Top 3 Cambodian Appetizers

Chruok svay is a variation on the Asian green papaya salad that swaps papaya for green mango. The salad is typically prepared with crunchy strips of raw green mango which are coated with a sweet and sour dressing of makrut lime juice, palm sugar, and fish sauce. Other typical ingredients include seafood and fish, most commonly dried shrimps, roasted cashews or peanuts, shallots, green onions, carrots, cabbage, and herbs such as mint, basil, or Thai basil. Unlike other Asian versions of the salad, Cambodian green mango salad is not defined by a predominant spicy flavor, but it gets only a kick of heat from bird’s eye chilis. Sweet, sour, and with a hint of spiciness, this classic salad is typically consumed as an appetizer, a light meal, or a snack, and it can also be used as an accompaniment to various grilled meat or fish dishes. Cambodian green mango salad is usually eaten with white rice on the side.Expand

Pleah sach ko is a Cambodian-style beef ceviche. The dish is typically made with thin, bite-sized pieces of raw beef that are first marinated in lime juice, and then covered with a clear broth of lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar. A variety of chopped up vegetables and fresh herbs are usually added to the dish, while minced prohok, fish sauce, or even slices of beef tripe are optional. Typical ingredients include green eggplants, shallots, garlic, radishes, bell peppers, jalapeño peppers, green onions, and freshly chopped herbs such as saw leaf, lemongrass, basil, mint, and cilantro. Sour and spicy, the ceviche is usually topped with roasted ground rice and crushed peanuts, and it can be served either warm or chilled. In Cambodia, pleah sach ko is commonly prepared for weddings and similar festive occasions.Expand

Nataing is a Cambodian appetizer made with ground pork, coconut milk, garlic, shallots, and ground roasted peanuts. Chili powder gives the dish a distinctive red color and a mild spiciness, while the hint of sweetness is imparted by sugar. Sweet, savory, and spicy, nataing is often flavored with fish sauce, lime juice, or tamarind juice, and it is usually consumed as an appetizer or a dip. Crispy rice cakes, rice crusts, steamed white rice, and bread are just some of the typical accompaniments to this Khmer specialty.Expand