Grilled Fish Amok in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Grilled Fish Amok - a modern take on Cambodia's National Dish

by Banteay Srey Restaurant, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Fish amok is the national dish of Cambodia. Fish amok is a type of steamed curry with a thick, custard-like consistency. The dish originated from Khmer royal cuisine, and its origins date back to the Angkor Period of the ancient Khmer Empire.

Banteay Srey Restaurant in Phnom Penh, Cambodia serves the traditional steamed amok, but they also have a very special dish on their menu. Putting a modern twist on an ancient classic, they also sell a one-of-a-kind grilled amok!

fish amok grilled in a banana leaf at Banteay Srey Restaurant, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

I stepped inside the restaurant for an early lunch and was warmly greeted by the owner and his cat. I was going to order the traditional fish amok, but he recommended that I try their very special grilled amok.

Amok is made with river fish marinaded in a yellow kroeung (Cambodian curry paste made with lots of herbs) and mixed with coconut milk. The curry is then wrapped in banana leaves to cook. At Banteay Srey, the curry packets are grilled over charcoal, which makes the curry thicker and richer than traditional steamed amok.

The fish, caught fresh in the nearby Mekong River, is cut thin so as to cook quickly and absorb as much flavor from the kroeung as possible.

Fish amok is not spicy, but it can be served with sliced chilies to add more spice if you like.

grilled fish amok in a banana leaf, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

I also enjoyed a glass of refreshing iced lime soda, which went really well with the herb-rich amok curry.

Cambodian lime soda

Price and Visiting Information

Meals are reasonably prices. A serving of grilled fish amok, steamed rice, and a lime soda cost 10 USD. Expect similar prices for most dishes. 

The restaurant serves a variety of traditional Cambodian dishes made with high quality ingredients in a modern and comfortable restaurant. There is also a great drink menu.

The owner and staff are very friendly and can speak excellent English. Be sure to say "hello" to the friendly restaurant cat!

Location

Banteay Srey Restaurant is located at Preah Ang Eng St. (13), Phnom Penh. It's in a convenient location very close to the National Museum and the Royal Palace.

Banteay Srey Restaurant, Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Royal Palace neighborhood)

See the map for the exact location.