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Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital of Cambodia, offers a diverse and rich culinary scene. During a 5-day tour, you can explore various traditional dishes, street food, and upscale dining experiences. Here’s a detailed itinerary for the best culinary experiences in Phnom Penh.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia's lively capital city, boasts a diverse culinary scene that combines flavors, aromas, and textures. The city's vibrant street food scene and rich culinary tradition make it an appealing location for a 5-day food tour. Phnom Penh is known for its vibrant markets such as Central Market and Russian Market, which offer an incredible variety of delicious and affordable dishes, ranging from Bai Sach Chrouk (pork and rice) and Nom Banh Chok (Khmer noodles) to fresh tropical fruits and traditional desserts such as sticky rice with mango.
In addition to its street food, Phnom Penh boasts a thriving fine-dining scene with fancy restaurants like Malis and Topaz Norodom, offering refined takes on traditional Khmer cuisine.
Another appeal of Phnom Penh is its food diversity, encompassing both local and international dishes. With its high-quality ingredients, innovative fusion cuisine, and warm hospitality, Phnom Penh is an excellent choice for food enthusiasts seeking an immersive and varied culinary experience.
Let’s embark on your food tour with traditional Khmer cuisine. Not only are they delicious and satisfying, but they also offer a glimpse into the vibrant culture of Cambodia.
Begin your day with a popular breakfast dish: Bai Sach Chrouk, featuring marinated grilled pork served over broken rice, accompanied by pickled vegetables and a bowl of chicken broth. For an authentic experience, visit a local restaurant on Street 51.
For lunch, you can try a traditional Cambodian dish: Fish Amok. This is a fish dish in a coconut milk curry flavored with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. We suggest trying this at Romdeng Restaurant, which is known for its traditional Khmer cuisine.
Fish Amok (Cre: The International Kitchen)
For dinner, you can go for Chha kh'nhei, a stir-fry made with chicken, garlic, and a generous amount of ginger. This dish is known for its aromatic flavors and slight spiciness.
Chha Kn'nhei (Cre: Food Touring)
It's your second day in the city, and it’s time to dive into some must-try delicacies, the delicious street food.
Start your day with Num Banh Chok, also known as Khmer Noodles. This dish features rice noodles topped with a green fish curry gravy, fresh vegetables, and herbs. For an authentic taste, try it at a local market like Psar Thmei (Central Market).
Num Banh Chok (Cre: Royal Embassy of Cambodia in London)
For lunch, try Cha kroeung, a street food dish made out of stir-fried vegetables and meat (beef, pork, or chicken) flavored with a traditional Khmer spice paste called Kroeung, and served with steamed rice.
For desserts, indulge in sticky rice with mango, a delightful treat made of sticky rice cooked with coconut milk and served with ripe mango slices. This dessert can be found from local street vendors.
In the evening, you can pamper yourself with grilled seafood and soak up the atmosphere of the crowded night markets. A popular place to go is the Phnom Penh Night Market, where you can sample perfectly prepared fresh crab, shrimp, and squid. We must warn you, it’s not for the faint of heart, but there are also some insect dishes such as spiders or scorpions in these markets! However, it’s an excellent choice if you are up to try something unique.
Unique insect dishes (Cre: Discovery Indochina)
Read more: What do we do for a 5-day tour in Cambodia?
On your third day, let's explore some Cambodian dishes that have been inspired by other countries' cuisines. While these dishes contain elements from other cultures, the Cambodians have uniquely adapted them, blending their own cultural influences to create remarkable and flavorful meals.
Start your day with this French-inspired breakfast, featuring a baguette filled with pâté and pickled vegetables. Due to Cambodia's shared history under French influence, this dish resembles Vietnam's Banh Mi and Laos' Khao Jee. You can find it at many street vendors across Phnom Penh.
For lunch, enjoy Kuy Teav, a popular Cambodian noodle soup made with clear broth, rice noodles, and a variety of toppings such as pork, beef, or seafood, garnished with fresh herbs and lime. This dish has its roots in Chinese Cambodian cuisine and is similar to the Vietnamese dish Hu Tieu.
Kuy Teav (Cre: Gadt Travel)
For dinner, try Lok Lak, a dish of marinated beef stir-fried and served with a dipping sauce made of lime juice and black pepper. Although its origins are in Vietnam, Lok Lak is more popular in Cambodia and is even considered a national dish. For a refined version, visit Malis Restaurant.
Lok Lak Shaking Beef (Cre: Simply Recipes)
Start your day with Borbor, a traditional Cambodian rice porridge. This vegan version is made with rice simmered until soft and creamy, often garnished with fresh herbs, spring onions, and a drizzle of soy sauce. It's a comforting and nutritious way to begin your day, and you can find it at local eateries throughout Phnom Penh.
For lunch, enjoy Somlar Kako, a hearty Cambodian vegetable stew. This dish features a variety of locally sourced vegetables like eggplant, green beans, and pumpkin, simmered in a flavorful broth made with fermented fish paste alternatives, lemongrass, and other aromatic spices. It's a wholesome and satisfying meal that showcases the rich flavors of Cambodian cuisine. The dish usually has chicken in it, but you can order it without meat for the full vegan experience.
Vegan Somlar Kako (Cre: Angkor Chef)
In the evening, treat yourself to Vegan Amok, a plant-based twist on Cambodia's iconic dish. Made with tofu or mushrooms instead of fish, this dish is cooked in a fragrant coconut milk curry, infused with lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. For an exceptional dining experience, visit K’nyay Restaurant, a renowned vegan eatery in Phnom Penh.
Vegan Amok in K’nyay Restaurant (Cre: Messy Vegan Cook)
Start your day with a guided market tour to immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture and cuisine. Visit one of Phnom Penh's bustling markets, such as Central Market (Psar Thmei) or Russian Market (Psar Tuol Tom Pong).
As you wander through the stalls, you'll see a wide variety of fresh produce, herbs, spices, and unique Cambodian ingredients. Your guide will explain the significance of different ingredients and how they are used in traditional dishes, giving you valuable insights into Cambodian cooking.
After the market tour, head to a local cooking school such as La Table Khmère or Nary Kitchen for a hands-on cooking class. Here, you'll learn to prepare several classic Cambodian dishes under the guidance of experienced chefs. You might start by making fresh spring rolls or a traditional Khmer salad, followed by a main course like Amok Trey (fish amok) or Lok Lak (stir-fried beef). The class usually concludes with a delightful dessert such as Num Plae Ai (sweet rice dumplings).
La Table Khmère, a famous cooking class in Phnom Penh for foreigners (Cre: Tripadvisor)
Once the cooking class is over, sit down to enjoy the meal you've prepared. This is a great opportunity to savor the flavors of your homemade Cambodian dishes and to share the experience with fellow participants.
For your final dinner in Phnom Penh, consider dining at a restaurant that offers a comprehensive menu of both traditional and modern Cambodian dishes. Places like Romdeng or Malis Restaurant provide a great setting to reflect on your culinary journey and enjoy one last taste of Cambodia's rich food culture.
If you're still in the mood for exploration, visit the Phnom Penh Night Market. This bustling market offers a variety of street foods, souvenirs, and live entertainment, making it a perfect spot to end your culinary adventure.
Phnom Penh Night Market (Cre: Hotels.com)
The weather in Phnom Penh can be hot and humid, so you should carry some water bottles with you, or just try some local drinks from vendors! It’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day.
If you have dietary restrictions, communicate them clearly to the restaurant staff. Many places are accommodating but may need specific instructions. Phnom Penh has a growing number of restaurants offering vegan and vegetarian dishes, perfect for those with plant-based diets.
Locals can provide the best recommendations for hidden gems and authentic dining experiences. Learning a few basic Khmer phrases, such as “hello” (soursdey) and “thank you” (awkun), can enhance your interactions and show respect.
Cambodian cuisine may include unfamiliar ingredients or dishes, like the insect dishes that we mentioned. However unfamiliar they may be, you should approach new foods with an open mind and a sense of adventure. You should respect traditional food practices and be mindful of cultural sensitivities.
Some advice for a 5-day food tour in Phnom Penh (Cre: Traveloka)
In conclusion, a 5-day food tour in Phnom Penh offers a vibrant culinary journey through traditional and modern Cambodian cuisine. You'll experience the rich flavors as well as the cultural traditions of Cambodia. If you wish to experience this itinerary, contact Asia King Travel to plan your trip now!
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