Phnom Penh street food

Phnom Penh’s street food scene is vibrant, flavorful, and affordable — a true reflection of Cambodian culture. Here are some street food staples and where to find them:

Must-Try Street Foods

Num Pang (Cambodian baguette sandwich)** – Like a cousin to the Vietnamese banh mi, filled with pâté, pork, pickled vegetables, and chili sauce. Found near schools, markets, and parks like Wat Botum.

Bai Sach Chrouk (grilled pork with rice)** – Simple, smoky, and usually served with pickles and a small bowl of soup. Popular morning dish near Olympic Market and Russian Market (Toul Tom Pong).

Lort Cha (stir-fried short noodles)** – Fried with beef, egg, and bean sprouts, served with chili sauce and sometimes topped with a fried egg. Street carts around Central Market and Monivong Blvd.

Nom Krok (grilled coconut-rice cakes)** – Crisp on the outside, soft inside, with a sweet-salty coconut flavor. Evening stalls near Riverside or Independence Monument.

Fried insects (tarantulas, crickets, and silkworms)** – A crunchy, protein-rich snack for the brave and curious. Seen at tourist spots like Riverside or Pub Street in Siem Reap (but also in Phnom Penh’s Orussey Market).

Fresh spring rolls (Nime Chao) – Soft rice paper rolls filled with vegetables, pork, or shrimp, and dipped in peanut sauce. Vendors often roam riverside parks or university campuses.

Ang dtray-meuk (grilled squid on a stick)** – Served with green mango and chili sauce. Best at night markets or riverside.

Best Places for Street Food

Russian Market (Toul Tom Pong)** – Wide variety and bustling day/night.

Central Market (Phsar Thmei)** – Great for snacks, sweets, and drinks. Night Market near Riverside** – Designed for tourists but still has local favorites.

Wat Phnom area** – Great for local noodles, grilled meat, and iced coffee.

Olympic Market & Orussey Market** – For more authentic, less touristy finds.