Grilled Stingray Sihanoukville

Grilled Stingray Sihanoukville: A Cambodian Seafood Flavor You Must Not Miss

When it comes to seafood in Cambodia, Sihanoukville (formerly Kampong Som) is one of the destinations I, mr.hotsia, want to recommend everyone to try for themselves. Especially the “grilled stingray” I discovered on my latest Cambodian sea trip. This place is not only about beautiful beaches and a chill atmosphere but also offers unique seafood with flavors so good they must be shared.

First, let me tell you that the grilled stingray in Sihanoukville is different from the grilled squid I've encountered at many places. Here, they use a whole dried stingray, not fresh stingray. The whole dried stingray is grilled over high heat and quickly, taking less than 10 minutes to cook until fragrant. Then it is ground finely with a grinder and served with shredded green papaya, similar to our Thai som tam. Eaten with a special dipping sauce from the restaurant I tried, it’s truly a unique and delicious taste.

The restaurant where I ate grilled stingray is located not far from the Crab Island viewpoint. That area has a park where locals come to stroll, enjoy the beautiful sea view, and watch stunning sunsets. There is a long pier extending into the sea that was once a filming location for a famous Cambodian music video, which has made this spot even more popular. But for me, mr.hotsia, the grilled stingray is the highlight of this trip.

Atmosphere and Coastal Lifestyle of Sihanoukville

After trying the grilled stingray, I walked around the beach and markets in Sihanoukville city. I clearly saw the local way of life — vendors carrying fresh tuna, fruits, and seafood on their heads, selling along the beach and streets. There aren’t many Thai tourists here, but I saw many international tourists coming steadily. The atmosphere remains natural and not crowded like other places, making the visit relaxing and enjoyable in a different way.

If anyone is interested in visiting the fresh market in Sihanoukville, I recommend going in the morning to see fresh seafood and ingredients brought by locals. I have written aboutSihanoukville Markettoo. You can read it to get a clearer picture of life here.

Travel and Accommodation in Sihanoukville

For those who want to try grilled stingray and explore Sihanoukville like me, mr.hotsia, I recommend an easy route from Thailand via Ban Hat Lek checkpoint in Trat province, which is a convenient and fast permanent border crossing. I took a bus from Bangkok to Trat for one night, then continued directly to Sihanoukville. Very convenient. For accommodation, I stayed atSihanouk Timeshare Hotelwhich is in the city. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the beach or you can take a tuk-tuk. Comfortable and affordable.

If you want a more beachfront atmosphere, there are also beachside accommodations available at similar prices. Regarding electricity in Sihanoukville, there may be occasional outages, but large hotels have backup generators.

Experience the Deep Flavors of Sihanoukville Seafood

Besides grilled stingray, I also tried other local dishes with unique flavors, such as grilled pork rice topped with fried duck egg and Sihanoukville-style noodles, different from those I’ve had in Vietnam or Thailand. I wrote about this in the articleFood and Restaurants in Sihanoukvillewhich anyone interested in Southern Cambodian cuisine should not miss.

When eating grilled stingray or seafood in this city, it’s best to eat it hot. The seafood here is fresh and cooked over high heat, giving it a fragrant aroma and intense flavor.

Summary of Impressions from mr.hotsia

Sihanoukville is not just a beautiful seaside city worth visiting but also a city with unique seafood and an interesting way of life. I, mr.hotsia, was impressed by the grilled stingray, something I’ve never encountered anywhere else. Plus, the atmosphere at the Crab Island viewpoint and nearby park creates a relaxing and memorable experience every time I visit.

If anyone is interested in adventuring in the Cambodian sea and tasting authentic seafood, I recommend planning a trip like mine and reading the information onTravel from Trat to Sihanoukvilleand studying accommodations in the city beforehand to enjoy a worry-free and fulfilling trip.