What to eat in Siem Reap: 5 Cambodian dishes to try on your travels
Explore the local Khmer cuisine in the town that serves as the gateway to Angkor Wat
Despite not being the capital, Siem Reap is arguably the most famous city in Cambodia because of Angkor Wat. While you may be anxious to explore the ancient ruins, why not sample the local Khmer cuisine as well? Most people’s impression of Cambodian food doesn’t extend beyond amok – steam-cooked curry in banana leaves – so here are five more to add to your list:
1. Pumpkin duck egg custard
An unexpectedly decadent dessert, the pumpkin duck egg custard is an intriguing piece. The pumpkin is first hollowed out to get rid of the seeds before a custard mix made with duck egg is poured inside. The whole thing is then cooked over a wood fire until the custard is done, then the dessert is served in slices as though it’s a cake. A perfect balance of custard and pumpkin, it’s satisfying without being overly sweet.
2. Khmer herb cocktails
While Siem Reap doesn’t have its own signature cocktail, like some cities, there are certainly ones with a local twist. Cocktails such as Tamarind Sauce uses local ingredients like rice paddy herbs, tamarind and kaffir leaf as part of their ingredients, providing visitors with a unique beverage to accompany their evening.
3. Korko soup