What is A-Ping (Fried Tarantulas)?
Deep-fried tarantulas seasoned with salt, sugar, and garlic — Cambodia's most daring snack.
- Price range: $1–2 per spider
- Spice level: No spice
- Best cities to try it: Skuon (Kampong Cham), Phnom Penh, Siem Reap
- Start with the legs if you're nervous — they taste like crispy chips. The body is the adventurous part.
A-Ping (Fried Tarantulas)
$1–2 per spiderអាពីង
Cambodia is famous for its fried tarantulas, a delicacy that originated in Skuon (Spider Town) in Kampong Cham province. These large spiders are deep-fried with garlic and salt until crispy on the outside while the body remains soft and paste-like inside. The legs are crunchy like chips, while the abdomen has a more complex flavor. What started as survival food during the Khmer Rouge era has become a beloved snack and tourist attraction. The taste is often compared to soft-shell crab.
Key Ingredients
- tarantula
- garlic
- salt
- sugar
- oil
Where to Find
- Skuon spider market
- night markets
- tourist stalls
Best Cities
Dietary Information
Insider Tip
Start with the legs if you're nervous — they taste like crispy chips. The body is the adventurous part.
Frequently Asked Questions
More Street Food Dishes
- Fried Insects (ជៀនជ្រូក)
- Chek Chien (ចេកចៀន)
- Kralan (ក្រឡាន)
- Roasted Corn (ពោតអាំង)
- Pong Tia Koun (ពងទាកូន)
- Beef Baguette (នំប៉័ងសាច់គោ)
Get Cambodia Travel Updates
Visa changes, travel tips, and destination guides delivered to your inbox.
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.