The food offered at Cambodian outdoor markets ranges from delicious fresh vegetables to piles of fried insects.
The food offered at Cambodian outdoor markets ranges from delicious fresh vegetables to piles of fried insects.
Kampong Cham, which is about 75 miles north of Phnom Penh, is Cambodia’s third largest city with about 60,000 people. The residents primarily farm using agricultural practices that have been followed for hundreds of years or they fish along the Mekong River. Some of their catch is heavily salted and then dried in the sun where the average, year-round high is in the upper 80s Fahrenheit. The result is called trei ngeat. It is eaten by the fisherman’s family, along with their steady diet of rice, or sold in the local, roadside markets.
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I assume these are spices displayed in colorful plastic sacks at an outdoor market in Kampong Cham, Cambodia, an impoverished city along the Mekong River between Siem Reap and the capital city of Phnom Penh.
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On the north side of the Old Market is the food section. This is where Cambodians buy their fresh fruit and vegetables. We got the tour of this crowded, cramped and very hot market by our hotel chef. He lingered over this display of mixed vegetables for our cooking class. He expertly selected the finest cucumbers, squash, carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, ginger and pomelos. Then he showed us how to prepare a spectacular, five-course Cambodian meal. Similar culinary experiences are offered throughout the city.
Phsar Chas Street 09, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Life did not end well for these three little pigs displayed at the butcher section of Phsar Chas. Yet they are still smiling. Many Cambodians consider roasted pig head to be delicious. They eat the ears like a large potato chip, the brains are rumored to make you smarter and the tenderloins in the cheeks are a delicacy.
Phsar Chas Street 09, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This local Cambodian woman will get a fair price from the produce vendors at Siem Reap’s Old Market called Phsar Chas. But when a foreigner tries to buy these bananas, dragon fruit or apples, the price is often higher even after extensive bargaining. The same is true when a tourist purchases trinkets and souvenirs.
Phsar Chas Street 09, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Cambodia is blessed with abundant fresh water in the Mekong River and Tonlé Sap Lake. You will be tempted by lots of aquatic delicacies for sale. These clams were displayed on an aluminum push cart. The locals call them “liah.” These small, white shells are either sundried or boiled in oil and then graced with salt and garlic. Some street vendors add a touch of hot chili sauce. Learning how to pry them open is tricky.
Phsar Chas Street 09, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Skuon, which is in the Cheung Prey District of Cambodia, is famous for its roadside markets that sell deep fried insects including these beetles and grasshoppers, and especially for offering huge tarantula spiders called “a-ping.” They are cooked in oil with plenty of garlic. This practice has earned the town the nickname, “Spiderville.” These fried insects are crunchy on the outside and questionable on the inside.
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