Best Drinks In Cambodia You Need To Try At Least Once
1. Coconut Water
Found abundantly throughout the country, coconut water is a natural and refreshing way to beat the heat. Served directly from freshly cracked coconuts, it’s a hydrating option packed with essential electrolytes.
2. Sugar Cane Juice
A favorite among locals and tourists alike, sugar cane juice is extracted from pressed sugar cane stalks. The result is a naturally sweet and revitalizing drink that can be enhanced with a hint of lime.
3. Cambodian Iced Coffee
Cambodia’s take on iced coffee is a blend of strong, dark-roasted coffee and condensed milk, resulting in a creamy and slightly sweet concoction. It’s a great way to get your caffeine fix while staying cool.
4. Palm Juice
Derived from the sap of palm trees, palm juice is a natural and mildly sweet drink that is often enjoyed in rural areas. It’s an intriguing option for those seeking a taste of Cambodia’s more traditional beverages.
5. Pursat Orange Juice
Pursat oranges, known for their sweetness and juiciness, are a regional delight in Cambodia. The oranges are juiced to produce a natural and flavorsome drink that’s often enjoyed fresh.
6. Grapefruit Juice
Cambodia’s tropical climate makes grapefruit juice a sought-after drink to beat the heat. Served chilled, this tangy and slightly bitter citrus juice is appreciated for its unique taste and its potential to invigorate your senses.
7. Pickled Lime Juice
“Tek Nam Ngov or Tek Ngam Ngov” or pickled lime juice is a distinctive Cambodian drink that offers a blend of flavors. The pickled limes contribute a sour and slightly salty taste, which is balanced by the addition of sugar and water. This unique combination of sweet and sour makes it a refreshing and unusual beverage choice in Cambodia.
8. Tamarind Juice
Tamarind juice is a traditional favorite in Cambodia, loved for its sweet and tangy profile. The process of creating tamarind juice involves mixing tamarind pulp with water and sugar to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. It’s an excellent way to enjoy the tropical flavors of Cambodia while staying refreshed. Tamarind juice is a tangy and sweet drink, offering a unique blend of flavors that is both refreshing and thirst-quenching.
9. Pomegranate Juice
You can find a wide variety of fresh fruit juices across Cambodia. From passion fruit to dragon fruit, these juices are made from locally sourced produce and offer a burst of natural flavors. As such, pomegranate juice is cherished not only for its taste but also for its potential health benefits. In Cambodia, it’s often considered a luxurious and rejuvenating option, commonly consumed in upscale restaurants and cafes.
10. Carrot Juice
Carrot juice is a local source of vitamins and nutrients, and it’s embraced for its vibrant color and refreshing taste. Carrots are widely available in Cambodia, making carrot juice a practical and nutritious choice.
11. Centella Juice
Centella juice is embraced in Cambodia for its potential health benefits. The mild and earthy taste of the leaves makes it an acquired but appreciated choice among those who prioritize holistic well-being.
12. Noni Juice
Noni juice, while somewhat acquired in taste due to its pungency, is sometimes consumed in Cambodia for its potential health benefits. It’s regarded as a natural remedy and is part of the country’s longstanding interest in herbal solutions.
13. Soy Milk
Soy milk is a popular dairy alternative in Cambodia, embraced by those who are lactose intolerant or simply prefer plant-based options. It’s used in various ways, including as a standalone drink or as an ingredient in Cambodian desserts.
14. Pumpkin Milk Drink
In Cambodia, pumpkin milk drink is both a comforting and nutritious choice. Pumpkin is a common ingredient in Cambodian cuisine, and using it to create a milk-based beverage highlights the country’s culinary creativity.
15. Corn Milk Drink
Corn milk drink, made by blending corn kernels with milk, showcases Cambodia’s affinity for incorporating local produce into everyday beverages. This wholesome and slightly sweet drink is favored by those who enjoy both corn’s natural flavors and the creaminess of milk.
16. Malva Nut and Basil Seed Drink
This unique drink often includes malva nuts and basil seeds, offering an interesting texture and a refreshing taste. It’s a delightful way to experiment with different ingredients and flavors in Cambodia’s diverse culinary landscape.
17. Fruit Shakes
Cambodia’s abundance of tropical fruits gives rise to delicious fruit shakes. You can find blends of mango, pineapple, watermelon, and more, often mixed with ice and a touch of sweetener for a satisfyingly refreshing treat.
18. Iced Lemon Tea
In Cambodia, iced lemon tea is a popular and refreshing beverage, especially during the hot and humid months. The blend of strong black tea, sweetened with sugar or honey, and infused with fresh lemon juice creates a harmonious balance of flavors. It’s often enjoyed at cafes, restaurants, and street food stalls as a revitalizing option to quench thirst and provide a caffeine boost.
19. Lemon Grass Tea:
Lemongrass is a common ingredient in Cambodian cuisine, and it’s also used to make refreshing tea. Lemongrass stalks are boiled to extract their flavor and aroma, resulting in a soothing and citrusy herbal tea that can be enjoyed hot or cold.
20. Pandan Leaf Tea
Pandan leaf tea is part of Cambodia’s herbal drink tradition. The pandan leaves infuse the tea with a subtle, fragrant aroma, and it’s often considered a soothing choice to enjoy after meals.
You may also check: Best Cambodian Foods You Must Try
Final Thought
These best drinks in Cambodia demonstrate the country’s penchant for utilizing local ingredients and embracing a mix of traditional and innovative flavors. Whether you’re sipping on tangy pickled lime juice or relishing the earthy tones of Centella juice, each beverage reflects Cambodia’s culinary heritage and the importance of diverse and refreshing options in its tropical climate.
In the heart of Southeast Asia lies a country known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and delectable cuisine – Cambodia. When exploring Cambodia, make sure to indulge in these drinks to fully immerse yourself in the country’s vibrant culinary scene and keep yourself hydrated in the tropical climate.
Whether you’re sipping on a cooling coconut or trying the distinctive flavors of tamarind juice, these beverages offer a delightful way to experience Cambodian culture and hospitality.