Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(banana)
, menoa
(pineapple) and
duong
(coconut)
.
Among the larger fruit,
khnau
(jack-
fruit) is very common, often weighing more than 20kg. The
tourain
(durian) usually needs
no introduction, as you can smell it from a mile off; the exterior is green with sharp
spines, while inside is a milky, soft interior regarded by the Chinese as an aphrodisiac. It
stinks, although some maintain it is an acquired taste…best acquired with a nose peg.
The fruits most popular with visitors include the
mongkut
(mangosteen) and
sao mao
(rambutan)
.
The small mangosteen has a purple skin that contains white segments with a
divine flavour. Similarly popular is the rambutan, with an interior like a lychee and an ex-
terior covered in soft red and green spines.
Best of all, although it's common throughout the world, is the
svay
(mango). The Cam-
bodian mango season is from March to May. Other varieties of mango are available year-
round, but it's the hot-season ones that are a taste sensation.
The local brew for country folk is sugar-palm wine, distilled daily direct from the trees and
fairly potent after it has settled. Sold in bamboo containers of the back of bicycles, it's tasty
and cheap, although only suitable for those with a cast-iron stomach.
