Cambodian Food and Markets

Pig's Head - Battambang, Cambodia

Somehow, we keep running across pig heads.... Read more about a Cambodian cooking course in Battambang.

Chickens with Eggs - Battambang, Cambodia

The Battambang market had something we hadn't seen before - chickens cut open with the yolks embedded in the uterus. As our cooking teacher explained, these yolks are considered a delicacy. Read more about a Cambodian cooking course in Battambang.

Market Vendors - Battambang, Cambodia

Market Vendors - Battambang, Cambodia Read more about a Cambodian cooking course in Battambang.

Lotus Flowers, Eggplant and Cucumbers - Battambang, Cambodia

Apparently, fried lotus flowers are a treat. Read more about a Cambodian cooking course in Battambang.

Chickens for Sale - Battambang, Cambodia

Our cooking instructor bought one of these chickens for stock. We were surprised at the cost - $3.50 for one chicken! That seemed like a lot considering the average income in this area. And you couldn't really eat it. Read more about a Cambodian cooking course in Battambang.

Vegetables and Flowers - Battambang, Cambodia

Vegetables and Flowers - Battambang, Cambodia Read more about a Cambodian cooking course in Battambang.

Cooking Group - Battambang, Cambodia

Australians, Canadians and Americans all learning Cambodian cooking. Read more about a Cambodian cooking course in Battambang.

Roasted Peppers - Battambang, Cambodia

Only the first of many steps in filling the mortar for a preparation of amok. Read more about a Cambodian cooking course in Battambang.

Smoking Pot Restaurant - Battambang, Cambodia

Clever name for a restaurant.... this is where we took the cooking course. A great course and a great deal ($8). Read more about a Cambodian cooking course in Battambang.

Amok and a Wok - Battambang, Cambodia

Our cooking class well on their way to some tasty amok. Read more about a Cambodian cooking course in Battambang.

Making Curry Paste - Battambang, Cambodia

Grinding the chillies, garlic, turmeric, galangal, keffir lime leaves, and lemongrass into a smooth red paste for amok. Read more about a Cambodian cooking course in Battambang.

Amok - Battambang, Cambodia

We couldn't believe that we made Amok this good! Neither could our Cambodian cooking class instructor when he sampled our dishes. Amok is a signature Cambodian fish curry made with chunks of fish, eggplant, long beans, curry paste, shrimp paste, coconut milk, keffir lime leaves, galanga (ginger), lemon grass, tumeric, garlic, chilis, and basil. It's not spicy like Thai curries, but has a subtle, rich taste. And, if you can get the ingredients (or a few close substitutes), it's not terribly difficult to make. The secret: fresh ingredients. Read more about a Cambodian cooking course in Battambang.

Stir-Fried Beef, Morning Glory, Holy Basil with Roasted Peanuts - Battambang, Cambodia

Another one of our cooking masterpieces....even the teacher was sampling the fruits of our efforts with approval. Read more about a Cambodian cooking course in Battambang.

Grinding Paste for Stir Fry - Battambang, Cambodia

A similar paste to the amok curry paste, but without all the chillies. Read more about a Cambodian cooking course in Battambang.

Grilled Eggs - Battambang, Cambodia

The first few times we saw eggs on a grill we thought we were hallucinating. Our cooking teacher explained that the eggs are boiled first, some pepper paste is put on top, and then they are grilled. Read more about a Cambodian cooking course in Battambang.

Man Chopping Chillies - Battambang, Cambodia

Our instructor was able to chop chillies so finely without even paying attention...it was like watching a TV cooking show. Impressive. Read more about a Cambodian cooking course in Battambang.

Piles of Rambutans - Battambang, Cambodia

Read more about a Cambodian cooking course in Battambang.

Chicken Legs and Eggs - Battambang, Cambodia

Chicken legs and grilled, skewered eggs. Yes, skewered. Never seen that before. Read more about a Cambodian cooking course in Battambang.