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.
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.
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.
Caught fresh, the squid on Koh Rong is often simply grilled to perfection and served with a spicy lime-based sauce.
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.
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.
A popular breakfast dish, this is a simple serving of grilled pork over rice, often accompanied by a side of pickled vegetables.
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.
These are crispy rice flour pancakes that can be stuffed with a variety of fillings, including bean sprouts, mushrooms, and onions.
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.
With an abundance of tropical fruits available, smoothies are a must-try, offering a refreshing respite from the island's heat.
Address: Sok San Beach, Koh Rong Island
Famous For: Fresh seafood dishes (Non-Veg) and the beachfront view
Address: Daung Beach, Koh Rong Island
Famous For: Western and Khmer cuisine (Veg Option Available) and coconut smoothies
Address: Royal Sands Resort, Koh Rong Island
Famous For: Gourmet dining with an array of international dishes (Veg Option Available)
Address: Koh Touch Village, Koh Rong Island
Famous For: Italian cuisine, specifically pasta and pizza (Veg Option Available)
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.
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