Fried Cambodian Water Scorpion, Tabong Komum or Tobong Komum (Khmer: ត្បូងឃ្មុំ), Cambodia

Fried Cambodian Water Scorpion, Tabong Komum or Tobong Komum (Khmer: ត្បូងឃ្មុំ), Cambodia

When it comes to Cambodian local food that made mr.hotsia put down the camera and pick up chopsticks eagerly, it has to be “Fried Cambodian Water Scorpion” or what Cambodians call “Tabong Komum” (Tobong Komum). These small water scorpions are fried crispy to a golden brown, becoming a local snack you can find almost everywhere in fresh markets or roadside stalls across Cambodia.

Once, I, mr.hotsia, had the chance to travel through Ta Kaew Province, a small province in eastern Cambodia near the Vietnam border. It was there that I saw fried water scorpions neatly arranged on bamboo trays at a morning market. I didn’t hesitate and ordered a plate first because the aroma of spices and the crispiness promised a taste better than I expected.

Tabong Komum, this crispy fried water scorpion, is not a newly popular snack but a well-known local food among Cambodians. The water scorpions are caught in the wild, cleaned thoroughly, then seasoned with local spices such as chili powder, salt, and garlic before being fried in hot oil until crispy and golden. The enticing aroma makes it impossible to resist once you try it.

I remember that time sitting and eating Tabong Komum next to a grilled beef rice porridge stall in Svay Rieng Province.(Read about grilled beef rice porridge here)It was a spot where I often stopped for breakfast and chatted with locals about their way of life. While chewing the crispy, salty, slightly sweet Tabong Komum mixed with a bit of spicy heat from chili powder, I thought this kind of food represents the true taste of Cambodia—not embellished or extravagant like in tourist cities, but real food people eat daily.

This fried water scorpion snack pairs perfectly with cold beer or can be enjoyed with hot steamed rice. For a complete experience, I recommend visiting the Stung morning market.Which mr.hotsia has visited before.There, fried water scorpions are sold alongside fresh produce in a fresh market atmosphere that truly preserves the charm of Cambodian community life.

The journey to Ta Kaew Province that I mentioned in the articleTraveling Ta Kaew Province (takaew)Although it is a small province with few tourists, it has its own charm with fresh markets and unique local food, especially dishes made from insects and aquatic animals from the lower Mekong River, such as fried water scorpions Tabong Komum. This is an example of food that reflects the cultural diversity of this region’s cuisine.

If you are planning a trip to Cambodia and want to try something different from typical Cambodian food, I, mr.hotsia, recommend seeking the chance to taste fresh Tabong Komum from markets in these small provinces. I guarantee you will have a unique experience and learn how locals truly enjoy their food.

Besides fried water scorpions, Cambodia has many other interesting local dishes, such as fresh seafood at Kampot markets that I have shared before.Seafood at Kampot Morning MarketOr large and affordable oysters in KampotThat mr.hotsia has tried before.All of these reflect the diversity and abundance of Cambodia’s natural resources.

For those who want to watch a full video of eating fried water scorpions, mr.hotsia has recorded it on my YouTube channel.Click to watch the video of Fried Cambodian Water Scorpion, Tabong KomumTo see the full atmosphere and details of eating straight from the field.

Finally, I want to say that traveling to eat local food like fried water scorpions Tabong Komum is not just about taste but about experiencing the lifestyle of Cambodians. Talking with market vendors or strolling through fresh markets that still preserve traditional ways is what makes this trip valuable and memorable beyond dining in fancy restaurants.