Region: Southern Cambodia> Province: Kampot> Location: Kep

Kep

Kep is famous across Cambodia for it's fresh seafood, in particular it's crab. It's signature dish, fried crab with local pepper is spectacular -- if you're a crab fan, you won't be disappointed. The crabs are farmed in small cages just off the beach area from the crab market and are also caught further afield in crab traps. If you're happy to get wet, you can often wade out to the traps and pick which ones you want.

Outside of your guesthouse or hotel, there are two main places for crab in Kep. The first is by the crab market and the latter is in the heart of Kep, facing out over Kep's beach. The former is pretty rough and ready, while the latter has a few more creature comforts, with raised wooden platforms and a menu that spreads beyond crab and seafood. All should be able to supply you with a rudimentary English menu. An important note for both venues is to be sure of just how much food you are ordering and what it is costing before you start eating -- just to avoid any unpleasant situations at the end of the meal. Crab is also available in a similar fashion on Ko Tonsay.

Away from crabs, all guesthouses have their own restaurants and bars. Veranda has the best views, the widest cocktail list and is resoundingly the most popular among foreign travellers. The Beach House is set beside the swimming pool, so ideal for a lunchtime break, while Kep Lodge has a good mix of Khmer and western food -- and a pool table. Champey Inn gets very good marks for its food -- when the French owner is in attendance -- unfortunately the wheels tend to fall off this kitchen at other times. The Riel Bar, back off the beach, towards the guesthouses is one of the only free-standing spots in Kep, and while there wasn't much happening when we passed though, it could be worth a look in.