Ingredient appreciation — what makes Lok Lak special

What sets Lok Lak apart is the handling of kaffir lime. In lesser versions this is treated as a background note. Here it's central and the fresh with lemongrass result shows it. I've started buying it to cook with at home after this experience.

Cambodian cuisine shares roots with Thai and Vietnamese cooking but has its own distinct identity shaped by Khmer culture. The a village feast during festival season atmosphere was right for this kind of food. I had fresh coconut water as recommended and it matched well. If you want to understand what makes this cuisine distinctive, Lok Lak is the place to start.