Beef Lok Lak, or "Shaking Beef" - the national dish of Cambodia, by David's Noodles, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Beef Lok Lak (ឡុកឡាក់), the national dish of Cambodia

by David's Noodles, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Lok lak, or "shaking beef", is a beloved Cambodian stir-fry made from marinated beef slices seared over high heat and served with rice, a fried egg, and a dipping sauce called "teuk prahok", which is made from salt, Kampot pepper, and the juice of a freshly squeezed lime.

I was in Phnom Penh recently and decided to visit one of my favorite local restaurants to order this iconic national dish.

ឡុកឡាក់ beef lok lak, Cambodia's national dish

Lok lak, along with fish amok, is a national dish of Cambodia. In a good dish of lok lak, the beef should be super tender and richly flavorful. The marinade is typically made from fish sauce, garlic, black pepper, palm sugar, soy sauce, and oil, and imparts the meat with a rich, sweet, savory flavor.

Served with rice and a fried egg, the dish is very filling, and one of the top things not to miss out on when traveling to Cambodia. I've had some lok lak before where the beef was too chewy and tough, but the food served at David's never disappoints, and the lok lak was no exception.

Also try:

• David's Noodles - The Best Handmade Noodles in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Handmade Pan-Fried Pork Dumplings by David's Noodles, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Khmer Yellow Curry with Duck by David's Noodles in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Cambodian beef lok lak at David's Noodles, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Location

David's Restaurant is located at 13, #166 Preah Ang Eng St. (13), Phnom Penh just a short walk from the Cambodian National Museum.

While you are there, try David's famous hand-pulled noodles! His chicken noodle soup is a Phnom Penh legend, and his yellow duck curry is worth a visit as well.

David's Restaurant is open daily from 10am to 10pm.

David's Restaurant Homemade Noodles, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

What to eat in Phnom Penh, Cambodia:

Although it's not as well-known abroad as Thai or Vietnamese food, I have really come to love Cambodian cuisine, and Phnom Penh has become one of my favorite hidden gem food cities in Southeast Asia! - Discovering the Food of Phnom Penh, Cambodia with Lost Plate Food Tours