Are you ready for some splashing!? One of the most Iconic Khmer Festivals is just around the corner! The Khmer Water Festival, also known as Bon Om Touk, is a three-day event that attracts millions of people to the capital city of Phnom Penh as much as going to other provinces, where they enjoy boat races, fireworks, concerts, and traditional ceremonies The festival also showcases the rich and diverse cuisine of Cambodia, which has been influenced by various cultures and historical periods. 

1. Ambok

Let’s start with our special season treat that is only available during the water festival “Ambok”, this particular dish is made by frying rice grains in their husks until they pop, then pounding them in a mortar until they become light and crispy. Then got tossed to be eaten with seasonal fruits such as shredded coconut and banana. Ambok has a special meaning for the festival, as it is linked to a legend of a divine serpent king who protected Cambodia from a foreign army by causing a massive flood. The rice symbolizes the grains that were rescued from the water, and the pounding of the rice echoes the thunder that accompanied the flood.

2. Amok

One of the most iconic dishes of the festival as well as the national dish in Khmer Cuisine is “Amok”, an aromatic coconut fish curry that is steamed in banana leaves and especially served with rice. The unique flavor and texture that comes from kroeung, a spice paste made with lemongrass, kaffir lime, galangal, and other refined ingredients made Amok the most common and traditional choice for those who are looking forward to Khmer cuisine.

3. Kuy Teav

Another popular dish in Khmer Society is “Kuy Teav”, This dish is normally eaten for breakfast. Kuy Teav is a rice noodle that is served with flavorful pork or beef broth, flavored with fried shallots, green onions, garlic, and bean sprouts. The soup is topped with pork or beef meatballs, sliced meat, and sometimes seafood.  Kuy Teav is known to be one of the most comfortable and satisfying dishes to crave in the morning

4. Prahok Ktiss

A delicious dip that you should not miss during the festival or any time that you visit Cambodia is “Prahok Ktiss” which is made from fermented fish paste, minced pork, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. The savory and catchy flavor of Prahok Ktiss is best paired with fresh vegetables and crunchy rice cakes “Bay Kdang”. This dish is the type that will leave you with a remarkable and memorable taste sensation.

5. Num Bank Chok

A feast of traditional dishes isn’t yet over, since each one represents prosperity, unity, and good fortune. One of those dishes is “Num Banh Chok,” a beloved breakfast and lunch. It is rice noodles smothered with a fish-based curry soup along with a great amount of crunchy fresh herbs and vegetables. This dish has the essence of Cambodian cuisine, with its balanced mix of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. That captures your heart.

The Khmer Water Festival is more than just a celebration of the culture and history of Cambodia. It is also an adventure that showcases the delicious and diverse dishes of this wonderful country. From rice flake to coconut fish curry, you will find something to suit your taste buds and satisfy your appetite. If you want to join the fun of the celebration and feast of the food, you shall mark your calendar around late October or early November. These months of the year in the Buddhist Calendar won’t disappoint you, as it holds one of the greatest festivals The Khmer water festival is once of a lifetime experience that you would not want to miss and cannot forget.