Hi!
Background info: I am a retired chef who has lived in Siem Reap for three years now. To be honest, my first reaction to Cambodian cuisine was "nothing to write home about" especially when compared to the world class cuisines of it's neighbors Thailand and Vietnam. However, I have been living with my Khmer partner (a great cook!) on his family compound for 16 months and my opinion has made a 180 degree turn. REAL Cambodian food is delicious!
Probably my favorite dish is something Khmers call Burnt Chicken. Basically, take a Khmer Chicken (NOT a farmed "fat" chicken) and rub it on the inside and outside with a few tablespoons of EITHER Oyster Sauce OR a mixture of Soy and Fish Sauce. Let it sit 20 minutes. Stuff the bird with some chopped Garlic, sliced Ginger, a few Kefir Lime leaves and a stalk of Lemongrass, pounded and tied in a knot. Heat some oil in a large pot (with a lid) and brown the Chicken on both sides, then turn the heat to med-low, cover the pot and cook 50 minutes, turning once or twice. When the bird is cooked, remove from pot and hold. In a separate pan, heat 1 teaspoon oil on medium heat. Add 5 cloves Garlic, 1 1/2 Tablespoons Black Peppercorns and 2 dry, chopped Hot Chili peppers (or more) and roast until the aroma is good [DO NOT BURN]. Grind in a mortar and pestle. Slowly add the juice of 2 Asian Limes (the small ones), 1 1/2 teaspoons Sugar and 1/2 teaspoon Fish Sauce. Add a small amount of the Chicken juice from the pot. If thick add some hot water to make it pretty loose......Check flavors.......it might need some salt. Now, stir-fry the Water Grass and Spring Onions in the original cooking pot for 5 minutes. Cut up the Chicken and serve with the vegetables and sauce on the side with rice (OF COURSE!).......Chin-niang!!!
Another of my favorites is Bitter Melon Soup Stuffed with Pork........wonderful! Strangely, I have not had either of the two "national" dishes, Lok Lak or Amok served to me in a restaurant that was memorable. I will say that if anyone is in Phnom Penh wishing to experience Khmer food at it's best, you can't go wrong at Mallis Restaurant, in my opinion (I have NO interest in that business). There are several other dishes, I could go on about but you get the point. There is lots of wonderful Cambodian cuisine out there if you're willing to find it. Bon Appetit!!!