Food at the Russian Market

On Sunday we headed to the market for some the requisite bargain shopping and found our share of deals. The highlight, however, was stopping by the food section to pick up some lunch to go. Here in the middle of the dim, crowded market were bustling rows of food vendors putting up fresh, steaming hot dishes and prepared foods. Its a full time job keeping up with the lunch time crowd.

A woman grilling fish.

Grilled meat--fish, chicken, pork--is widely available in markets and along the side of the road.

A woman selling pickled vegetables used as a condiment with a variety of Cambodian dishes.

And finally, the preparation of our delicious lunch called Lok Cha--fat rice noodles with beef and a green leafy vegetable. This is served with fish sauce, minced garlic, and chili paste on the side.

The lunch crowd at the Lok Cha stand.

Ramy's Home Cooking

Our friends employ a cook who is arguably one of the best home cooks in Cambodia and the range of dishes in her repertoire is impressive. During our stay in Cambodia we were lucky enough to eat three meals that she prepared and enjoyed them all. On Friday, we ate a hearty green curry soup with pumpkin and pumpkin vine and stir fried tofu with bean sprouts over rice. She also prepared us beef with fresh tomato, lettuce, and onion served over coconut rice. We were incredibly lucky that our visit coincided with the season for a particular variety of mango, called "Number One" in Khmer. Ramy made us a special treat of sticky rice and mango served with a sweet coconut sauce ladled over top.

In traditional fashion, Ramy prepares food on a woven mat on the floor of the kitchen.

On Monday, we devoured beef with green pepper over rice and a soup with lotus stem, pineapple, tomato, tamarind, and fresh basil.

Number One mango for dessert!