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Cambodian sandwich face-off: Nömpang vs Banh Mi & Bros

Posted on June 10, 2016 by Lina Goldberg

Banh mi or num pang? There’s always been a dispute about the humble Vietnamese and Cambodian sandwich. Who invented them? Is there actually a difference between num pang and banh mi? And which is better? While the debate rages, I went to try two new sandwich shops in Phnom Penh, Nömpang and Banh Mi Bros, to see what the fuss is about.

Is it num pang? Is it banh mi? Does it matter?

Banh mi has been all the rage in the Western world for a while now, and now, the Cambodian version of it has even made it big in New York City, where there are now six outlets of the trendy sandwich shop Num Pang. Banh mi is said to have originated in Saigon during the French occupation. The Vietnamese took a simple Parisian-style sandwich and added their own flourishes, including pickled carrots, radish, and cucumber, and fresh herbs. The result is what have many questioning whether banh mi is “the best sandwich in the world.” Continue reading →

Review: Samnang Restaurant, Sihanoukville

Posted on June 8, 2016 by Sharlie and Ed

We’ve eaten at Samnang Restaurant several times and it keeps getting better. In our opinion it’s the best BBQ/soup joint in Sihanoukville and offers excellent value for money. At only $5.99 for an all-you-can-eat meal, it’s not only easy on the wallet, but really tasty.

$5.99 all-you-can-eat BBQ and suki soup. Photo provided by Samnang Restaurant because ours were blurry!

If Cambodian volcano BBQ is new to you, the set up is pretty simple. After you sit down a bucket of red hot coals is lowered into the specially designed table and topped with a bowl which serves as your soup pot and cooking area. A basic soup stock is provided but the rest is up to you; choose what takes your fancy and either cook it up on the grill or drop it in your broth to make a delicious soup. It’s a fun, sociable way of enjoying a meal and is great for groups. Continue reading →

Where to shop for food in Battambang

Posted on June 7, 2016 by Allison Jane Smith

So you came to Battambang for work or maybe because you were visiting and got stuck (it’s been known to happen). Now you need to feed yourself.

Wondering where to stock up on produce? Start at Battambang’s local markets.

In Battambang, there aren’t many grocery stores or supermarkets like at home or in Phnom Penh; you will have to go to the open air markets. Here are some tips to make the most of your shopping experience: Continue reading →

Review: Sothy’s Pepper Farm, Kep

Posted on June 3, 2016 by Tessa

Plain old pepper never seemed very interesting until we visited this small farm outside of Kep. More than growing pepper, Sothy’s Pepper Farm wants to educate the world about the subtleties of a spice that’s too often taken for granted, and win international recognition for the particularly excellent pepper grown in the Kampot-Kep area.

Black and white peppercorns drying at Sothy’s Pepper Farm.

In fact, the farm is now part of the official Kampot pepper geographic area — the first officially protected geographic appellation for any Cambodian product. Continue reading →

Review: Angkor Silk Farm, Siem Reap

Posted on May 31, 2016 by Tessa

Anyone who enjoys a good industrial tour — and who doesn’t? — should visit the Angkor Silk Farm, about 20 minutes outside of Siem Reap, for what might better be termed a pre-industrial tour. Silk is being produced there in the same way it’s been done for hundreds of years in Cambodia, and the process is fascinating.

Silk doesn’t make itself, you know. Learn about the whole laborious process at Angkor Silk Farm.

Cambodia is known for its superior golden silk, and silk weaving and production have a long history in the Kingdom. In recent years the industry has come under threat because of the rising cost of raw silk and the falling price of finished products, which have traditionally been made by hand by women in small villages where silk weaving has been the predominant trade for generations. Continue reading →

Review: CTT Transportation, Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh (and vice-versa)

Posted on May 26, 2016 by Sharlie and Ed

We’ve traveled the route between Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh and vice-versa several times now. Usually we’re firm fans of Giant Ibis, but, as they were fully booked this time, we thought we’d give a Sihanoukville-based travel company with a good reputation a go, CTT Transportation and Tours.

Hop a CTT mini-bus to Sihanoukville (or Phnom Penh).

CTT operate five mini-buses every day in each direction between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. They’re based in Sihanoukville, and with this many departures it won’t be long between they are a dominant player on this route. CTT operate from two offices in Sihanoukville, one on Ekareach Street and another on Serendipity Beach Road in the little block of stores behind Daily Mart, but tickets can be booked via local agents, we used Mottah Travel. Continue reading →

Exploring the Battambang countryside by bicycle

Posted on May 24, 2016 by Elisabeth Tuck

There are plenty of reasons to get out of the city and explore the countryside around Battambang. There is so much to see: the rural way of life in small villages, the rice paddy fields, and expansive stretches of open space that yield long and flat from the city to the horizon. The outskirts of Battambang are also dotted with some awesome points of interest, so you can most certainly do a bit of sightseeing along the way as well. I’ll start off with some recommended modes of transportation and move on to a few hot spots and suggested routes.

Moo! Get out of town and explore the Battambang countryside.

The best ways to get around:

In order to take it slow and have time to really enjoy your surroundings, I highly recommend taking a bicycle around some of the nearer countryside areas. You can rent one from a number of guesthouses and tour operators in Battambang quite easily for $1-2 per day. Cycling allows you to stop and enjoy the environment at your leisure, tailoring your own schedule and allowing you to really appreciate the journey. Continue reading →

Review: Mike’s Burger House, Sihanoukville

Posted on May 16, 2016 by Sharlie and Ed

In Sihanoukville a new place to eat is exciting news (well, for us at least!), so we were pleased to see the recent arrival of Mike’s Burger House. Phnom Penh expats have told us about the solid reputation of Mike’s Burgers House — they specialize in California-style burgers inspired by legendary American fast food chain In-N-Out — so we thought we should check it out for ourselves.

I hope you’re hungry! In-N-Out-style double bacon cheeseburger at Mike’s Burger House.

Located opposite the Golden Lions next door to Olive and Olive (and not too far from the recently expanded Ernie’s Burgers), the Sihanoukville branch of Mike’s Burger House is the 5th to open in the Kingdom following three in Phnom Penh and one in Siem Reap. Owned by Mike Im, a Cambodian who moved to the US after the fall of the Khmer Rouge, the restaurant seeks to recreate the burgers that he loved so much during his 30 years in California. Continue reading →

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