Sandeep Dhanoa, just recently back from Cambodia, gives us the low-down on the local cuisine there.

Think Cambodia and the majestic landscape of Angkor Wat is instantaneously painted in our minds. Therefore, it’s not a surprise that Cambodia’s tourism industry is experiencing a massive boom in recent times, but there’s more than just the impressive temples in this gorgeous nation.

Cambodia also offers tantalising treats for every palate; here are 11 Cambodian delicacies that certainly merit a place in our bellies.

1. Fish amok

One of, if not the most popular dish throughout Cambodia, this delicacy acts as the perfect meal of lunch or dinner. The curry of the fish amok is made with Khmer curry paste, a delightful combination of spices such as garlic, turmeric, lemongrass, and shallots. Coconut milk is then added to bind these flavours together. Meanwhile, tender cuts of fish provides body to this Cambodian dish. Served together with a portion of rice, this fish amok certainly makes a hearty meal indeed.

2. Lok lak

Craving a salad but not wanting to part ways with juicy cuts of meat? Well lok lak has you covered. This innovative take on a hot salad promises to tantalise one’s taste buds with each bite. Fresh produce including onion, cucumbers, lettuce and tomatoes are the base of this salad. In addition, stir-fried chicken or beef provides diners with some highly nutritious protein in this delectable dish. The lok lak comes to life with its tangy black pepper and lemon dressing, making this an irresistible treat.

3. Khmer red curry

This coconut milk based curry is another popular addition to Cambodia’s culinary scene. Cooked with chicken and vegetables such as eggplants, this is one curry that is bound to awaken your taste buds. Although named red curry, the spice levels can be altered to suit the palates of hungry tourists and locals.

4. Rice and pork, ‘bai sach chrouk’

This staple breakfast meal is bound to keep you fuelled for the entire day. Grilled, thin sliced pork is accompanied by a hearty serving of rice, pickled cucumber and an abundance of ginger.

This dish is a staple breakfast meal in Cambodia, consisting of rice and boneless cuts of pork, bound to keep you fuelled for the entire day. The thin slices of pork are marinated, and then barbequed over charcoal until they reach tender perfection. The grill’s smoky aromas infuse with the meat and the marinade offers a caramelized finish. The pork is served over a hearty portion of rice, with a side of pickled cucumber and an abundance of ginger.

5. Stir fried morning glory

Morning glory, or better known as kangkong in Malaysia, is yet another popular addition to most Cambodian menus. Packed with essential vitamins and iron, this crunchy vegetable dish is the perfect supplement to a scrumptious spread for lunch or dinner. Stir-fried with a dash of garlic, this flavourful dish might just get the kids to finally enjoy their vegetables.

6. Cambodian pancake, ‘num ta leng sap’

In contrast to the scrumptious bai sach chrouk, these pancakes definitely do not pack as many calories as their American counterparts. The Cambodian pancakes also resemble the appam, a delightful Malaysian Indian delicacy, which is made with rice batter and coconut milk. These flavourful pancakes are rather light, and they also make a suitable evening meal, accompanied with a cup of tea.

7. Palm sugar, banana and coconut milk, ‘chek chheung skor’

Cambodia is home to an array of heavenly desserts, however, this one comes incredibly close to topping the list of the best desserts in the nation. Caramelised palm sugar is poured over a serving of sliced banana, and the concoction is covered liberally in coconut milk. This binds of all these divine flavours together to create a truly mouth-watering dessert.

8. Num krok

A typical street food dessert, these rice cakes are a prominent figure among locals and foreigners alike. The rice acts as the main ingredient of the batter, along with coconut milk. Once the cake batter has thickened, sweet coconut cream is added to complete this wonderful treat.

A typical street food dessert, these rice cakes are a popular among locals and foreigners alike. The rice acts as the main ingredient of the batter, along with coconut milk. Once the cake batter has thickened and sweet coconut cream has been added, the batter is fried in a cast iron pan. This wonderful treat is served when golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.

9. Fried noodles

Found in abundance all over Siem Reap’s vibrant night market and Pub Street, these fried noodles offer party-goers the perfect hangover meal, which is amazingly easy on the wallet too. The noodles are stir fried in a wok, along with a handful of crunchy bean sprouts. The dish is topped off with a fried egg, and the craving for maggi goreng is satisfied, even in the lively streets of Cambodia.

10. Fried creepy crawlies

Not for the faint-hearted, this Cambodian classic promises to entice its diners with the possibility of crossing an item off one’s bucket list. Spiders, scorpions, frogs, beetles and crickets, having been stir-fried and placed on skewers, are ready to be devoured.

If daredevil is not your middle name, then the crickets offer the safest and secured route to experiencing a crispy, crunchy delicacy. Due to their miniscule size, the crickets offer none of the expected ‘bug-like’ aftertaste. Hence, it is no surprise that the crickets are a popular choice, along with a cold pint.

11. Fruit shake

Scattered all along the busy streets of Siem Reap, these stalls serve up fruit shakes that would put many modern day juice bars to shame. With a vast selection of fruits such as mango, avocado, dragon fruit, and coconut, patrons are presented with the opportunity to create their own fruit shake, appeasing their thirsty palates, for the price of 1 USD.

With a culinary scene as decorated as this, Cambodia promises to provide its diners with an insight into the burgeoning food culture, which can be just as spectacular as Angkor Wat at sunrise.