Fish amok – a distinguish traditional Cambodian dish

Amok fish, or amok trei (អាម៉ុកត្រី in Khmer), is a dish that holds a special place in Cambodian cuisine, often hailed as the country’s national dish and often enjoyed on special occasions. 

Fish amok epitomizes the perfect balance of flavors with a Khmer twist. The unique and alluring taste of this delectable dish is derived from the process of steaming a coconut milk-based curry in banana leaves. Fish amok is usually paired with steamed rice and garnished with additional herbs, such as basil or cilantro.

A brief history of the fish dish Amok

Amok is widely distributed in Cambodia, and is also one of the ancient Khmer royal dishes. It appeared during the Khmer Empire in the 9th to 15th centuries under King Jayavarman II.

The traditional dish, Fish amok is widely distributed in Cambodia.

During the Khmer Rouge regime, war broke out in 1970 and killed 1.7 million people across Cambodia. After the fall of the Khmer Rouge, many cultural traditions were lost. The country wants to recover them, and food plays an important role. Then the Amok was brought back to the table again. However, Cambodians do not eat Amok often; they usually only enjoy it as a celebratory dish on special occasions.

Tourist trying out Fish Amok – Source: Kravanh, Tripadvisor

Fish Amok Ingredients

The fish used in Amok trey is always fileted freshwater fish. Usually, catfish, snakehead fish, or goby fish are used, but this can be substituted for other types of fish such as snapper, perch, and salmon, to name a few.

Preparing the ingredients for “Amok” – Source: Real Food Traveler.

The fish fillets are marinated in green or yellow kroeung, a type of Cambodian spice paste. A coconut milk sauce with eggs, palm sugar, and fish sauce is drizzled on top before steaming.

Where to Find the Best Fish Amok in Cambodia

Fish Amok is very popular in Cambodia, so you can find it on the menu of almost any restaurant or even at a street food vendor. Some of the best places to try this famous dish include:

• The Sugar Palm in Siem Reap: This restaurant is known for its traditional Cambodian cuisine, and their Fish Amok is a standout dish.

The Sugar Palm Restaurant with its sumptuous Fish Amok and other distinguish Cambodian dishes. Photo: Tripadvisor.

• Romdeng in Phnom Penh: This serves contemporary and country-style Khmer dishes from around US$3 upwards.

Contemporary and country-style Khmer dishes of Romdeng Restaurant in Phnom Penh.

• Angkor Wat Food and Market in Siem Reap: This street food stall is located near the entrance to the Angkor Wat temple complex and serves absolutely perfect food. 

Local food market stand serves absolutely perfect food for you to relish Cambodian dishes.