'Thaid' up in history
There may not be a Cambodian restaurant in your neighbourhood, but that does not mean Cambodia has no cuisine. Unfortunately, most people do not know much about it. Thai is the most famous southeast Asian cuisine. But experts think probably Cambodian - or Khmer - cuisine influenced many of the famous Thai dishes back when the Angkor empire ruled.
One of the important differences between Thai and Cambodian food is that Cambodian dishes are milder. Chili did not arrive in Asia until the Portuguese brought it from South America in the 16th century. The Thais adopted it into their food enthusiastically and very early. But it took a long time to make its way to Cambodia, and they still do not use it much.
Back from the brink
Cambodian cuisine is hundreds of years old. But in 1975 something terrible happened to Cambodia. The country had been destabilised by the US war in Vietnam and bombing of the Cambodian countryside. A man called Pol Pot came to power and sent all the city people into the countryside to work. Around 1.7 million Cambodians died - 21 per cent of the population - and many traditions came close to disappearing.
Today, the traditions are coming back - including the country's cuisine - and restaurants are opening up throughout the country. Perhaps one day, they will start opening in foreign countries, too. In Siem Reap, next to Angkor, there are many Khmer restaurants and the good hotels even offer royal Khmer cuisine.