"The 'Festival' cylinder — a tightly wrapped banana leaf parcel containing glutinous rice and a 'ripe' baby banana (or pork fat for savory versions); the 'ritual' requires hours of boiling to ensure the rice becomes gelatinous and the banana turns a deep, wine-red hue; a cornerstone of 'Pchum Ben' and Khmer New Year, it represents the ancestral offerings of the Buddhist calendar and the technical skill of the 'leaf-wrapping' art."
About Num Ansom Chek
The 'Festival' cylinder — a tightly wrapped banana leaf parcel containing glutinous rice and a 'ripe' baby banana (or pork fat for savory versions); the 'ritual' requires hours of boiling to ensure the rice becomes gelatinous and the banana turns a deep, wine-red hue; a cornerstone of 'Pchum Ben' and Khmer New Year, it represents the ancestral offerings of the Buddhist calendar and the technical skill of the 'leaf-wrapping' art.
Num Ansom Chek — a staple of Cambodia's cuisine
Insider Tips
For the most authentic Num Ansom Chek, seek out family-run restaurants away from tourist areas.
Ask locals for their recommended spots — the best places rarely need advertising.
Cambodia's regional variations can be quite different; try multiple versions.
