Papaya Salad (Bok Lahong)

Papaya Salad is a very well-known local dish for Cambodians. It can be found on streets, local markets, and restaurants. But perhaps Papaya Salad is more of street food because it is very common for local people to buy it from food carts on streets in Phnom Penh.

What is Papaya Salad?

It's a mixture of fresh green papaya, carrots, tomatoes, limes, chilies, and craps. These are the main ingredients. They are all combined together with a sauce (Kapi - made of small shrimps) with some sugar, salt and peanuts. The way Papaya Salad is made and the ingredients used may vary from one shop to another. The best part about Papaya Salad is spicy taste, the more spicy the better. But don't worry, if you don't like it spicy, just order it without chilies. Here's a video how to make Papaya Salad (by a Cambodian family living overseas):

How is Papaya Salad eaten?

We use chopsticks to eat Papaya Salad. Now it is becoming more common that Papaya Salad is served with additional sticky rice and chicken. However, you can order Papaya Salad alone, it's up to you. Don't forget to check for Papaya Salad when you are in Phnom Penh :)

Meat Balls - popular street food

If you ask what is a popular late afternoon snack for Phnom Penh residents, the answer is not coffee, cakes or chips. It’s fried meat balls, one of the most popular street food amongst teenagers and young adults. BUT WHY?... Because they are not quite expensive and delicious.

There are many types of meat balls – beef, pork, chicken and powder in different colors, designs and tastes. People like to have meat balls with soy bean sauce – some may include fried chili or garlic – depending on their preferences. Meat balls are best served with cucumbers, carrots, mints and papaya salad.

Where can you find meat balls? My favorite place is behind Preah Sisowath High School. Well there are other places where you can find meat balls, but one I have just mentioned is probably the biggest and the best location for a late afternoon snack.