What Food To Try in Phnom Penh and Food Prices

Kuy Teav - A savory noodle soup made with rice noodles, herbs, and a rich broth, often topped with pork, beef, or seafood. Locals typically enjoy it for breakfast at street stalls where the aroma wafts through busy mornings.

Banh Mi - A Vietnamese-inspired baguette filled with a mix of grilled meats, pickled vegetables, and fresh cilantro, served with spicy chili sauce. This is a popular street food option during lunch hours, perfect for grabbing on the go.

Amok Trey - Traditionally prepared fish cooked in a creamy coconut sauce with lemongrass and served in banana leaves. It's often enjoyed during dinner at family gatherings or special occasions, reflecting local culinary heritage.

Khmer Red Curry - Kari Khmer - A hearty curry made with chicken or beef, sweet potatoes, and coconut milk, typically served with rice. It’s a local specialty enjoyed during celebrations, and many families make it for special Sunday dinners.

Nom Banh Chok - Khmer Noodles - Fresh rice noodles served with a green fish curry and a variety of fresh herbs. A local favorite often eaten for breakfast, this dish combines unexpected flavors that surprise newcomers.

Pickled Mustard Greens - Chhrang Treay - A special seasonal side dish featuring fermented greens often served with rice and grilled pork. Locals relish it during the rainy season for its tangy kick that complements heartier meals.

Lap Khmer - Cambodian Beef Salad - A vibrant salad with minced beef, fresh herbs, and a citrus dressing, served cold. This is often enjoyed as a refreshing afternoon snack, especially during hot days, mixing flavors that beautifully contrast each other.

Chaa - Ча (Cambodian tea) - A refreshing tea brewed from dried leaves, often served warm or cold with a hint of sugar. Locals typically sip it leisurely at roadside stalls while catching up with friends, especially in the evenings when the heat has subsided.

Kuy Teav - គុយទាវ (noodle soup) - While not a drink, this local favorite often comes with iced coffee served on the side; it's a staple breakfast item with rice noodles and fragrant broth. This pairing is common during family gatherings to kick-start the day.

Angkor Beer - បៀអង្គរ (light lager) - A crisp, light lager made mainly from malted barley and rice, best enjoyed chilled in a cold glass. Cambodians often share a few bottles after work or during celebratory occasions; it's a cornerstone of social gatherings.

Num Ansom - នំអន្តរ (traditional rice cake) - A sticky rice cake filled with mung beans and wrapped in banana leaves, perfect for festivities like Khmer New Year. Typically served warm, it has a delightful chewy texture and is best enjoyed while celebrating with family.

Sangkhya Lapov - សង្ស្វាតឡាពៅ (pumpkin coconut custard) - A delectable dessert of pumpkin steamed with a sweet coconut mixture, served cold with a rich, creamy topping. It's often made for special occasions, bursting with natural sweetness and a wonderfully soft consistency.