Grilled Bananas & Roasted Crickets June 14, 2009

Food is always an interesting part of culture, isn’t it? I’d like to think there is nothing I won’t try at least once…maybe just give me a little more time, ok?

I’ve often been asked as I walk by the restaurant next door (you know the one…) “you eat dog?”…I smile and reply in my best Khmer, “maybe another day.” They laugh and I laugh, but one of these days I’m going to surprise both of us.

I have started to slow down and check out street vendors as I walk by to see if there is anything tasty I would like to try. Some of the vendors on wheels walk the streets with their goodies. Not only is it a chance to try something new, but it’s a chance to practice speaking Khmer. So I stop and buy some grilled bananas, fresh pineapple, roasted crickets or maybe ice-cream….Gotcha..haha! I haven’t had the guts to try the crickets yet….maybe another day

Last week during class my Khmer teacher took me to the market to practice bargaining for something, in Khmer, of course. After making our purchase, a stylish rug for her bathroom, she wanted me to try some food with her. She expressed concern that I wouldn’t want to eat there because it’s very dirty in the market.
“It’s ok,” I said. “I’ll try whatever you put in front of me.”

I’ve heard rumors of people in other countries eating partially developed chickens or ducks out of the egg.

We sat down at a short table on little stools and she ordered up some eggs and sugar cane juice. She showed me how to take my mini-spoon and tap through the top of the egg to make a whole in the top. Add a touch of salt/pepper and a splash of lime juice and you’re good to go.

Just so you know, partially developed baby ducks have already begun growing bones and feathers.