Where To Find Khmer Food In Phnom Penh
Having lived in Cambodia in 2017, I can confirm the food is delicious but sadly doesn’t carry the same weight as Thailand for being a world-renowned food hub. So having lived in Phnom Penh, I thought I’d make a food guide on where to find the best Khmer food in PP!
I’ll be honest, though, Phnom Penh has plenty of dives with food being over seasoned to hell with salt. The variety has expanded rapidly with dishes from around the world with investment from China and independent western businesses popping up all over the city. What I’m saying is the consistency isn’t their, and Thailand is miles ahead in terms of fresh ingredients, presentation, taste, and quality. But that’s not to say Khmer food is bad or their aren’t any decent places to go. You need to be ear to the ground and find your local eaterie.
Keep reading to find out some of the great varieties of food in Cambodia and where to find these fantastic dishes.
Where To Find Khmer Food
If you want to try Khmer food, you have two real options 1 go to the market 2 street vendors 3 restaurants, and coffee shops.
Amok-
Amok reminds me of korma (Indian dish) but made with fish, rice and served on banana leaves with a side of rice. Extremely tasty and the #1 dish in Cambodia.
Lok Lak-
The dish has various ingredients from beef, paprika, Kampot pepper, tomato, fish stock, and much more. The dish is either served with French fries or rice. A nice tasty dish to introduce you to Khmer food.
Kuy Teav-
If you like soups make sure, you try Kuy Teav, which is essentially a broth made from chunks of meat (Pork Usually) You usually find the dish is popular around markets and cafes.
Breakfast Dishes
Bai Sach Chrouk-
A nice easy dish with sliced pork (Cooked on Charcoal) with pickles giving the dish a zesty taste. The dish is served with rice.
Samlor Korko.
Samlor Korko is cooked slowly and made with pork, bay leaves, and vegetables.
Lort Char.
Rice noodle dish with chives, beans, and vegetables with an option of adding meat. The plate also has a fried egg.
Bobor Sach Trey/Borbor Sach Mouan.
The dish contains chicken or fish and works amazing for your gut health. Again a popular dish found around markets.
Nhiom Troyong Chiek
If you’re vegetarian living in Cambodia, this salad of banana leaves, herbs, vegetables, nuts, and salt, sweet tastes offer a refreshing taste perfect for those hot, humid days
Where To Find The Best Street Food
Compared to Thailand, Cambodia is still in the shadows in terms of cuisine quality. For instance, you smell a lot of off spam-like meat frying on the side of the road that stinks of feet LOL! In Phnom Penh, you have to ask around to find good quality food.
You can find class places that give you quality for your buck. But please note even though I never got sick from eating at markets, I’ve seen some shoddy things that will make you spew up all over yourself. Try to sanitize the cutlery and avoid ice at all costs, as food poisoning can leave you in a heap for days.
Pork Man
Pork man is traditionally served at breakfast and is popular with locals. You also find this dish at night time and is found from 5:30pm on the corner of Street 19 on Norodom Boulevard on traditional Asian chairs and plastic tables.
The smell of the dish grabs you first, with the roaring charcoal grill setting the scene. The pork has a sauce with a smokey taste that compliments the meat. The dish is served with rice.
From The Russian Market With Love
I use to live near the royal palace, so the Russian market was 15-20mins drive from my area, but I have to say the area was vibrant and full of life. The market sells everything from soups, smoothies, meat dishes, and great seafood.
On the streets of 450 & 135 you find the noodle stands starting with dishes starting from $1 with noodle soups, tofu, and veggie dishes with eggs.
Orussey Market
Not a market for tourists but more of a local place for the Khmer people, which sells everything from clothes to traditional potions (Thats for another blog), but this market is bustling. You can find every variety of food, from sweet to savory.
If your starting early, you find a decent breakfast with num banh chok (Khmer Noodles) a fish dish with lime & lemongrass. But you can get quality food all-day with delicious dishes that cost next to nothing.
Its Easy As Street 123
If you love spit roast food, make sure to head to st 123 with many specialties from skewed meat, vegetarian options like grilled mushrooms, aubergines, and cheese. The dishes normally kicks off from 1 pm and are served until the night. Prices start from 2,000 Riel ($0.49)
