Kampot grilled chicken – A must-try Cambodian specialty.

The delicious and enticing flavors from its distinctive ingredients make Kampot grilled chicken a favorite among even the most discerning food lovers. So, what makes this dish so special and beloved by many when visiting Cambodia? Keep reading below to learn more about this culturally rich Cambodian dish!

Origin of Kampot grilled chicken

Kampot grilled chicken originates in Cambodia. However, this delicacy has become well-known in Ha Tien (Vietnam) due to its proximity to Cambodia. Additionally, Ha Tien is home to several ethnic groups such as Khmer, Kinh, and Hoa, which is why the local cuisine is a blend of various cultural influences.

Kampot grilled chicken is a famous Cambodian specialty (Image source: Collected)

As a result, Ha Tien has produced many unique dishes, blending various flavors that are impossible to find elsewhere. One such renowned delicacy that you must try is the ‘Kampot grilled chicken.’ Its delicious, rich, and slightly fatty flavor can appeal to the tastes of many people.

How to make authentic Kampot grilled chicken

To prepare this flavorful and nutritious dish, the chef must select local or native chickens, each weighing between 1.2 kg and 1.5 kg. Though relatively small in size, the meat is incredibly firm, the skin is thin, and the flesh is sweet. They are then cleaned with diluted saltwater and white wine.

The delicious taste of grilled Kampot chicken is not only due to its ingredients but also the secret cooking technique behind it. The key to creating the unique flavor of Kampot grilled chicken lies in the use of kaffir lime leaves (also known as Thai lime or rough lemon). The chef combines these leaves with common spices such as sugar, garlic, lemongrass, chili, and salt to bring the dish to life.

The chef then blends the ingredients together, including kaffir lime leaves, chili powder, satay, olive oil, and finely chopped lemongrass, and evenly rubs the mixture inside the chicken. Additional lemongrass, chili, and kaffir lime leaves are stuffed into the chicken's cavity to remove any unpleasant odor.

The authentic Kampot chicken preparation process by Cambodians (Image source: Collected)

Before grilling the chicken, the chef lays a bed of lemongrass and garlic at the bottom of the pot. During the marination phase, they add a little cooking oil. The chicken is grilled over red-hot flames for about 20 minutes. Then, the chef raises the heat, grills the chicken for another 5 minutes, and flips it. Afterward, a little honey or oil from the pot is brushed onto the chicken and evenly drizzled. When the chicken turns golden-brown and gives off a fragrant aroma, the cooking is complete.

The grilled chicken typically has a shiny golden color with a crispy skin and tender meat that doesn't dry out like industrial chickens. The flavor of Kampot grilled chicken combines a natural sweetness with a subtle heat from chili powder. Additionally, the intense fragrance of lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves fills the mouth, captivating diners. Before grilling, the chicken is carefully prepared, allowing guests to either cut it into small pieces with scissors or tear the meat apart by hand.

Side Dishes to Pair with Kampot Grilled Chicken

It would be incomplete to enjoy Kampot grilled chicken without a side of fresh salad (nôm) or sautéed water spinach, roasted garlic, and tomatoes. As part of Cambodian tradition, it’s common to pair the dish with the raw vegetable dish Bok-lo-hong. This dish is not only beloved by the locals but also highly appreciated by the Vietnamese community living in Ha Tien.

When this dish was introduced to Vietnam, the Khmer people in Ha Tien adapted Bok-lo-hong to suit Vietnamese tastes. Furthermore, Bok-lo-hong became a popular dish for entertaining guests, offering a unique, refreshing, and delicious taste that’s sure to impress.

Bok-lo-hong and Kampot chicken are inseparable pairs in Cambodian cuisine (Image Source: Collected)

Kampot chicken and Bok-lo-hong are not only specialties deeply rooted in the culture of the island, but they also offer an extraordinary dining experience. Therefore, if you ever visit Ha Tien, make sure to indulge in these unique dishes!

Benefits of Kaffir Lime Leaves

The kaffir lime tree, also known as Thai lime, is native to Asia. Today, the leaves of this tree are widely cultivated around the world, primarily for culinary uses, as well as for cosmetic research. Kaffir lime trees are commonly found in many Southeast Asian countries.

Young kaffir lime leaves are commonly used in salads, soups, curries, or as a marinade for pork and beef. For boiled dishes, salads, and hot pots, you can sprinkle some shredded kaffir lime leaves to enhance the flavor of the dish. The general purpose of kaffir lime leaves is to neutralize unpleasant odors and help preserve the aroma of the dish for a long time. Moreover, kaffir lime leaves have a sharp, tangy taste, stronger than regular lime leaves but without being bitter. This makes them a perfect ingredient in various dishes.

Kaffir lime leaves are the key ingredient that imparts a distinct flavor to Kampot roasted chicken (Image Source: Collected)

How Delicious is Kampot Roasted Chicken?

The flavor of Kampot roasted chicken has captivated numerous visitors who stopped by Ha Tien. Thi Thao (from Ho Chi Minh City) shares: “Every time I visit Ha Tien, I always stop by the roasted chicken shop near Mui Nai to experience this delightful taste. I am always impressed by the rich, flavorful chicken meat, complemented by boiled water spinach, which truly excites my taste buds.”

How much does Kampot chicken cost?

Kampot chicken is reasonably priced, not overly expensive. In Ha Tien, the cost of a serving of Kampot chicken ranges from 280,000 VND to 320,000 VND.

Enjoy the delicious and aromatic Kampot chicken at an incredibly affordable price (Image source: Collected)

Some reputable places to buy Kampot chicken in Ha Tien

When visiting Ha Tien, don't miss out on some of the famous Kampot grilled chicken spots listed below:

Dốc Núi Grilled Chicken Restaurant

• Address: Group 5, KP2, Pháo Đài Ward, Ha Tien City, Kiên Giang Province.

• Price: 200,000 VND - 350,000 VND per dish.

Ý Mom Grilled Chicken Restaurant

• Address: Xa Xía, Mỹ Đức, Ha Tien City.

• Price: 200,000 VND - 320,000 VND per dish.

Above is the detailed information about Kampot grilled chicken. We hope the insights shared by Mytour will help you gather more interesting details. For those interested in booking a Ha Tien tour, please feel free to contact our hotline at 028 3827 0404 for free consultation!