So, what is crab shooting

Crab shooting is one of those dishes that looks simple when it arrives, but when you start digging in, it turns into a treasure hunt. Think of a big comforting bowl loaded with seafood, meat, noodles, and a rich broth. It is very much in that Cambodian and Vietnamese comfort food family, the kind of thing you crave on a rainy day or after a long week.

Source : TikTok video from @Craby5

The style here is what I would call national, meaning the flavors feel authentically local. The seasoning, the toppings, the way everything is cut and cooked, it all reminds me of the kind of bowls you get from long time family shops, not something adjusted for tourists.

What I ordered, the SPECIAL crab shooting bowl

I went straight for their SPECIAL crab shooting dish because of course I did. If there is a special on the menu I will always choose it. This one is really loaded. In one bowl you get crab meat, squid, fried fish balls, pork, pig’s blood, bat te which is the Vietnamese rice noodle cake, and char kway which is the flat rice noodles.

When the bowl arrived, I had a small shock. It was huge. So much topping, so many textures, and the broth steaming up in the air. I actually laughed because I knew immediately that this was going to be what I call a meat dub situation. In my words, meat dub means there is just too much meat and it feels very heavy, in a satisfying but slightly overwhelming way.

Taste and portion

The first sip of broth already told me this was serious. The flavor has that deep seafood base that clings to your lips, with sweetness from the crab and squid, and a little richness from the pork. It is not too salty, just balanced, and you can tell they have simmered it long enough to pull out the flavor from all the ingredients.

The crab meat comes in generous chunks, slightly sweet and very fresh. The squid has a nice bounce, not rubbery. The fried fish balls bring that fun chewy bite and they soak up the broth nicely. The pork slices are tender, and the pig’s blood is very smooth, no strong smell, which I really appreciate. The bat te, that Vietnamese rice noodle cake, gives you these soft, almost pudding like bites, and the char kway flat noodles are silky and slippery, perfect for slurping.

Altogether it is a lot. I mean it, a lot. Halfway through the bowl I already knew there was no way I could finish it alone. It really turned into a meat dub moment for me. I kept going because it was delicious, but if you do not have a big appetite, I strongly recommend sharing the SPECIAL bowl with a friend. The portion is very generous, almost more like a sharing size than a single serving.

Price and value

For what you get in that SPECIAL crab shooting bowl, the price is very reasonable. You are paying for real crab, squid, multiple types of noodles, pork, pig’s blood, and fish balls, plus that rich broth. Considering the quality and portion size, I would say the price is more than acceptable for Phnom Penh right now.

If you share the bowl with a friend, the value becomes even better, very budget friendly for such a loaded seafood bowl. It feels like the kind of place you can visit often, not just a special occasion spot.

Ambiance and decor

The second branch on Street 222 has a surprisingly warm and cozy feel. From the photos you can already see the rattan details and natural wood everywhere, but in person it feels even nicer. The space is bright but soft, not harsh, and it feels welcoming the moment you walk in.

The rattan lamps, the wood tables, and the simple layout make it feel like a modern version of a neighborhood noodle shop. It is cozy enough for a solo lunch, but also comfortable for a casual dinner with friends. You can sit, slowly enjoy your bowl, compare toppings with your friends, and no one rushes you out.

Location details

For this visit, I went to their second branch on Street 222, right on the corner of Trac Mem Street, House 31c, in Phnom Penh. It is quite easy to spot, and the area feels convenient for a quick meal if you are already in the city center.

📍Location : Bach Canh Craby 🦀 ( Street 222 )

https://maps.app.goo.gl/xj51H8TnoMdhrMzj8

The first and original location is at Khmer Neak Neam Village in Chip Mong Mega Mall 271. If you are already shopping at the mall, that branch is a great option for a comforting meal before or after your errands. Both locations keep that same national flavor profile, so you will get the same style of crab shooting wherever you go.

Final thoughts and recommendation

If you are craving a proper national style crab shooting bowl that really celebrates seafood and bold broth, this place deserves a spot on your list. The SPECIAL crab shooting is rich, generous, and packed with variety. Just remember, the portion is serious, so bring a friend if you do not want to end up in a meat dub situation like I did.

I would happily come back for that broth alone, and next time I might order a simpler version or share the special so I can taste more dishes. Between the reasonable price, the cozy rattan and wood interior, and the authentic local flavor, it feels like a very Phnom Penh kind of comfort food spot.

Source : TikTok video by @Craby5

To visit, you can check out the second branch where I went, on Street 222, corner of Trac Mem Street, House 31c, or the original branch at Khmer Neak Neam Village in Chip Mong Mega Mall 271. If you go, let me know if you managed to finish the SPECIAL bowl by yourself, I honestly could not.