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Updated by Anastasia Smith on Jun 05, 2024
Headline for Relish These Must-Try Street Food in Siem Reap - Top Street Food Treats to Savour in Siem Reap
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Relish These Must-Try Street Food in Siem Reap - Top Street Food Treats to Savour in Siem Reap

Although most travellers head to Siem Reap to tour its iconic UNESCO Heritage Sites and ancient landmarks, the city's street food scene is an underrated aspect all tourists must uncover. Here are the top local treats everyone should enjoy during a trip to Siem Reap.

1

Num Pang

Often considered an Asian rendition of the French baguette, Num Pang is a Vietnamese meal that has been part of Cambodian culture since its own French-colonial era. Although the dish is relatively simple to prepare, the secret to its delectable flavour and popularity is in the softness of the sandwich bread as well as what's contained inside. The filling usually includes ham, beef or pork with plenty of fresh onions and chives. Sold by street vendors all along Num Pang Street, this is an inexpensive meal option for those in search of a hearty and filling local dish.

2

Lort Cha

Noodle fans touring Angkor Wat and the Bayon Temples will find that there's no better pick-me-up after a daylong sightseeing excursion than a bowl of Lort Cha. This classic egg noodle dish features conventional Cambodian flat noodles with plenty of meat and veggies thrown into the mix. Garnished with a red sauce and a fried egg, it is the preferred lunch meal for most locals in Siem Reap and a delicious street food item that's also spicy. Beans and broccoli are some of the vegetables that are usually incorporated into Lort Cha, which also features beef slices as the main source of protein apart from the fried egg.

3

Chive Cakes

As a dish that traces its origins to mainland China, Chive Cakes are usually sold in roadside trolleys and kiosks. Ranked among the most cheaply priced street food favourites accessible in Siem Reap, the "cake" is ironically made using fried rice that's flattened and served with a fish sauce. The sauce doused on the rice cake is quite sweet so the mix of flavours creates a winning combination that locals and expats can't resist despite the inherent simplicity of this snack.

4

Bamboo Sticky Rice

Dubbed Kralan in the local tongue, bamboo sticky rice is a must-try snack that's easily available on the streets of Siem Reap. Vendors selling bamboo sticky rice can also be found all around the Angkor Wat World Heritage Site. Also made in local households during special celebrations and cultural or religious festivals, the sticky concoction features black beans, grated coconut and rice that are placed inside a bamboo container for easy storage. Smokey and salty in flavour, this is one of the best street food options for vegetarians touring the heritage hub.

5

Barbequed Delights

Although those based at FCC Angkor Siem Reap and similar resorts can find barbeque fare listed on the menus of the top restaurants in Siem Reap, the best BBQ meals in town are made by local street vendors. Everything from grilled squids to chicken and beef skewers is sold next to major highlights and landmarks in the city.

6

Deep Fried Bread and Shrimp Cakes

This dish, which combines fried French bread with fried shrimp, is a testament to the culinary ingenuity of Cambodians. Oily and decadently savoury thanks to the use of local spices; it's a favourite among local seafood lovers for a reason.