Cambodian Markets - Suprisingly Clean!

The food markets had all the typical fruits, vegetables and river weeds. The butchery section held the usual pork, beef, chicken and fish sections. Standard cuts and inners open to the air, displayed on tables with the flies buzzing around. Personally I was impressed by the cleanliness. The fish and seafood was the most surprising, if the fish were not sold alive they were packed on ice (in Phnom Phen). We didn’t experience a small village market where I’m sure the conditions would not be quite as savoury.

The spice section of the markets was very small in relation to neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam (even Laos). The shrimp paste and fermented fish piles are mountain high and stench as strong.


There are some good snacks available, the baguettes are filled with papaya salad, chilli, cheese and a meat substance (Cambodian pate). I large baguette, more than enough to fill an empty belly for $1US.

Bundles of sticky rice sticks (packed into bamboo, sugar cane or corn husks), sticky rice cakes and sweet bread items are available for 1000 riel (about 25 US cents).

Fresh fruit drink stands and sugar cane stands (sugar cane is piled high in the streets) are seen scattered around, 1000 riel an cup.