Cambodian (Khmer) cuisine is similar to Thai cuisine though with fewer spices, but no less flavoursome! It also tends to be healthier than other Southeast Asian cuisine. The staple food is rice, which is served with almost every meal and noodles are also popular. A typical meal usually consists of a soup, a main dish (often curry, stir fry or salad) and dessert. Prahok (fermented fish paste) is used to flavour many dishes and coriander, mint leaves and lemongrass are popular herbs. Another popular dish is Amok, a curry made with fish, spices and coconut milk.

Cambodia’s climate ensures that colourful and tasty fruits are available in abundance, including locally grown jackfruit, longan fruit, lychee, rambutan fruit and the notorious durian. Like all other Buddhist countries, vegetarian food is readily available in most restaurants.

The two most popular domestic Cambodian beers are Anchor and Angkor - which is produced by an Australian joint venture in Sihanoukville. Grape wine of an export standard, called Prasat Phnom Banoen Grape Wine, is the country’s first ever locally produced wine, though for assured quality you’re best to stick with the many good imports from Australia and New Zealand. International-brand soft drinks can be found everywhere, as can fresh fruit smoothies and coffee served with generous dollops of condensed milk over ice. Chinese tea is popular and in many Khmer and Chinese restaurants a pot of it will automatically appear as soon as you sit down.

Is it standard to tip in Cambodia?

Like neighbouring Vietnam, Cambodia sells a wonderful range of souvenirs including exquisite art, crafts, jewellery and textiles. Specialities include Buddhist artwork, statues and carvings, silverwork and traditional kramas (a unisex checked scarf made of silk or cotton). Jewellery is normally easy to come by and very fairly priced but beware of those touting fake gems or made from anything other than genuine silver.

Wood carvings are an excellent purchase and can be found in most Cambodian markets. These vary in size so be sure to bear your luggage weight limit in mind. If you really fall in love with a piece that won’t fit in your suitcase, there are services that will ship it home for you. Traditional Cambodian clothing made from silk is also a nice idea for a gift.

How to bargain in Cambodia

The markets of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh Central Market are the best places to barter for goods. In more remote areas the language barrier can restrict negotiations, so you would be better off taking a Khmer-speaking friend along with you (if you have one). As with anywhere in the world, remaining polite and courteous whilst haggling is a good way to encourage the vendor to lower the price. Don’t be aggressive and be prepared to walk away if they refuse to budge on a price that you find unreasonably high. Also bear in mind that if you are haggling over a matter of pennies, it is probably worth just paying the little extra to avoid the hassle – it goes without saying that they could do with the money more than you.

The majority of Cambodians are friendly, open and welcoming, meaning that the atmosphere is great for young children who have less experience with foreign cultures. Parents shouldn’t be surprised if Cambodians stop their children in the street or want to take photos of them. Aside from the people, the range of activities on offer throughout the country, from visiting the famous Angkor Wat temples to trekking through the jungle, means that there is always something to keep people of all ages busy.

As one of Asia’s poorest countries, and still bearing the scars of the brutal regime of previous decades, Cambodia presents a very heavy culture shock. Poverty is rampant throughout the country and can be distressing to see. However, exposing children to this kind of reality can be a good way of opening their eyes to how fortunate they are and, hopefully, increasing their future altruism. Parents travelling with children should also note that health services in Cambodia are far from western standards so falling ill whilst on holiday can be challenging.

We accept children of all ages on our private tours and tailor-made holidays so get in touch if you're thinking of taking the family to Cambodia.