Psar Nat (Battambang Central Market)

The market was built in the 1930s under the direction of the French Public Works Department. Visitors to Battamabang who are familiar with other major markets in the region, such as Phnom Penh Central Market and Ben Thanh Market in Saigon, will notice similarities in the Art Deco design of the market building in Battambang. This similarity is no accident as Psar Nat was designed by the same people responsible for Phnom Central Market and Ben Thanh Market: French architect Jean Desbois and engineer Louis Chauchon.

Psar Nat in Battambang (Central Market)

Psar Nat is a market in Battambang, Cambodia. Psar Nat is located in the center of a large square surrounded by shop houses, many of which date back to the era when Cambodia was a French colony. Psar Nat is clearly the central point in Battamabang and many of the town’s most popular hotels, bars and restaurants are located in this area.

Fruit on sale at Battamabang Central Market

Activity at Pasar Nat starts early at first light and ends when it becomes hot in the afternoon. This is a market which sells pretty much everything and local people come here to buy everyday essentials as well as less frequent major purchases. They also come here to eat. Unlike Phnom Penh Central Market or Ben Thanh Market in Saigon, you won’t see many foreign visitors at Battambang Central Market.

Plenty of eggs on sale at Battambang Central Market

The market is split into two part. One part of the market is what is commonly described as a ‘wet market’ where foodstuffs are sold.

Seafood at Battambang Central Market

The majority of the food on sale is fresh – there is no refrigeration at Psar Nat, save for the ice used to prolong the life of the seafood sold at the market.

Dried goods at Pasar Nat

Some parts of the market, particularly where the fresh meat is sold, smells bad. The local shoppers seem unfazed by the odour, foreign visitors may want to hold their breath and move swiftly along to another part of the market.

Foodstall at Psar Nat

If you are looking for some ingredients to take home with you head towards the dried goods section. Items like dried shrimp and spices have a long shelf life and are perfect for cooking authentic Cambodian food in countries where these items are easy to find and very good price if they are available.

Fabrics sold at Battamabang Central Market

In the center of market there are lots of food stalls selling Cambodian cuisine. Local people eat here which is a good indicator that the food is cheap and the dish are prepared according to local recipes. Pasar Nat is somewhere to go if you want to eat authentic Cambodian food.

Silver on sale at Psar Nat

The ‘dry’ section of the market is much less busy than the area where food is sold. All kinds of things are sold here from kitchenware to jewelry. You won’t find any souvenir stalls selling t-shirts or mugs with ‘Cambodia’ or ‘Battambang’ printed on them but you can buy some authentic fabrics and other Cambodian made handicrafts.