Authentic Cambodian Fish Noodle Soup (នំបញ្ចុកសម្លប្រហើរ)
Nom Banh Chok (នំបញ្ចុក) is Cambodia's national noodle dish; soft, fresh rice noodles served with a fragrant fish soup, fresh crunchy vegetables, and native herbs. Enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it is a timeless comfort dish across the country.
In this recipe, we are making Nom Banh Chok Samlor Broher (នំបញ្ចុកសម្លប្រហើរ). Traditionally, this dish requires pounding lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and wild ginger into a paste from scratch. Using Kreung Hloung Num Banh Chok Paste cuts down the prep time without losing any authentic Khmer flavor.
Ingredients
Prepare the broth first, then assemble with noodles and fresh toppings right before serving.
For the Samlor Broher Broth
- 1 pack Kreung Hloung for Samlor Broher (Num Banh Chok Paste)
- 1–2 tbsp prahok, to taste
- 500–700g snakehead fish or firm white fish
- 500ml coconut milk
- 1 tsp chicken seasoning (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- 2–3 tbsp roasted peanuts (optional)
- ~1 litre water
For Serving & Toppings
- Fresh Nom Banh Chok or rice vermicelli
- Bean sprouts & cucumber
- Banana blossom, thinly sliced
- Long beans, finely sliced
- Fresh mint, basil, and local herbs
- Lime wedges & fresh chillies
How to Make Nom Banh Chok Samlor Broher
Cook and Prepare the Fish
Clean the fish. Boil water with prahok, add the fish, and cook through. Remove the fish to cool, then flake the meat away from skin and bones. Reserve the fish broth as your soup base.
Pound Paste and Fish
Place 1 pack of FoodKH Num Banh Chok Paste and peanuts (if using) into a mortar and pound lightly. Add the cooked fish meat and blend well. Gradually pour in 500 ml of coconut milk, stirring until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly integrated.
Simmer the Broth
Combine reserved fish broth with water (~1 litre total) and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in the fish-paste mixture, season with salt or chicken powder, and simmer on low for 15–20 minutes.
Assemble and Serve
Prepare rice noodles and fresh vegetable platter. Place noodles and vegetables into bowls, ladle hot broth generously over top, and garnish with chillies or fresh lime juice.
Watch the Video Tutorial
See how easily you can prepare Nom Banh Chok Samlor Broher at home step-by-step.
Bring Authentic Cambodian Flavors Home
Recreating traditional Samlor Broher is fast and effortless with FoodKH Num Banh Chok Paste, no tedious ingredient washing or mortar pounding required.
- Authentic Flavor: Perfectly pre-blended lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaf & Khmer aromatics.
- Time-Saving Convenience: Cuts prep time in half for easy everyday cooking.
- Consistent Quality: Balanced proportions deliver rich, traditional broth every time.
