The following list of the “top ten unusual foods” from “Touchstone Magazine” 2007:

1  PRAHOK

Known locally as the “Khmer cheese”, made from pure fermented fish. This pungent dish is served in many forms, as a soup, side dish, or stew, and is an acquired taste and smell.

2  DRY FISH

All manner of seafood is smoked or dried here, but a favorite is fresh river fish caught, hung and dried. It is sold in local markets and can be softened and used in broths and soups as well as eaten as a snack.

3  SALTY CRAB

Either sea crab or lake crab, the shellfish is boiled then marinated in a strong salt water solutions, and served with lemon sauce, or chili. This is a Khmer delicacy not to be missed.

4  NGAM NGOV

Small lemons, sun dried and then marinated, sold in jars throughout the market. They are used as flavoring to soups and sauces and also as a medicine for sore throat and colds

5  DUCK EGG

These whole duck eggs sold at insect stalls contain the baby duck. They are cooked whole, and then cracked open and the duck eaten, bones and all. This is a particular delicacy and loved by many.

6  GIZZARDS

Food waste is something that does not happen here. The good cuts of meat are kept for BBQ and such, and the heart, lungs, and liver of all animals is eaten with relish in the home.

7  PIG EARS

Fried or boiled, pigs ears are eaten both as snacks and with meal.

8  BABY BEES

The honey combs of bees are sold as a snack here too, with the baby grubs of bees inside. Sweet and sticky this is a delicacy no to be missed.

9  CHICKEN FEET

The claws and feet of the chicken are fried or baked; crunchy and tough they are eaten at barbeques and can sometimes surface in a soup.

10  FRIED SPIDERS

A common snack and considered a good source of protein. Can be bought at most local markets and at Phnom Penh’s riverside.