Food in Cambodia

I would have entitled this one Cambodian Food if I was about to talk about lok lak, fried tarantulas, sticky rice, bok la hong (papaya salad) or perhaps Khmer curry. Instead I'm going to talk, briefly, about the food I'm eating in Cambodia, none of which I suppose is really Cambodian in origin. I'm eating far more than just what's in the picture, but I don't feel like snapping pictures of all my meals and more often than not, the food is not that presentable or the lighting is inadequate for a decent shot.

Clockwise from upper left you see

1) A mango shake. Usually $1, but currently being promoted for only 50 cents at McBuddha, one of the best outdoor restaurants on the street leading to Artisans d'Angkor across from Terrasse des Elephants Hotel. At 50 cents, a steal. For $1, still a deal. Ice-blended presumably with sweetened condensed milk.

2) A coffee shake. Always 50 cents at a dive restaurant on Sok San Road. Too many flies at this place to really enjoy the environment, but it's cheap and delicious.

3) Omelet with baguette turned into omelet sandwich for $1 at the aforementioned dive restaurant. The long porous baguette really makes you feel like you're getting your money's worth. Layer the bread with the accompanied slices of cucumber, onion and tomato, add some pepper, a dribble of soy sauce and a generous squirt of chili sauce, use the knife to jam it all in, cut it into two pieces and watch out for the little cat with docked tail who will take advantage if given the opportunity.

4) Fried rice with tofu. This is perhaps the largest portion of fried rice I've entertained in Siem Reap. And the cheapest. Only 5000 riel ($1.25) at McBuddha, also home to numerous delectable fruit shakes. The fried rice comes with an abundance of tofu, pineapple, various vegetables and is topped with a fried egg. Food here is served on spotless white plates and owners and staff are quite friendly.

5) Green Salad. This is as touristy I get. On occasion I'll drop into Le Tigre de Papier on Pub Street, but usually in the afternoon when it's not brimming with customers. $1.75 for a large green salad topped with thinly sliced tomatoes and some delicious bread on the side, which is perfect for mopping up the excess balsamic dressing.

Coming soon...a post on Cambodian street food or at least the street food that I like and eat on a semi-regular basis. And perhaps more cheap eats from other restaurants in town. Until then, happy eating.