom Banh Chok, each representing different flavor profiles and cooking styles.
Fish Amok is Cambodia’s national dish, a creamy steamed curry made with freshwater fish, coconut milk, and kroeung paste, typically priced around $3-$5 in local eateries. Khmer Red Curry features chicken or beef cooked with coconut milk, potatoes, and carrots, costing approximately $2.50 to $4 per serving. Lok Lak is stir-fried beef served with rice and a lime-pepper dipping sauce, usually available for $3 to $5. Nom Banh Chok is a popular breakfast noodle dish with fish gravy and fresh herbs, often found for under $1.50 at street stalls.
Fish Amok is Cambodia’s national dish, a creamy steamed curry made with freshwater fish, coconut milk, and kroeung paste, typically priced around $3-$5 in local eateries. Khmer Red Curry features chicken or beef cooked with coconut milk, potatoes, and carrots, costing approximately $2.50 to $4 per serving. Lok Lak is stir-fried beef served with rice and a lime-pepper dipping sauce, usually available for $3 to $5. Nom Banh Chok is a popular breakfast noodle dish with fish gravy and fresh herbs, often found for under $1.50 at street stalls.
Reserve a table at popular local restaurants serving Khmer dishes at least 2-3 days in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to ensure availability and avoid waiting during meal times.
How is Cambodian food different from other Southeast Asian cuisines?
Cambodian food uses a subtle blend of herbs and spices with less chili heat compared to neighboring cuisines, emphasizing sour and fresh flavors.
Distinctive ingredients such as prahok, a fermented fish paste, provide a distinctive umami depth not commonly found in Thai or Vietnamese food. Cambodian dishes often incorporate fresh herbs like kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass, but with less intense spice levels. For example, while Thai curries tend to be spicier, Cambodian curries are milder and sweeter. A typical meal includes rice and multiple small dishes, with prices for a full meal ranging from $3 to $7 at local restaurants.
Distinctive ingredients such as prahok, a fermented fish paste, provide a distinctive umami depth not commonly found in Thai or Vietnamese food. Cambodian dishes often incorporate fresh herbs like kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass, but with less intense spice levels. For example, while Thai curries tend to be spicier, Cambodian curries are milder and sweeter. A typical meal includes rice and multiple small dishes, with prices for a full meal ranging from $3 to $7 at local restaurants.
From Siem Reap town center, take a tuk-tuk or local moto taxi for about 10 minutes to Angkor's main entrance, often costing $2-3, which is the fastest and most affordable transport option.
Where can you find the best Cambodian food in the country?
Top cities for authentic Cambodian food include Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Kampot, each offering distinct local specialties and fresh ingredients.
Phnom Penh’s Central Market area features street vendors selling grilled meats and noodles with dishes starting from $1.50. Siem Reap markets provide many Khmer food stalls where a full meal costs around $3 to $6, including Fish Amok and Khmer noodles. Kampot is famous for its pepper and seafood dishes, with meals priced between $4 and $8. For coastal seafood, Kep and Sihanoukville offer fresh crab and fish, often grilled or steamed, costing about $5 to $10 per dish.
Phnom Penh’s Central Market area features street vendors selling grilled meats and noodles with dishes starting from $1.50. Siem Reap markets provide many Khmer food stalls where a full meal costs around $3 to $6, including Fish Amok and Khmer noodles. Kampot is famous for its pepper and seafood dishes, with meals priced between $4 and $8. For coastal seafood, Kep and Sihanoukville offer fresh crab and fish, often grilled or steamed, costing about $5 to $10 per dish.
In Kampot, try dining at seafood stalls in the late afternoon when fresh catches arrive from local fishermen, ensuring the best-quality fish and shellfish before evening crowds increase.
What are some traditional Cambodian snacks and street foods?
Traditional Cambodian snacks include Num Pang, sticky rice desserts, and grilled skewers that are affordable and widely available on the streets.
Num Pang is a Cambodian-style baguette sandwich filled with pork, pate, and pickled vegetables, costing $1.50 to $2. Sticky rice with mango or coconut custard is a popular dessert priced at around $1 to $2. Grilled meats such as chicken or beef skewers are sold for about $0.50 to $1 each. Other snacks include fried tarantulas, a specialty in Battambang, where prices are usually $2 to $3 per serving.
Num Pang is a Cambodian-style baguette sandwich filled with pork, pate, and pickled vegetables, costing $1.50 to $2. Sticky rice with mango or coconut custard is a popular dessert priced at around $1 to $2. Grilled meats such as chicken or beef skewers are sold for about $0.50 to $1 each. Other snacks include fried tarantulas, a specialty in Battambang, where prices are usually $2 to $3 per serving.
When buying snacks like Num Pang or grilled skewers near Angkor, always carry small bills and exact change, as vendors often don’t have large bills or provide change for bigger notes.
Local Favorites
Which restaurants serve authentic Cambodian dishes?
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(1766 reviews)Malis serves authentic Cambodian food with generous portions, such as organic chicken and dry fish dishes. The staff provide attentive service and hel
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(215 reviews)Motorsports-themed riverside restaurant with Khmer and international cuisine, live music, and a lively atmosphere.
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(925 reviews)French Chic plastered concrete walls set a cozy tone for dishes like the Heritage Plate pork rice cakes and green mango salad. Service is attentive an
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(512 reviews)Tavern Siem Reap’s smoky Cambodian BBQ and char-grilled chicken delight diners in cozy huts, where warm lantern light and wooden beams evoke tradition
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View →How do Cambodian food prices compare to other countries in Southeast Asia?
Cambodian food is generally more affordable than in Thailand or Vietnam, with street meals often costing under $3 and restaurant dishes averaging $4 to $7.
For instance, a street meal in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap can be found for $1 to $2.50, whereas in Bangkok, similar meals usually cost $2.50 to $4. Dining at mid-range restaurants in Cambodia typically costs $5 to $10 per person, slightly cheaper than in Vietnam’s major cities where prices range from $6 to $12. This affordability makes Cambodia an excellent destination for travelers seeking local cuisine on a budget.
For instance, a street meal in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap can be found for $1 to $2.50, whereas in Bangkok, similar meals usually cost $2.50 to $4. Dining at mid-range restaurants in Cambodia typically costs $5 to $10 per person, slightly cheaper than in Vietnam’s major cities where prices range from $6 to $12. This affordability makes Cambodia an excellent destination for travelers seeking local cuisine on a budget.
Look for daily lunch specials at local restaurants in Siem Reap offering Khmer set menus priced between $3 and $5 for a filling meal, providing better value than ordering à la carte.
What ingredients are essential in Cambodian cooking?
Essential ingredients in Cambodian food include prahok (fermented fish paste), kroeung (herb and spice paste), fresh herbs, fish sauce, and coconut milk.
Prahok is a staple that adds depth and saltiness, often used in sauces and dips. Kroeung comes in several varieties, such as green and red, made from lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, and kaffir lime leaves. Fresh herbs like mint, basil, and coriander are added to many dishes for brightness. Fish sauce, a common seasoning, provides umami and saltiness, while coconut milk is used in curries and desserts. These ingredients can be purchased at local markets for less than $1 per portion.
Prahok is a staple that adds depth and saltiness, often used in sauces and dips. Kroeung comes in several varieties, such as green and red, made from lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, and kaffir lime leaves. Fresh herbs like mint, basil, and coriander are added to many dishes for brightness. Fish sauce, a common seasoning, provides umami and saltiness, while coconut milk is used in curries and desserts. These ingredients can be purchased at local markets for less than $1 per portion.
What Cambodian dishes are best for vegetarians or vegans?
Vegetarians can enjoy dishes like Num Banh Chok with vegetable gravy, stir-fried morning glory, and fried rice with tofu in Cambodian cuisine.
Num Banh Chok, a rice noodle dish, is often served with a fish-based gravy but can be found with vegetable broth in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Stir-fried morning glory (water spinach) is a healthy side dish costing about $1.50 to $2. Fried rice with tofu is common and priced around $2 to $3. Many markets and restaurants cater to vegetarian diets, especially in tourist areas like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
Num Banh Chok, a rice noodle dish, is often served with a fish-based gravy but can be found with vegetable broth in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Stir-fried morning glory (water spinach) is a healthy side dish costing about $1.50 to $2. Fried rice with tofu is common and priced around $2 to $3. Many markets and restaurants cater to vegetarian diets, especially in tourist areas like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
What We Thought
“I found Malis while walking beyond Pub Street. It turned out to be a genuine Cambodian cuisine restaurant. The ginger chicken was cooked to perfection, and the whole meal was excellent value for what felt like proper fine dining.”
Malis · Phnom Penh
Marcus Cent, March 2026How can travelers learn to cook Cambodian food?
Cambodia features many cooking classes where travelers can learn to prepare traditional dishes using fresh local ingredients.
Classes typically last 3 to 4 hours and cost between $25 and $40 per person. Popular locations include Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, where participants visit markets to select ingredients before cooking. The Khmer Cooking Class in Cambodia is a well-rated option, offering hands-on visit with dishes like Fish Amok and Khmer curry. These classes often include recipe booklets and tastings.
Classes typically last 3 to 4 hours and cost between $25 and $40 per person. Popular locations include Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, where participants visit markets to select ingredients before cooking. The Khmer Cooking Class in Cambodia is a well-rated option, offering hands-on visit with dishes like Fish Amok and Khmer curry. These classes often include recipe booklets and tastings.
What beverages pair well with Cambodian food?
Traditional Cambodian beverages include palm wine, local beers, and fresh sugarcane juice, complementing the flavors of Cambodian food.
Palm wine, known locally as "sraa tram," is a mildly alcoholic drink made from fermented palm sap, costing about $1 to $2 per glass. Cambodia’s local beer brands like Angkor and Phnom Penh are widely available for $1 to $2 a bottle. Fresh sugarcane juice is a popular non-alcoholic option sold at street stalls for around $0.50 to $1.50 per cup and provides a sweet contrast to savory dishes.
Palm wine, known locally as "sraa tram," is a mildly alcoholic drink made from fermented palm sap, costing about $1 to $2 per glass. Cambodia’s local beer brands like Angkor and Phnom Penh are widely available for $1 to $2 a bottle. Fresh sugarcane juice is a popular non-alcoholic option sold at street stalls for around $0.50 to $1.50 per cup and provides a sweet contrast to savory dishes.
Where to stay in and around Cambodia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Most street food markets in Cambodia open around 6 AM for breakfast and stay open until 9 PM. Evening markets tend to be busiest from 5 PM to 8 PM, especially in cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Local meals usually cost between $2 and $6 depending on the dish and location. Street food can be as low as $1, while dining in tourist areas or specialty restaurants may cost more.
Yes, many dishes can be made vegetarian or are naturally meat-free, such as rice noodles with fresh herbs or vegetable curries. However, it's best to specify your dietary needs as fish sauce and prahok are common ingredients.
Phnom Penh’s Central Market is located in the city center and is easily reachable by tuk-tuk or taxi from most parts of the city. It’s about a 10-15 minute ride from popular hotels.
The dry season from November to April is ideal for outdoor food markets due to less rain and cooler evenings. The rainy season may affect market hours and stall availability.
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“Cambodian food is deeply connected to local ingredients and traditional preparation methods. For example, using prahok adds a layer of flavor that you won’t find in other Southeast Asian cuisines, and it’s this careful balance that makes Khmer dishes distinct.”
Sokha Chhim/ Khmer Culinary Historian
More in Food & Drink
What resources help find Cambodian food options?
Lonely Planet Cambodia Food Guide
Guide with practical advice on where and what to eat while traveling in Cambodia.
Cambodia Tourism Official Website
Official site providing information on Cambodia’s food culture, travel tips, and local events.
Wikipedia: Cambodian Cuisine
Comprehensive overview of Cambodian food history, common dishes, and cooking traditions.
Where I Ate in CambodiaMarcus Cent · 8 photos
I ate my way through Cambodia over two weeks, from Phnom Penh street stalls to Siem Reap fine dining. The quality and value blew me away at every turn. A proper sit-down meal at a top restaurant rarely cost more than $15, and the flavours were consistently excellent. Here are some of the highlights.
All photos taken by Marcus Cent
