Cambodia, a land of ancient temples and rich cultural heritage, is also a paradise for food lovers. The streets of Cambodia come alive with the sizzle of grills, the aroma of spices, and the chatter of locals enjoying their favorite dishes. In this guide, we’ll explore the vibrant world of street food in Cambodia, introducing you to mouthwatering delicacies that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Is street food popular in Cambodia?
Street food is not just popular in Cambodia; it’s an integral part of the country’s culinary culture and daily life. From bustling city corners to quiet rural markets, street food vendors can be found everywhere, serving up delicious and affordable meals to locals and tourists alike.
Cambodians have a long-standing tradition of eating on the go, and street food offers a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy a wide variety of dishes. The popularity of street food in Cambodia stems from its accessibility, affordability, and the opportunity it provides for social interaction. It’s common to see people gathering around food carts, sharing meals, and catching up with friends and neighbors.
Moreover, street food in Cambodia reflects the country’s rich culinary heritage, blending influences from neighboring countries with unique local flavors. It’s a window into the authentic tastes of Cambodia, offering visitors a chance to experience the country’s gastronomic delights in their most genuine form.
Top 10+ Best Street Food in Cambodia
To open your eyes to the delight Cambodian cuisine, here is 10+ best street food you must try when coming:
1. Lort Cha
- Location for savoring: Night markets and street corners in Phnom Penh
- Suitable for: Anyone looking for a quick, satisfying meal
- Price: $1-$2 per serving
Lort Cha is a beloved Cambodian street food consisting of short, fat rice noodles stir-fried with beef and vegetables. The dish is typically seasoned with fish and soy sauce, creating a savory flavor profile. What makes Lort Cha special is the addition of a fried egg on top and a generous dollop of sweet chili sauce. The combination of chewy noodles, tender beef, crisp vegetables, and the runny egg yolk creates a delightful texture and taste experience. I highly recommend trying this dish for a true taste of Cambodian street food culture.
2. Fish Amok
- Location for savoring: Street-side restaurants in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh
- Suitable for: Seafood lovers and those seeking a traditional Cambodian dish
- Price: $2-$4 per serving
Fish Amok is often considered one of Cambodia’s national dishes. This curry-like dish features fish (usually snakehead or catfish) marinated in a complex blend of spices and coconut milk, then steamed in banana leaves. The result is a creamy, fragrant, and subtly spiced dish with a mousse-like texture. The flavors are a harmonious blend of lemongrass, kaffir lime, galangal, and turmeric, creating a truly unique taste. I highly recommend trying Fish Amok for an authentic Cambodian culinary experience that perfectly balances spices and textures.
3. Grilled Insects
- Location for savoring: Night markets in Siem Reap and rural areas
- Suitable for: Adventurous eaters looking for a protein-rich snack
- Price: $0.50-$2 per portion, depending on the type of insect
For the more daring food enthusiasts, Cambodia offers a variety of grilled insects as street food. Common options include crickets, grasshoppers, silkworms, and even tarantulas. These insects are typically seasoned with salt, sugar, and spices before being deep-fried or grilled. The taste can range from nutty to crispy, with each insect offering a unique flavor profile. While it may seem unusual to Western palates, insect consumption is a long-standing tradition in Cambodia and a sustainable source of protein. I highly recommend trying at least one type of grilled insect for a memorable and culturally immersive experience.
4. Kralan
- Location for savoring: Roadside stalls in rural areas, particularly in Kampong Cham province
- Suitable for: Those looking for a unique, sweet snack
- Price: $0.50-$1 per stick
Kralan is a traditional Cambodian snack made from sticky rice, black beans, grated coconut, and coconut milk, all stuffed inside a bamboo tube and roasted over an open fire. This cooking method imparts a subtle smoky flavor to the ingredients. When ready, the bamboo is cracked open to reveal the sticky, sweet, and slightly chewy contents. The combination of textures and the natural sweetness of the coconut make Kralan a delightful treat. I highly recommend trying this unique snack for a taste of rural Cambodian cuisine and to experience the ingenious use of natural cooking vessels.
5. Kang Kep Baob (Stuffed Frog)
- Location for savoring: Night markets in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
- Suitable for: Adventurous eaters and those curious about unique local dishes
- Price: $2-$3 per serving
Kang Kep Baob is a unique Cambodian delicacy featuring frogs stuffed with pork, garlic, and other spices. The frogs are typically grilled over charcoal, giving them a smoky flavor and crispy skin. The meat inside is tender and flavorful, with the stuffing adding an extra layer of taste and texture. While it might seem unusual to some, frog meat is prized for its tenderness and is often compared to chicken. I highly recommend trying Kang Kep Baob for those looking to expand their culinary horizons and experience a truly local Cambodian dish.
6. Kuy Teav
- Location for savoring: Morning markets and street-side stalls across Cambodia
- Suitable for: Anyone looking for a hearty breakfast or lunch
- Price: $1-$2 per bowl
Kuy Teav is a popular Cambodian noodle soup typically eaten for breakfast. The dish consists of rice noodles in a savory pork or beef broth, topped with fried shallots, bean sprouts, and green onions. Variations may include sliced pork, beef balls, or seafood. What sets Kuy Teav apart is its clear, flavorful broth that’s often simmered for hours with pork bones and aromatic spices. The soup is usually served with a side of lime wedges and chili sauce, allowing diners to adjust the flavor to their liking. I highly recommend trying Kuy Teav for a comforting and satisfying taste of Cambodian breakfast culture.
7. Balut
- Location for savoring: Night markets and street vendors in urban areas
- Suitable for: Adventurous eaters looking for a unique protein-rich snack
- Price: $0.50-$1 per egg
Balut is a fertilized duck egg that has been incubated for about 14-21 days and then boiled. This dish is popular not only in Cambodia but also in other Southeast Asian countries. The egg is typically served warm in its shell, often with a pinch of salt and pepper. When opened, you’ll find a partially developed duck embryo along with the yolk and egg white. The texture varies from soft and custardy to slightly crunchy, depending on the stage of development. While it may be challenging for some, balut is considered a delicacy and is rich in proteins and nutrients. I highly recommend trying balut for those seeking an authentic and daring culinary experience.
8. Num Pang
- Location for savoring: Street corners and markets in urban areas
- Suitable for: Sandwich lovers and those looking for a quick, filling meal
- Price: $1-$2 per sandwich
Num Pang is the Cambodian version of the Vietnamese banh mi sandwich. It features a crispy baguette (a remnant of French colonial influence) filled with various ingredients such as grilled meat, pate, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili peppers. What sets Num Pang apart is the unique blend of Cambodian flavors and spices used in the fillings. The combination of crunchy bread, savory meats, and tangy vegetables creates a harmonious and satisfying meal. I highly recommend trying Num Pang for a delicious fusion of French and Cambodian culinary traditions.
9. Chive Cakes (Num Kachay)
- Location for savoring: Street markets and food carts in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
- Suitable for: Vegetarians and those who enjoy savory pancakes
- Price: $0.50-$1 for a small plate
Chive Cakes, known locally as Num Kachay, are small, pan-fried cakes made from rice flour batter mixed with chopped chives. These savory pancakes are crispy on the outside and slightly chewy on the inside, with a delightful oniony flavor from the chives. They are typically served with a sweet and spicy fish sauce for dipping, which adds an extra layer of flavor. I highly recommend trying Chive Cakes for a tasty vegetarian option that showcases the simplicity and deliciousness of Cambodian street food.
10. Nom Banh Chok (Khmer Noodles)
- Location for savoring: Morning markets and street vendors across Cambodia
- Suitable for: Those looking for a traditional Cambodian breakfast
- Price: $1-$2 per serving
Nom Banh Chok, also known as Khmer Noodles, is a beloved Cambodian dish often eaten for breakfast. It consists of thin rice noodles served with a fish-based green curry gravy and a variety of fresh vegetables. The curry is made with lemongrass, turmeric root, and kaffir lime, giving it a distinct and aromatic flavor. The dish is typically topped with bean sprouts, banana flower, water lily stems, and herbs, providing a refreshing crunch. I highly recommend trying Nom Banh Chok for a true taste of traditional Cambodian cuisine and to experience the country’s love for fresh, herbal flavors.
11. Sach Ko Ang (Grilled Beef Skewers)
- Location for savoring: Street-side grills and night markets across Cambodia
- Suitable for: Meat lovers and those enjoying barbecue flavors
- Price: $1-$2 for a set of skewers
Sach Ko Ang is a popular street food dish featuring thinly sliced beef marinated in a mixture of kroeung (Cambodian spice paste), fish sauce, and palm sugar. The beef is then skewered and grilled over charcoal, resulting in a smoky, caramelized exterior and juicy interior. These skewers are often served with pickled vegetables and a dipping sauce made from lime juice, salt, and black Kampot pepper. I highly recommend trying Sach Ko Ang for its delicious blend of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors that perfectly represent Cambodian barbecue.
12. Num Ansom (Sticky Rice Cakes)
- Location for savoring: Local markets and street vendors during festivals
- Suitable for: Those with a sweet tooth and looking for a traditional snack
- Price: $0.50-$1 per cake
Num Ansom are traditional Cambodian sticky rice cakes that come in both sweet and savory varieties. The sweet version, Num Ansom Chek, is made with sticky rice, bananas, and coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. The savory version, Num Ansom Chr’ook, contains pork and mung beans. These cakes have a soft, glutinous texture and are often enjoyed during Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben festival. I highly recommend trying both varieties of Num Ansom to experience the versatility of sticky rice in Cambodian cuisine and to taste a treat that’s deeply rooted in local traditions.
How to Savor Street Food in Cambodia as a Cambodian if Having 1 Day?
If you want to experience street food in Cambodia like a local in just one day, here’s a suggested itinerary:
- Start your day early with a bowl of Kuy Teav or Nom Banh Chok at a local morning market.
- For a mid-morning snack, try some Chive Cakes or Num Pang.
- Lunch on Lort Cha or Fish Amok from a street-side vendor.
- In the afternoon, cool down with some fresh fruit or a sugarcane juice from a cart.
- As evening approaches, head to a night market for dinner. Try Sach Ko Ang or Kang Kep Baob.
- End your night with some grilled insects or Balut for a daring treat.
- Don’t forget to try Kralan or Num Ansom as dessert or take-away snacks.
Remember to pace yourself, stay hydrated, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Engaging with local vendors and fellow diners can enhance your experience and provide insights into Cambodian food culture.
FAQs
What is the national food of Cambodia?
The national dish of Cambodia is generally considered to be Fish Amok. This flavorful curry dish exemplifies Cambodian cuisine with its use of local ingredients, complex spices, and traditional cooking methods.
What is the most popular food in Cambodia?
While popularity can vary by region and personal preference, some of the most widely enjoyed foods in Cambodia include:
- Kuy Teav (noodle soup)
- Fish Amok
- Lort Cha (stir-fried noodles)
- Nom Banh Chok (Khmer noodles)
- Beef Lok Lak (stir-fried beef cubes)
These dishes are beloved for their flavors, accessibility, and representation of Cambodian culinary traditions.
Exploring the street food scene in Cambodia is an adventure for the senses and a window into the country’s rich culinary heritage. From the savory delights of Lort Cha and Fish Amok to the daring treats like grilled insects and Balut, Cambodian street food offers something for every palate.
As you wander the streets of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or any Cambodian town, let your nose guide you to sizzling grills and steaming pots. Don’t be afraid to point, smile, and try something new – it’s all part of the street food experience.
Remember to eat where the locals eat, be respectful of local customs, and always practice good food safety. With an open mind and a hungry stomach, you’re sure to discover why Cambodian street food is a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be explored.
So, on your next trip to Cambodia, step away from the tourist restaurants and dive into the vibrant world of street food. Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll come away with unforgettable culinary memories of this beautiful country.
From Indochina Voyages Team
