1. Overview
Battambang is Cambodia’s second-largest city, attracting tourists with its very own beauty, hidden many interesting things, harmony, balance, and vibrancy from the classic look of French architecture and ordinary life of the people here. The most special is Battambang Market, a famous old market in Cambodia, also known as Psar Nath Market. The market is where culture and commerce meet in Cambodia because the market sells traditional products, has local cuisines, and has a long history dating back to the French colonial period in Cambodia.
What’s new for 2027
- UNESCO named Battambang a Creative City of Gastronomy in 2023, so the market’s food stalls are now part of the city’s official food heritage. Explore them on our Battambang tours.
- Part of Psar Nat was damaged by an electrical fire in 2020; the 1936 Art Deco hall still anchors the market, but some sections may have moved or been rebuilt.
2. Exploring the battambang market
2.1. General information
- Location: in the centre of Battambang town, a short walk from the Sangker River; any tuk-tuk driver knows it as Psar Nat
- Open time: daily; go early in the morning, when it is busiest
- Highlights: It has a long history and is a familiar local market for the people here, selling freshwater fish and seafood, fresh vegetables and fruits, spices, groceries, jewelry, clothes, and local cuisines.
Photo: Metta Voyage travellers.
2.2. The history of Battambang market
The history of Battambang Market dates back to the French colonial period in Cambodia. Specifically, it was built in 1936 in the Art Deco style as a central trading hub for the region. It initially served as a meeting point for local farmers and traders to sell their products.
- Over time, the market expanded and became an essential source of commerce for the local community.
- During the Khmer Rouge regime, the city was emptied and the market fell silent. Trading resumed in the years after 1979, and the original Art Deco building still stands today.
- Today, the Battambang Market is one of the largest markets in the province, serving as a hub for trade and commerce in the region.
Photo: Metta Voyage travellers.
3. Highlight of some of the popular products sold
3.1. Fresh Produce
The market is a great place to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, you can find anything with vendors selling everything from bananas and mangoes to green beans and cabbage.
3.2. Spices and Herbs
You know, Cambodians use a lot of spices in their daily dishes; this is one of the indispensable things. The market offers various herbs and spices commonly used in Cambodian cuisines, such as lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric.
3.3. Seafood and Meat
The market also offers a variety of fresh seafood and meat, including fish, shrimp, and pork. You can choose from a variety of cuts and have them prepared on the spot. Most of them are chilled with ice to keep the food fresh.
3.4. Handicrafts and Souvenirs
Next, you can find a variety of traditional Cambodian handicrafts and souvenirs at the market, including silk scarves, wooden carvings, and pottery. These items can be brought as gifts for your family and friends.
3.5. Clothes and Accessories
The market also has a range of clothing and accessories, including traditional Cambodian outfits, t-shirts, and jewelry. It can be said that the price is very affordable because the market is mainly sold to locals, so you can choose from many different models.
4. Local delicacies to try
4.1. Noodles
Noodles are staples of Cambodian cuisine, and there are many vendors at the market selling a variety of different types. Usually, you will see many thin rice noodles used in soups.
4.2. Num Banh Chok
Num Banh Chok, often known as Khmer noodles, is a popular breakfast dish in Cambodia and well-loved by locals. It consists of rice noodles served in a fish-based broth with fresh vegetables and herbs.
4.3. Bai Sach Chrouk
Bai Sach Chrouk is a breakfast dish consisting of grilled pork served with rice and pickled vegetables. Thinly sliced pork is grilled over charcoal. Sometimes, people marinate pork with coconut milk or garlic, giving Bai Sach Chrouk different flavors in different regions.
4.4. Fish Amok
Fish Amok is a traditional Khmer dish made with fish, coconut milk, and various spices, served in a banana leaf bowl. It is incredibly fragrant, with flavors of lemongrass, turmeric, and ginger, and to give it an unforgettably creamy taste, lots of coconut milk!
4.5. Kralan
Kralan is another traditional Cambodian snack and also a traditional Khmer cake. They are made of sticky rice, coconut milk, and beans or peas, which are cooked inside a bamboo stalk over an open fire.
5. What makes Battambang Market different
There are only a few foreign tourists: Unlike Ben Thanh Market (Vietnam) or Phnom Penh Central Market (Cambodia), which are busy with tourists every day, Psar Nat is mainly a market for locals. Because it is a market for genuine Cambodians, there will only be a few tourists. Therefore, the Battambang Market also sold fewer items such as makeup, travel supplies, and toys than the other markets.
Some ingredients are popular: Dried shrimp and spices, and nuts are the most easily found items for people to buy for food processing. At the same time, the price is also lower than in other markets.
Authentic Cambodian food: If you want to discover Cambodian food and culture, you don’t have to go far. Just visit Battambang Market, which sells a lot of traditional Cambodian dishes, such as Num Banh Chok, Bai Sach Chrouk, or Fish Amok, with an extremely aromatic and rich flavor. You can also learn about their daily culture while eating in the market.
It is often said that if you want to know more about a country or a specific city, go to the markets of that land. Thus, Battambang Market is a long-standing market worth exploring the Cambodian people’s lifestyle, culture, and cuisine. Besides, this market is a place to trade with affordable prices and friendly people.
In conclusion, Battambang Market is a unique and vibrant destination in Cambodia where culture and commerce meet. Metta Voyage hopes that information can offer you a desire to visit this destination when you come to Cambodia and are interested in experiencing the authentic Cambodian way of life. To learn more about Cambodia culture, refer to tours Treasure of Cambodia and Vietnam & Cambodia Family Holidays.
Contact us
- Website: mettavoyage.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Hotline 24/7: + 84 812 247 572
