6,887 kilometres / 4,280 miles to Phnom Penh

If you think about it, street food shouldn't be such a charming concept.

Food...eaten by the road...sometimes from precarious but efficient setups by hyper-focused cooks. The word "street" conjures up images of dust, dirt, weeds, and other things I'd rather not think about. "Food" conjures something different. Like taste, delicious, and keeping myself alive. But put those two words together? The entire internet is obsessed. And yes, I include myself in that. Tell me a reel is going to show me 10 Street Foods I Ate Today and I'm there.

Street food is interesting, often packed with flavour, reasonably priced. It is humble, yet, influential. In Cambodia, street food defines a significant part of both a tourist's and local's culinary experiences. Sometimes because of what is missed out on. Sometimes because that easy, delicious food stop is the fuel that begins a person's day. Still, street food isn't easy to replicate well. Do all your research, prepare everything beforehand. Even so you won't get quite what you remember as being so incredible sitting on a low plastic stool next to traffic. Perhaps the environment is as important as the food.

Cambodia's Kitchen is at 175 Russell Street in Melbourne, Australia's CBD.

Cambodia's Kitchen admirably recreates the food and the experience.

Situated in Melbourne's CBD, Cambodia's Kitchen was opened by Khmer siblings who wanted to bring more attention to Cambodia's cuisine. Earlier this year Tonga and I gave it a try, along with a few friends who continue to show absolute enthusiasm for trying Cambodian food anytime and anywhere! That also means we get to try a wide range of food from the menu.

After we placed our order, Tonga, contentedly looking around, said "Now I feel like I'm back home!" The decor is simple but sets the atmosphere well. Tonga was also happy to note a few Cambodian families coming in during our time there. I always find it heartening to see Khmer people excited about their culture being appreciated; feeling proud of who they are. Both my husband and other Cambodians.

When our food arrived he was just as pleased. Most of the dishes tasted almost as if we were eating them in their original setting as street food in Cambodia. One special feature of Cambodia's Kitchen is how many items are made in-house. Perhaps that helps achieve those "authentic" tastes and textures.

Our food was reasonably priced for a CBD meal, though prices could have changed since our visit. Ordering several dishes and sharing between the five of us averaged out to just a little over $15 AUD per person. We finished everything and were satisfied.

Lort cha, stir-fried pin rice noodles, at Cambodia's Kitchen in Melbourne, Australia.

Nhum k'chay, chive rice cakes with dipping sauce, at Cambodia's Kitchen in Melbourne, Australia.

Pork loaf noodle soup at Cambodia's Kitchen in Melbourne, Australia.

Bai sob sach chrouk, marinated grilled pork with rice, pickles and omelette, at Cambodia's Kitchen in Melbourne, Australia.

We would definitely categorise it as a street food restaurant.

The large majority (I want to say all) of the menu are things that most Cambodians would eat from street food vendors, not cook at home. There's nothing wrong with that, of course, but it is important to understand if you're new to Cambodian food. Street food is a great way to soft launch your relationship with a new cuisine, so whether you're a newbie or long-time lover of Cambodian food, Cambodia's Kitchen is 100% worth the effort.