Street Food in Cambodia and Laos: A Mouthwatering Journey Through Southeast Asia

Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience guiding more than 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide is crafted from firsthand tastings, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and our passion for authentic street flavours.

Copyright © Legend Travel Group – All rights reserved. Exclusive content for travellers who want to taste, not just travel.

Nothing says “I’ve really been here” like squatting on a plastic stool at 10 PM, slurping a bowl of kuy teav in Phnom Penh while motorbikes whizz past, or biting into a sticky rice sandwich wrapped in banana leaf under the glow of Luang Prabang’s night market lanterns.

These two neighbouring kingdoms serve up some of the planet’s most underrated street cuisine – bold, fresh, and ridiculously affordable. And the best way to experience it? On a Cambodia Tour or Laos Travel package designed by Legend Travel Group – where every bite is safe, every stall is vetted, and you only pay 10% deposit until 30 days before departure.

Cambodia – Phnom Penh & Siem Reap

1. Nom banh chok – Khmer rice noodles with green fish curry, herbs, and crunchy beansprouts – the breakfast of champions (30,000 KHR / ~$0.75)

2. Grilled squid on skewers – Sisowath Quay, Phnom Penh – drizzled with lime-pepper sauce (10,000 KHR each)

3. Fried tarantulas & crickets – Pub Street night market, Siem Reap – surprisingly tasty with a cold Angkor beer

4. Lort cha – stir-fried rice pin noodles with beef and morning glory – the ultimate late-night comfort food

5. Fresh sugar-cane juice with kumquat – pressed right in front of you for 4,000 KHR

Laos – Luang Prabang & Vang Vieng

1. Khao jee – Lao baguette sandwich stuffed with pork pâté, carrot, and chili – breakfast on the go (15,000 LAK / ~$0.70)

2. Tam mak hoong – green papaya salad pounded with crab paste and fermented fish – spicy enough to wake the dead

3. Sai oua – lemongrass & pork sausage grilled over coconut husks – found only at Luang Prabang night market

4. Mok pa – fish steamed in banana leaf with dill and coconut – melt-in-your-mouth perfection

5. Lao-Lao whiskey shots – served in bamboo cups for 5,000 LAK – because balance is important

• Every stall personally tested by our local guides (we’ve eaten there for years)

• Bottled water & hand sanitiser provided on every tour

• Gluten-free, vegetarian, and no-fermented-fish options available on request

• Small groups (max 12) so you never feel rushed or lost in the crowd

• 24/7 emergency support – one WhatsApp message away

1. Phnom Penh After Dark – Street Food Safari

Evening tuk-tuk ride through 7 legendary stalls + Russian Market BBQ + rooftop beer stop
Only $39/person – includes all food, drinks, tuk-tuk, guide, and insurance
Cambodia Tours never tasted this good.

2. Luang Prabang Night Market Food Walk

Sunset Mekong cruise → 90-minute guided tasting of 12 dishes → finish with sticky rice ice-cream
Only $45/person – zero planning required
Pure Laos Travel magic.

3. Cambodia & Laos Food Odyssey – 12 Days

Phnom Penh → Battambang → Siem Reap → Luang Prabang → Vang Vieng
50+ dishes, cooking class, farm visit, and every transfer included
From $1,299/person – pay only 10% today, balance 30 days before departure
The ultimate Cambodia Tours + Laos Travel combo.

• Smile and say “sok sabai” (Laos) or “sous-dey” (Cambodia) – instant friendship

• Point and use fingers to show quantity – no language barrier

• Always accept the plastic stool – it’s an honour

• Pay exactly what’s written on the board – no haggling needed

• Leave a 1,000 KHR / 5,000 LAK coin as “thank you” – they’ll remember you forever

• Carry small notes (1,000 KHR / 10,000 LAK) – vendors hate breaking $20 bills

• Wet wipes are your best friend

• Ask for “mai pet” (not spicy) if you can’t handle the heat

• Eat where the locals queue – never empty stools

• Download offline Google Translate (Khmer & Lao keyboards)

• Full dinner for two people: $6–$10 total

• Beer Lao or Angkor draft: $1

• Fresh coconut: $0.50

• Legend Travel Group food tour: $39–$45 (worth every penny)

Stop scrolling and start salivating.
Book your street food adventure with Legend Travel Group today – only 10% deposit, cancel free up to 30 days before departure.

Cambodia Tours that feed your soul.
Laos Travel that satisfies every craving.

Secure your spot now at https://www.legendtravelgroup.com
WhatsApp: +84 825 862 222 (reply in 5 minutes or less)

Because the best stories start with “Remember that night we ate crickets under the stars…”

Copyright © Legend Travel Group – Exclusive street food experiences you won’t find anywhere else.