Backpacking Southern Cambodia 22/41: Serves You Right for Daring to Eat Stingray Belly at a Curry Rice Stall in Kampot Market

Backpacking Southern Cambodia 22/41: Serves You Right for Daring to Eat Stingray Belly at a Curry Rice Stall in Kampot Market

I, mr.hotsia, just got off the boat at Kampot Province after a long journey along the lower Mekong River from Takaew Province.As I mentioned in the previous episodeThis trip was not just about enjoying river views or beautiful scenery, but also a great opportunity to discover a small curry rice stall in Kampot Market. I must say, it was truly "serves you right for daring" because the stingray belly dish I ordered, a local specialty, was surprisingly delicious and worthy of praise.

Kampot Market in Kampot Province is a lively and vibrant traditional Khmer market that I prefer over typical morning markets in big cities. It’s not just a place for buying and selling but also a hub of local life and a meeting point for travelers like me to taste authentic local food and chat directly with vendors.

I walked past fresh produce stalls neatly displaying crabs, fish, and vegetables before finding a humble curry rice stall. The fragrant curry spices and fresh ingredients made me stop and sit down immediately. Without hesitation, I ordered "stingray belly," a dish that sounds unusual but is actually a seafood delicacy in southern Cambodia, especially in Kampot Province, known for its abundant sea and river resources.

When the stingray belly was served, I could hardly believe how balanced the flavors were. The curry sauce poured over hot steamed rice tasted fresh with the fish meat and aromatic spices carefully prepared. Eating curry rice in the atmosphere of Kampot Market reminded me ofseafood at Kampot morning marketwhich I had tried before. That place also had many great dishes, but this time the stingray belly left an unforgettable impression.

The atmosphere at Kampot Market is similar to the morning market in Stung Treng that I wrote about before.Stung Treng Morning MarketIt’s the friendliness of the people with smiling faces and willingness to chat. Some vendors speak Khmer Suoy, others can speak some Isan language, making me, mr.hotsia, feel at home and also practice Khmer language at the same time.

Another special aspect of visiting Kampot Market is seeing the real lifestyle of the locals here. This trip to Kampot opened new perspectives on Cambodia beyond just the capital or major tourist spots, allowing me to absorb authentic local culture and flavors.

If you enjoy challenges like me, I recommend visiting Kampot Market at least once. You will realize that the "stingray belly" I mentioned is not just ordinary seafood but the taste and essence of southern Cambodian sea that you will remember for a long time.

For those interested in following my journey in southern Cambodia, you can watch the videoBackpacking Southern Cambodia 22/41: Serves You Right for Daring to Eat Stingray Belly at a Curry Rice Stall in Kampot Marketto see the real atmosphere and details of when I ate curry rice at this market.

If you want to know Khmer food more deeply, I have also shared a story about grilled beef rice porridge in Svay Rieng Province.Grilled Beef Rice Porridge in Svay Rieng ProvinceIt’s another angle of Khmer breakfast worth trying.

I, mr.hotsia, confirm that this trip made me love southern Cambodia even more—in terms of food, lifestyle, and the warmth of the people here. For anyone wanting to experience the true Cambodia, I recommend visiting Kampot Market. You will find that "good things" are always hidden in unexpected places.