National Dish Cambodia: Num Trei (Recipe)
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Meet Num Trei, a soul-warming rice-and-fish dish that captures the everyday flavours of Cambodia’s kitchens. Fresh fish is pan-fried with crisp vegetables and fragrant herbs, then spooned over fluffy jasmine rice and finished with a bright splash of fish sauce and lime. Simple, nourishing and quick to bring together, it offers a genuine taste of Khmer home cooking that suits a relaxed weeknight just as well as a table shared with friends.
About Num Trei
The roots of Num Trei run deep in Cambodian culture, reflecting the country’s home-grown culinary traditions. The dish is typically built around fresh fish, vegetables and aromatic herbs, which come together to make something both healthy and nourishing. In Cambodia’s coastal regions in particular, fish plays a central role in everyday eating, so it is no surprise that Num Trei counts among the country’s best-loved meals. Balanced and unfussy, it shows off the fresh, gentle flavours at the heart of Khmer food.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g rice (jasmine rice, for example)
- 150 g fresh fish (such as tilapia or sea bream)
- 1 carrot, cut into fine strips
- 1 small courgette, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Fresh herbs (coriander or basil)
- Pepper, to taste
Shopping for the ingredients
For the best Num Trei it is worth using fresh ingredients, and the fish in particular should be of good quality to guarantee the finest flavour. Buy everything at a local market or an Asian grocery, where you will often find a wider choice of fresh produce. Try to use the fish and vegetables on the same day you buy them to make the most of their freshness. A little care at the shop makes all the difference once the cooking begins.
Preparing the dish
Before you start cooking, get all your ingredients prepared. Wash and cut the vegetables into your preferred shapes, and, depending on your taste, filet the fish or slice it into pieces. The better the preparation, the more smoothly the cooking goes. Good groundwork also helps you bring out the aromas to their fullest, so the finished dish tastes as fresh and lively as possible.
Step-by-step instructions
- Cook the rice according to the packet instructions and set it aside.
- Heat a little oil in a pan and add the onion and garlic. Fry until translucent.
- Add the chopped vegetables (carrot, courgette and pepper) and fry for a few minutes.
- Add the fish and cook until it is done through.
- Season the dish with fish sauce, lemon juice and pepper, and mix everything well.
- Serve the vegetable-and-fish mixture over the rice and garnish with fresh herbs.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Num Trei is almost naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, provided you take care over the fish sauce. Some shop-bought sauces are not gluten-free, as they can contain wheat, so check the labels and choose carefully to suit your needs. When cooking, you can also reach for plant-based fats to keep the dish free of any lactose-containing products. With a couple of small swaps, it becomes an easy choice for a range of dietary requirements.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Num Trei is easily adapted to suit vegans and vegetarians. In place of the fish you might use tofu, whose texture and ability to soak up flavour make it a delicious addition. You can also vary the vegetables as you like, adding extra aromas and nutrients along the way. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning — a splash of soy sauce in place of fish sauce works nicely — so the finished dish still delivers its full flavour.
More tips and tricks
A key point for a successful Num Trei is choosing the right seasonings. Experiment with different herbs and spices to tune the flavour to your liking. A touch of ginger or chilli can help liven the dish up and give it an extra kick. If you are making it for a special occasion, you might also add a few prawns to deepen that seafood flavour, much as you would in a fragrant Fish Amok.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Num Trei is wonderfully flexible and easy to shape around your own preferences. Turn up the heat with fresh chilli, or keep the seasoning gentle for a milder result. You can lean into the vegetables you enjoy most, and dial the fish sauce up or down to balance that signature savoury depth. This way you can create a version that fits your own taste exactly, whether you like it light and fresh or bold and punchy.
Ingredient substitutions
When it comes to swapping out ingredients for Num Trei, there are plenty of options. Instead of the traditional jasmine rice you can use quinoa or brown rice, both of which bring their own health benefits. For the fish, other protein sources such as chicken or seafood work well too. Depending on where you are, different, easily sourced vegetables can be used, each shaping the flavour of the dish — the same spirit of adaptability you will find in a comforting Kuy Teav.
Drink pairing ideas
To round off your meal, a freshly made iced tea or a cool glass of coconut water works beautifully. These drinks help soak up the flavours of the cooking and offer a refreshing contrast to the more intense notes of the dish. A light, fruity beer can also be a pleasant companion that complements the savoury character of Num Trei. Choose drinks with gentle flavours so they do not overwhelm the main event.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation can lift the enjoyment of a dish considerably. Serve Num Trei in an inviting bowl and garnish generously with fresh coriander or basil. Remember to add a few lime wedges so your guests can see and taste that juicy freshness straight away. A neat arrangement on the plate helps improve the whole experience, both to the eye and to the palate, turning a simple meal into something a little special.
A bit of history
Num Trei is more than just a meal; it also stands as a symbol of Cambodian culture. Fish has a long tradition in the Khmer diet and reflects how closely people here live alongside the water and its resources. The dish also echoes the influence of earlier trade routes, which brought spices and cooking techniques from other cultures. By making Num Trei you learn not only about a delicious dish but also about the history and traditions of Cambodian cuisine, from the rivers of the interior to the bustling markets of Bai Sach Chrouk country.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Num Trei
Num Trei is a hearty, satisfying dish that brings a piece of Cambodian culture into your own kitchen. With fresh ingredients and lively aromas, you can enjoy this slice of Southeast Asia right at home. Thanks to its many possible variations, Num Trei suits everyone, from the keen food lover to the occasional cook. Let its flavours tempt you and experience the essence of Cambodia with every bite.
