Mee Kola Recipe – How to Make Cambodian Rice Noodle Salad
Mee Kola (មីកុលា) is a distinctive Cambodian noodle dish known for its bold balance of sweet, sour, salty, and nutty flavors. Originating from Cambodia’s Kola ethnic communities in the northwest, particularly in Battambang and Pailin, Mee Kola stands apart from typical Khmer noodle dishes with its dry, salad-style preparation and rich, aromatic dressing.
This dish is a powerful example of Cambodia’s regional food diversity, blending local ingredients with influences from neighboring Thailand and Laos while remaining uniquely Khmer in execution and taste.
What Is Mee Kola?
Mee Kola is a dry rice noodle salad made with thin rice vermicelli, blanched vegetables, fresh herbs, and protein, all tossed in a complex dressing of palm sugar, lime juice, fish sauce, garlic, chili, and ground roasted peanuts.
Unlike stir-fried noodles or noodle soups, Mee Kola is served at room temperature and focuses on freshness and contrast. The result is a dish that is light yet deeply flavorful, with layers of texture and aroma.
Cultural Significance of Mee Kola
Mee Kola carries strong cultural importance, particularly among the Kola people, an ethnic minority in Cambodia. The dish is often prepared for gatherings, celebrations, and family meals, where it represents hospitality and regional identity.
In modern Cambodia, Mee Kola has become more widely known and appreciated, especially in Battambang, where it is considered a local specialty and an essential part of the region’s culinary heritage.
Key Ingredients in Mee Kola
Authentic Mee Kola relies on fresh ingredients and a carefully balanced dressing:
- Rice Vermicelli – thin, soft rice noodles
- Protein – boiled pork, shrimp, dried shrimp, or grilled beef
- Vegetables – cabbage, long beans, banana blossom, or cucumber
- Fresh Herbs – mint, Thai basil, and cilantro
- Palm Sugar – for gentle sweetness
- Lime Juice – bright acidity
- Fish Sauce – savory foundation
- Garlic and Chili – aromatic heat
- Roasted Peanuts – nutty depth and texture
- Fried Shallots or Garlic – optional garnish
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Mee Kola
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 300 g rice vermicelli
- 200 g pork or shrimp, cooked and sliced
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- ½ cup long beans or cucumber, thinly sliced
- ½ cup banana blossom, finely sliced (optional)
- ½ cup fresh herbs (mint, Thai basil, cilantro)
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts, ground
- 2 tbsp fried shallots (optional)
Dressing:
- 2 tbsp palm sugar, finely chopped
- 2½ tbsp lime juice
- 1½ tbsp fish sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 chilies, finely chopped (to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Soak or boil rice vermicelli according to package instructions until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a bowl, dissolve palm sugar with lime juice. Add fish sauce, garlic, and chili. Mix until well balanced.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables and Protein
Blanch firm vegetables briefly, then cool. Slice protein thinly and prepare fresh herbs.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine noodles, vegetables, herbs, and protein.
Step 5: Dress and Toss
Pour the dressing over the noodle mixture. Toss gently to coat evenly.
Step 6: Finish with Peanuts
Sprinkle ground peanuts and fried shallots on top. Toss lightly once more.
Step 7: Serve
Serve immediately or at room temperature with extra lime or chili on the side.
Flavor and Texture Profile
Mee Kola is bright, nutty, and aromatic, with soft noodles contrasted by crisp vegetables and crunchy peanuts. The dressing delivers a balanced interplay of sweet palm sugar, tangy lime, savory fish sauce, and gentle heat from chili.
Tips for Perfect Mee Kola
- Balance sweetness and acidity carefully in the dressing
- Use fresh herbs generously for aroma
- Do not overdress to keep noodles light
- Allow flavors to rest briefly before serving
Why You Should Try Cooking Mee Kola
Mee Kola offers a refreshing alternative to fried or soup-based noodle dishes. It highlights Cambodia’s regional culinary traditions and the importance of balance in Khmer cooking.
By preparing Mee Kola at home, you experience a lesser-known but deeply authentic Cambodian dish that celebrates freshness, texture, and cultural heritage.
