The Best 7 Places to Eat Street Food in Cambodia, Phnom Penh

Cambodian Food: What’s it Like

Cambodian or Khmer food is typically made with fresh ingredients and is a medley of flavors. As rice is considered a staple in Asian cuisines, it is served with most meals in Cambodia. Unlike Thai cuisine that is distinctly spicy, the food in Cambodia is rather mild and has a lot of pickled and tangy flavors.

Typically, a Cambodian meal has three or four little dishes, served with rice and a soup alongside with the main dishes. Although similar in concept to its neighboring countries, the food is pretty distinct, offering a little bit of every flavor. Chili is usually served on the side, leaving it up to personal preference which is great for those that can’t take the heat.

Bai sach chrouk (pork and rice) is a popular breakfast dish across Cambodia, but the Pork and Rice Man is one Cambodian who serves the meal in the evening as well. From about 5.30pm on the corner of Street 19 and Norodom Boulevard, the street flickers to life as chairs and tables are thrown up, crowds start to gather and street-side grills are set alight. His marinated pork is the dish of the day — or evening — and attracts people from far and wide. If you fancy eating it as a traditional morning dish, then head to any of the many smoking grills across the city from about 6am and tuck in. Another great pork and rice eatery sits at the corner of streets 13 and 100.



Affectionately referred to as the Russian Market, this is another spot overflowing with food. Inside the market is a central food court, with small stalls selling everything from fresh fruit smoothies and Khmer coffee, through to noodles, rice dishes, soups and salads. If noodles are up your street, then head outside the market to one of the capital’s best fried noodle stands on the corner of streets 450 and 135. This spot specialises in fried noodles with beef, tofu and veggies, with a fried egg on top, all starting from $1. At dusk, stalls cooking up fresh seafood replace the motorbikes at the market’s parking area.

Barbecued meat is common across Cambodia, with basic grills fired up ahead of dusk across the country. The stall on Phnom Penh’s Street 123 specialises in mouth-watering yakitori spit-roasted chicken skewers. Here, diners can chow down on a choice of thigh, heart or wing, with vegetarian versions available, including mushroom, aubergine and cheese options. The chicken skewers are only served during dinnertime, with other meals available throughout the day, including chicken, rice, salad and chips. Prices start from 2,000 riel (50 cents).