BBQ NIGHT IN OLD MARKET DISTRICT

Lest dear readers be “Cambodiad-out” from continuous posts on this topic, today’s post will be the final one (at least for the month) on FTF (food travel and finds) in Cambodia.

Go around Siem Reap at night and find loads of BBQ or grilled food joints.  There is of course Pub Street which has restaurants and bars of various offerings lined on each side and obviously caters to the touristy crowds.  Nice to pass by and be amused with the scene on this street.  Try walking through after dinner and see bunches of blonde, brunette, red and dark heads of different lengths and styles, bobbing up and down, singing and grooving to the music.

The BBQ joints attract us more.  So many grouped together on Sivatha street in the Old Market district with tables strewn on the sidewalk like Parisian cafes.  We chose where to eat based on the color of the signboard and menu, fuschia=)

Beverage menu

Grilled or hot pot of various seafood and meats

Al fresco grill

Grilled shrimps with a sweet chili sauce and a center salad.

Hodgepodge of sautéed meat and vegetables

Grilled chicken

Wash down with fruit shakes or Angkor beer. This is a dragon fruit shake. Refreshing.

After a simple BBQ meal, walk to the nearby Angkor night market and shop ’til you drop =)

GOING LOCAL IN SIEM REAP

When in a foreign country, it is advisable to go local.  Meaning, do what the locals do, go where the locals go, eat what the locals eat.  One learns more about the country’s culture and people this way.  Forget ambience and all the aesthetics. Just immerse yourself with the locals’ way of life.

This is what we did in the mornings for breakfast.  We did what the locals did.  Went where the locals went. And ate what the locals ate.

There is no signage (at least not that I’ve seen) on top of this quaint place.  In fact, this place is open until 1pm, obviously serving breakfast and early lunch only. In the afternoons and evenings, they are closed.  The outside portion is rented out to retail operators selling trinkets, clothes, fish massage and alike.  This is located in front of the noon market and on the street leading to the Angkor night market.

These are automatically served as you are seated. From left: meat dumpling swimming in a marvelously tasting broth. It's like having the best xiao long bao with the broth outside. TBW can have this anytime of the day and be fully contented. Next one is a long savory pastry similar to bicho bicho. This is their breakfast bread.

This is another automatic placement on the table. One of the breakfast breads. Sweeter in taste and with sesame seeds on top. This is a favorite and goes perfectly well with any breakfast order.

Locals having their breakfast. Tables are round and can seat 8-10 persons. Very ideal for families and large groups.

Soup kitchen

Mise en place

Breakfast menu on the wall.

Sweet & sour Vietnamese noodles with spring rolls. A favorite indeed!

Pork with rice. Their version of tocino and rice ? =) Vegetables are still a common sight.

Beef noodle soup

Dried vermicelli noodles with spring rolls

Bottomless hot tea!

Fantastic way to start the day. Hearty and flavorful breakfast, immersion on local culture, great conversation, and company of beautiful friends. Seated: Adora, Dominador, TBW. Standing: our local host, Meang

These are what make a fulfilling vacation.