Best Local Food and Street Markets in Phnom Penh You Can’t Miss!

Cambodian, or Khmer cuisine is one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated yet richly flavorful food traditions. Rooted in the rhythms of the Mekong River and the country’s fertile farmlands, Khmer dishes are all about fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and a delicate balance between sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. Street food in Phnom Penh reflects this diversity perfectly, from steaming noodle soups in the morning to grilled meats and curries at night markets.

Here are a few must-try traditional Khmer dishes you’ll find throughout Phnom Penh’s bustling local food and street markets:

🍜 Nom Banh Chok (Khmer Noodle Soup):

Often called “Khmer noodles”, this beloved dish is a national breakfast staple. It features rice noodles topped with a fragrant green curry sauce made from lemongrass, turmeric, kaffir lime, and galangal. Fresh vegetables, like cucumber, banana flower, and bean sprouts, add crunch and colour. You’ll find Nom Banh Chok everywhere, especially in morning markets like Phsar Thmei (Central Market) and Russian Market. Tip: Try it early in the morning, when locals enjoy it most fresh from the pot.

🍲 Samlor Korko (Khmer Stew or Korkor Soup):

Known as one of Cambodia’s oldest recipes, Samlor Korko is a thick, nutritious stew made with a variety of seasonal vegetables, catfish or pork, and roasted rice powder for thickness. It’s often seasoned with prahok (fermented fish paste), giving it a deep umami flavour unique to Khmer cooking. You’ll spot it simmering in large pots at family-run stalls in local markets. Tip: Try it with steamed rice, it’s a comforting, homestyle dish loved across Cambodia.🐟 Amok Trey (Fish Amok):

Perhaps Cambodia’s most famous dish, Fish Amok, is a silky curry made with freshwater fish, coconut milk, and a lemongrass-based kroeung (spice paste). The mixture is steamed in banana leaves, giving it a creamy texture and fragrant aroma. It’s subtly spiced, more about richness than heat and showcases the finesse of Khmer cooking. Tip: For an authentic version, look for stalls that steam it in banana leaves rather than serving it in a curry-like dish.

🐠 Prahok (Fermented Fish Paste):

Prahok is the backbone of Khmer cuisine, a fermented fish paste used as a seasoning or main ingredient. It gives dishes their signature salty, savoury kick. Some locals eat Prahok K’tis, a milder version cooked with minced pork, coconut milk, and chillies, served with fresh vegetables for dipping. Tip: The aroma is strong, but don’t be intimidated, it’s the true taste of Cambodia!

🇰🇭 The Best Khmer Food Restaurants in Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital, is a city where the aromas of lemongrass, grilled meats, and coconut milk fill the air. Beyond the busy street food stalls, Phnom Penh offers a growing number of authentic Khmer restaurants that serve traditional recipes with care, from ancient royal dishes to hearty countryside favourites.

If you’re looking to experience the authentic flavours of Cambodia, here are the top restaurants in Phnom Penh where Khmer cuisine truly shines:

🍽️ 1. មាតុភូមិ (Meatophum):

📍 Location: Street 123, Phnom Penh 🌿 Signature Style: Authentic Khmer home-style cooking

Meatophum, meaning “Motherland”, captures the heart of Cambodian tradition. This restaurant feels like stepping into a local home, where recipes are passed down through generations. You’ll find dishes like Samlor Korko (Khmer vegetable stew), Prahok K’tis (fermented fish dip), and Fish Amok served in elegant ceramic bowls. Why Visit: It’s the perfect place to experience Khmer food the way locals eat it is rich in heritage and flavour, served with a family touch.

🍛 2. Sombok Restaurant:

📍 Location: Preah Norodom Blvd, Phnom Penh (near the riverside) 🥥 Signature Style: Modern Khmer fine dining

Sombok brings a refined touch to traditional Cambodian cuisine. The chefs use seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and present each dish with artistic flair. Try the Amok Trey (steamed fish curry in a banana leaf) or the Kampot pepper crab, beautifully plated yet full of authentic taste. Why Visit: For travellers who want to explore Khmer flavours in a sophisticated setting, ideal for a romantic dinner or cultural dining experience.

🍴 3. ភោជនីយដ្ឋាន បាយ័ន (Bayon Restaurant):

📍 Location: Street 178, near the National Museum 🫕 Signature Style: Traditional Khmer buffet and à la carte dishes

Named after the iconic temple of Angkor Thom, Bayon Restaurant offers a warm, traditional ambience with carved wooden décor and gentle Khmer music. The menu covers the full range of classic dishes, from Nom Banh Chok (Khmer noodle soup) to Lok Lak (stir-fried beef with Kampot pepper sauce). Why Visit: Great for first-time visitors who want to sample a variety of Cambodian dishes in one place.

🍲 4. Champa Restaurant:

📍 Location: Central Phnom Penh 🌾 Signature Style: Authentic countryside flavours

Champa Restaurant is known for its rustic yet flavorful Khmer dishes inspired by village cooking. Try the Samlor Machu Trey (sour fish soup), grilled pork skewers, and sticky rice with palm sugar dessert. Its setting is casual and cosy, perfect for a relaxed lunch with friends or family. Why Visit: If you want to taste the heart of Cambodian countryside cuisine right in the city.

🏡 5. ផ្ទះនារី (Phteah Neary “Women’s House”):

📍 Location: Street 240, Phnom Penh 💐 Signature Style: Traditional recipes with a modern women-led concept.

Phteah Neary celebrates Khmer women’s culinary heritage. This women-run restaurant highlights authentic, healthy Khmer dishes. such as grilled eggplant with prahok, mango salad with smoked fish, and coconut curry chicken. The ambience is elegant yet homey, with touches of Khmer art and music. Why Visit: For a meaningful dining experience that honours Khmer tradition and empowers local women chefs.

🌶️ Final Thoughts

From homestyle kitchens to elegant fine-dining venues, Phnom Penh’s restaurant scene offers a beautiful journey through Cambodia’s flavours. Whether you’re savouring a bowl of Nom Banh Chok at Meatophum or indulging in Amok Trey at Sombok, each restaurant tells a story of culture, family, and love for food.

So next time you’re in Phnom Penh, eat like a local and discover the soul of Khmer cuisine one bite at a time.

🌊 Bonus Tip: Continue Your Culinary Journey to Kep or Kampot

After experiencing the rich local food scene in Phnom Penh, why not extend your adventure to Cambodia’s coast? Just a few hours away, the seaside towns of Kep and Kampot are famous for their incredibly fresh seafood and relaxed atmosphere. Kep is best known for its crab market, where you can taste freshly caught crabs cooked with Kampot pepper, a world-renowned local spice. Kampot, meanwhile, offers charming riverside restaurants serving grilled fish, squid, and prawns straight from the Gulf of Thailand. You can easily travel from Phnom Penh to Kep or Kampot with Kimseng Express, a reliable and comfortable transportation option. It’s a convenient way to add a coastal flavour to your Cambodian food journey. Trust us, the seafood is as fresh as it gets and absolutely delicious!