Rice and Fish are the main staple of the typical Cambodian diet though many dishes are prepared with beef, pork or chicken. Sea food is abundant in coastal areas with shrimps and crab among the favourites. Local specialties include Amok (fish-cooked in coconut milk) and a variety of soups, and curries similar in taste though not in spiciness to Thailand. Phnom Penh is truly cosmopolitan with Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Nepalese, Indian, Turkish, Mexican, French, Western and other restaurants dotted around the capital.

Trying Cambodian food is a must when you're in Cambodia! Luckily there are many restaurants in Siem Reap so you will have plenty of opportunities to do so.
For a first time encounter with Cambodian food, you might want to start with the national dish: amok.
It is a curry of sorts, but with a much milder taste than Indian curry. Because it's also coconut based, amok is probably more comparable to Thai curries, although more mild.
Does that mean it's not good? Not so! Although the flavour does not scream for attention, it has that subtle taste that is comforting and relaxing. There are no surprises with amok, just a simple and good hearty dish. Wow, I feel like a food critique, but never mind that. In short, I think amok is a dish that is worth trying while you're in Cambodia.
You can usually choose either fish or chicken, but amok also comes in beef, shrimp, or pork. If you want to try something different, try the amok 'degustation,' which is an amok dish made from a combination of these meats.