Tarantula Samosa

When you receive your samosa at the Bugs Cafe in Siem Reap, it looks like any flaky pastry. But one slice through the middle will reveal layers of spinach, feta, and hairy, black legs.

These once belonged to a tarantula, a spider known around the world for its venomous fangs. But in Cambodia, the insect known as a-ping is a delicacy. For those who might be anxious about trying the arachnid, the cafe’s samosa offers a delicious introduction. Though their flavor is mild, the legs have a crunchy, slightly fuzzy texture. Seasoned with garlic and parsley, they offer a crispy counterpoint to the pastry’s soft, rich cheese and bitter spinach.

For diners who enjoy the samosa and would like to advance to the rest of the tarantula’s body, the cafe also serves an entire deep-fried spider.