Do Spiders Taste Bad in Cambodia?
WouterIn the world of bugs and insects, the question of whether spiders taste bad isn’t exactly a hot one. Many cultures enjoy eating insects. In Thailand, locals eat grasshoppers, bamboo worms, crickets, and water bugs. In China, fried spiders on sticks are a delicacy.
In Cambodia, spiders are also eaten. They’re deep fried and served in restaurants and markets. This practice dates back to the Khmer Rouge regime.
They’re eaten by locals as well as tourists. They’re gathered in the forest from burrows beneath the ground. They’re rolled in sugar or garlic and cooked. The skin is chewy, but the body is pliable, so it’s easy to break apart.
They’re sold in some tourist sites, such as the Skun market in Cambodia. This market is 70 kilometers from Phnom Penh. It’s on the way to Kampong Cham. People travel there to buy spiders.
There’s a legend that it started during the Khmer Rouge regime. However, it’s still unclear when spiders were first eaten in Cambodia.
The ah pieng tarantula, a common variety of fried spider in Cambodia, has a crunchy texture similar to prawns. It’s also sometimes pickled in wine.
It’s also popular with pregnant women. There are several other insect-based meals at the Bugs Cafe in Siem Reap.
They’re sold in a variety of places in Cambodia, including specialized kiosks. Tourists can even buy live specimens. These are usually sold at a fee.
They’re considered a regional snack in Cambodia. They’re also available elsewhere in the country.
