Must-Try Foods In Kep National Park (Kampot) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

The Food History of Kep National Park, Kampot, Cambodia

The cuisine in and around Kep National Park is heavily influenced by the area's rich history and its proximity to the sea. Historically, Kep was a small seaside resort for the French colonial elite and later became a popular retreat for Cambodian royalty and upper class. This fusion of French and Khmer culinary traditions has led to a gastronomic legacy combining local flavors with European cooking techniques. Seafood plays a central role due to Kep's coastal location, with the famous Kampot pepper adding a unique zest to the dishes. Over the years, the region has also become synonymous with fresh crab, particularly the Kep Crab, which is known for its delicate taste.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Kep National Park, Kampot, Cambodia

1. Fresh Crab with Kampot Pepper (Non-Veg): Known locally as 'Kdam Chaa', this iconic dish features local crabs stir-fried with the famous Kampot pepper, garlic, and green onions.
2. Amok Fish (Non-Veg): A fragrant fish curry made with coconut milk and a special blend of Khmer spices, wrapped and steamed in banana leaf.
3. Khmer Curry (Non-Veg): Less spicy than its Thai counterpart, this coconut milk-based curry can be found with chicken or seafood.
4. Lok Lak (Non-Veg): A traditional Khmer dish consisting of stir-fried beef slices in a savory sauce, served with rice and often a fried egg on top.
5. Banh Chao (Non-Veg): A Cambodian crepe that’s stuffed with a mix of pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and herbs.
6. Fried Fish on the Fire Lake (Non-Veg): Whole fish grilled or fried and served with a fiery, flavorful sauce.
7. Grilled Squid (Non-Veg): Fresh squid grilled to perfection, often served with a spicy lime sauce.
8. Vegetable Stir Fry (Veg): A collection of locally-grown vegetables, quickly stir-fried with soy sauce and garlic.
9. Nom Banh Chok (Veg): A traditional Khmer noodle dish often served for breakfast, featuring rice noodles with a fish-based green curry sauce, but can also be made vegetarian without fish.
10. Fresh Spring Rolls (Veg): Rice paper rolls filled with a mix of greens, herbs, and sometimes noodles, served with a hoisin-based dipping sauce.

Top Famous Restaurants in Kep National Park, Kampot, Cambodia

Kimly Restaurant
Address: Kep Beach Road, Kep, Cambodia
Famous for: Fresh Crab with Kampot Pepper (Non-Veg)

Holy Crab
Address: Kep Market, Kep, Cambodia
Famous for: Grilled Seafood Platters (Non-Veg)

So Kheang Restaurant
Address: Kep Road, Kep, Cambodia
Famous for: Amok Fish (Non-Veg)

Veranda Natural Resort
Address: Kep Hillside Road, Kep, Cambodia
Famous for: Fine Dining with a variety of Vegetarian options (Veg and Non-Veg)

The Strand
Address: Waterfront road, Kep, Cambodia
Famous for: Kep-style Local Dishes (Veg and Non-Veg)