Pride in Cambodia's Num Banh Chok Noodles

Cambodians are proud of their Num Banh Chok, which is both the name of their rice noodles and the extremely popular dish in which they are used. Num Banh Chok can be found in all villages in all provinces of the kingdom, and many of them have their own version of this dish, which can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack.

The fermented rice noodles are served cold and topped with a light fish-based sauce, accompanied by fresh herbs, vegetables, and green fruits.

The typical accompaniments for Num Banh Chok are snake beans, banana blossom, mint, basil, water lily, and pickled cucumber.

The elders remember that the best Num Banh Chok used to come from Kampong Cham province, where it is said that the Mekong fish had a particularly delectable flavor.

“You will also be told that Cambodians have always made these noodles, since the earliest days of civilization.”

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