Salty crab is another beloved street food delicacy in Phnom Penh. The small crabs are marinated in a mixture of fish sauce, chilies, and an array of spices, giving them a distinct, spicy, and very salty flavor.
I think that one of the reasons why salty crab is so popular in Cambodia, is the delicious marinade (it’s addictive!). You only eat the meaty part of the crab, not the shell, and the crab meat is tender and juicy, soaked in all the flavors from the marinade. Eating salty crab is the perfect way to cleanse your palate, or to enjoy as a quick, flavorful snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with rice, if you are looking for a more filling meal.
While salty crab is a popular snack among locals, I haven’t seen many tourists giving it a try, but I hope that I can convince those of you reading this post to indulge in this tasty, highly addictive, treat. You can find salty crab at the seafood section at Central Market, but it is also available at many other places in the city, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find, if you decide to give it a try.
