Grilled Catfish in Sihanoukville (Preah Sihanouk), Cambodia

Grilled Catfish in Sihanoukville: Deeply Delicious in Cambodia's Coastal City

When talking about Sihanoukville, also known as Preah Sihanouk City, a coastal province of Cambodia, one experience that mr.hotsia must say is a “must-try” is eating authentic Khmer-style grilled catfish, which is hard to find elsewhere in the region.

For me, mr.hotsia, this trip to Sihanoukville began by crossing the border at Ban Hat Lek checkpoint in Trat Province, which connects to Koh Kong in Cambodia, a convenient and worthwhile route (read travel details atTravel from Trat to Sihanoukville). After a few more hours by car from the border, I arrived in the charming town of Sihanoukville, known for its peaceful atmosphere and the simple seaside lifestyle, unlike the busy beach towns elsewhere.

Grilled Catfish – A Delicious Must-Try

Grilled catfish in Sihanoukville is not just an ordinary dish but a reflection of the local wisdom of southern Khmer people. Fresh catfish is grilled over charcoal until the skin is crispy but the meat remains juicy. The aroma of charcoal mixed with perfectly marinated spices makes grilled catfish a favorite among both locals and visiting tourists.

I, mr.hotsia, first tasted grilled catfish at the Sihanoukville morning market (read about the market environment atSihanoukville Market). The grilled catfish stall was not far from where I stayed, Sihanouk Timeshare Hotel, which, although not beachfront, is about a 10-minute walk to the sea.

The owner grills the catfish over an open charcoal grill, with smoke blending with the sea breeze, making mouths water immediately when passing by. I ordered grilled catfish with hot sticky rice and ate by the roadside amidst the morning atmosphere of Sihanoukville as people began their daily routines.

What Makes the Grilled Catfish Special Here

What sets Sihanoukville’s grilled catfish apart is the Khmer-style marinade using spices like galangal, lemongrass, and chili powder, giving a spicy yet balanced flavor—not too hot like some places in Vietnam or Thailand. The catfish meat is grilled just right, tender and smooth with every bite.

If you have tried grilled fish in Thailand or Vietnam, you might find those flavors quite ordinary, but here, mr.hotsia guarantees the authentic taste of grilled catfish truly reflects the lifestyle of southern Khmer people.

Atmosphere and Lifestyle by Sihanoukville’s Beach

After enjoying grilled catfish, I took a walk to the nearby beach, a highlight of this city (more information available atSihanoukville Beaches). The sea breeze is cool and pleasant. Although the sand is not as white as Koh Samet, the peaceful atmosphere and fruit and fresh seafood vendors carrying their goods on their heads create a scene I have never seen elsewhere.

Here, there is no bustle of beer bars or many entertainment venues like some Thai beach towns, but instead, there is charm in the simplicity and sincerity of the people.

Recommended Accommodation and Food in Sihanoukville

For those who want to travel and eat grilled catfish like me, mr.hotsia recommends staying in downtown Sihanoukville because it is close to markets and local restaurants and convenient for travel (read reviews and accommodation recommendations atHotels and Accommodation in Sihanoukville)

). Additionally, the city offers many interesting local dishes such as grilled pork rice, chicken rice porridge, and Sihanoukville noodles, which mr.hotsia has tried and enjoyed (read more atFood and Restaurants in Sihanoukville)

Closing Remarks from mr.hotsia

Grilled catfish in Sihanoukville is not just an ordinary dish to eat and forget but an experience that truly reflects the lifestyle and culture of southern Cambodia. For me, mr.hotsia, tasting grilled catfish by the beach while exploring the fresh market and clean beach made this trip a truly fulfilling travel joy.

If you are looking for a destination where you can enjoy great food and experience a simple lifestyle, Sihanoukville is the answer that mr.hotsia wants you to try experiencing at least once.

For the video clip of my grilled catfish eating experience, you can watch it here:
Grilled Catfish in Sihanoukville (Preah Sihanouk), Cambodia - mr.hotsia