Discovering the fruity and vitamin-rich flavors of Cambodia
From the notoriously pungent durian to the delicate mangosteen, Cambodian fruits awaken the senses and rank among the simple pleasures to explore at local markets.
Sight, touch, smell and of course taste are all engaged when discovering all the fruits you can find during your trip to Cambodge. When visiting markets, restaurants or small street stalls, you won't miss the fruity aromas and beautiful colors of exotic fruits. But it's easy to get lost among all these unfamiliar flavors. Here's more to delight all five of your senses.
Salacca Fruit
The salacca fruit grows at the base of a small tree resembling a spiny palm. Shaped like a shallot, this fruit is also called snake fruit because of its scales that resemble those of reptiles. Its brown skin contains white flesh with small pits, offering a paradoxically tart and sweet taste all at once.
Rambutan
The rambutan is a fruit cultivated in southern Cambodge whose taste resembles grape or lychee. Its name "rambut" means hair in Malay, referring to its appearance. It looks remarkably like a hairy red and green lychee with an edible pit. You won't miss it on the market stalls with its pretty pink color and green hair-like spines.
Mangosteen
The size of a nectarine, the mangosteen is also called the fruit of the gods. It consists of a thick shell of white flesh separated into segments. This fruit is known for its medicinal properties but especially for its exquisite aroma thanks to its juicy and sweet flesh. Its taste is somewhat similar to that of lychee, very sweet and delicate.
Durian
Cultivated in southern Cambodge, the durian can weigh several kilograms. It's recognizable by its large oval shape, green color and countless spiky protrusions. Nicknamed by many as the "stinking fruit", the durian is today banned from certain public places due to the foul odor it emits. But once past the smell, durian is pleasant on the palate and offers a delightful sweet note.
Jackfruit
Not to be confused with the durian, whose spikes are much bulkier, jackfruit can weigh several dozen kilograms. Difficult to cut if you're not used to it, it's also sold in quarters at the market.
Dragon Fruit
Instantly recognizable by its vivid fuchsia pink color, dragon fruit is named for the scales that resemble those of a dragon. The white flesh with small black seeds it contains may disappoint some since this fruit is mild in flavor despite its striking appearance. You could compare its taste to a blend between kiwi and watermelon, perhaps.
Have you already tried all of these fruits?
Frequently asked questions
Most Cambodian exotic fruits are available year-round, but some such as durian and mangosteen reach peak quality between April and August.
Local markets offer the best variety and most attractive prices. Phnom Penh's central market and Siem Reap markets are particularly recommended.
A good durian should have a strong but not putrid odor, be slightly soft to the touch near the stem, and produce a dull sound when shaken.
Yes, provided you peel them yourself and avoid pre-cut fruits that have been exposed for a long time. Choose whole fruits and wash your hands after handling.
