5 EXOTIC CAMBODIA STREET FOODS WE DARE YOU TRY

The Khmer Rouge took control of the Cambodian government in 1975, with the goal of turning the country into a communist agrarian utopia. Polpot (Khmer Rogues leader) wanted to reset everything, Anyone considered an intellectual, including teachers, doctors, nurses, journalists, authors and people who wore glasses is killed. His victims were often forced at gunpoint to dig their own graves which are now known as "the Killing Fields." Forms of livelihood that were difficult to centralize were also destroyed, including hospitals, medicine and trees. His three year regime finally ends when Vietnam invaded and depose Polpot and later died in his sleep on April 15, 1998, at age 72 due to heart failure. An estimated 1.5 to 2 million Cambodians died of starvation, execution, disease or overwork during the Khmer Rouge regime. Plague by massive starvation, Cambodians took to eating whatever insects, snakes, snails and frogs they could find. And now, without further ado, here is my top 5 exotic Cambodian treats we dare you to try.

STIR FRIED SILKWORMS PUPAE

Silkworms aren't just good for silk but a tasty snack as well to the Cambodians. Haven't tried it but I think it's gooey on the inside. They use strong marinade mix before roasting to replace the flavour and to get rid of the strong metallic insect taste. I read it somewhere that trying it is a liquidy and popping experience.

FRIED WATER SNAKES

Water snakes are the most exploited for food and only found in the waters of  Tonle Sap in Cambodia. They are insanely popular as a delectable treat by Cambodians, however, their numbers are declining because of wholesale slaughter that ends mostly in the streets of  Cambodia. The snakes are gutted out, sprinkled with mix spices and powder, speared it in a bamboo stick then fry. Some say they taste like chicken but haven't tried it.

FRIED TARANTULAS

Tarantulas gained notoriety  for their black ,venom and fearsome appearance to humans. In Cambodia, this creepy crawlies are considered a delicacy. They are sprinkled with spices and some seasoning then into a hot pan for several minutes. Some of them are slightly shriveled during the cooking process and sold in Cambodia streets for Php 50.00 ( $1.00). I think there is some sort of cooking techniques when cooking tarantulas with the urticating hairs on because from what I've heard, the hairs will give you some sort of gastric distress when consume.

STIR FRIED CRICKETS

Crickets are considered plague in most parts of the world, but in Cambodia, they are eaten as snacks and are sold for less than a dollar in Road 60- a famous street market. I think they used a strong seasoning and bath them with spices to get rid of the Cricket's foul odor.

 

STEAMED RIVER SNAILS

The snails are spiced either with red chili sauce or with garlic and salt. Sold by the bucket or the cup, it makes for an interesting treat to snack on! Batches of snails are sold by the container, an entire “bucket” costing roughly 30,000 riel ($7.40). Some vendors sell up to 100,000 riel worth of snails per day.

To eat safely this street food you want to make sure the snail are thoroughly cooked. Try a sample and decide if you ready to indulge for more! By the way, some of the stalls have a " No Taking of Photos Sign"  you have to buy first before you can take pictures.

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