What is the most “exotic” food you’ve ever tried? Once, while I was in Egypt, I was served a mystery meal. It remained a mystery because, well, I have a love/hate relationship with food. On this particular night, I tentatively ate a fried food that felt slippery in my mouth. Inside the outer coating, a white substance peeked through. Turns out, that was the night I encountered my most daring attempt at eating different delicacies. Though I did not have another piece, I successfully downed fried cow brain.
As I was telling my students of this unfortunate experience, I realized their palate was infinitely more daring than mine. Two kids agreed cow’s tongue disgusted them. Cow’s tongue??? I guarantee I would not know nor do I expect to verify the veracity of their stories.
When visiting Cambodia, finding interesting food choices became plentiful. In fact we stopped at a market to do just that. Our guide Chenda insisted that trying these foods was no gimmick—even her ten year old daughter loved them.
First on the docket was an easy “yum” for me. We tried sticky rice. While I much prefer potatoes to rice, I delightedly tasted the easily edible option. Here, Chenda describes how it is made inside bamboo and eaten.
Moving along we began to find more interesting options. We sampled some dried foods before moving to the main event—tarantulas and cockroaches. Honestly, I don’t know that I’ve seen bigger cockroaches in my life!
In case you wondered, none of us was brave enough to consume cockroaches. However, Chenda and then Blake took a taste of tarantula!
Now, let’s look at these cute critters before our taste testing extravaganza…
The moment arrived. I occupied myself with the filming, so my hands were not able to take hold of the arachnid 😁. Soon after filming began, Chenda provided a tarantula eating tutorial. She broke off a leg, and Blake the Brave ate it. Providing more confidence to others, Kirsten also tried a leg. Then, as shown in the video, Chenda finished it off.
She provided us with the opportunity to enjoy a Cambodian snack, and Blake volunteered. Here’s what he had to say…
Once we settled our minds after experiencing the memorable moment, we visited all the other market shops then resumed our van ride to our next destination!
For those who traveled with me, you’ll recall our Cyclo Tour took place the night before our exotic food finds. I toyed with sharing Phnom Penh first, but I couldn’t leave you with the tarantulas.
Throughout our travels, we encountered a multitude of traveling options. We’ve powered ourselves on bicycles, and we were provided the power of a Vespa. On this particular night, we toured the city through a Cyclo Tour.
The tour began at Neak Banh Teok Park. We took the opportunity to enjoy this urban green space. As we watched kids playing pickup fútbol, we also admired the memorial dedicated to the late King Norodom Sihanouk. Affectionately called the King Father, King Norodom Sihanouk abdicated the throne to his father, participated in many political activities, took up the crown a second time, then eventually abdicated and retired. Many years of dedication and service went into his incredible span, and the people recognized him here. In addition to this monument, a .6 mile walking track outlined the park, and many people used it to exercise.
Once our history lesson concluded, it was time to find our guides. Our drivers expertly took us through the city. These men transported us through Cambodia’s French Quarter. While I enjoyed the ride, I always feel a bit awkward having someone else do the work while I sit back and let them. The guides didn’t mind, but I’m not sure I’ll ever get fully comfortable as a passenger.
At any rate, we saw Cambodia from a slower, more relaxed perspective. After riding through the streets, we eventually found the Royal Palace.
The area bustled with people. Some sold their wares while others came for a picnic and some photos. Our group enjoyed the people watching as we strolled through town a bit.
I suppose I should mention the Royal Palace. While we did not enter the official grounds, we did learn of its current tenants—King Norodom Sihamoni and his mother Her Majesty Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk.
The king has lived a life of bachelorhood, so Cambodia’s king has no direct heir. This poses no problem as a nine member body, called the Royal Council of the Throne will decide the future leader. Three rules will guide their decision: male of Cambodian royal blood, at least 30 years old, and a direct descendant of King Ang Duong, King Norodom, or King Sisowath. Currently there’s no clear successor, but there are many eligible candidates. I guess we will all have to wait and see what the future brings Cambodia.
Continuing to explore the area on foot, we saw many buildings while admiring the city life. We even happened upon some unlikely residents—monkeys. They sat atop the power lines and seemed unaffected by our visit.
Eventually we resumed our Cyclo Tour and ended at a lovely restaurant for dinner. It was another lovely day of traveling.
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