Top 10 Popular Cambodian Street Food You Will Love 2024

Cambodian street food has been gaining popularity in recent years as more and more people discover the unique flavors and cultural significance of these dishes. From savory soups to sweet desserts, Cambodian street food offers a wide range of flavors and textures that appeal to a diverse array of palates.

The Origin of Cambodian Street Food

Street food has a long history in Cambodia, dating back to ancient times when food vendors would sell their wares in markets and on street corners. Over time, street food became integral to Cambodian culture as vendors began to specialize in specific dishes and create unique recipes.

Today, street food is a staple of Cambodian cuisine, with vendors selling their dishes throughout the country. The popularity of street food in Cambodia can be attributed to several factors, including its affordability, convenience, and the wide variety of flavors and ingredients available.

Next, we're going to introduce you top 10 Cambodian street foods. Each of them has its special recipes and flavors. Pick one you like and buy yourself a treat now!

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Top 1 Nom Krok - Coconut Pancakes

These bite-sized Coconut Pancakes are a popular Cambodian street food snack. Mix rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, and shredded coconut to form a batter to make Nom Krok. Pour the batter into a special pan with round indentations and cook until the pancakes are golden brown and crispy. Serve the pancakes hot with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce.

Adding toppings on the Nom Krok

Top 2 Num Pang - Cambodian Style Sandwich

This Cambodian style Sandwich features a crusty baguette filled with grilled meat, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. To make Num Pang, grill thin slices of pork or beef until cooked enough.

Then, slice a crusty baguette in half and spread it with mayonnaise and sliced jalapenos. Add the cooked meat to the sandwich, along with pickled carrots and daikon radish, sliced cucumbers, and fresh herbs.

Cambodian style sandwich

Top 3 Kranlan - Bamboo Sticky Rice

Cambodian Bamboo Sticky Rice, also known as "Kralan" in the Khmer language, is a popular traditional dish in Cambodia. It is typically made by mixing sticky rice with coconut milk, grated coconut, sugar, and a pinch of salt, and then stuffing the mixture into a length of the bamboo stalk. The bamboo is then roasted over an open flame until the rice is cooked and has a slightly smoky flavor.

Kralan is often sold by street vendors and is a typical snack or dessert in Cambodia. In addition to its delicious taste, Cambodian bamboo sticky rice is also popular because of its convenience. The bamboo stalks can be used as a natural, disposable container, making it easy to transport and eat on the go.

Bamboo sticky rice

Top 4 Snails - Surprising Street Food

Snails are a surprising and popular street food in Cambodia. They are often sold by street vendors who set up makeshift stalls along busy roads or at night markets.

The snails are typically boiled or steamed and then served with a spicy dipping sauce made with chili, garlic, and lime juice. In Cambodia, snails are also a relatively affordable and filling option for those on a budget.

A vendor is packing a portion of cooked snails

Top 5 Nom Ka Chai - Cambodian Chive Cakes

Nom Ka Chai or Num Kachay are delicious Cambodian chive cakes that are often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. They are made by mixing a batter of rice flour, tapioca starch, water, and seasoning, and then folding in chopped chives and other ingredients such as dried shrimp or ground pork.

Nom Ka Chai or Num Kachay is a popular street food in Cambodia and can be found at many markets and food stalls. They are known for their fragrant aroma, flavorful taste, and satisfying texture, and they are a great way to sample local cuisine.

Cambodian chive cakes

Top 6 Coconut Ice Cream - Best for Hot Summer 

Coconut ice cream is a delicious and refreshing treat when it comes to Cambodia food especially during the hot summer months. If you'd like to have a try, the dry season from November to April is the best time to visit Cambodia. By the way, it is made by blending coconut milk, sugar, and cream together and then freezing the mixture until it reaches a creamy, smooth consistency.

Coconut ice cream can be found at many local ice cream shops and markets throughout Cambodia and is often served in a cone or cup with a variety of toppings such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or sweetened condensed milk.

Coconut ice cream

Top 7 Bey Dom Neib - Mango and Sticky Rice

Bey Dom Neib, also known as Mango and Sticky Rice, is a popular dessert in Cambodia that is typically served during the summer months when mangoes are in season. It is made by combining sticky rice with coconut milk, sugar, and salt, and then serving it with sliced ripe mangoes.

To make Bey Dom Neib, the sticky rice is first soaked for several hours to soften it and then steamed until it becomes tender and sticky. The rice is then mixed with coconut milk and sugar and left to cool. Once the rice has cooled, it is typically shaped into small balls or mounds and served with slices of ripe, sweet mango.

Mango and sticky rice

Top 8 Banh Chokl - Soft and Tender Noodles

Banh Chokl is a popular street food in Cambodia and can be found at many markets and food stalls. It consists of rice noodles topped with various fresh vegetables and herbs, and a flavorful fish-based curry sauce.

To make Banh Chok, the noodles are first boiled until they are soft and tender. They are then placed in a bowl and topped with fresh vegetables such as bean sprouts, cucumber, and mint leaves. The dish is then finished with a generous ladle of spicy, savory curry sauce made with fish or prawns, lemongrass, garlic, and other herbs and spices.

Khmer noodles Banh Chokl

Top 9 Num Kroch - Cambodian Fried Doughnuts

Cambodian fried doughnuts, also known as Num Kroch, are a popular snack in Cambodia that are often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. They are made by mixing rice flour, wheat flour, sugar, and water together to form a dough, which is then rolled into small balls and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown.

Once fried, the doughnuts are traditionally coated in a sweet syrup made from palm sugar and water, which gives them a delicious caramel flavor and a sticky, chewy texture.

Cambodian style doughnuts

Top 10 Cambodian Iced Coffee - Dark Coffee with Condensed Milk

Cambodian iced coffee, also known as Cafe Bontéay in Khmer, is a popular beverage in Cambodia that is enjoyed both hot and cold. It is made by brewing strong, dark coffee and then serving it over ice with a generous splash of sweetened condensed milk.

The coffee is first brewed using a traditional drip coffee maker or French press. Once brewed, it is poured over ice and mixed with sweetened condensed milk, which gives the coffee a creamy, rich flavor and a hint of sweetness.

Ice coffee and breads

Advice for Choosing the Best Cambodian Dish

With so many delicious Cambodian street food options, deciding which dish to try can take work. Here are some tips to help you choose the best dish for yourself.

Consider your taste preferences:
Do you prefer spicy or mild dishes? Do you like sweet or savory flavors? Choose a dish that appeals to your taste buds.
Ask the vendor for recommendations:
The vendors who sell street food are often experts in their cuisine and can recommend their most popular dishes.
Watch the vendor prepare the food:
If possible, watch the vendor prepare it to ensure it looks and smells fresh.

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Where to Find Street Food in Cambodia?

If you're looking for the best street food in Cambodia, here are some specific blocks to check out:

Street 240 in Phnom Penh
Street 240 is a popular street located in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It's located in the Chamkar Mon district and is known for its trendy cafes, boutique shops, and art galleries.

Street 240 is also referred to as "Art Street" or "Artist Street" due to its numerous art galleries and studios that showcase the work of local artists. The street is lined with beautiful old trees and colonial-style buildings, which add to its charm and character.

If you are planning to visit Phnom Penh, a walk down Street 240 is definitely recommended to soak up the artistic vibe and get a taste of the city's creative scene. You can also find plenty of great cafes and restaurants to grab a bite or a drink while taking in the surroundings.

Street 240 in Phnom Penh

Pub Street in Siem Reap
This popular tourist destination features a bustling night market with dozens of street food vendors selling everything from fried rice to grilled meats.

Pub street is located in the heart of Siem Reap, a city in northwest Cambodia. It's situated in the Old Market area, which is the central hub for tourists visiting the nearby Angkor Wat temple complex.

To be more specific, Pub street is located between Street 8 and Street 11, and can be easily found by looking for the colorful neon lights and signs. The street is pedestrian-only after 5pm, which means that it's a great place to walk around and explore the many restaurants, bars, and shops that line the street.

Neon block at Pub Street in Siem Reap

Central Market in Phnom Penh
Central Market (also known as Phsar Thmey) is one of the most famous landmarks in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It is a large, art deco-style building located in Kamet Street 53, and it is a popular shopping destination for both tourists and locals.

If you're planning to visit Central Market, it's a good idea to arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds. You should also be prepared to negotiate prices with vendors, as this is a common practice in Cambodian markets. Find out more bustling markets on top 10 Cambodian markets.

Central Market of Phnom Penh

Cost and Payment
When it comes to the cost of Cambodian street food, it is affordable. Prices can vary depending on the location and the specific dish, but most street food dishes cost between 1 and 3 USD.

As for payment, many street food vendors in Cambodia prefer cash, so having some Cambodian Riel on hand is a good idea. However, some vendors may also accept US dollars or credit cards.

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Conclusion

Cambodian street food offers a delicious and affordable way to experience the local cuisine and culture. From savory soups and stir-fries to sweet pancakes and sandwiches, there are many mouth-watering options.

When visiting Cambodia, be sure to explore the street food scene and try some of these top 10 dishes. And remember, always use caution when choosing street food vendors and consider your taste preferences when selecting a dish. Contact us for more information about adding on a food tour in Cambodia.