5 Street Foods You Need to Try in Cambodia
Whether you’re a real foodie or not, eating is a part of every trip. And what better way to support the local community than to try some of that delicious street food? Here’s our list of favorites from our small group tour in Cambodia.
1.Fish amok
Fish amok is a classic Khmer dish made from fish, coconut milk and curry paste. All the ingredients are put together in banana leaves and steamed, and lots of spices such as chili, cumin, turmeric root and lemongrass are added to ensure a perfect mix of flavors. Popular throughout the whole country and best when simply served with some hot sticky rice, this dish is a must-eat for everyone visiting Cambodia!
2. On the BBQ: Pork skewers and grilled sausages
Cambodians love barbecued food, and you’ll have no problem finding it in one of the many street stalls all over the country. Cheap and tasteful, pork skewers or grilled sausages make for a perfect snack at any time of the day. Whether you like sweet or spicy food, these delights will definitely make you mouth-water. Can’t wait for snack-time? No problem! Served with vegetables and rice, they’re also a popular breakfast.
3. Lok lak
Huge portions of stir fried beef or pork in a brown sauce served with salad, rice, lime juice and black pepper – how could anyone not like that? The meat is marinated first to make it even more flavorsome, and every region has its own typical mix of spices, so you’ll never get the same taste twice. In traditional Cambodian cuisine this dish is wrapped up in a lettuce leaf, which also makes it super easy to eat on the street.
4. Kuy teav (noodle soup)
Simple but tasteful, noodle soup is a popular dish in all of Southeast Asia. The base is always the same – pork or beef stock, rice noodles and toppings – but Cambodian noodle soup differs from eg. its neighbor’s version because it’s usually served with different kinds of meat or fish balls. Whether you like spicy food or not, this dish’s for everyone! The basic preparation is usually quite tasteless, and you get to pick your own spices as you order to give the soup whichever taste you like and make it as spicy as you can handle. Traditionally noodle soup is a breakfast dish, but you’ll find it all through the day in most places.
5. Drinks and fruit
Whether you’re in the city or on the countryside, the Cambodian heat will get you thirsty. Popular drinks like ice coffee of sugar cane juice are very sweet and might not be the best way to quench your thirst, but they’re so refreshing and delicious you probably won’t be able to get enough of them.
Another great refreshment is fruit. Juicy slices of pineapple, watermelon, papaya, guava, … cost only a few riel and will give you enough energy to resist the heat for a couple of hours.
Don’t forget to try some pickled fruit, too! Some are only slightly pickled, others more heavily, so there’s something for every taste, and all come with a sweet and sour mixture that you dip the fruit into before eating it. Delicious!
