Kampot South Coast, Cambodia Travel Guide
Rice is a staple. Fresh fish, pork, chicken, beef, prawns are common proteins. Kaffir lime, galangal, lemongrass, turmeric, garlic, shallots, palm sugar, tamarind, coconut milk, and Kampot Pepper are .
Khmer cuisine aims for balance: sweet, sour, salty, mild bitter. It relies on aromatic 'kroeung' (Khmer spice paste), rather than extreme chili heat, for complex flavors.
Both are commonly used. For most rice-based dishes, a spoon and fork are standard. Chopsticks are typical for noodle dishes.
Dishes are often ordered and shared among diners, placed in the center of the table. Take small portions onto your own plate.
No blowing nose at table. In some traditional eateries, you may remove your shoes. Eating with hands is common for street food or sticky rice.
Creamy, steamed fish curry with coconut milk and kroeung (fragrant paste). Often served in a banana leaf bowl.
Find in most traditional Khmer restaurants.
Stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, and cucumber, served over lettuce. Often with fried egg and Kampot pepper-lime dipping sauce.
Many restaurants, local and tourist-focused.
Rice noodles served with a rich, fragrant fish-based curry or coconut milk broth. Topped with fresh herbs and vegetables.
Find this at local markets and small eateries.
Angkor Beer, Cambodia Beer, Ganzberg Beer (locally brewed lagers). Palm Wine (traditional fermented sap from palm trees).
Fresh Coconut Water, Sugar Cane Juice, Iced Coffee (Café Teuk Doung), Fresh Fruit Shakes (Teuk Krolok).
Refined Cambodian and international cuisine available at boutique hotels.
Numerous options line the riverfront and dot the town center.
Affordable and authentic local food experiences.
You can find Italian (pizza, pasta), French (baguettes, pastries), Indian, Vegetarian/Vegan cafes, and various Western-style establishments.
Catering to diverse palates.
Kampot Night Market is a must-visit for evening food. Kampot Central Market (Phsar Leu) sells fresh produce and features cooked food stalls for breakfast or lunch.
Active in the mornings and daytime.
Increasingly available. Specify "ort sach" (no meat) and "ort teuk trei" (no fish sauce).
Halal food is limited. Kosher is generally not available. Self-cater or stick to fresh produce.
Awareness is low. Carry a Translation card. Rice is gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur.
Use Google Translate app or HappyCow to find suitable restaurants.
Special festive dishes are prepared, including various sticky rice cakes (Num Treap). This is a festive time to visit.
Many businesses may close.
The fresh durian season is a highlight in Kampot. During this time, you find durian stalls everywhere, offering the freshest fruit.
Try this unique local fruit!
Visiting a pepper farm is a must-do to learn about cultivation, harvesting, and processing. You can also visit salt fields.
Enhance your culinary journey with guided experiences.
Angkor Beer, Cambodia Beer, and Ganzberg Beer are locally brewed lagers. They are widely available and inexpensive.
A traditional fermented sap from palm trees, sometimes found in rural areas.
While less common, some local rice wines or infused spirits might be available.
Often deep-fried banana fritters, sweet and crispy.
A delightful street snack.
Sticky rice flour cakes flavored with palm sugar, offering an unique local sweetness.
A traditional dessert.
Kampot is known for its durian, a seasonal fruit with a strong smell but unique, creamy taste.
Typically available from May to July, when durian stalls are plentiful.
If you are adventurous, a taste of fresh Kampot durian is a memorable experience.
Embrace the local flavors! Don't shy away from trying the Kampot pepper-infused dishes and fresh seafood.
