Eating
& Drinking
Khmer
food is usually spicy and has a high proportion of fish. Fish combined
with rice forms the basis of the Cambodian diet. Local specialties include
curries, soups, and many varieties of dish prepared with beef, pork,
poultry, and seafood, which is abundant in the rivers and Gulf of Thailand.
Chinese, Thai, and Indian dishes are also common in Cambodia as well
as a variety of Western cuisines, which can be found in the capital
and areas frequented by tourists.
The
French gastronomic influence is still evident - fresh French bread can
be purchased daily in Phnom Penh and other major cities where bakeries
are found. It is sold all day in the markets and even on street corners.
It is called num pang in the Khmer language. |
Shopping
Cambodia
is widely recognized for its beautiful religious carvings, often featuring
the Indian Ramayana and Mahabharata motifs, and its bas-reliefs. Collector-quality
replicas are available in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Cambodia has
excellent silverware of both classical Khmer and Chinese design, which
can be found and purchased, in local markets and in hotel shops.
Beautiful
textiles made from silk and cotton, woven in traditional designs and
tie-dyed, are also available. A traditional and popular item, mostly
made from cotton, is the krama, a colored, checker scarf. |