PHNOM PENH, 16 September 2014 – To experience the authentic food culture of a country, one must try the local food being sold from carts along the streets.
In Cambodia it’s not hard to find a street corner with a row of carts lined up, dishing out meals for the passersby in Phnom Penh; food that is safe to eat and delicious, despite being prepared and sold outside in the elements.
Today, NNT introduces three streets that you shouldn’t miss when you travel to Phnom Penh. The first of these streets is called Pasteur Street; its located in downtown Phnom Penh, south of the central market. The selection of fast food such as deep-fried sausages, meat balls, and crab sticks, along with genuine seafood such as crabs, shrimps, lobsters, and oysters, all grilled fresh in the open, makes it very popular among the city’s young people and school students.
One of the workers in a local street food tent on Pasteur street revealed that businesses on this street are doing very well, despite the long rows of shops all trying to gain sales by selling similar food. Her shop alone pulls in as many as 300 customers per day, but serving a lot of customers also depends on the weather, as the rainy season drives customers away, while sales on sunny days make for a blissful day in business.
Stores around Pasteur Street make their sales from 12.30 p.m. until 10 or 11 p.m.
Another recommended street is just a block away; it’s named Preah Ang Makahak Vann Street, and this street is famous for chicken lovers. There is chicken cooked in various ways. Even so, this street is not quite as popular as Pasteur Street.
The third street is known for its upscale dining experiences. It’s located in the Spean Hang Bridge Area, or Sisavath Street. This street isn’t filled with rows of carts but rather rows of upscale pubs and restaurants.
But, if you want to satisfy you desire to try unusual food, walk to the side of the bridge to try the local fried insects, beetles, worms, frogs, and snakes that are all well loved by the local people.
Vanneth Pha, a 20-year-old entrepreneur who started an insect frying business with his brother, revealed that each day they are able to sell 20-30 kg of fried insects, and at a dollar per cup, they are doing really well.
Dining on one of the food streets is a very pleasant way to feel a part of the Cambodian lifestyle, while taking in the vibrant scene. So when you come to Cambodia, these three great locations should definitely be on your list of places to visit.
