Must-Try Foods In Koh Rong Island (Sihanoukville) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Koh Rong Island, Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Koh Rong Island, situated off the coast of Sihanoukville in Cambodia, is known for its stunning beaches and laid-back lifestyle. The local cuisine here is deeply rooted in Cambodian culinary traditions, with influences from Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and Thai cooking. Historically, the island's food scene has been quite rustic, revolving around fresh seafood caught from the surrounding waters, and tropical fruits grown on the island or mainland. Staples such as rice, herbs, and spices play a central role, often accompanied by a variety of sauces, most notably fish sauce.

Over the years, with an increase in tourism, Koh Rong's food scene has diversified. Restaurants and street food stalls have begun to fuse traditional Khmer flavors with international tastes, catering to a wide array of palates while still emphasizing fresh, local ingredients.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Koh Rong Island for Tourists

Fish Amok - Non-Veg

A classic Cambodian dish, Fish Amok is a coconut milk curry, subtly seasoned with lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric, typically steamed and served in banana leaves.

Red Tree Ants with Beef - Non-Veg

This might sound exotic, but it's a Cambodian delicacy where red tree ants are cooked together with tender slices of beef, lemongrass, and chilli.

Grilled Squid - Non-Veg

Caught fresh, the squid on Koh Rong is often simply grilled to perfection and served with a spicy lime-based sauce.

Khmer Red Curry - Veg Option Available

Less spicy than its Thai counterpart, this coconut milk-based curry often features veggies and is sometimes served with bread - a remnant from the French.

Fresh Spring Rolls - Veg Option Available

Refreshing and light, the stuffing for these spring rolls can range from shrimp to pure vegetarian with ingredients like basil, mint, coriander, and rice noodles.

Bai Sach Chrouk - Non-Veg

A popular breakfast dish, this is a simple serving of grilled pork over rice, often accompanied by a side of pickled vegetables.

Nom Banh Chok - Veg Option Available

Also known as Khmer noodles, it is a traditional dish served with a fish-based green curry gravy made from lemongrass, turmeric root and kaffir lime.

Banh Xeo - Veg Option Available

These are crispy rice flour pancakes that can be stuffed with a variety of fillings, including bean sprouts, mushrooms, and onions.

Lok Lak - Non-Veg

This is a popular Khmer dish that features stir-fried beef or chicken in a savory sauce, often served with a fried egg on top and rice on the side.

Tropical Fruit Smoothies - Veg

With an abundance of tropical fruits available, smoothies are a must-try, offering a refreshing respite from the island's heat.

Top Famous Restaurants in Koh Rong Island

Treehouse Bungalows

Address: Sok San Beach, Koh Rong Island

Famous For: Fresh seafood dishes (Non-Veg) and the beachfront view

Coconut Blvd

Address: Daung Beach, Koh Rong Island

Famous For: Western and Khmer cuisine (Veg Option Available) and coconut smoothies

Royal Sands Restaurant

Address: Royal Sands Resort, Koh Rong Island

Famous For: Gourmet dining with an array of international dishes (Veg Option Available)

Roma Restaurant

Address: Koh Touch Village, Koh Rong Island

Famous For: Italian cuisine, specifically pasta and pizza (Veg Option Available)

Khmer Kitchen Restaurant

Address: Saracen Bay, Koh Rong Samloem Island

Famous For: Authentic Khmer dishes (Veg Option Available) like Amok and green curry

When dining on Koh Rong, do note that some restaurants will have items that cater to vegetarian diets, but vegans might need to inquire about the use of fish sauce and eggs in dishes that may appear vegan-friendly.