Cambodian dinner with Apsara show

We went to an Apsara show at the Angkor Apsara Theatre when we were in Siem Reap. Apsaras were the mythical dancing females widely depicted in the Angkor temple reliefs. Here we saw some apsara dancers that, while not quite mythical, were still quite good. Cambodian dinner was served with the show - we each got a tray which rather reminded me of a Japanese Bento box, only more elegant.  

First courses were spring rolls and samosas, mushroom soup - Chinese and Indian influences.  The green papaya salad showed Vietnamese influence, as did the fish in banana leaf.  What may be truly Cambodian was the "Saraman" pork (top left corner).   Saraman is like a Cambodian curry and typically made with beef, so this "saraman" pork is a little unusual but very tasty.  It is supposed to be made with curry, shrimp paste and fish sauce and I think I can taste them all in the pork, in fact, I think the flavour went very well with the pork, perhaps even more so than it would with beef.  

Dessert was caramelized pumpkin with coconut cream - exquisitely prepared.   Overall, a very satisfying dinner, which while it may not be truly authentic khmer cuisine, did give us a flavour of it.

Dinner tray

Fish steamed in banana leaf

Caramelized pumpkin with coconut cream

I love the lotus flower!