Food In Phnom Srey And Phnom Pros

Food History of Phnom Srey and Phnom Pros, Kampong Cham, Cambodia

The twin hills of Phnom Srey (Woman Hill) and Phnom Pros (Man Hill) in Kampong Cham possess not only historical and cultural significance but also a rich culinary heritage. This region, located by the Mekong River, benefits from fertile lands, providing an abundance of fresh produce and ingredients that contribute to its unique food traditions. Kampong Cham cuisine has been shaped by both the local ethnic groups and external influences such as French colonialism, which brought with it new ingredients and cooking methods. Traditional Cambodian cuisine here is characterized by the use of herbs, leaves, pickled vegetables, and a variety of freshwater fish and meats, excluding beef, to create flavorful and often healthy dishes.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Phnom Srey and Phnom Pros

1. Amok Trey - A classic Khmer dish, Amok is a savory custard made with fish steamed in banana leaves with a rich coconut milk curry. It is generally non-veg but can be made vegetarian using tofu instead of fish.
2. Bai Sach Chrouk - This popular breakfast dish consists of grilled pork (non-veg) served over rice with pickled vegetables.
3. Khmer Red Curry - Unlike Thai curries, Khmer curry is less spicy and contains coconut milk, making it creamy. It's typically non-vegetarian with chicken but can be veg with vegetables and tofu.
4. Lort Cha - A stir-fry dish made with short rice noodles and typically includes bean sprouts and chives. This dish can be both non-veg or veg, depending on whether you add chicken or seafood, or keep it vegetarian.
5. Nom Banh Chok - Khmer Noodles - A traditional breakfast dish consisting of rice noodles topped with a fish-based green curry gravy, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this is usually non-veg but can be adapted for vegetarians with a vegetable-based gravy.
6. Bok L'hong - A spicy salad made primarily from pounded papaya, tomatoes, green beans, and peanuts, known to be veg.
7. Chive Cakes - Made from rice flour and chives, these pan-fried cakes have a crispy exterior, served with sweet and spicy sauce, a perfect veg appetizer.
8. Kuy Teav - A noodle soup usually served for breakfast, which consists of rice noodles, pork broth, and toppings such as minced pork, quail eggs or seafood, which makes it non-vegetarian.
9. Mee Kola - A vegetarian dish, which is a type of noodle salad prepared with thin rice noodles, vegetables, and soy sauce, topped with crushed peanuts.
10. Sankhya Lapov - A dessert made from pumpkin and coconut cream often served during special occasions, this dish is veg.

Top Famous Restaurants in Phnom Srey and Phnom Pros, Kampong Dialogue

• Smile Restaurant

  Location: Kampong Cham City Center

  Famous Food: Amok Trey (non-veg)

• Destiny Coffee House

  Location: Near Phnom Pros

  Famous Food: Vegetarian Sandwiches (veg)

• Mekong Crossing

  Location: Riverside Road, Kampong Cham

  Famous Food: Grilled Fish with Mango Salad (non-veg)

• Lazy Mekong Daze

  Location: Riverside, Kampong Cham

  Famous Food: Veggie Curry (veg)

• Hao An Restaurant

  Location: Kampong Cham

  Famous Food: Lort Cha (can be both veg and non-veg)