If you are someone who absolutely hates spiders, so much so that the mere sight of one sends you running for a broom, you might want to skip the most popular street food stalls in Cambodia. While most of the world views spiders and arachnids as scary household pests, locals and adventurous travelers in the town of Skuon treat them as a mouthwatering delicacy. Here, deep-fried tarantulas are piled high on large silver platters, serving as a crispy, savory street snack. Here is all you need to know about it.
The Town Capital of Spiders
Skuon, a bustling market town located about 75 kilometers north of Phnom Penh, has earned the global reputation of "Spiderville." If you stop by the bus station or wander through the local markets, vendors will immediately approach you balancing trays loaded with dozens of black, hairy arachnids. The spiders used for this snack are a species of tarantula known locally as "ping," which burrows in the nearby jungle floors and fields. For the locals, catching and selling these critters is not just a gimmick for tourists; it is a vital source of income for dozens of rural families.
From Food for Survival to Street Delicacy
The tradition of eating spiders in Cambodia did not start as a culinary trend—it began out of absolute desperation. During the brutal Khmer Rouge regime in the late 1970s, severe food shortages and forced labor pushed the population to the brink of starvation. To survive, Cambodians had to forage for alternative protein sources in the forests, turning to crickets, scorpions, and tarantulas. While the dark era passed, the taste for these crispy creatures stuck around. Today, generations who grew up eating them out of necessity now buy them purely for enjoyment.
How to Cook a Tarantula
Preparing a tarantula for the fryer requires a steady hand and a quick cleanup. The vendors gather the live spiders, toss them in a mixture of MSG, sugar, salt, and crushed garlic, and then drop them directly into boiling oil. The frying process takes only a couple of minutes. The goal is to get the exterior legs completely stiff and crunchy while keeping the meat inside tender. The garlic and sugar caramelize on the spider’s hairy exterior, creating a sweet, savory glaze that masks the intimidating look of the legs.
What Does a Monster Dish Taste Like?
If you can look past the eight fuzzy legs, the flavor profile is surprisingly familiar. Most travelers who brave the first bite describe the legs as incredibly crispy, tasting like a cross between fried chicken and potato chips with a distinct nutty undertone. The real test of willpower comes when you reach the abdomen. The large, round body contains a dark, paste-like texture consisting of meat, organs, and eggs. While the legs are an easy win for brave foodies, the rich, pungent flavor of the core body is definitely an acquired taste.
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