Have you ever stepped into a bustling Cambodian market, smelling the aroma of grilled meat, coconut water and spices wafting through the air? If not, why don't you come to enjoy Cambodian street food? The delicious dishes here are not only dishes but also a journey to explore local culture and life. Let's take a look at 10 delicious dishes not to be missed when coming to Cambodia, so that each meal is an unforgettable memory!
1. What is special about Cambodian cuisine?
Cambodian cuisine is a harmonious combination of fresh ingredients, unique flavors and traditional cooking methods, creating a distinct identity. Inspired by rich natural resources, Khmer dishes often use local ingredients such as fresh fish, raw vegetables, coconut water and spices such as lemongrass, turmeric, and fish sauce.
The characteristic of Cambodian cuisine lies in the delicate balance between sweet, salty, sour and spicy flavors, bringing a rich and surprising culinary experience. In particular, Cambodian street food plays an important role in daily life, not only as a place to enjoy delicious food but also as a space reflecting the culture, lifestyle and hospitality of the local people. On every street corner or bustling market, you will easily find delicious dishes that are closely associated with the history and long-standing traditions of this country of pagodas.
Cambodian street food will help you discover more interesting things from this country.
2. List of 10 Cambodian street foods not to be missed
If you have the opportunity to visit Cambodia, do not miss the following delicious specialties:
2.1 Nom Banh Chok (Khmer Rice Noodles)
Nom Banh Chok is a traditional rice noodle dish loved in Cambodia, often eaten for breakfast. The noodles are made from rice flour, soft and chewy, combined with a refreshing broth made from fresh fish, turmeric, lemongrass and typical spices. The highlight of this dish is the combination with raw vegetables such as bean sprouts, banana flowers, coriander and basil, creating a fresh and balanced flavor. This is not only a nutritious dish but also reflects the simplicity and rusticity in the lives of Cambodian people.
Suggested places to enjoy: Small restaurants in Phnom Penh or local markets.
2.2 Bai Sach Chrouk (Grilled Pork Rice)
Bai Sach Chrouk is one of the popular Cambodian street foods every morning in this country. This rice dish is served with thinly sliced pork, marinated with lemongrass, coconut water, and grilled over hot coals, creating an irresistible aromatic flavor. The meat is combined with hot white rice, often accompanied by thinly sliced cucumber and a slightly sweet dipping sauce to balance the taste. This is a familiar dish not only because of its rich flavor but also because of its convenience and reasonable price, easily found at sidewalk eateries or morning markets.
Suggested places to enjoy: Sidewalk eateries or morning markets.
With Bai Sach Chrouk you can easily find it anywhere at sidewalk stalls or markets in the morning.
2.3 Amok (Fish Steamed in Banana Leaves)
Amok is considered a symbol of Cambodian cuisine, often appearing in traditional parties. This is a fresh fish fillet dish cooked in a mixture of coconut milk, turmeric, lemongrass and fish sauce, bringing a rich, fatty flavor. All will be wrapped in banana leaves and steamed, helping the dish retain its moisture and natural aroma. When enjoying, you will feel the natural sweetness of the fish mixed with traditional spices.
Suggested places to enjoy: Street restaurants or night markets in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
2.4 Num Pang (Cambodian Bread)
Num Pang is a Khmer version of a baguette, influenced by French cuisine. With a crispy crust, inside is grilled meat, pate, raw vegetables such as cucumber, shredded carrots and coriander, and a special sauce with a strong local flavor. This sandwich is simple, quick, and delicious, suitable for snacks or breakfast.
Suggested place to enjoy: Banh mi carts along the streets of Phnom Penh.
2.5 Kuy Teav (Khmer Pho)
Kuy Teav, also known as Khmer Pho, is a familiar traditional breakfast dish in Cambodia. This dish is characterized by a clear broth made from pork or beef bones, with a natural sweetness, accompanied by soft noodles, thinly sliced meat, bean sprouts and herbs. Some places also add lemon and chili to enhance the flavor. This is an ideal suggestion and a delicious Cambodian street food that you cannot miss.
Suggested place to enjoy: Family restaurants or traditional markets.
Kuy Teav has a unique Khmer flavor that you cannot miss when coming to Cambodia.
2.6 Cha Houy Teuk (Cambodian Jelly)
Cha Houy Teuk is a popular cooling dessert on hot days in Cambodia. This dish includes colorful jelly, fresh coconut water and shaved ice, creating a cool and sweet taste. Some places also add basil seeds or condensed milk to enhance the flavor, so it is loved by many people from children to adults.
Suggested places to enjoy: Markets and street food carts.
2.7 Ang Dtray-Meuk (Grilled Squid)
Ang Dtray-Meuk is an attractive Cambodian street food, especially in coastal areas. With fresh squid cleaned, skewered and grilled directly on hot coals, bringing out the characteristic aroma and natural sweetness of seafood. This dish is often served with a spicy and sour dipping sauce, highlighting the delicious taste of the squid.
Suggested places to enjoy: Sihanoukville coastal areas or night markets.
Ang Dtray-Meuk is one of the very famous Cambodian street foods.
2.8 Lok Lak (Khmer-style stir-fried beef)
Lok Lak is a famous dish of Cambodian cuisine with the main ingredient being thinly sliced beef, stir-fried with a rich sauce, combining soy sauce, oyster sauce and Kampot pepper. This dish is often served with white rice, fried eggs, raw vegetables and a unique lemon pepper dipping sauce. The soft sweetness of the beef mixed with the sweet and salty sauce makes Lok Lak the top choice of many tourists when coming to Cambodia.
Suggested places to enjoy: Traditional eateries or restaurants in Siem Reap.
2.9 Num Plae Ai (Dessert)
Num Plae Ai is a traditional dessert that often appears during festivals in Cambodia. The small, pretty cakes are made from glutinous rice flour, filled with palm sugar, and sprinkled with grated coconut after being boiled. This dish has a sweet, soft and fragrant taste, suitable for ending a meal with a gentle sweetness.
Recommended places to enjoy: Traditional markets or street food stalls in Phnom Penh.
2.10 Num Sang Khya l‘peou (Pumpkin Custard)
Num Sang Khya l‘peou is a unique dessert that combines pumpkin and a delicious custard mixture. The pumpkin is hollowed out, then filled with a mixture of eggs, palm sugar and coconut milk, and steamed. When cut open, you will see the blend of the orange-yellow color of the pumpkin and the smooth custard layer, both beautiful and nutritious. This is an ideal dish for those who want to experience the creativity of Cambodian cuisine.
Recommended places to enjoy: Street food stalls or night markets in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
Pumpkin custard - A unique Cambodian dessert.
3. Notes when enjoying Cambodian street food
Enjoying Cambodian street food is a great experience, but to fully enjoy the flavor and ensure safety, you should note the following:
3.1 Food hygiene and safety issues
Street food always brings a sense of closeness and excitement, but hygiene is a factor that needs to be of primary concern. When choosing a restaurant, you should prioritize crowded places because they often have fresh food, are continuously prepared and are cleaner. In addition, observe the preparation area to ensure that the ingredients are properly preserved and handled.
3.2 How to bargain
At some local markets, bargaining is quite common when buying food. Try to have a friendly conversation and cleverly suggest a suitable price, both to save costs and to create opportunities to interact with local people. However, at street food stalls, prices are usually fixed and quite affordable, so sometimes there is no need to bargain.
3.3 Time to enjoy
Cambodian street food is often most vibrant in the early morning and late afternoon. This is the ideal time to enjoy the dishes, both avoiding the heat and immersing yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the markets. In particular, breakfast dishes such as Nom Banh Chok or Bai Sach Chrouk are usually only sold in the morning, while grilled dishes and snacks such as Ang Dtray-Meuk or Cha Houy Teuk are more popular in the evening.
To fully enjoy the delicious street food of Cambodia, you should also pay attention to some things such as food hygiene and safety and suitable time frame.
Enjoying Cambodian street food is an experience not to be missed, but if you prioritize safety, convenience and comfort, choosing a reputable restaurant is the ideal choice.
We recommend you the restaurant at the luxurious and top-notch Xamat Hotel & Casino in Xa Mat. Located in Trapaing Phlong Commune, more than 200 km from Phnom Penh, Xamat Hotel & Casino not only stands out with its luxurious space but is also a great culinary destination. The restaurant at the hotel serves a diverse menu, from traditional Cambodian dishes such as Amok, Kuy Teav, to fresh seafood dishes and international cuisine.
With fresh ingredients and sophisticated preparation, diners will enjoy high-quality dishes in a comfortable space, ideal for relaxing meals or meeting friends and family. Therefore, the restaurant will definitely bring the perfect culinary experience to every tourist during their vacation.
The restaurant at Xamat Hotel & Casino promises to bring you the most memorable and top-notch culinary experiences.
Address: National Road No 72, Trapaing Phlong Commune, Ponhea Krek District, Tbong Khmum Province, Cambodia.
For a complete culinary experience at Xamat Hotel & Casino, please contact us in advance to book a table at +855 71 424 5555!
Cambodian street food is not only a dish but also an important part of the culture and life of the people here. Hopefully, the journey to discover these 10 delicious dishes will leave you with unforgettable impressions, not only about the taste but also about the hospitality of the local people. Come to Cambodia once and experience it for yourself!
