The cuisine of Sihanoukville is also one of the true highlights for those travelers who appreciate good seafood and the taste of the local cuisine. Here, visitors will find barbecue grills right along the beaches where they grill seafood, markets, and everything in between, which will give them the opportunity to taste the Khmer cuisine.
Kampot Pepper Crab (Kdam Cha)
Kampot Pepper Crab is actually from a province called Kampot, but it has also emerged as one of the greatest things to taste in Sihanoukville. Blue crab is stir-fried in aromatic Kampot peppercorns and garlic and has a silky smooth, sweet, and juicy flavor that is perfectly balanced and marries well with the peppery and slightly hot flavors of Kampot peppercorns. Kampot peppercorns provide an aromatic kick to the dish but are certainly not hot.
Rather, this dish feels quite refreshing to European or American visitors.
Even consuming it by hand is part of the joy of this experience. Many restaurants by the beaches make it using live crabs for increased freshness. With beer or coconut water, this is an experience that should not be missed. For any lover of seafood, this is reason enough to travel to the location.
Ang Dtray Meuk (Grilled Squid)
Ang Dtray Meuk, or grilled squid, is a very popular street snack in Sihanoukville for people walking along the beaches. Fresh squid, sometimes “squid with eggs,” is grilled on hot charcoal. It can be charred slightly, enough for it to have a smoky flavor. Even the scent alone is enough to make people walking on the street pause in surprise. These are usually brushed lightly with a marinade and accompany an aromatic mixture of lime juice and salt.
Eating this is easy, it costs very little money, and it is the absolute best snack for a traveler looking for a local experience. The act of watching the squid grilled in front of your eyes is a real attraction. It would be the ultimate beach walk snack. It is a bit of an adventure as a Western traveler, but definitely accessible. This is the ultimate street food experience.
Fish Amok (Steamed Fish Curry)
Fish Amok is believed to be the national dish of Cambodia, which is easily available in Sihanoukville too. Fish Amok consists of an ensemble of steamed fish prepared in a creamy coconut-based curry with lemongrass, turmeric, and kaffir lime leaves. The dish is not too spicy, with an incredible aromatic flavor, which works well with most Westerners’ tongues. Normally, it comes in a banana leaf, with an exotic smell as well as an enticing appearance, with flaky meat having properly absorbed the flavors of the dish.
Amok can be enjoyed together with steamed rice or rice noodles, and it can therefore serve as a satisfying yet not-so-heavy meal. Many restaurants have been known to have an Amok that is tailored in some way to cater to international visitors without affecting the flavor much. It is actually the perfect Cambodian dish to try if one wants something that is not spicy.
Nom Banh Chok (Khmer Noodles)
Nom Banh Chok is a popular noodle dish for breakfast, but is enjoyed throughout the day in Sihanoukville. This dish is made up of rice noodles and is accompanied by a green fish curry sauce that is flavored with turmeric, lemongrass, and herbs. The culinary delight is very fresh and earthy and does not have much depth in terms of spices or being very hot to handle. The dish is accompanied by ample amounts of fresh veggies like cucumber and banana flowers.
As far as European and American tourists are concerned, it feels very refreshing and light, especially in tropical conditions. Being very popular in local restaurants and markets, it provides an opportunity to experience how locals live and dine. It is cheap and very satisfying. Nom Banh Chok is ideal for travelers who prefer healthy and balanced meals. Not to mention, it also reveals what it is like to live in Cambodia.
Bai Sach Chrouk (Grilled Pork With Rice)
Bai Sach Chrouk is a Cambodian comfort dish that you may spot locals devouring for breakfast. Sliced pork is marinated in garlic and coconut milk and then barbecued over charcoal. This creates meat that is sweet and has an intoxicating flavor of smoke. Bai sach chrouk is served with rice that is steaming hot and vegetables that are pickled. At times, there may also be a light broth accompanying it. These are familiar and comforting foods for Western visitors and can certainly be enjoyed as part of an initial sightseeing itinerary because this dish is substantial but not heavy.
You will see it served at local eateries and food stalls all over Sihanoukville. The simplicity of the ingredients cements the fact that the meat comes from high-quality pork. Trying Bai Sach Chrouk will give you a glimpse of the typical eating habits of the people from Cambodia.
Lap Khmer (Khmer Beef Salad)
Lap Khmer is a spicy Cambodian beef salad with a kick. It’s not for the faint of heart, but primarily for those who prefer to be bold. The base of this salad is sliced beef that can be cooked or raw, depending on how adventurous you are. All flavours are combined to create a tantalising and aromatic taste combination. The salad has a nice combination of sour, salty, and herbal flavours to create a refreshing yet exciting experience for diners. Fresh herbs such as mint and basil enhance the flavour and freshness of the dish.
Visitors from Europe and the U.S., who have previously eaten an authentic Southeast Asian dessert salad, are likely to view Lap Khmer with a different perspective due to the unique culinary influences of Cambodia. If you were to sample Lap Khmer, you would instantly recognise the flavour-drenched, ‘local’ taste that this unique salad has to offer.
Fried Insects
But for the intrepid traveler with an insatiable appetite for interesting food, deep-fried insects have got to be amongst the most exotic food experiences awaiting the hungry traveler in this country. In markets like Phsar Leu, the traveler can sample deep-fried spiders, crickets, beetles, as well as grasshoppers, all prepared in garlic-salt batter, deep-fried until they have the crunchy consistency of chips. However, they have only a mild, slightly nutty flavor.
Many Westerners have tasted these snacks out of curiosity, and they end up enjoying the crunchy taste. Bug-eating is a part of the history and subsistence culture of Cambodia. This is mostly done as a snack, not a meal. Taking a portion for sharing with your buddies makes the whole process more fun and less daunting. For those who are always looking for something new, it is a great challenge. Trying fried insects is more about cultural exploration than taste.
Cha Houy Teuk (Traditional Cambodian Dessert)
Cha Houy Teuk is a very common dessert among Cambodians. It is very refreshing, especially when eaten in the hot tropical climate of Cambodia. This colorful dessert is a combination of red beans, taro, pumpkin, jackfruit, and even jelly, often eaten in coconut milk or a light syrup. In fact, many of these desserts come topped with crushed ice, perfect during warm days. Nothing is overpowering about this dessert, especially when considering Western standards. Every spoonful contains various textures as well as some chewy bits.
Cha Houy Teuk can easily be found at street food stalls and dessert eateries. It can be enjoyed by anyone because it is cheap, filling, and easy to eat, even for those who are new to the country. This dessert can serve as a good finale for those who had a lot of seafood. It embodies the simplicity of desserts found in Cambodia.
Samlor Machu Kroeung (Khmer Sour Soup)
Samlor Machu Kroeung is a delicious and popular soup in Cambodia. It is a combination of fish or seafood and a unique flavour paste that includes lemongrass, turmeric, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. The added combination of tamarind or local sour fruits gives it a refreshing taste. Its flavour is light, fresh, and mildly sour, as opposed to spicy and hot.
Therefore, it is an easier dish for visitors from Western countries to eat.
For this reason, in coastal regions such as Sihanoukville, it is often made with fresh seafood, bringing out the sweet flavours of the seafood in the broth. It is served with rice and is usually part of a shared meal, eaten together as family members would traditionally do.
Lok Lak (Cambodian Pepper Beef)
One of the easiest dishes to enjoy for visitors to Cambodia is a dish called Lok Lak. Pieces of beef are cut into small cubes and then stir-fried with garlic, onions, and a delicious mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Kampot pepper. Served with rice and added fresh vegetables, many have also enjoyed a fried egg on top.
But what really makes Lok Lak unique is the sauce served with it, which consists of fresh lime juice mixed with Kampot pepper. The flavour profile of this dish has a nice combination of rich, relaxing sweetness and the bright sourness of citrus, combined with a hint of spice from Kampot pepper, creating an extraordinary blend of flavours. It will make an excellent introduction for Westerners to Khmer cuisine.
Chha Kroeung Sach Moan (Stir-Fried Chicken with Khmer Spices)
The following dish highlights the role that Kroeung plays in Cambodian cuisine via the use of Kroeung in its preparation. The chicken is stir-fried with Kroeung, which consists of a blend of the following items: freshly mashed lemongrass, turmeric, garlic, and galangal root. The result produces a pleasant aroma and a rich, warm, earthy flavor profile. Kroeung creates a dry-style finished chicken dish that allows for even application of the spices on the meat, as opposed to having a finished dish covered in sauce.
Kroeung is considered to be somewhat spicy and warm, but not overwhelmingly so. The dish appeals to Western travelers due to its heartiness and being reminiscent of similar dishes, while providing a distinct taste of Khmer spices and cooking techniques.
Prahok Ktiss (Fermented Fish Dip with Coconut Milk)
Prahok Ktiss is an excitingly traditional Khmer dish that might appeal to the more adventurous tourist. Originally made from fermented fish, this dish has been combined with pork, spices, and coconut milk to create a dip that is slightly less pungent than the original.
The addition of sweet coconut milk creates a rich, creamy dip that is complex in flavour and aroma and is often served with raw vegetables, herbs, and rice. Some visitors find that they do not like the taste initially, but after trying it a couple of times, they find it very interesting and rewarding, giving them a good idea of Cambodian Cuisine.
Grilled Fish with Khmer Herbs
Fresh seafood, particularly fish, sourced from the Cambodian coast, has become increasingly popular in recent years. Grilled Fish With Khmer Herbs is one of the most common types of grilled fish served in Sihanoukville. This dish consists of fish that has been stuffed with lemongrass, lime leaves, and various types of herbs, then grilled on charcoal.
As a result, the fish is kept moist and tender while developing a nice smoky flavour. When prepared properly, this dish is clean, fresh, and natural, and does not require heavy seasoning. Many people from Western countries who enjoy healthy foods with light seasoning enjoy eating this dish, especially when accompanied by rice and a mild dipping sauce.
Num Kachay (Khmer Chive Cakes)
Num Kachay is a common street food in Cambodia made from rice flour and fresh chives. These cakes are cooked in a pan until the exterior has a crispy texture while the interior is soft and chewy. The dish comes with a small amount of soy sauce for dipping, which adds saltiness and sweetness to the dish.
Num Kachay is available in many places at a local market and is also easy to eat, so it should not be too daunting for first-time visitors to Cambodia. Eating Num Kachay is a fantastic way to learn about the tastes and flavours that are typically found in Cambodian food while experiencing the culture in a low-key environment.
Final Thoughts: Is The Food In Sihanoukville Worth Tasting?
The cuisine in Sihanoukville is definitely a treat to be tried, especially if one happens to be a traveler who enjoys immersing oneself in authentic culinary experiences. Seafood in Sihanoukville includes the famous Kampot pepper crab, which is a treat in itself. The Khmer cuisine in the city has a lot of traditional dish offerings as well. To gain insight into the top culinary spots in Sihanoukville in a journey through these authentic experiences, follow Seni World.
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