Backpacking Southern Cambodia 41/41: Eating Made-to-Order Food Behind Unalom Temple - Fried Duck Intestines, Tom Yum, and Stir-Fried Holy Basil

Backpacking Southern Cambodia 41/41: Eating Made-to-Order Food Behind Unalom Temple - Fried Duck Intestines, Tom Yum, and Stir-Fried Holy Basil

I am mr.hotsia traveling along the Southern Cambodia route. One part of this trip is stopping to eat made-to-order food behind Unalom Temple, an ancient temple that anyone passing by must stop to admire the beauty of authentic Khmer architecture. But for me, it’s not just the temple that’s interesting. Behind this temple is a small made-to-order food stall with extraordinary flavors. Though it may seem ordinary to others, for mr.hotsia, this is the true charm of traveling in Cambodia.

After exploring the temple thoroughly, I was very hungry, so I followed the delicious aroma carried by the wind. The scent of crispy fried duck intestines caught my attention perfectly. I ordered fried duck intestines to eat with hot steamed rice, accompanied by a spicy and sour tom yum with authentic Khmer flavors. The tom yum broth in the bowl was unlike anything I had tasted before. It was rich with local spices blended with fresh herbs grown locally, creating a unique flavor.

Another dish I didn’t miss was Khmer-style stir-fried holy basil. This place uses fresh holy basil leaves and freshly ordered meat, stir-fried with chili and garlic until fragrant. Eating it with hot steamed rice was truly delightful. The spiciness of the holy basil stir-fry is similar to what we have at home, but the taste differs due to traditional Khmer seasonings and cooking methods, giving a genuine local feel.

This place is not far from the main town of Takaew Province, where I had previously stopped to rest and explore the local market. Takaew is a small province with its own unique charm, not as bustling as Phnom Penh or Kampot, and it still preserves the lifestyle of Southern Khmer villagers in an interesting way. Traveling from Phnom Penh to here is quite convenient by air-conditioned bus, though the air conditioning isn’t very cold. Still, the atmosphere along the way made me excited about what I would discover in this province.Traveling in Takaew ProvinceA good example of a small town that still preserves the traditional lifestyle of the Khmer people.

After enjoying the made-to-order food, I took a walk around the morning market not far from Unalom Temple. This market has the classic feel of a Cambodian morning market. The vendors were cheerful and friendly, just like those I had met at other markets such as Stung Market.Stung Morning MarketAlthough it has transformed into an indoor market, the lively atmosphere and friendliness remain fully intact.

The lifestyle and food of Southern Khmer people here reminded me of a simple dish like grilled beef rice porridge I had in Svay Rieng Province.Grilled Beef Rice Porridge in Svay Rieng ProvinceThis is a breakfast dish for locals in many Cambodian towns. A simple dish like grilled beef rice porridge is full of warmth and care in its preparation. This is the charm of traveling that I, mr.hotsia, love the most.

For food-loving travelers who enjoy exploring markets and tasting local dishes, this Southern Cambodia backpacking trip where I tried fried duck intestines, tom yum, and stir-fried holy basil behind Unalom Temple is an experience not to be missed. Not only do you get to taste delicious and unique food, but you also get to experience the lifestyle and culture of the Southern Khmer community in a way you won’t find in typical tourist spots.

If anyone is interested in following a deep culinary and travel experience in Southern Cambodia, you can watch the video clips I, mr.hotsia, have recorded atBackpacking Southern Cambodia 41/41: Eating Made-to-Order Food Behind Unalom Temple - Fried Duck Intestines, Tom Yum, and Stir-Fried Holy Basilto see the real atmosphere of the journey and the made-to-order food stall I mentioned in this article.

Finally, traveling in Cambodia is not just about famous cities or popular tourist spots. Exploring small towns like Takaew or stopping to eat at small made-to-order food stalls behind ancient temples is what I, mr.hotsia, recommend. It’s a way to truly experience the real life of locals and the authentic flavors of Southern Khmer food that you won’t find in books or regular tours.