Phnom Penh Street Food: Shrimps & Prawns

When it comes to seafood, shrimps and prawns are something I never get tired of, and the ones you get at the Central Market are particularly delicious. The flavor is rich and savory, with just the right touch of sweetness to it. In Cambodia, we also eat the gooey stuff in the head-part of the shrimp, which is thick, creamy, and scrumptious. I just can’t get enough of it, and if you haven’t tried it, I can only recommend that you do, or you’ll be missing out on a real treat.

The shrimps at Central Market are humongous and typically marinated and stir-fried in a mixture of spices and palm sugar. The ones in the photos are the ones I had last time I was at Central Market, and they were so delicious they almost compared to my grandma’s shrimp, which says a lot about how good they were. The meat was soft and slightly chewy, and the seasoning was well-balanced, making each bite a delightful experience.

Moving on to the grilled prawns, they are another standout dish that you should definitely try. The prawns are grilled over burning charcoal, and usually served in a chili sauce that combines sweet and salty flavors in a way that’s just perfect for seafood.

After you finish eating do not be bewildered like I was, if you are handed a bowl of water with lime in it! I was very confused but my friend was there to be my savior. This bowl of water is meant for you to clean your hands with, after you are done eating! I’ve been peeling shrimps and clams the whole mealtime so that was nice to have something to clean my hands with. The limes act like a soap. (Somebody save me from embarrassment please)