Kampot Pepper Farms in Kampot and Kep

Part of the Kampot and Kep travel guide — see every topic in All Kampot and Kep Guides.

Kampot pepper is the most famous product of this coast. It grows on small family farms in the countryside of Kampot and Kep provinces, between the hills and the sea. The name is protected, so only pepper from this area, grown in the traditional way, can use it. Many farms welcome visitors. You can walk between the vines, see the drying and sorting, and taste the different colours. This guide explains the pepper, the farm tours and the best time to go.

A protected name

Kampot pepper has a geographical indication. This means the name can only be used for pepper from a set area. In 2010 it became the first product in Cambodia with this status. In 2016 the European Union also protected the name. The area covers several districts in Kampot province and in Kep province. Farmers must follow a set of rules. They grow the vines in the traditional way and use natural fertiliser. A farmers' association checks the rules and the quality. When you buy, look for the official logo on the packet. Pepper sold without it may not come from the protected area, even if the label says Kampot.

Black, red, white and green

All four colours come from the same plant. The difference is when the farmer picks the berries and how they are treated. Green pepper is the fresh, young berry. It is soft and mild, and local cooks add whole bunches to stir-fries and crab. Black pepper is picked when the berries are fully grown, then dried in the sun until they turn dark. Red pepper is left on the vine until the berries are fully ripe and red. It tastes sweet and fruity. White pepper is red pepper with the skin removed. It is hot and clean. At most farms you can taste all four side by side.

Visiting a farm

The farms lie in the green countryside around Kampot and Kep, mostly within a short drive of either town. You can join a half-day tour from Kampot, hire a tuk-tuk for the day, or ride a motorbike. Many larger farms offer a short guided walk at no charge. A guide shows you the tall vines on their wooden or concrete posts, explains the planting, and takes you to the drying and sorting area. Most visits end at a small shop and tasting table. Some farms also have a cafe with a view over the fields. Ask your guesthouse which farms are open, as hours can change.

Harvest and best time

The vines grow all year, so you can visit in any month. The main harvest happens in the dry season, roughly from February to May. At this time you can see workers picking the red and green bunches and spreading the berries to dry in the sun. In the wet season, from about May to October, the vines are very green, but the paths can be muddy and afternoon rain is common. Go in the morning for cooler air and softer light. Wear closed shoes and a hat, and bring water. The farm roads are often dusty in the dry months.

Pepper on the plate

The best way to taste Kampot pepper is in local food. The classic dish is crab with green pepper, cooked fresh with garlic and a little sauce. You can eat it at the Kep crab market or in many restaurants in Kampot. Other dishes use black pepper with beef, squid or prawns. Many cafes now use pepper in drinks, ice cream and chocolate. If you want to take pepper home, buy sealed packets from a farm shop or a trusted store in town. Dried peppercorns keep well and are light to carry. Fresh green pepper does not travel well.

Kampot Pepper Farms at a glance

More in Kampot & Kep

All 5 Kampot & Kep guides·Cambodia tourist maps

Featured Videos