Backpacking Southern Cambodia 31/41: Eating Khmer-style fried rice with a Thai twist. They call it 'Bay Cha,' sold in front of a casino. The vendor speaks Thai

Backpacking Southern Cambodia 31/41: Eating Khmer-style fried rice with a Thai twist. They call it 'Bay Cha,' sold in front of a casino. The vendor speaks Thai

During one of my trips in Southern Cambodia, I, mr.hotsia, had the opportunity to taste Khmer fried rice that reminded me of Thai-style fried rice from home. The special thing was the flavor blending Khmer aromas perfectly, which I want to share with you.

I traveled through several provinces in Cambodia, but this time I did not specify the province clearly because this fried rice shop is located in front of a casino. The atmosphere here is quite lively from morning till late at night, with people constantly passing by. Moreover, the owner who sells Khmer fried rice, called 'Bay Cha,' speaks Thai fluently, allowing me to absorb the atmosphere and the friendliness of the locals more closely.

'Bay Cha' here means a simple fried rice made with local ingredients, stir-fried with spices and fish sauce, harmonizing well with the sweet and salty flavors of Thai seasonings. When I tasted the first bite, the fried rice seemed ordinary but had a charming aroma of Khmer herbs and spices, reminding me of the morning market or roadside eateries I encountered in Ta Kaew Province, a border province near Vietnam, where I once stayed for a night.Read the story about Ta Kaew Province here

This Bay Cha shop is located in front of a busy casino, visited by both tourists and locals. I sat down and chatted with the owner who spoke Thai very casually. He told me that his shop has been selling simple food like this for a long time, which is popular among locals for breakfast and afternoon meals before engaging in activities or gambling at the casino.

From my experience, I, mr.hotsia, think that trying food like this opens a new door to Khmer culture. It’s not just eating ordinary fried rice but learning about the lifestyle and communication between the vendor and customers. Even though only some Thai words were used, it made me feel warm and at home.

Speaking of breakfast in Cambodia, many provinces prefer rice porridge, such as in Svay Rieng Province, where I once had the chance to try grilled beef rice porridge.Read the story about grilled beef rice porridge in Svay Rieng ProvinceThere, I talked with the vendors and practiced a little Khmer language, which made the trip more enjoyable and lively.

Back to Bay Cha, the Khmer fried rice shop, although it looks simple, the surrounding atmosphere is full of lively people from various ethnicities gathering together. This is the charm I, mr.hotsia, love most when traveling in Cambodia, whether it’s the traditional morning market in Stung TrengRead the story about Stung Treng morning marketor fresh seafood at Kampot morning marketSeafood at Kampot morning marketwhich I have already tried

The atmosphere by the casino where Bay Cha is sold feels like a cultural and travel connection point that I enjoy. Personally, I think trying street food like this makes traveling more meaningful than just taking photos; it’s about truly experiencing the local way of life.

For anyone planning to travel to Southern Cambodia, don’t forget to stop by and try Bay Cha fried rice in front of this casino. Although it’s not fancy food, the taste and atmosphere will make you feel like you have traveled into the heart of Khmer life.

Finally, I, mr.hotsia, would like to share a video I recorded while eating this Khmer fried rice. If anyone wants to see the real atmosphere, you can check it out atBackpacking Southern Cambodia video 31/41Thank you