One of the best ways to experience the culture and lifestyle of Phnom Penh is to sample its street food, which is diverse, delicious, and affordable. Street food in Phnom Penh reflects the influences of various cuisines, such as Khmer, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Indian, and French. Street food in Phnom Penh can be found everywhere, from markets and carts to stalls and restaurants. Here are some of the best street food dishes that you must try in Phnom Penh:
- Lort Cha: This is a dish of short stir-fried egg noodles with bean sprouts, chives, eggs, and meat (usually beef or chicken). It is seasoned with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and black pepper. It is served with a tangy sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and chili. Lort cha is a popular breakfast or lunch dish that can be found in many street corners or markets.
- Num Pang Paté: This is a typical Cambodian sandwich that consists of a baguette filled with paté (a paste made from liver), ham, cheese, cucumber, carrot, onion, cilantro, and mayonnaise. It is often topped with chili sauce or pickled vegetables for extra flavor. Num pang paté is a filling and satisfying snack that can be found in many bakeries or street vendors.
- Deep Fried Bread and Shrimp Cake: This is a dish of deep-fried bread (similar to doughnuts) and shrimp cake (a mixture of shrimp, pork, egg, flour, and seasonings). The bread and shrimp cake are usually served together on a skewer or a plate. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are often dipped in a sweet and sour sauce made from sugar, vinegar, garlic, and chili. This dish is a popular street snack that can be found in many night markets or food courts.
- Steamed Pork Bun: This is a dish of steamed buns filled with minced pork, onion, mushroom, egg, and seasonings. The buns are soft and fluffy, while the filling is savory and juicy. They are usually served with soy sauce or vinegar for dipping. Steamed pork buns are a common breakfast or snack item that can be found in many dim sum restaurants or street stalls.
- Pickled Fruit Snack: This is a dish of various fruits (such as mangoes, pineapples, guavas, papayas, or apples) that are peeled, sliced, and pickled in a brine of sugar, salt, vinegar, and chili. The fruits are crunchy and tangy, with a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. They are usually served in plastic bags with wooden skewers for eating. Pickled fruit snack is a refreshing and addictive treat that can be found in many street carts or vendors.
- Bobor: This is a dish of rice porridge cooked with chicken, fish, or pork, and flavored with ginger, garlic, lemongrass, and fish sauce. It is often garnished with fried garlic, scallions, cilantro, and lime juice. Bobor is a hearty and comforting dish that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It can be found in many restaurants or street stalls .
