Cambodian snacks are a reflection of the country’s rich history and cultural diversity, featuring a fusion of traditional ingredients and innovative techniques. In the bustling markets and street corners of Cambodia, a delightful world of flavors and textures awaits those with a craving for authentic culinary experiences.
From savory bites to sweet indulgences, these snacks offer a unique window into Cambodian gastronomy. Embark on a gastronomic adventure as we delve into the world of the best Cambodian snacks that you absolutely must try.
List of The Best Cambodian Snacks You Will Love
Here are some of the best snacks you should try and enjoy in Cambodia:
1. Nom Krok (Coconut Rice Pancakes)
Nom Krok are small, round coconut rice pancakes cooked in a special cast-iron pan. They come in both sweet and savory versions. The sweet ones are made with rice flour, coconut milk, and palm sugar, resulting in a slightly crispy outer layer and a soft, fluffy center. The savory variety includes ingredients like green onions, corn, and sometimes even bits of meat. These bite-sized treats are a beloved street food, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Best Cambodian Snacks (Num Krok From Phum Chas)
2. Kralan (Bamboo Sticky Rice)
Kralan is a traditional snack made from sticky rice, grated coconut, and beans, all encased in a hollowed-out bamboo tube. The bamboo tube is then roasted over an open flame, allowing the ingredients to meld together and infuse with smoky flavors. It’s a unique treat that’s both savory and satisfying.
3. Num Ansom Chrouk (Pork Sticky Rice Cake)
Experience a delightful marriage of flavors with the Khmer sticky rice cake. Tender marinated pork finds its perfect companion in layers of delicate sticky rice. Wrapped in the aromatic embrace of a banana leaf, each bite is a journey through the heart of Cambodian culinary heritage, where sweet and savory harmonize in perfect balance.
4. Num Ansom Chek (Banana Sticky Rice Cakes)
Num Ansom Chek are triangular sticky rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves. The rice is typically mixed with ingredients like mung beans, grated coconut, and sometimes even diced pork. The cakes are then steamed, resulting in a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
5. Ansom Ang (Grilled Sticky Rice Cake)
Prepare to be enchanted by the Grilled Sticky Rice that embodies a creative fusion of classic and exotic. Stuffed jackfruit, taro, or banana joins forces to elevate the beloved sticky rice, creating a symphony of tastes and textures that redefine tradition with a modern twist.
6. Num Kom (Stuffed Rice Balls)
Num Kom are bite-sized rice balls stuffed with a mixture of minced pork, green onions, and spices. These savory treats are coated in a rice flour batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy.
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7. Chek Chean (Dee-Fried Banana)
Chek chean is a simple yet indulgent snack that involves dipping banana slices in a rice flour batter and then deep-frying them until they’re golden and crispy. The result is a delightful combination of a sweet, soft banana interior and a crunchy exterior.
8. Damlaung Chean (Deep-Fried Sweet Potato)
Delight in the symphony of contrasts within the Deep-Fried Sweet Potato. Crispy exteriors give way to tender interiors, allowing the natural sweetness of the potato to shine through. This snack encapsulates the magic that happens when basic ingredients are elevated through skillful preparation.
9. Chek Chaab (Cambodian Banana Chips)
Immerse yourself in the tropical paradise of Cambodia with Cambodian Banana Chips. Each crisp chip embodies the sun-soaked essence of the country’s orchards, transforming ripe bananas into addictive slices of joy that celebrate the bountiful harvests of the land.
10. Trav Bampong (Cambodian Taro Chips)
Journey into the heart of Cambodian roots with the Cambodian Taro Chips. The earthy charm of taro meets the enticing crunch of a chip, offering a sensory experience that pays homage to the country’s culinary ingenuity in creating snacks that delight and surprise.
11. Chek/Damlaung Cheung (Caramelized Banana or Sweet Potato with Fresh Shredded Coconut)
Experience luxury in each bite with the Caramelized Banana or sweet potatoes adorned with Fresh Shredded Coconut. The richness of caramelized banana meets the creaminess of coconut, transporting your taste buds to Cambodian shores. This snack embodies the tropical paradise that is Cambodia, where indulgence and natural beauty intertwine.
12. Num Ka Chhay (Pan-Fried Chive Cakes)
Chive cakes are savory dumplings made from a batter of rice flour and chives. They’re often steamed and then pan-fried to achieve a crispy exterior. These little bites are commonly enjoyed with a dipping sauce.
13. Num Lpov (Steamed Pumpkin Cake)
Indulge in the gentle embrace of Cambodian tradition with the Cambodian Steamed Pumpkin Cake. Soft and moist, it captures the essence of comfort through its tender pumpkin core infused with coconut milk and a delicate touch of sweetness. With each bite, you’re invited into the heart of Cambodian kitchens, where generations of culinary wisdom reside.
14. Num Trorlach (Steamed Wax Gourd Cake)
Elevate your palate with the Cambodian Wax Gourd Cake – a tantalizing blend of the earthy tones of wax gourd and the creamy sweetness of coconut. The result is a harmonious melody of flavors and textures that reflects the country’s inventive spirit in transforming humble ingredients into extraordinary treats.
14. Chek Ang (Cambodian Grilled Banana)
Savor simplicity at its finest with the Cambodian Grilled Banana. The natural sweetness from the banana meets the salted water and smoky allure of the grill, creating a snack that’s both quick and unforgettable. As you relish each caramelized bite, you’ll discover the true essence of Cambodian street food culture.
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15. Damlaung Ang (Cambodian Grilled Potato Cake)
Experience the rustic allure of the Cambodian Grilled Potato Cake. Grated potatoes blend harmoniously with onions and garlic, creating patties that are grilled to perfection. This snack exemplifies the charm of Cambodian street food, where simple ingredients are transformed into mouthwatering creations.
16. Bak Ben (Cambodian Cassava Cake)
Bak Ben, the Cambodian Cassava Cake, is a tribute to the country’s culinary legacy. Velvety cassava, kissed by the creaminess of coconut milk, creates a dessert that’s both delicate and indulgent. With each bite, you’re transported to Cambodian celebrations, where tradition and sweetness intertwine.
17. Baykdang (Cambodian Crispy Rice Cakes with Meat Flakes)
Celebrate the art of texture and taste with the Cambodian Crispy Rice Cakes with Meat Flakes. Crispy rice cakes cradle tender meat flakes, offering a symphony of sensations that speak to Cambodian culinary finesse. This snack epitomizes the country’s ability to harmonize diverse elements into one extraordinary bite.
18. Ambok Ling (Roasted Rice Flake with Chicken Floss and Dried Shrimp)
Unlock the layers of flavor within the Roasted Rice Flake with Chicken Floss and Dried Shrimp. Smoky roasted rice, umami-rich chicken floss, and briny dried shrimp meld together in perfect harmony. This snack is a testament to Cambodian culinary mastery, where each bite is a revelation of intricate and balanced taste.
19. Kampeus Chean (Cambodian Crispy Fried Shrimp Cake)
This exquisite treat features succulent shrimp that have been expertly blended with a medley of aromatic herbs and spices. Encased in a crispy golden coating, each bite offers a satisfying crunch that gives way to the tender and flavorful center. The shrimp’s natural sweetness is complemented by the savory notes of the seasoning, creating a harmonious balance that celebrates the bounty of Cambodia’s coastal waters. Whether enjoyed as a snack or a flavorful appetizer, the Crispy Fried Shrimp Cake embodies the culinary mastery and rich maritime heritage of Cambodia.
20. Num Pang Dak Sach (Cambodian Sandwich)
Num Pang is Cambodia’s take on a sandwich, featuring a French baguette filled with a variety of ingredients. Common fillings include grilled meat (often pork), vegetables, herbs, and a range of condiments. The fusion of French colonial influence and Cambodian flavors creates a uniquely satisfying and portable snack.
Final Thought
Exploring Cambodian snacks is a journey of discovery through flavors that tell tales of tradition, innovation, and the country’s culinary identity. From the comforting warmth of Bai Sach Chrouk to the playful textures of Num Krok, each snack offers a taste of Cambodia’s diverse cultural tapestry. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets or enjoying street food on a bustling corner, these snacks are an essential part of immersing yourself in Cambodia’s vibrant food culture.
