Cambodia is one of the most notable South-East Asian countries, particularly in tourism. The nourishment, culture and customs of Cambodia allure a considerable measure of sightseers from around the world. The place offers one of the most cost-effective yet stunning excursions you can take in a lifetime. Whether it’s the intriguing temples or delectable Cambodian street food, there is something for everyone in the beautiful cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
The Most Delectable Street Food In Cambodia
Continue reading to learn more about the top 10 popular Cambodian street food delicacies you must savor on your trip to Cambodia. So, which of these will you be feasting on first?
1. Lort Cha
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Made of plump rice noodles, this dish will remind you a little of Indian fried chow mein. Fried with various vegetables (mainly green onions, chives, beans), this dish then takes an unexpected twist and is mixed with beef, finally topped off with an egg. You can have it with spicy red chili chutney. This is the ideal lunch or dinner to savor while strolling around the streets of Cambodia. You will find numerous Lort Cha vendors with their large frying pans and assortment of ingredients ready to make you a delicious plate of noodles.
Where to try: Kandal, Phnom Penh
Must Read: The 8 Best Museums In Cambodia For An Insight Into The Country’s History
2. Bai Sach Chrouk
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Indulging in street food in Cambodia is quite popular among the locals which is why this rice and pork dish is how most natives choose to start their day. You will see women selling the dish at small barbeque stalls, with pork strips being grilled at small mesh-like structures. The rice served here is fresh, tender and smells heavenly. To be honest, a meal here is superior to dining at some of the restaurants. The plate of rice is topped with pork and green onion and a sprinkle of oil (fried with garlic and onions). Complete the whole dish with an egg and sides of pickled vegetables and broth, and you’ve got yourself a perfect day!
Where to try: Pork and Rice Man, Phnom Penh
Suggested Read: Best Things To Do On An Ultimate Budget Trip To Vietnam And Cambodia!
3. Balut
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Balut or duck embryonic egg is one of the most unusual delicacies of Cambodian cuisine. The dish is a fertilized fetus (straight out of the eggshell), which the locals indulge in. Yes, you might find the act of squishing the little thing and mixing it with rice a little unsettling, but if you are someone who adores diverse cuisine and wants to savor the local culture, Balut is a must try for sure. It is usually consumed with ample amounts of salt and pepper along with a sprinkle of lime juice – making it taste quite tangy and flavorsome.
Where to try: Pub Street, Siem Reap
Suggested Read: 10 Most Popular Festivals In Cambodia: An Insight Into Its Rich Culture
4. Grilled Skewers
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One of the neatest and most satisfying foods out there – any Cambodian bbq festival is incomplete without these delectable skewers. Mostly, the skewers with meat or seafood are the popular street food in Cambodia. Be prepared for anything from chicken hearts to prawns, pork or quails and of course full pineapples which are quite a delight. Such meals are quite protein-rich and nutritious and most night markets in Cambodia will be filled with stalls selling grilled skewers.
Where to try: Central Market, Phnom Penh
5. Kuy Teav
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A noodle soup is something that originated in South East Asia and Cambodia is one of the prime places to enjoy this dish. Here, the soup is typically made with local greens along with rice vermicelli, scallions, and pork or chicken bones. For the adventurous eaters, you can opt to add livers, intestines, tongue or even blood to the soup (according to your preference). The soup is quite filling, which is why you will find masses of people queuing up against the stalls in the evening to savor it.
Where to experiment: Central Market, Phnom Penh
Recommended reading: You Must Visit These 10 Eateries In Cambodia During Your Trip!
6. Coconut Gelato
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Imagine chocolate, coconut, and strawberries. The gelato served in Cambodia will remind you of the renowned Thai dessert; however, the taste and presentation are notably distinct. Candidly speaking, Cambodian street food recipes are genuinely fascinating, and this serves as another example of that. Here the gelato is served with the baguette (creating an ice cream sandwich) or chocolate wafers with a drizzle of peanuts on top. You can opt for sweet, condensed coconut milk as an addition or simply enjoy the husky coconut water (on the side) that complements perfectly in the warm, humid Cambodian climate. Delicious!
Where to experiment: Mr. O Coconut Gelato, Phnom Penh
7. Kralan
One of the lightest items on this list – Kralan is essentially sticky rice enclosed within a bamboo. Made from sticky rice together with black beans, the dish acquires its distinctive flavor from the grated coconut and coconut milk that is incorporated into the mixture. After filling the ingredients inside the bamboo stick, it is placed over a charcoal fire to roast. The smoky flavor elevates the taste to another level and the unique sweet, light but roasted flavor is the perfect delight during your evening walks.
Where to experiment: Battambang
Recommended reading: 10 Opulent Hotels In Cambodia That Will Transform Your Stay Into An Unforgettable Experience
8. Chet Chien (Deep Fried Bananas)
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Cambodia possesses the most intriguing solution to delectable street food dishes – deep fried bananas. A popular Cambodian street food in Siem Reap, this dish is comprised of ripe bananas that are first flattened and then coated with a sweet batter. The batter also incorporates sesame seeds, which imparts a certain roasted flavor to the dish. The bananas are then fried in hot, sizzling oil and devoured by both tourists and locals alike. You will come across numerous cart vendors selling different variations of the same dish in the capital city of Phnom Penh as well.
Where to attempt: Psar Leu, Siem Reap
9. Pasta with Chilled java
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Without a doubt, this combination is the most effective Cambodian street meals. The java making process in the country is a bit different, where legumes are dried out in sunlight and then roasted. It lends a different odor to the java, which you can find on numerous regional carts easily.
Pasta are the basic diet here which is why fried pasta can be caught on a number of carts in every nook and corner of the country. Your choices of vegetables, beef and/or tofu can be added, which makes them the perfect thing to eat with your chilled java!
Where to attempt: Daughters of Cambodia, Phnom Penh
Suggested Read: 9 Finest Cambodia Resorts For A Stunning Vacation In The Exotic Kingdom!
10. Pickled Fruits
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Cheap street food in Cambodia does not mean that a compromise on taste, quality, or health. Think mango, apple, guava, papaya or pineapple – numerous fruits can be found at the munchie bag of pickled fruits. The dish is served with a side sauce of salt, sugar, chili and yes, fish sauce! This sure is one healthy and economic way to keep up with your minerals and nutrients while on a visit to Cambodia.
Where to attempt: BKK Industry, Phnom Penh
Further Read: 4 Wonderful Cambodia Beach Resorts For Your Best Hospitality Experience
Cambodian street meals prices will never burn a hole in your pocket – you’ll find almost all the above-mentioned dishes in the range of INR 50-100. Already planning avisit to Cambodia? We know you’re!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cambodian Street Food
Is it secure to consume street foods once in Cambodia vacation?
Yes, you must order a complete boiled or fried food item. This is because; they prepare Cambodian food recipes in a half-boiled form in vegan and non-vegan foods.
Is the street food in Cambodia affordable and the best to eat while on a budget tour?
Yes, the price for street food in Cambodia ranges from 10 KHR to 100 KHR. This also depends on whether it is vegan or non-vegan food. It is ideal for budget tour participants to enjoy street food from vendors.
Are plant-based foods available on the streets of Cambodia?
Yes, you should order rice or wheat noodles with vegetable sauce and toppings. The main food staple in Cambodia is rice. You can order steamed rice with vegetable curry.
What types of meats are available on the streets of Cambodia?
The street food stalls in Cambodia prepare non-vegetarian dishes using beef, chicken, fish, mutton, and pork.
Aside from Cambodian cuisine, what other popular cuisines are served by street food vendors in Cambodia?
They also serve Chinese and Thai cuisine. These specialized cuisines are exclusively offered by street food stalls.
Why is Cambodian street food known for being spicy?
They use locally-sourced spices that are fresh from the farms, providing a unique taste, flavor, and aroma. The food is prepared using traditional methods such as cooking over wood fire, wrapping in banana leaves, and skewering on bamboo sticks.
What are the operating hours for street food in Cambodia?
Some stalls are open from morning till night, but the majority of street food stalls start serving Cambodian delicacies from evening until midnight.
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