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Phnom Penh is rich with flavors. Small food kiosks, carts, and local markets offering everything from grilled meats to noodle soups line the streets. While some meals are fiery and daring, others are soft and soothing. Eating on plastic seats, talking to merchants, and relishing fresh meals made right in front of them. Street food here is an experience, not only about eating. Every corner will have steamy bowls of soup, crispy appetisers, and smoky BBQ. What is the best part? The costs are reasonable, allowing you to sample several meals at little expense. These are among the top street dishes to sample in Phnom Penh. We will also explore the best street food in Phnom Penh simultaneously.
Top Street Food In Phnom Penh To Try This Summer
Here are some mouth-watering foods in Phnom Penh you can’t miss munching on this summer.
1. Bai Sach Chrouk
Photo: Sheena Aloner / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Bai Sach Chrouk is a famous street food in Phnom Penh. Thin slices of pork are marinated in coconut milk, garlic, and sugar, then grilled over charcoal. This gives the meat a smoky and slightly sweet taste. It is generally served with steamed rice, pickled vegetables, and a bowl of broth. Many locals eat it before starting their day, as it is filling yet light on the stomach. The soft rice, juicy pork, and crunchy pickles make every bite enjoyable.
Location: Best found in morning stalls near Psa Thmei
2. Num Pang
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Num Pang is Cambodia’s version of a sandwich. Vendors fill a crispy baguette with grilled pork, pâté, pickled vegetables, and chili sauce. Some versions also have eggs or roasted duck. The contrast between crunchy bread, soft meat, and fresh toppings makes it a favorite quick meal. Many office workers and students grab one on their way to work. Since it’s easy to carry, people often eat it while walking.
Location: Street vendors along Monivong Boulevard and Orussey Market
3. Lort Cha
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Lort Cha is a delicious stir-fried noodle dish. The short, thick rice noodles are tossed in a hot pan with bean sprouts, Chinese broccoli, and an egg. Some vendors add beef or pork for extra protein. A sweet and spicy sauce is spread over the noodles, giving them a bold flavor. The dish is usually topped with green onions and served with chili sauce. It’s a great option for those who love quick and tasty meals.
Location: Best found in food stalls near the Russian Market and Street 136
4. Fish Amok
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Fish Amok is one of Cambodia’s most traditional dishes. It is made by steaming fish in a thick coconut curry with lemongrass, turmeric, and kaffir lime leaves. The result is a soft, custard-like dish that melts in your mouth. Unlike many Southeast Asian curries, this one is not too spicy. The banana leaf wrapping gives it a unique aroma. People who enjoy creamy, mildly spiced food usually love it.
Location: Common in markets like the Phnom Penh Night Market and the Street 240 area
5. Fried Insects
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Fried insects are a popular street snack in Cambodia. Vendors fry crickets, grasshoppers, and even tarantulas until crispy. A mix of lime, salt, and chili adds extra flavor. Crickets have a nutty taste, while tarantulas have a chewy, seafood-like texture. Some locals eat them as a protein-rich snack, while tourists often try them for fun. Many people are surprised at how tasty they are.
Location: Found at Phnom Penh’s Night Market or near Wat Phnom
6. Kuy Teav
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Kuy Teav is a flavorful rice noodle soup often eaten in the morning. The broth, made from slow-cooked pork or beef bones, is rich and savory. Vendors add slices of meat, bean sprouts, fried garlic, and fresh herbs. Some stalls offer seafood versions as well. Each bowl is served with lime and chili on the side, so you can adjust the flavor to your liking. It’s a comforting dish, perfect for starting the day.
Location: Available at local stalls near O’Russey Market and Central Market
7. Grilled Frog On Skewers
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Grilled frog is a common street food in Cambodia. The frog is marinated in lemongrass, soy sauce, and spices before being grilled. It tastes similar to chicken but is slightly richer. Vendors serve it on skewers, making it easy to eat. A side of spicy dipping sauce adds even more flavor. Many locals enjoy it as a snack, especially in the evening.
Location: Found at barbecue stalls along Street 13 and near the Russian Market
8. Chive Cakes
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Chive cakes are crispy snacks that come from Chinese-Cambodian cuisine. They are made by mixing rice flour with chopped chives and frying them until golden brown. The inside stays soft, while the outside becomes crunchy. Vendors serve them with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. Many people enjoy them as an afternoon snack with tea or fresh fruit juice.
Location: Best found at street vendors near Psar Kandal Market
9. Grilled Squid On A Stick
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Grilled squid is a popular street food, especially in the evening. Vendors grill fresh squid over charcoal and brush it with a sweet and spicy glaze. The squid becomes tender and slightly smoky. It is served with a sharp dipping sauce made from lime, chili, and salt. People love it as a light snack while walking through night markets.
Location: Best found at stalls near Sisowath Quay
10. Cambodian Sausages
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Cambodian sausages are small, flavorful, and slightly sweet. Vendors grill them until the outside is crispy. The inside is juicy, packed with ground pork, garlic, and spices. Some versions also include rice, which gives them a unique texture. They are usually served with pickled vegetables and fresh herbs. Many people eat them as a snack or pair them with rice for a full meal.
Location: Common at food stalls along Street 13 and near the Russian Market
11. Sweet Coconut Rice Cakes
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Num Krok are bite-sized rice cakes made from coconut milk, rice flour, and sugar. They are cooked in small molds over a charcoal fire, giving them a crispy edge and a soft center. Some versions include corn or chives for extra texture. The coconut flavor makes them a favorite snack among both locals and tourists. They are best eaten hot, fresh off the pan.
Location: Found at street food stalls near Wat Phnom and Toul Tom Poung Market
12. Grilled Banana With Coconut Milk
Photo: Luca Nebuloni / Wikimedia Commons
Grilled banana is a simple but delicious Cambodian street snack. Vendors use ripe bananas, grill them over charcoal, and brush them with coconut milk. The heat caramelises the natural sugars, creating a smoky, sweet flavor with a slightly crispy texture. Some vendors serve it with a drizzle of condensed milk or sprinkle it with sesame seeds for extra taste. It’s a great option for those who prefer a light, naturally sweet treat instead of deep-fried snacks. Locals often grab a few skewers while walking through markets or after meals as a quick dessert.
Location: Found at stalls near Olympic Market and Russian Market
13. Cambodian Balut
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Cambodian balut or Pong Tia Koon is a fertilised duck egg that has a partially developed embryo. The vendors boil the egg and sell it in the shell with salt, ground pepper, and lime juice. Some serve with fresh herbs like basil or pickled vegetables on the side. The egg white is firm, but the yolk is soft. The embryo provides a meaty feel, so it is a treat for someone who has never tried it before. Locals consume it as a late-night snack, believing it makes them strong and full of energy. Vendors usually go around markets with hinged baskets full of hot eggs, calling out to people.
Location: Orussey Market and Riverside Night Market
Phnom Penh’s street food is full of surprises. The variety ranges from comforting noodle soups to grilled meats and even crispy fried insects. Each dish tells a story about Cambodian flavors and traditions. Eating at street stalls is not just about food—it’s about enjoying the city’s energy, meeting friendly vendors, and trying new tastes. The best way to experience it is to walk through the markets, follow the smells, and eat like a local. A trip to Phnom Penh wouldn’t be complete without trying its amazing street food. So book your trip to Phnom Penh today with TripXL and get lost in the aromas of delicious Cambodian food.
Cover Photo: SauceSupreme / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
