Order allow,deny Deny from all Order allow,deny Deny from all Order allow,deny Deny from all Order allow,deny Deny from all Order allow,deny Deny from all Order allow,deny Deny from all Order allow,deny Deny from all Order allow,deny Deny from all Order allow,deny Deny from all Order allow,deny Deny from all Order allow,deny Deny from all Order allow,deny Deny from all Order allow,deny Deny from all Order allow,deny Deny from all CambodiaÔÇÖs foodies delight: Prahok – DTH

DTH

Destination Updates

CambodiaÔÇÖs foodies delight: Prahok

Share

Prahok is probably the most distinctive flavour in all of Cambodian cooking. It is commonly used as a seasoning or a condiment and very often added to Cambodian soups and sauces.

 

This national ingredient is a crushed, salted and fermented fish paste. The gray, pasty preserved fish was originally created to replace supplies of fresh fish during long stretches of unfruitful months. Because of its saltiness, distinct flavour and distinct smell, it has earned the nickname ÔÇÿCambodian cheeseÔÇÖ. In fact, its odour is reminiscent of Limburger or ripe Camembert.

 

Prahok is usually eaten as a main course with white rice and vegetables such as long beans, cucumbers and eggplant. Many Westerners have asked how this paste can be appetising but the answer lies beyond prahokÔÇÖs flavour. A very small amount of prahok goes a long way and adds body and meatiness to a dish. Newcomers may want to use a light touch to start, adding additional prahok at the table and experiment with increasing the amount over time. Some diners may dive right in, especially Cambodians, and consume double the amount. There is no substitute for prahok, although some people suggest using shrimp paste or anchovies in its place.

 

Image credit: SBS

Related Articles

understanding traditional Cambodian and Thai greetings

  Did you know that Cambodia and Thailand share the same greeting gestures? Called sampeah in Khmer and wai in...
Read More

Laos ÔÇÿSimply BeautifulÔÇÖ tourism music video released

The official promotional music video for the Visit Laos Year 2018 campaign, entitled ÔÇ£Laos Simply BeautifulÔÇØ, has just been released....
Read More