Top 5 Most Popular and Delicious Cambodian Noodles You Should Try
Most travellers visiting Cambodia visit it for its culture, landscape and collection of incredibly historic temples. While the country is not generally famous as a food destination, Cambodian cuisine does have some truly delectable dishes that are sure to awaken the foodie in you. Like other South-East Asian countries, Cambodia too has several palatable noodle preparations, as noodles are the staple food in this region. Over the course of this blog, we will take a look at five of the best Cambodian noodles.1. Nom Banh Chok
The most favourite Cambodian noodles preparation has to be Nom Banh Chok. Outsiders who have difficulties in speaking the local Khmer language fondly refer to this preparation simply as ‘Khmer noodles’. This firm favourite amongst the Cambodian locals is not just a feast for your taste buds, it’s also extremely affordable, as it is most commonly eaten as a breakfast dish. The best thing about Nom Banh Chok is that you will find it at the poshest eateries in the country, as well as the simplest street food stalls.So, what makes Nom Banh Chok so special? The locally-made rice noodles are definitely one of the first things that will strike out when you have this preparation. What really makes this noodle dish special, however, is the green fish gravy. This gravy features not just fish, but also a vast array of green veggies; from bean sprouts to banana flowers to cucumber to lemongrass. If you want to have Cambodian noodles for breakfast, look no further than this Cambodian speciality.
Where to Eat:
Street food vendors across Phnom Penh, especially on Street 13 as well as at the top-rated restaurants in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville
2. Kuy Teav
If you want something soupier and heavier than Nom Banh Chok for your breakfast, then Kuy Teav is what you should have in the mornings. Another Cambodian noodles breakfast preparation, Kuy Teav features a delicious combination of rice noodles, pork stock and a handful of sauces, which are topped off with meat pieces and an array of spices to give the dish its aromatic awesomeness. Bean sprouts, lettuce leaves and a host of other herbs are often used to garnish the dish.You will find this mouth-watering Cambodian noodles preparation almost everywhere in Cambodia; from the simplest of street shops to the most recognized restaurants in the country. At most places, you would find that the herbs and spices are given separately. This is because Cambodians by nature don’t like dishes that are very spicy. However, those who like their food with a fair dose of spice can try out spicing up the dish according to their tastes.
Where to Eat:
Anywhere in Cambodia. If you want the most embellished version, go to any Phnom Penh restaurant or street vendor on Street 13, as people in other cities tend to keep the dish very simple.
3. Lamian
Lamian is a type of noodle that has its origins in China. However, this type of noodle is also quite popular in Cambodia, as it offers something different than the typical rice noodles used in most preparations of Cambodian noodles. Lamian noodles are hand-made, with the makers generally taking large lumps of dough and stretching it over and over again to get numerous thin strands of noodles.Lamian noodles are typically used in a host of noodle preparations. Two of the most common preparations using such noodles are tangmian, which is a soupy noodle preparation that features the use of beef stock, and chaomian, stir-fried Lamian noodles served with sauces.
Where to Eat:
Top Chinese restaurants in Phnom Penh such as Fu Lu Zu and Mao’s Kitchen.
4. Misua
Another form of noodle that originated in China, Misua is now quite popular in Cambodia is well. Cambodian noodles featuring the use of Misua are very popular during celebrations and festivities. They hold cultural significance as well, with people in the region believing that eating Misua is a way to achieve good health and long life.Misua preparations typically feature beef, eggs, fish, nuts, pork intestines and shiitake mushrooms. If you want your noodle preparations to be served quickly, then you should choose preparations that feature Misua noodles.
Where to Eat:
Like Lamian noodles, Misua noodles too are best eaten at a Chinese place, so take a second trip to Fu Lu Zu or Mao’s Kitchen for another delicious Chinese noodle experience
5. Kari Sach Moan
Okay, so this one is not primarily a noodle dish, but it’s perfect for those who want Cambodian noodles as an accompaniment rather than as the focal point of their food. This dish is for people who love chicken. It’s a red curry but surprisingly, it is not very spicy. It is rich but at the same time quite mellow as well.Apart from chicken, the curry features the use of coconut milk, sweet potatoes, white radish and kroeung. Kroeung is a paste derived from an amalgamation of a wide variety of herbs. At many Cambodian restaurants, the curry is presented with a small amount of locally made rice noodles. This dish is mostly served at weddings and other special occasions.
Where to Eat:
Head to Eleven One Kitchen or Phka Sla in Phnom Penh to try out this Cambodian favourite.
Don’t limit your Cambodia experience to just its culture, landscape and ancient temples. Experience the country’s food as well. You can be sure that it will not disappoint you!