Phnom Penh: Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk with 5 Tastings

Summary

Phnom Penh street food night tuk-tuk tour with local tastings

You’ll ride tuk-tuks through Phnom Penh’s buzzing streets, taste Khmer noodles at Kandal Market, sample stir-fried Lort Cha and market desserts, then dare yourself with dried buffalo meat or bugs near the Royal Palace—all with a local guide and plenty of cold beer or soft drinks along the way. Expect laughter, new flavors, and maybe a sticky shirt by night’s end.

What’s the experience like?

We were already bouncing along the riverfront in our tuk-tuk before I realized how much Phnom Penh changes after dark. The air was thick but not heavy, and the whole city seemed to lean into the evening—kids darting between food carts, couples sharing skewers, that kind of casual chaos. Our guide, Dara, grinned as he handed out cold beers. “You’ll need this,” he said, and honestly, I did. The smell of grilled meat mixed with something sweet—maybe lemongrass?—kept drifting in from the stalls. I tried not to stare too much at what people were eating but couldn’t help it sometimes.

The first stop was these noodles—Num Banh Chok, Dara called them. He watched me slurp awkwardly and gave me a thumbs up (I think he was being polite). Next came Lort Cha at Kandal Market. The chef’s hands moved so fast with the wok I almost missed it—oil popping, noodles flipping through the air. We got a recipe video on someone’s phone but honestly, I’d burn my kitchen down trying that at home. There was this moment where a little kid offered me a bite of his dessert and his mom just laughed; I guess tourists aren’t as mysterious as we think.

By the time we reached the Russian Market for sweets, my shirt had picked up about three different sauces and some kind of sugar dust. No one cared though—the vendors just smiled and pointed out which desserts were best for “new stomachs.” We ducked into an alley near the Royal Palace where Dara dared us to try dried buffalo meat (chewy, salty) and then—yeah—bugs. Crunchy little things that tasted mostly like chili powder and bravado. Li from our group tried to say thank you in Khmer; everyone laughed except her (she was mortified).

I still think about that last stop—a rooftop bar somewhere off a side street—with local craft beer sweating in my hand and city lights flickering below us. It wasn’t fancy but there was this feeling like we’d been let in on something locals actually do, not just for show. If you’re looking for an evening food tour in Phnom Penh that feels alive and a little unpredictable, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening food and market tour in Phnom Penh

• Meet guide at hotel and board tuk-tuk
• Visit lively riverfront area
• Try Num Banh Chok noodle soup
• Sample traditional Cambodian Lort Cha
• Explore Phnom Penh night market
• Taste Khmer desserts at Russian Market
• Sample dried buffalo meat and street bugs
• Enjoy cocktail or local craft beer

Top questions

How many stops are included on the Phnom Penh evening food tour?

The tour includes five main tasting stops throughout Phnom Penh.

Is hotel pickup included for this evening food tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are both included in your booking.

What foods will I try during this Phnom Penh street food tour?

You’ll try Khmer noodle soup (Num Banh Chok), Lort Cha stir-fried noodles, Cambodian desserts at Russian Market, dried buffalo meat, street bugs, plus more local snacks.

Are drinks provided during the Phnom Penh evening food tour?

The tour includes unlimited local beer or soft drinks along the route.

Is this Phnom Penh food tour suitable for vegetarians?

The itinerary focuses on local specialties including meat dishes; vegetarian options may be limited.

How long does the evening food tour last?

The duration isn’t specified but expect several hours covering multiple markets and stops by tuk-tuk.

Will we visit any famous landmarks during the tour?

You’ll pass by areas near the Royal Palace and visit Kandal Market as part of your route.

Is English spoken by the guide?

Your guide speaks English throughout the entire evening food tour.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop-off by tuk-tuk, all water and unlimited local beer or soft drinks you want along the way, five varied tastings from Khmer noodles to market desserts (and yes—even bugs if you’re brave), plus stories from your English-speaking guide as you wind through Phnom Penh’s lively night streets before heading back to your hotel.