A highlight of Cambodian cuisine is the exquisite Khmer seafood, which reflects the flavors of Khmer culture and the rich seas that surround the country. Are you ready to discover the best Khmer seafood in Cambodia? In this article, we will explore the world of Khmer seafood, and learn about its unique characteristics and most famous dishes in Cambodia.
Overview of Khmer seafood in Cambodia
Cambodia has many freshwater sources such as the Tonle Sap Lake and the Mekong River, as well as a rich coastline along the Gulf of Thailand, so seafood is an essential part of Khmer cuisine and is present in daily meals and festive occasions. What makes Khmer seafood unique is the combination of typical Khmer ingredients such as prahok (fermented fish cakes), Kampot pepper, and coconut milk, …. all processed and blended to create rich, delicious and balanced flavors. From simple grilled squid at street stalls to elaborate fish curries in fine restaurants, Khmer seafood is a must-try for any visitor who wants to experience the authentic flavors of the country.
Seafood is part of the daily meals of the people, especially in coastal areas and the Tonle Sap Lake, where floating villages depend on seafood as a source of food and a commodity. In addition, Khmer seafood also plays an important role in cultural events and festivals such as Chaul Chnam Thmey (Khmer New Year), and Pchum Ben (Ancestors’ Day). Families will gather and prepare special seafood dishes to offer to their ancestors or to enjoy festive meals together. The coastal area of Kep is also home to the Kep Crab Festival, a very popular event held annually to showcase the region’s seafood heritage, with live cooking demonstrations, seafood tastings and traditional performances.
Khmer seafood in Cambodia
Must-try Khmer seafood dishes in Cambodia
Chean Choun
Chean Choun, or ginger fish with salted soy, is a popular and beloved Khmer dish that perfectly demonstrates Cambodia’s ability to balance rich and savory flavors. Whole fresh fish, such as snapper or tilapia, are marinated in lemongrass, garlic and turmeric before being grilled over charcoal. The smoky aroma from the grill permeates the fish, creating a delicious, savory dish that is often served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce and served with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the rich sauce. A staple in Khmer homes and a highlight at many local restaurants, this dish is a must-try for seafood lovers looking to explore the heart of Cambodian cuisine.
Chean Choun, ginger fish with salted soy
Amok Trey – Cambodian steamed fish curry
Amok Trey is a classic Khmer dish, one of Cambodia’s most iconic dishes. It is a fragrant and creamy fish curry in which tender fish fillets, usually catfish or snakehead, are marinated in a mixture of kroeung, coconut milk and eggs and then steamed in banana leaves. The banana leaf wrapping gives the dish a subtle earthy aroma, and the end result is a rich, aromatic and slightly spicy dish that showcases the harmonious blend of Khmer flavors. Often served with steamed rice, Amok Trey is a must-try for anyone visiting Cambodia.
Amok Trey is one of the most iconic dishes in Cambodia
Chaa Kdam
Chaa Kdam is a famous seafood dish from the Kampot port of Cambodia, with the distinctive spicy flavor of Kampot pepper blending perfectly with the sweetness of the green crab caught in the waters of Kep. The crab is stir-fried with garlic sauce and Kampot pepper, which enhances the natural sweetness of the crab meat. Unlike other Asian crab dishes that focus on spicy or sweet flavors, the main emphasis here is on the aromatic and slightly numbing green pepper, creating a unique flavor.
Chaa Kdam, fried crab with Kampot pepper
Trey Cha Kdam – Fried fish with Kampot pepper
This is another dish that uses Cambodia’s famous Kampot peppercorns as its main ingredient, known for their mildly spicy and sour taste. Trey Cha Kdam features fresh fish, usually red snapper or tilapia, that is lightly fried until crispy and then stir-fried with a generous amount of green peppercorns, garlic, and soy sauce. The combination of crispy fish and savory Kampot peppercorn sauce makes this dish a flavourful experience. It is commonly found in the coastal regions of Kampot and Kep, where the peppercorns are grown.
Trey Cha Kdam is another dish made of Kampot pepper
Phlea Trei – Raw fish salad
Phlea Trei is a traditional Khmer raw fish salad with fresh fish prepared in a tartare-style salad. It is a popular dish in Cambodia, often served as an appetizer especially in hot weather because it is refreshing and light. The fish is thinly sliced and marinated in a sour mixture of lime juice, fish sauce, garlic, shallots and chilies creating a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty and spicy elements. The dish is served with fresh herbs such as mint, coriander and kaffir lime leaves along with crushed roasted peanuts for added aroma and flavor.
The traditional Khmer raw fish salad
Samlor Machu Trey – Cambodian sour soup
Also known as Cambodian sour fish soup, Samlor Machu Trey is a refreshing and sour soup that represents the distinctive flavors of Cambodian cuisine. It is often enjoyed as a nutritious and comforting meal and is a staple in Khmer households. The dish features fish as the main ingredient, along with a variety of aromatic vegetables and herbs. The sourness of the soup comes from ingredients such as tamarind, lime juice, or other sour fruits commonly used in Cambodian cuisine. The broth has a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors, making this dish refreshing yet light, especially on hot days.
Cambodian sour fish soup, Samlor Machu Trey
Bai Cha Kapi – Fried rice with shrimp
Bai Cha Kapi is a popular shrimp fried rice dish in Cambodia. It gets its distinctive flavor from the use of kapi, a fermented shrimp paste that adds a rich flavor to the rice. To balance the flavors, Bai Cha Kapi is often served with fresh vegetables, green mango, and a little sweet and sour sauce. You will find this fried rice dish everywhere from street stalls to mid-range eateries and home kitchens.
You can find this dish anywhere in Cambodia
Ang Dtray-Meuk – Grilled squid on a stick
This is grilled fresh squid on skewers, a popular street food in Sihanoukville, Koh Rong and Kep. Before being grilled over charcoal, the squid is usually marinated in lime juice, fish sauce and sugar, giving it a slightly sweet and smoky flavor. You will eat it with a spicy green chili dipping sauce, giving it a unique and more complex flavor. This dish is best enjoyed on the beach with a cold Angkor Beer or fresh coconut water.
Ang Dtray-Meuk is a favorite street food of many tourists
Where to enjoy the best Khmer seafood
Coastal provinces
To truly experience the delicacies of Khmer seafood, you must visit the coastal towns and fishing villages. The coastal cities of Sihanoukville and Kep are famous for their fresh seafood markets offering blue crabs, fish, squid and lobster, and there are plenty of restaurant options, from beachside seafood restaurants to fine dining restaurants to street stalls serving grilled river prawns, steamed fish and peppered seafood dishes.
Phnom Penh
As the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh boasts a wide range of seafood options. Riverfront restaurants along the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers serve up delicious dishes such as grilled prawns, steamed fish and stir-fried squid. For a more local experience, head to the central market of Phsar Thom Thmey to enjoy street food stalls selling grilled squid skewers, fresh oysters and the iconic dish of prahok.
Siem Reap
Besides the famous Angkor Wat ruins, Siem Reap also has a unique seafood culture thanks to its proximity to the Tonlé Sap Lake. Visit the floating villages of Kampong Phluk and Chong Khneas for freshwater seafood, with specialties such as snakehead fish, catfish and giant river prawns, often served in rich Khmer soups. For a more urban experience, Psar Chaa (Old Market) in downtown Siem Reap offers a wide selection of fresh and dried seafood, perfect for those looking to explore the freshwater flavors of Cambodia.
> > > Experience the best Khmer seafood in Cambodia while exploring the country’s stunning temples, vibrant markets, and breathtaking coastlines. Our Cambodia tours will take you to the top seafood spots, ensuring a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and delicious flavors!
Tips for travelers: how to enjoy Khmer seafood like a local
Khmer seafood in Cambodia offers everything from grilled squid to flavorful Kampot pepper crab dishes. But to truly enjoy the experience like a local, you need to know some insider tips, from ordering the freshest catch to mastering local dining etiquette. Here’s how you can make the most of your Khmer seafood adventure!
- Some seafood restaurants will let you pick your favorite seafood straight from the tank. You can choose how it’s prepared or ask the restaurant staff for recommendations. Prices vary by species, weight, and season.
- Some restaurants in popular tourist destinations charge extra for foreigners. Check the menu ahead of time and compare prices with nearby locations. If the restaurant doesn’t display prices, ask before ordering to avoid surprises on the bill.
- Respect local dining etiquette and customs such as waiting for elders to start eating first to show respect and not leaving leftovers, etc.
- Enjoy Khmer seafood dishes with drinks to cut the fat and add flavor to the dish. Some of the most popular drinks are Angkor beer, iced lemon tea and sugarcane juice.
Khmer seafood is a true highlight of Cambodian cuisine, from the spicy crabs of Kep to the salty fish curries of Phnom Penh. Whether you prefer a street-side seafood feast or a beachside dining experience, there is something for everyone. Are you ready to discover the best seafood places in Cambodia? Contact us today, we will guide you to the freshest flavors, the best local restaurants and unforgettable seafood experiences!
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