Fiscally responsible foodies, welcome once again to Post Weekend’s annual Cheap Eats guide, where we share some of our favourite sub-$5 dishes from across Phnom Penh. This year we’ve tried to add as many new entries as possible while keeping some of the classics for those who haven’t been in town that long. Bon appetit!
Nompang sandwiches, $1.50
Nompang is a trendy little fast-food outlet that’s taken the humble nompang Cambodian sandwich – normally dished out from handcarts – upmarket. Crusty baguette rolls packed with plenty of fresh salads and coriander, they come in omelette, black pepper chicken, roast pork (our favourite), lunchmeat and meatball varieties ranging in price from $1.50 to $2. Perfect as a big snack, two are enough to satisfy even the strongest hunger pangs.
Nompang, corner of streets 163 and 408.
Nompang is a trendy little fast-food outlet that’s taken the humble nompang Cambodian sandwich – normally dished out from handcarts – upmarket. Crusty baguette rolls packed with plenty of fresh salads and coriander, they come in omelette, black pepper chicken, roast pork (our favourite), lunchmeat and meatball varieties ranging in price from $1.50 to $2. Perfect as a big snack, two are enough to satisfy even the strongest hunger pangs.
Nompang, corner of streets 163 and 408.
Pork and Rice on Street 9, $1
Pork and rice is arguable Cambodia’s national dish and everyone has their own favourite place – but usually it’s got more to do with proximity to work or home than anything else. Our favourite, on Street 9 between Phsar Kabko and Sihanouk Boulevard, just happens to be pretty conveniently sited to the Post offices. The marinated pork is delicious and you get a slice of omelette, pickled veggies and a bowl of broth all for $1.
Pork and rice, Street 9.
Pork and rice is arguable Cambodia’s national dish and everyone has their own favourite place – but usually it’s got more to do with proximity to work or home than anything else. Our favourite, on Street 9 between Phsar Kabko and Sihanouk Boulevard, just happens to be pretty conveniently sited to the Post offices. The marinated pork is delicious and you get a slice of omelette, pickled veggies and a bowl of broth all for $1.
Pork and rice, Street 9.
Tinfi Chicken Rice hot pot lunch, $1.50
Every day at lunch time, Tinfi Chicken Rice offers their claypot special: $1.50 for a rotating roster of six dishes such as sour soup, curry or meat and vegetable stir-fry. But instead of serving them up cold, like many other Khmer lunch spots, each customer gets their own claypot to reheat the meal. With a free dessert thrown in, it’s proven a popular option for Phnom Penh’s budget-conscious students and workers.
Tinfi Chicken Rice, #75co Street 310.
Every day at lunch time, Tinfi Chicken Rice offers their claypot special: $1.50 for a rotating roster of six dishes such as sour soup, curry or meat and vegetable stir-fry. But instead of serving them up cold, like many other Khmer lunch spots, each customer gets their own claypot to reheat the meal. With a free dessert thrown in, it’s proven a popular option for Phnom Penh’s budget-conscious students and workers.
Tinfi Chicken Rice, #75co Street 310.
Sach Ko Ang Jakak, 2,500 riel
At this boisterous sidewalk spot right off busy Norodom Avenue, 2,500 riel gets you a skewer of charred beef marinated in a mix of lemongrass, turmeric and galangal, garnished with a hefty amount of papaya, mini pickles and carrot shreds, all on a toasted baguette and drizzled with yellow ber, a concoction made from butter, sugar and egg.
Sach Ko Ang Jakak stand, corner of Norodom Avenue and Street 322 (across from the Taiwan Cooperative Bank).
At this boisterous sidewalk spot right off busy Norodom Avenue, 2,500 riel gets you a skewer of charred beef marinated in a mix of lemongrass, turmeric and galangal, garnished with a hefty amount of papaya, mini pickles and carrot shreds, all on a toasted baguette and drizzled with yellow ber, a concoction made from butter, sugar and egg.
Sach Ko Ang Jakak stand, corner of Norodom Avenue and Street 322 (across from the Taiwan Cooperative Bank).
CP Fried Chicken, 2,500 riel
The ubiquitous stalls around the city offer no-frills fried chicken. At 2,500 riel a pop for white or dark meat, it’s better than you’d probably think and pretty much identical to their global-chain brethren.
CP Fried Chicken, various locations.
The ubiquitous stalls around the city offer no-frills fried chicken. At 2,500 riel a pop for white or dark meat, it’s better than you’d probably think and pretty much identical to their global-chain brethren.
CP Fried Chicken, various locations.
