Why do Cambodians like eating insects?

Cambodia is a country that has a long cultural history with historical monuments known as Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom … However, visiting the Khmer Kingdom, tourists will also discover a lot of other interesting things for example the market of edible insects. An original market, impressive but at the same time appalling.

 

The Skun-Cambodia Insect Market

 

“Why do Cambodians love to eat insects? This is a question that is often asked by visitors. Before, insect dishes are foods for the poor, those who are not lucky enough to eat meat, so they look for edible insects to fill their stomachs. Later, this dish is more and more popular and became the favorite dish of the inhabitants. That’s why the insect market is created.

 

The insect is the favorite dish of Cambodians

 

Indeed, Cambodians favorite insects are cricket, grasshopper, spider, cockroach … After washing well, they are all dipped in flour to tempura and grill. This dish exists not only in street corners, along the sidewalk but also in luxury restaurants. Edible insects contain high quality protein, vitamins and amino acids for humans. According to a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), they are the main future for world food security.

 

Skun – insect market in Cambodia

Located in the province of Kampong Cham, 70 km from the city of Phnom Penh, the insect market in Cambodia (also known as Skun) has different species of edible insects. In general, passengers traveling by bus or private vehicle stop in Skun to buy a variety of local foods and agricultural products, including insects. In fact, this market also attracted foreign tourists, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Koreans, and some Western visitors.

 

Spiders are sold at Skun Market

 

Its area is about 600m2, with shops stand close to each other. Insects are at the heart of the market, both sides selling fruits and vegetables. Here crickets are very frequent, but giant water bugs, silkworms, tarantulas, small frogs, grasshoppers, scorpions, etc. are seasonal.

 

Crickets and spicy grilled silkworms.

 

Crickets, silkworms, and grasshoppers are sold at 1,500 riels (US $ 0.35) per box, while other insects (giant water bugs, tarantulas, etc.) can be sold at 1,500 riels for each piece.

 

The dish for the poor has become the iconic dish of Cambodian cuisine.

 

If you have the opportunity to discover the insect market in Cambodia, do not forget to taste this special dish. It is obvious that you have unforgettable memories.


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