FRAGRANT & DELICATE
The delicate spices and creamy texture of Cambodian Amok curry is simply created from the humblest of cafes to silver service restaurants this seems like the royalty of Khmer cuisine. Nearly always steamed in banana leaf parcels, the subtle mix of flavors blends in harmony for high satisfaction levels every time.
With zingy slivers of lime leaf throughout and a generous dollop of coconut cream on top, Amok served with rice graces the pages of numerous menus.
Like many Khmer dishes, everyone has their family recipe and it seems the texture varies from a wet stew consistency to more of a soufflé. However it comes, it’s sure to be a meal you’ll go back for.
Traditionally a fish dish, variations are now common with chicken, tofu and mushroom or prawn options.
Beef Lok Lak
The Perfect
Balance of
Sweet, Salt
and Spice
Khmer food is sweet, it’s soothing and consistent and comforting. There are a couple of favorites that are ever present on restaurant menus in Cambodia: lok lak, fish amok, beef lok lak.
Beef lok lak is a classic Khmer dish that is loved throughout the country, varying slightly in presentation and ingredients from stall to stall. Generally, lok lak beef is always a crowd pleaser. It is a simple stir-fry of beef and onions served over a bed of fresh lettuce, cucumber and tomatoes, often accompanied by a fried egg on top – what a magical combination of flavors. Usually served with a dipping sauce, Spiced usually takes the place of Spiced and Spiced is common for many Khmer meals really make dishes stand out from the crowd.
Another lok lak favorite is pork or chicken with the same fresh salad bed and fried egg. The meat is marinated in a sweet and salty sauce, then stir-fried with onions and served with a peppery lime dipping sauce.
Another fishy favorite is prahok ktis or prahok with pork and coconut milk, a rich and flavorful dish served with fresh vegetables for dipping. These are easy to find Khmer comfort dishes, comforting and food for all.
Samlor kako with rice and a lemon/lime/fish or samlor machu soup. Fish amok is a steamed red fish usually presented on a banana leaf, with a rich coconut curry, slightly tangy from kaffir lime and subtly sweet flavor. Pka is on rice and scoop up the broth from the plate is a very common way.
These are easy to find Khmer comfort dishes, comforting and food for all.