3 Authentic Cambodian Dishes You Must Try
Posted on: 6 April 2016
Whether you're at home in Canada or in Cambodia itself, run to the nearest restaurant you can to try out one of these authentic Cambodian dishes. Sandwiched between Vietnam and Thailand, many Canadians tend to overlook Cambodian cuisine, but with this article at your fingertips, you can no longer use that as an excuse!
Fried Fish On The Lake Of Fire
Unlike Thai cuisine, coconut milk isn't an ingredient that is used every day. Rather, it is used for dishes that are a bit of a special occasion. Fried Fish on the Lake Of Fire is one of these dishes, and it truly is a special occasion. It is the entirety of a fish – bones and all – that is deep fried, placed onto a hotplate and then doused in coconut curry. It is usually served on a bed of vegetables, like cabbage and cauliflower, as well as a healthy serving of rice or noodles.
Bai Sach Chrouk
This dish is a street vendor specialty in Cambodia. It is deceptively simple and incredibly delicious. It consists of pork that has been slowly cooked over warm coals and then thinly sliced. It is usually dry rubbed with a variety of spices that give it a sweet flavor. It is often times marinated in garlic, although occasionally coconut milk is used in its stead. The pork is then served on a bed of rice, with a variety of sweet flavored vegetables, like pickled daikon, pickled cucumbers, and a bit of ginger. Bai sach chrouk is often served with a bowl of chicken broth that is heavily seasoned with scallions and topped with fried onions.
Cha Houy Teuk
This Cambodian dessert is also a favorite of street vendors, and children can be seen rushing the streets after school to get a taste of this dish. Cha houy teuk is a sweetly flavored jelly-like dessert that is made from a gelatin that is derived largely from seaweed. This dish also draws many an eye to it due to the fact that it is brightly colored. Cha houy teuk is often times bright pink or neon green. It can be combined with a variety of different sweet flavored seasonings, like coconut cream or even mung beans. It is normally served with a topping of shaved ice.
Hopefully, this brief guide has given you some idea of what to expect from Cambodian cuisine. It is often times a bit sweet, and a bit less spicy than other foodstuffs that you will find in the Golden Triangle, but no less delicious. Visit Cambodian restaurants in your area for more information.
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