A country's cuisine not only symbolizes the taste buds of a country but also reflects the country's rich history, cultural diversity, and tropical abundance. While savory dishes like Fish Amok and Lok Lak often take center stage when it comes to Cambodian cuisine, Cambodian desserts, known locally as m'tai phleung, offer a world of delightful flavors and textures that deserve the spotlight.
Rooted in Cambodian traditions and often inspired by the seasons, the Cambodian dessert recipes combine ingredients like sticky rice, coconut, palm sugar (not white sugar), mung beans, and tropical fruits, such as pineapple, dragon fruit, and banana, into mouthwatering creations. Whether served during festive occasions or as a comforting everyday treat, Cambodian desserts are an essential part of the plethora of treats and aromatic flavors that Cambodian cuisine has to offer.
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Cambodian Dessert Recipes
Num Ansom Chek (Sticky Rice and Banana Wraps)
A Cambodian delicacy, Num Ansom Chek is a cherished traditional delicious dessert made during Khmer New Year and other celebrations. It consists of sticky rice, coconut milk, and ripe bananas wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection. The sticky rice absorbs the sweet coconut milk, while the banana inside becomes soft and fragrant. The following are the ingredients for this Cambodia dessert recipe:
- 2 cups of glutinous rice (soaked overnight)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup of palm sugar or brown sugar
- 6 ripe bananas, halved lengthwise
- Banana leaves (softened by boiling or heating over a flame)
Mix the soaked rice with coconut milk and palm sugar. Lay a banana leaf flat, spoon some of the rice mixture onto it, place half a banana in the center, and then wrap and tie it securely. Steam for about 45-50 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Chek Chien (Banana Fritters)
A popular mouthwatering street food snack, chek chien are crispy and sweet banana fritters coated in a rice flour batter with sesame seeds. With a crispy exterior, revealing the soft texture of the banana on the inside, these are a favorite for all with a sweet tooth. The ingredients for this Cambodian dessert recipe are:
- Ripe bananas
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1/4 cup grated coconut (optional)
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Multiple cups of water (enough to make a thick batter)
- Oil for deep frying
Peel and flatten bananas slightly. In a bowl, mix rice flour, sesame seeds, sugar, salt, and coconut if using. Add warm water gradually to form a batter. Dip each banana into the batter and fry in hot oil until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Num Khtis (Durian with Sticky Rice and Coconut Cream)
One of the most unique Cambodian dessert recipes, num khtis is a beloved Cambodian dessert, which is a delicious combination of ripe durian with sweet sticky rice, all bathed in rich coconut cream. It has a creamy texture with a sweet aroma, and is a favorite among durian lovers. Often served warm, this dessert balances the complex flavors of the bold, pungent flavor of durian and the mellow sweetness of coconut. Its ingredients are:
- 1 1/2 cups glutinous rice (soaked overnight)
- 1 cup coconut cream
- 1/2 cup of sugar (palm or brown)
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup fresh or thawed durian flesh
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Cook the soaked glutinous rice in a steamer until tender (about 20-25 minutes). In a saucepan, gently heat coconut cream with palm sugar and salt—don't boil. Stir in the durian, let it soften, and blend into the sauce for about 5 minutes. Spoon the sticky rice into separate bowls and pour the durian-coconut mixture over the top. Garnish with sesame seeds or shredded coconut, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Banh Ja'Neuk (Glutinous Rice Balls in Coconut Cream)
Typically eaten during big festivals and ceremonies, this delectable dessert features chewy rice balls, similar to tapioca pearls, floating in a warm coconut soup, similar in spirit to mochi or tangyuan. The ingredients of this simple Cambodian dessert recipe are:
- 1 1/2 cups glutinous rice flour
- Palm sugar (chopped into bits for filling)
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Pinch of salt
- Additional sesame seeds or coconut for garnish
Make a smooth dough with glutinous rice flour and water. Form small balls and fill them with palm sugar. Boil in hot water until they float, then transfer to a warm mixture of coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Garnish with sesame seeds or coconut shavings, and serve warm. A hint of vanilla can also be added to spark curiosity and a twist to an otherwise simple recipe of Cambodian coconut rice balls.
Bai Treap (Toasted Sticky Rice with Banana or Coconut)
Bai Treap is a rural sweet treat made by stuffing sticky rice and banana or grated coconut inside a bamboo tube or banana leaf and then grilling it. It is a smoky, naturally sweet, and chewy treat with delicious flavors. The ingredients are as follows:
- 2 cups glutinous rice (soaked)
- 1 cup grated coconut or sliced bananas
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- A bit of salt
- Banana leaves or bamboo tubes
Mix soaked rice with coconut milk or coconut sauce and salt. Stuff the mixture along with banana or grated coconut into banana leaves or bamboo tubes. Grill slowly over charcoal for 30–45 minutes, turning frequently. Peel and enjoy this warm, light snack.
RELATED ARTICLE: Exploring the History and Flavors Behind Classic Cambodian Recipes
Conclusion
Refreshing desserts of Cambodia are more than just delectable treats—they are expressions of Cambodian culture steeped in tradition, seasonal produce, and the everyday lives of the Khmer people. From the humble banana in coconut milk to the celebratory grilled sticky rice, these recipes showcase the creativity and warmth of Cambodian kitchens.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or a curious foodie, exploring Cambodian dessert recipes is a delicious way to connect with Southeast Asia's heritage. The journey through sugar, coconut, and sticky rice cakes is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds and your heart, gratifying your sweet tooth.
FAQs
What is the most popular dessert in Cambodia?
One of the most popular desserts in Cambodia is Num Ansom Chek, a sweet, sticky rice and banana wrap steamed in banana leaves. It is often enjoyed during festivals like Khmer New Year.
What is Cambodia's national dessert?
While there is no designated national dessert in the culinary culture of Cambodia, Num ansom chek can be considered the unofficial dessert of Cambodia. It is a traditional sticky rice and banana cake wrapped in banana leaves and steamed
What dessert did the old world eat?
In the Old World, desserts often included simple, naturally sweet foods like dried fruits, honey cakes, and sweetened breads. In the Middle Ages, the desserts revolved around fruity, sweet foods such as jellies and wafers mixed with exotic foods, nuts, and butter.
