Cambodia: Cooking Khmer style at the InterContinental Phnom Penh

Cooking Khmer in Cambodia, Credits: Sandra Scott

By Sandra Scott
Culinary Travel Examiner
November 20, 2011

Cooking experiences are an excellent way to learn about a country’s culture. Many hotels offer cooking classes including the InterContinental Phnom Penh, Cambodia where they offer classes in Khmer cooking.

The class starts with a trip to the wet market to purchase the necessary ingredients. At a wet market everything is fresh from the fish to the cilantro. First-time visitors to a wet market will experience a typical Cambodian grocery shopping trip unlike any other.

Returning to the hotel the chef demonstrates the preparation of Fish Amok, a Cambodian curry which is steamed instead of boiled. It is solid but moist. The traditional Khmer recipe is often served on special occasions, family gatherings, and during P’Chum Ben, the Khmer New Year. Fish Amok is a delicious mixture of meaty fish, and spices steamed in a banana leaf then box topped with a coconut cream sauce.

The lesson also includes another local Khmer favorite - Phnom Penh Noodle Soup called Katiev Phnom Penh. It is enjoyed any time of the day. It is usually made with marinated chicken but can be made with a variety of meat or fish. Seasonings and vegetables are added, simmered for an hour and added to the chicken. It is served with hoisin, chili, or peanut sauce. One of the best parts of a cooking experience is dining on the dishes that one helped to prepare.