Bizarre Foods from Phsar Thmei Market in Cambodia

The Phsar Thmei Market in Phnom Penh, Cambodia is an astounding destination for both locals and tourists. Otherwise known as the Central Market, the bazaar is always filled with incredibly crafted clothing, jewelry, and trinkets.

One of the most interesting features, however, is the collection of food stands. Of course you’ll find fruits, vegetables, and the standard produce fare. But those who aren’t expecting it will be surprised when they’re faced with some of the more bizarre edible delicacies that Cambodia has to offer. Check out some of the scrumptious delights that may make it onto your plate when you visit!

Coconut Pudding

One of the least offensive dishes we found on the market was this creamy dish of coconut pudding. The meat of the coconut is ground and mixed with other ingredients to form a deliciously gooey creation. If you’re a fan of coconut flavors you’ll probably enjoy this dish.

Monkey Brains

Yes, people really do eat brains. That fact was not concocted for use as a movie effect alone. This photograph was taken at a local delicatessen in the Phsar Thmei Market. These are monkey brains, and they’re on their way to someone’s dinner plate!

Animal Stomachs

In Cambodia, every part of the animal is fair game when it comes to putting food on the table. This includes the stomachs of various animals as well. The local delicatessen had just set these out as well. We’re not 100% sure which animal they are from or how how they’re cooked but we do know that they’re relatively common.

Squid BBQ

We normally throw chicken legs, hot dogs, and burgers on the grill in the USA. Here in Cambodia they barbeque squid. Head on over for a lovely char-grilled stick of squid!

Prawns and Seafood

If it comes out of the Mekong River, you’ll likely find it on the menu. Here we have colorful prawns and an assortment of other bizarre delights.

A trip to Cambodia really isn’t complete without a trip to Phsar Thmei Market. Only here will you find foods you’d normally consider to be far off the beaten path. Perhaps you’ll even give a few a try!

Ten Most Popular Food Items in the World

Food is an essential part of our lives and everyone has a different take on what is the most popular food item on a menu. For this list let us have a look at what is the most recognizable food item in the world, something that we order for our take-outs or something that we always fall back upon when we are looking for a quick and tasty meal. It can loosely be termed as fast food, though some of these may not fall in that category.

In no particular order – here are the world’s most familiar food items:

1. Ice Cream:

Is there a soul left in this world who has not tasted ice-cream? The ultimate soul food, ice cream has, like many of the food items listed below, adapted itself to local flavours. The most prevalent flavours are vanilla, chocolate and strawberry but there are many places which boast of over 30 flavours. Yummy, mouth watering, and so much fun to eat, ice cream probably tops the list of all popular food items

2. Chocolates:

However a close contender for the most popular food item would be chocolates. Big or small, with fruit fillings or with nuts, dark or milk, the choices are endless. The Swiss claim to have invented it and Cadbury’s claim to have popularised it, and lovers all over the world claim it to be the ultimate aphrodisiac. With choices ranging from the simple Kit Kat’s to the ultimate luxury brands; there are few people who can say that they do not love chocolates!

3. Pizza:

There are few places in the world where a pizza joint is not present! Apart from the inevitable Dominoes and Pizza Huts, there are often some local eating places which will serve you their version of pizza, with some local spices and vegetables added to them. Quick to make and easy to home deliver, pizzas are very popular among the young and old alike.

4. Burgers:

McDonald’s can and do claim credit for popularising the hamburger throughout the world. Children love them and even though the parents are not too sure about the nutritional quality of the burgers, they inevitably give in and take their children to the nearest burger joints. Here also, the burgers have adapted themselves to the local cuisines and traditional taboos.

5. French Fries and Potato Chips:

Where there are burgers – there are French fries. We have combined them with potato chips to make them one category – since both are basically variations of the very popular potato. When well made and correctly fried, French fries can be quite nice and definitely filling.

6. Noodles and Chicken in Garlic Sauce (or any other variation):

Noodles and Chinese chicken or lamb or pork are great light and tasty dishes to get home delivered. Light on the stomach and calories, these are high on the popularity scale. Basically all Chinese dishes accompanied by noodles or rice are being classified in this category, proof of the fact that Chinese food is very well-liked and served all over the world.

7. Chicken Tikka Masala:

Believed to the most popular food item in Britain, this is one of Indian foods most popular dishes. Once again it is light to eat, it is not fried and has some great Indian spices. They have even invented a pizza with chicken tikka masala as a topping.

8. Kentucky Fried Chicken:

The KFC logo is recognisable all over the world and is one of the most frequented places when people are seeking a quick bite of chicken. There have been many other offshoots, but fried chicken has been associated with KFC so long that it has become a kind of generic name for it.

9. Tandoori Chicken:

If there is an Indian restaurant or take-out anywhere in the vicinity, you can be sure that it will have tandoori chicken on it’s menu. When made well, it is a delicious dish and is often served with the Indian bread known as Naan and some pickle and chutneys.

10. Thai Green Curry and Rice:

Thai food has achieved immense popularity all over the world and the most prevalent dishes are the Thai green curry or red curry served with rice. Lightly spiced, or with a fair sprinkling of chillies – if you like it hot, it is delectable and scrumptious.

Would You Eat This?

These sushi accept a surprise. The catechism is if you can eat them