Food Trip Friday: OM NOM NO...

Confession: I am not THAT adventurous when it comes to food. Call me 'BORDERLINE PICKY.'

It's like I've never outgrown the phase where I would pout and say, "NO." when my mom feeds me things that do not really appeal to me.

You could say that when I was younger, I think there were some instances where my mom would threaten to shove food down my throat, or worse, perhaps tell me horror stories of going blind if I did not eat yellow vegetables. I think that was partially true though - I do sport eyeglasses.

However, over the past few years, I have attempted to become more adventurous with food. I have tried eating more dishes that I would normally ignore. In short, I am growing up... well, maybe not THAT much. Still, progress IS progress.

I already gave myself a good pat for being a good girl and trying out new things, until my newfound Khmer friends introduced me to this delectable dish (photo taken by my cousin).

Yes, folks, those are grilled centipedes. Hmmm...

I don't know about others, but whenever I see a centipede, I imagine the words "WARNING!" flashing near it... if I am close to it, that is. I always thought that these lil critters were deadly, lethal even, but apparently there are some that are lethal, but not all.

I learned that in Cambodia, there are a number of insects that they consider as food. Oh, sure, I've seen crickets being eaten as well. But as semi-adventurous as I am, I draw the line at insects. It's just that insects and I have a hate-hate relationship, and I am squeamish.

My husband thinks that the cure for my 'bug squeamishness' is for me to actually taste bugs... *gulp* No thank you.

For the curious ones, here is a nice link that will show you how to cook certain types of insects. Some of these include tarantulas, scorpions, locusts, crickets, and the like.

As for me and my stomach, we believe that 'Insects are soon-to-be friends, not food.'

Thank you!

Food Trip Friday: Lunch at Khmer Surin

A few days ago, my family decided to dine out just for a change of scenery.

My mom brought us to Khmer Surin, a restaurant she pointed out a couple of times as we passed by but did not really hold my interest. But since she wanted to go there, the whole gang went with the idea.

I was really pleasantly surprised when I found out that the inside of Khmer Surin was more of a paradise than a mediocre restaurant I had pegged it to be. Suffice it the saying, 'Don't judge a book by its cover'. I swear the whole place took my breath away as I quickly whipped out my camera just to 'document' the experience.

As I stepped into the restaurant, I felt the comfortable vibe that it was going for. There were several native decors, a small bridge nearby, and several gorgeous dining areas. Though I really, really, really, really wanted to eat at the area where you could sit cross-legged on the ground, my mom felt it would be better if we went to the top-most area as the tables and chairs were more suitable for our group. Perhaps next time we will get a chance to sit at the area I wanted.

Below are some pictures during my experience. Sad to say, my photography prowess does not do Khmer Surin justice. Still, I hope you enjoy it.

Khmer Surin (Delicious Khmer and Thai cuisine): Traditional Cambodian setting and relaxing surroundings.

Dining areas. (Clockwise from top left) Dining area at the top; outdoors dining area in the first floor; indoor dining area at the first floor; indoor dining area at the second floor (this is where I wanted to dine at!!)

Food trip!!!


Top row

• Crispy rice - much like Cebu's ampao but lacks the sweetness 
• Salad
• Fried chicken - I swear, this is the BEST chicken I have tasted in Cambodia so far.

Middle row

• Crab soup
• Sauce with peanuts, meat, and then some - you put it on top of the crispy rice
• More seafood

Last row

• Strawberry smoothie with mango and orange
• Spring rolls
• Raspberry smoothie

OM NOM NOM!!

I honestly hope to go back soon.

Service was okay, by the way. Although I've heard that service may lag every now and then, what we did was make our orders ahead of time so that by the time we reached Khmer Surin, we pretty much just dived in and filled our bellies.

In case you are in Phnom Penh and you have not tried dining at Khmer Surin, this is the location:  

Food Trip Friday: Nom Korng

One of the dishes I've had the pleasure of trying out in Phnom Penh is nom korng or the Khmer caramel donut.

I've only tried it twice and although I can honestly say that I can go through a box of donuts faster than a bag of chips - on most instances - I was only able to finish one nom korng per occasion.

Perhaps it is the consistency of the delicacy, or the caramel glaze that allows me to be satisfied after a single donut. Nevertheless, it is something that goes great with hot coffee as per experience. Others may have it whichever way they prefer.

I poked around the Internet and found a recipe for nom korng for those who are interested. I truly want to try making it as well - if I have the time. This one is brought to us by Chanbo Keo (http://www.chanbokeo.com/).

Ingredients: 
3 cups Sweet rice flour
1 cup Regular rice flour
2 cups Water
3 cups Sugar
Roasted sesame seeds
Cooking oil 

Preparation: 
1. Mix both flours with water, roll into a donut-like, finger sized and deep fry till crispy brown, scoop out and drain it.
2. Heat the sugar with some water, till it turn reddish in color. Dip one side of donuts in sugar and lay it on a tray.
3. Sprinkle it with roasted sesame seeds and serve.

I hope you enjoy it! ;)

Food Trip Friday: Kraing

Since I transferred to Cambodia, you could say that I have indulged in food that may not often grace my plate.

While the Philippines does have its own fair share shellfish recipes which I love, here is one that I have encountered only in Cambodia so far.

Kraing.

I believe this is raw shellfish (but I could be wrong!) eaten with some chili and the Khmer red salt (salt + MSG + chili).