Vegetarian in Cambodia: What Backpackers Should Know
Before traveling to Cambodia I did a lot of research about the kind of food they eat and if the Khmer even have vegetarian dishes. And even tho they eat a lot of fish and meat, you will always find a vegetarian dish on the menu. If they don’t have anything don’t be shy to ask them if it’s possible to prepare the dish without the meat. The Khmer are really lovely people and happy to do so.
Food in Cambodia is very cheap. You will be able to get a full meal for five dollars, including drinks. Breakfast is often included in the hotel/ hostel price.
This is a quick overview about the vegetarian food options in Cambodia:
Breakfast
For breakfast you can often choose between pancakes or french toast. With that you will ususally get a plate of fresh fruits and some fresh juice. Breakfast was usually one of my favourite meals of the day.
Fried Noodles/ Fried Rice
This dish you will find in every restaurant. Most of the time they not only serve fried rice/noodles it with meat or shrimps but also Tofu or just vegetables. If there isn’t a vegetarian fried rice or noodles on the menu just ask, if you can have it without the meat or shrimp. If yo ask nicely it’s never a problem and they’re happy to prepare it extra for you. Just make sure you say “no meant and no fish”.
Amok Tofu
This curry is very typical to Cambodia and usually has fish or chicken in it. However in most places they also serve it with Tofu. Just ask, if they can prepare it without the fishsauce and it will be completely vegan. You might need to wait a little longer since they have to make it from scratch but it’s worth it. Amok Tofu is delicious.
If you want to learn how to make this curry, i highly recommend you take a cooking course. This is not only a lot of fun but you will cook some of the most delicious food you’ve ever made.
Last Resort: Indian Food
There are a lot of Indian Restaurants in Cambodia. The food is usually good and just as cheap as local food.
As you can see, you will always find a vegetarian dish on the menu in Cambodia and never have to go hungry. Most restaurants are happy to prepare something vegetarian for you if you ask nicely.
Vegan Food in Cambodia
If you are on a vegan diet I am not sure what your options are in restaurants since a lot of dishes like fried rice contain eggs. Amok Tofu is always vegan once you ask them to not use any fish sauce.
You want to know how to get around in Cambodia? In this blogpost I tell you which transportation works best for backpackers.
FAQ: Vegetarian Food in Cambodia
Is it easy to eat vegetarian in Cambodia?
Yes, most restaurants have at least one vegetarian dish on the menu, and Khmer cooks are usually happy to prepare a dish without meat or fish if you ask.
What vegetarian dishes can I eat in Cambodia?
Popular options include vegetarian fried rice or noodles, Amok Tofu (a traditional Cambodian curry made with tofu instead of fish), and a wide variety of fresh fruit for breakfast.
Is it easy to eat vegan in Cambodia?
It’s a bit trickier than vegetarian, since dishes like fried rice often contain egg. Amok Tofu can be made vegan if you ask the restaurant to leave out the fish sauce.
How much does vegetarian food cost in Cambodia?
Food in Cambodia is very affordable, a full vegetarian meal, including drinks, typically costs around five dollars.
What should I say to make sure my food is vegetarian?
It helps to be specific and say “no meat and no fish,” since some dishes that seem vegetarian at first glance may still contain fish sauce or shrimp.
Are there alternatives if I can’t find vegetarian Khmer food?
Yes, Indian restaurants are common throughout Cambodia and offer plenty of vegetarian options at similarly low prices.
My name is Cory and my two favourite things in the world are traveling and scuba diving. You will either find me under the water or on top of a mountain. I have the PADI Advanced Certification and want to see as many marine animals as possible.
