April 28th (2020)

 

April 28th
Sad news today for Cambodia and, I guess, for the gastronomic world. The Khmer Times reports that ‘Cambodia’s famous Kampot pepper has faced export difficulties since receiving its geographic indicator (GI) certification from the European Union because of COVID-19 restrictions, according to the Kampot Pepper Promotion Association (KPPA).’ And there I was promoting Kampot Pepper to friends recently.

I awoke about 7am this morning and, at seven forty four, I am still lounging. There’s another day ahead, hungry to be filled. With what, I just don’t know.

So, Chicken Egg Banana (Chek Pong Moan) sandwich for breakfast it is then. The strangely named Chicken Egg Banana, grown along the Mekong River, is the most popular banana in Cambodia, so much so that it has become the ‘National Fruit’. It is the most expensive banana on the Cambodian market, next to among Chek Nam Va and Chek Om Boung, that is.

9.10am
The sheer weight of ennui sends me back to bed.

11am
Awake but lazy. I have a tummy upset. But I am also getting hungry. I might deport to Mama Shop for a Pizza or something at Common Grounds. I don’t want to walk too far today, just in case. Maybe I’ll see if The Little Fox is open for a bagel, but they no longer offer smoked salmon. If I walked a little further I could have a Cheezilla, cheaper than any of the other choices....hmmm, decisions, decisions.

12.31pm
I am in Common Grounds, affronted by mellow jazz, cooled by air conditioning as be-masked Khmer servers flavour the establishment with their delectable, smiling eyes. Can you remember, not so long ago, when only certain Jains and certain Muslims wore masks, revealing only eyes. Cartoonists frequently speculated about what the masks hid. Now we know - people. Just people. The jest is reversed.

The Little Red Fox, with or without lox, is closed, with no notice to say why. Mamma Shop is a little too expensive just now, which leaves where I am, in Common Grounds. I am persuaded (by a young server who claims to have asked me, but I obviously did not quite understand) to have a large Flat White coffee, I question, she replies, I accept. The restaurant has five customers, two Khmers sit together, the rest of us sit far apart one, fair skinned, larger lady considers it okay to put her naked feet on her seat. Later, a Western motorcyclist enters and sits, oblivious to the fact that that is where her feet had been previously. Ho hum.

I order Teriyaki Chicken Burger (in name only) and, apparently, a Flat White.

Yes, the sun shines upon adrift Frangipani, Honda ‘Snoopies’ and trail bikes as only the Cambodian sun can. Under-employed tuk tuk riders sit relaxing in their cabs on Hap Guan Street, earnestly intent upon their mobile phones. The Common Grounds server serves my burger. Cheese is melting down one side, as nature intended. Sweet, the burger is sweet but with a chilli zing. There is the familiar sight of a cheese square, but no hint of Japanese soy sauce, sake (or mirin), sugar and ginger which makes a Teriyaki sauce. KFC’s Zinger Cheezilla does chicken burgers better I’m afraid. Next time, I shall walk the extra mile (well few hundred yards really) to the Cornel’s emporium.

I am struggling with writing a short story. The story had changed a few times. Some parts are okay, and I have killed many darlings, but I am adrift somewhat.

Today’s total spend
At Common Grounds American Cafe in the heart of Siem Reap - $7.50