Salted Fish Sandwich

Salted Fish Sandwich in Kampong Thom style, Cambodia by mr.hotsia

On my latest trip in Indochina, I often find unique and interesting foods unlike any other. Kampong Thom, a province in Cambodia, was another place where I had an unforgettable eating experience: the “Salted Fish Sandwich” made in a truly local style, completely different from any sandwich I’ve had before.

Kampong Thom is a town located on the route between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. I recommend anyone passing through to stop for a night to fully experience the local lifestyle and cuisine.Read more about traveling in Kampong ThomHere, the night market is a hub of lively excitement and vibrant colors, and it is home to the salted fish sandwich shop I will tell you about.

Travel and atmosphere at Kampong Thom night market

I took a bus from Siem Reap to Kampong Thom, which took about 2 hours. There are various transport options here, including buses and shared taxis, all reasonably priced. I chose to ride with Soraya company, arriving comfortably in Kampong Thom.See travel and accommodation information in Kampong Thomto help plan this trip.

Upon arriving at the night market, which is not far from popular accommodations like Arunrat Hotel and Stung Sen Garden Hotel, I explored a variety of foods including crispy fragrant Khmer fried fish cake and refreshing shaved ice with palm sugar syrup.Recommended Kampong Thom MarketFor those who want to closely experience the lifestyle of this town.

A unique salted fish sandwich

The salted fish sandwich shop I tried is located in the night market. The nighttime atmosphere is filled with the aroma of toasted bread and the scent of salted snakehead fish grilling over hot charcoal. This salted snakehead fish comes from Tonle Sap Lake and is well preserved, offering a perfectly balanced salty taste with a slight sweetness from the fish meat.

The process involves serving freshly toasted bread alongside hot grilled snakehead fish, paired with fresh sliced papaya that cuts through the saltiness and adds a refreshing touch, creating a perfectly balanced flavor.

There is also a separate plate of different bread tails served for dipping with the salted fish as you like. I must say this flavor is completely different from any sandwich I’ve had before. The taste and the aroma from the charcoal grill made me come back for seconds before leaving the town.

A challenging but rewarding eating experience

Ordering food at this shop can be a bit difficult for those unfamiliar with Khmer, but I was lucky to talk with the seller auntie who speaks some Thai, making communication easier and allowing me to enjoy the delicious salted fish sandwich without disappointment.

If you want to see the real atmosphere of the market and local eating in Kampong Thom, I recommend watching the clip I recorded atEating Khmer Food in Kampong Thom - kompong thom local foodwhich shows real life and local food in full detail.

Connecting with other local foods in Kampong Thom

If you like fish dishes, Kampong Thom is also famous for grilled Tonle Sap snakehead fish, which I have tried before.Read about Tonle Sap Snakehead Fish Porridgewhich is another interesting and must-try dish when visiting this province.

Also, if you enjoy market walks, try stopping byKampong Thom MarketThe market is not very large but is full of fresh produce and local foods that are hard to find in big cities. The atmosphere here made me feel like I was stepping back into the real life of local villagers.

Summary of mr.hotsia’s experience with Kampong Thom salted fish sandwich

For me, mr.hotsia, trying the salted fish sandwich in Kampong Thom was a new eating experience completely different from ordinary sandwiches. The combination of fragrant toasted bread, hot grilled salted snakehead fish, and fresh papaya balancing the flavors is a charm not easily found in Thailand or elsewhere.

If you plan to visit Kampong Thom, I recommend preparing for communication that may require some gestures, but I assure you it’s worth it and delicious. Also, don’t forget to visit the attractions and try other local foods I have compiled inKampong Thom Local FoodandTraveling in Kampong Thomto make your trip complete and more enjoyable.

Finally, I leave the Kampong Thom salted fish sandwich in the hearts of all travelers who love discovering new things like mr.hotsia. You will realize there is still so much to explore in the world of food.