Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern Season 5 Episode 2 Cambodia

In season 5 episode 2 of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, the infamous host takes viewers on a journey through Cambodia, exploring the exotic cuisine of this Southeast Asian country. Zimmern delves into the history of Khmer cuisine, which has been influenced by a variety of neighboring countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and China, resulting in a unique blend of spices, flavors, and ingredients.

The episode opens with Zimmern in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's bustling capital city, where he visits a local market and samples a variety of street food dishes, including fried insects, pig's ears, and noodles made from rice flour. He is particularly impressed by a dish made with raw beef mixed with herbs, spices, and lemon juice, which is then served with a side of crispy beef jerky.

Zimmern then heads to the countryside to learn about traditional Khmer cooking techniques, such as the use of kroeung, a mixture of herbs and spices that is used in many Cambodian dishes. He visits a rural village where he watches an expert cook prepare amok, a popular Cambodian dish made with fish, coconut milk, and kroeung. The dish is usually steamed in banana leaves and served with rice.

Throughout his travels, Zimmern meets with local farmers, fishermen, and chefs who share their knowledge and expertise when it comes to Cambodian cuisine. He learns how to make nom banh chok, a noodle dish often eaten for breakfast, which is served with a fish-based soup and a variety of vegetables and herbs. Zimmern also experiences the unique flavors of prahok, a fermented fish paste that is used in many Cambodian dishes.

The episode also features Zimmern's visit to Siem Reap, a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to the famous Angkor Wat temple complex. Here, Zimmern tries a variety of unique Khmer dishes, including ant egg soup and water beetle larva.

As with all episodes of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, the focus is on exploring cultural differences through the lens of food. Viewers will learn about the unique spices and ingredients that make Cambodian cuisine so distinct, as well as see the important role that food plays in Cambodian culture. Zimmern's enthusiasm and adventurous approach to food make this episode both entertaining and informative.