When I first arrived in Kampot, the skies were heavy with monsoon rain. The streets glistened, and the river carried the scent of wet earth mixed with spices from nearby kitchens. Despite the weather, the town’s rhythm felt comforting. Wandering slowly, I discovered how food in Cambodia reflects both its history and its fertile land — and Kampot became the perfect stage for that discovery.

Samaki Market: The Beating Heart of Kampot

Much of my time was spent in Samaki Market, where local life unfolds in vibrant colors. Vendors balanced baskets of herbs, while steam rose from stalls serving Khmer food. As I moved between the aisles, the fragrance of lemongrass, turmeric, and chili blended into a bold perfume that clung to the air. Markets like this do not simply sell; they tell the story of Cambodia’s resilience and generosity.

Noodle Salad: A Refreshing Surprise

Later, I stumbled upon a vendor preparing noodle salad. Thin strands of rice noodles were tossed with shredded vegetables, dried shrimp, and a sauce made creamy with coconut milk. The result was light yet deeply satisfying — sweet, salty, and slightly nutty. The textures danced together, offering relief from the heavier curries and stews I had eaten earlier.

Vietnamese Street Food in Kampot

Surprisingly, Kampot’s streets also offered a taste of Vietnam. I watched a woman pour batter onto a sizzling pan to make bánh xèo, the crispy turmeric pancakes folded around pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts. On another corner, I picked up gỏi cuốn — delicate fresh spring rolls packed with herbs, noodles, and pork slices, wrapped in translucent rice paper. These flavors carried me across borders, yet they blended seamlessly into the Cambodian street scene.

If you’re eager to explore more Cambodian treats beyond Kampot, don’t miss the flavors of Banh Chèv (Cambodian crepes)—a sweet street delight that combines coconut cream and rice batter in every bite, as detailed in this lovely Khmer food guide

Kampot Pepper: The Pride of the Highlands

No journey here is complete without exploring the Kampot pepper plantations. Just outside town, lush green fields stretch toward the hills, where vines climb in neat rows. Farmers carefully pick the peppercorns by hand, drying them under the sun. Tasting fresh peppercorns crushed between my fingers, I understood why chefs around the world prize them. This spice doesn’t just season food — it elevates it.

Kampot’s Charm Beyond Food

Although food anchored much of my visit, Kampot offered more than flavors. I wandered to hidden temples, their stones glistening with rain. Along quiet street with colonial architechture, I watched locals cycle home, balancing baskets of produce. Even in the heaviest storms, Kampot revealed itself as a town of warmth, where markets, meals, and people converge in harmony.

Want To Learn More?

If you’re curious to explore more of Cambodia beyond Kampot’s flavors, you might enjoy my journey through Siem Reap’s dawn temples and hidden flavors—where food and history intertwine at sunrise. For a deeper dive into the country’s culinary diversity, check out my guide to Cambodian noodle dishes, featuring five authentic recipes from across the regions.