12 Best Cambodian Street Foods To Try in 2025
Cambodian street food is arguably one of the most flavorful culinary experiences in the world. Known for its inclusion of freshwater fish and seafood from the Mekong, Tonlé Sap and other waterways, street food in Cambodia showcases everything from sizzling lort cha to fragrant fish amok. In fact, fish is such a staple that, according to Together Women Rise, it makes up 70% of the country's protein intake.
But the question is, which Cambodia street foods are absolute must-tries? Here are the 12 dishes that deserve a top spot on your foodie bucket list the next time you find yourself in the Southeast Asian nation.
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12 Best Cambodia Street Foods To Try
1. Lort Cha
You can’t talk about Cambodian street food without mentioning the smoky, savory charm of this stir-fried classic. Vendors across the country whip up this dish in blazing-hot woks, combining silver needle noodles with bean sprouts, Chinese broccoli and chives. If you'd prefer a gluten-free alternative, glass noodles work just as well in this dish.
This Cambodian street food is the perfect blend of textures and flavors, including the preferred protein sources of beef, chicken or pork. It’s often served with a side of spicy red chili sauce for an extra kick. Historically, lort cha evolved from the country’s love of quick, portable meals. Today, you’ll find vendors selling this tasty meal near busy markets and street corners.
2. Bai Sach Chrouk
A classic staple of Cambodian street food, this dish is a must-try for anyone wanting to experience the true essence of Khmer cuisine. It starts with thinly sliced pork marinated in a rich mix of palm sugar, garlic, coconut milk and fish sauce. The pork is then grilled over charcoal until it becomes perfectly caramelized and smoky.
This beloved breakfast dish has deep roots in Cambodian street food culture and is often found at small roadside grills in the early morning hours. Its origins reflect Cambodia’s appreciation for simple, nourishing meals made with local ingredients like palm sugar and Kampot pepper.
3. Nom Banh Chok
Often referred to as "Khmer noodles," nom banh chok starts with hand-made, lightly fermented rice noodles topped with rich, aromatic gravy. The gravy is made by simmering lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and galangal, together with turmeric and freshwater fish, in coconut milk for hours.
Widely sold by mobile vendors and at market stalls, this Cambodian street food is as much a cultural experience as it is a meal. It’s believed to date back centuries, earning its place as one of the country's most iconic foods. Plus, nom banh chok can be enjoyed both as a hearty breakfast or a refreshing afternoon snack.
4. Grilled Skewers
Cambodian-style grilled skewers, loaded with everything from tender chicken hearts and juicy pork to fresh prawns and even whole pineapples, are a common sight at nearly every night market or street stall. These Cambodian street foods perfectly showcase a culture that is passionate about bold flavors and a variety of ingredients.
They're an ideal grab-and-go option, packed with protein and grilled to perfection over open flames. Pair them with pickled vegetables, a side of chili sauce or sticky rice for a complete Cambodian street food experience.
5. Kuy Teav
This noodle soup is a quintessential dish in Cambodian street food culture, often enjoyed as a comforting breakfast or a midday pick-me-up. Kuy teav starts with a clear, savory broth made from pork or beef bones, slow-simmered to perfection. Rice vermicelli noodles are the heart of the dish, paired with tender meat slices or pork balls.
What sets this dish apart is its versatility. Vendors serve kuy teav with a spread of fresh garnishes like bean sprouts, scallions and holy basil, allowing you to customize it to your taste.
For those feeling bold, options like liver or tongue can be added for a unique twist. Whether you prefer it mild or with a fiery kick from chiles, kuy teav is the kind of meal that keeps locals and travelers lining up at street stalls for more.
6. Samlor Machu
This Cambodian street food is the perfect addition to your foodie bucket list if you enjoy tangy flavors from a variety of vegetables. A traditional sour broth forms the base, typically made from tamarind or kaffir lime juice. In addition, it’s loaded with seasonal vegetables like water spinach, tomatoes and scallions. You’ll also find protein options that range from fish and shrimp to tender chicken or pork.
Some versions even include pineapple, adding a subtle sweetness to balance the tang. Its roots run deep in Cambodian cuisine, with the recipe evolving over generations to showcase the country’s love for bold flavors.
7. Yao Hon
If you’re looking for a communal dining experience steeped in rich flavors, yao hon is the heart and soul of Cambodian street food culture. This hot pot delivers an irresistible coconut milk-based broth infused with barbecue sauce, fish sauce and a hint of palm sugar for a savory-sweet kick.
The beauty of yao hon lies in its customizable nature. The simmering broth is usually enjoyed with an assortment of fresh vegetables like bok choy, watercress and mushrooms, alongside thinly sliced beef, shrimp or quail eggs. For an authentic experience, enjoy it with Cambodian street food staples like steamed jasmine rice or banh hoi noodles.
8. Lok Lak
Lok lak is one of the most basic yet crave-worthy Cambodian street foods. This stir-fry typically features tender beef marinated in a savory mix of oyster sauce, soy sauce, garlic and black pepper. After being stir-fried to perfection, it's served over a crisp bed of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and onions. Each bite balances the richness of the beef with the refreshing crunch of fresh vegetables.
9. Fish Amok
Dating back to the grandeur of the Khmer Empire, fish amok carries a legacy intertwined with Cambodia’s rich history. Widely considered the nation’s signature fish dish, this steamed curry remains a symbol of the nation’s culinary sophistication. At its core, this Cambodian street food is a blend of silky coconut milk, eggs and kroeung, a traditional spice paste made with lemongrass, turmeric and galangal.
These ingredients come together with tender white fish, such as catfish or snakehead, to create a mousse-like curry that's steamed in banana leaf bowls. Pair this Cambodian street food with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the creamy curry, and consider a side of fresh greens or pickled vegetables.
10. Pleah Sach Ko
A feast for both the eyes and the palate, pleah sach ko is a vibrant Cambodian street food that transforms raw beef into a tangy, flavorful masterpiece. Thin slices of premium beef are marinated in lime juice, which “cooks” the meat while infusing it with a refreshing zing.
Tossed with fragrant ingredients like lemongrass, shallots and mint, this dish reflects the artistry of Cambodian street food. Often topped with crispy bean sprouts and aromatic herbs, the resulting spread is as much a sensory experience as it is a meal.
11. Kampot Pepper Crab
Found along the southern coast of Cambodia, the Kampot pepper crab is an iconic dish for seafood lovers. The sweet, tender crab meat is stir-fried in a garlicky, caramelized sauce made with palm sugar, fish sauce and fragrant spring onions.
What elevates this Cambodian street food is the addition of fresh green Kampot peppercorns. It brings a citrusy, mildly spicy punch that complements the delicate flavors of the crab. While traditionally enjoyed by the seaside in Kampot or Kep, variations of this dish can be recreated with black or brined green peppercorns for those who can’t try it in its hometown.
12. Coconut Ice Cream
Coconut ice cream is one of the best Asian desserts among Cambodian street food. Vendors across the country whip up this refreshing treat using rich coconut milk. Unlike the coconut ice cream found in neighboring countries, Cambodia adds its own twist by serving it in a baguette, transforming it into an ice cream sandwich.
Topped with toasted peanuts and drizzled with sweetened condensed coconut milk, it’s the perfect sweet treat after a meal. Whether you try it from a motorbike vendor or recreate it at home, this indulgent Cambodian street food is the perfect way to end a meal.
Learn How To Cook Cambodian Food
Want to bring the taste of Cambodian street food into your own kitchen? With cooking classes near you led by expert chefs, you can master the secrets behind iconic dishes like bai sach chrouk, kuy teav and more. You’ll learn all the techniques needed to balance the salty, sweet, spicy and sour flavors that make street food in Cambodia so unforgettable.
If you'd prefer to learn from the comfort of your own kitchen, online cooking classes are equally as exciting and valuable. Whether you’re looking to perfect a creamy curry or recreate the smoky taste of grilled skewers, these cooking classes will provide step-by-step guidance and endless laughter, ensuring you perfect Cambodian street foods while having heaps of fun.
Cambodian street food is the true highlight of the marvelous country. Sure, Cambodia is known for its ancient temples like Angkor Wat, breathtaking natural landscapes and rich cultural traditions, but people stay for the cuisine.
With bold dishes like savory lort cha, sweet coconut ice cream and creamy, herb-infused fish amok, Cambodian street food turns the country's streets into culinary exhibitions.
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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