In a fitting tribute to six decades of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Singapore, the Singapore embassy, supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, hosted an exclusive dinner curated by two renowned chefs: Cambodia’s Chef Ros Rotanak (Chef Nak) and Singapore’s Chef Petrina Loh.
The menu for the June 24-25 event featured unique dishes ranging from Bak Kut Teh (pork rib soup) with Kampot pepper to pomelo salad with shrimp sambal and chili crab with torch ginger pickles.
“The embassy is thrilled to bring together Chef Nak and Chef Petrina – two visionary culinary artists – for this unique ‘Flavours of Friendship’ dining experience. The five-course menu is a sensory delight, masterfully weaving Cambodian and Singaporean culinary traditions with the use of fresh locally sourced ingredients,” said Singaporean ambassador to Cambodia Teo Lay Cheng.
“Food is a living chronicle of our heritage, identity and values. Just as diplomacy builds bridges between nations, food opens a window beyond the familiar. When people travel and discover new cuisines, they gain not only new tastes but also deepen appreciation of cultures different from their own. This is what we hope to achieve through the dinner – a personal connection,” she added.
Chef Nak also reflected on the significance of the evening.
“It is my great pleasure and honour to be part of the Singapore-Cambodia 60th anniversary culinary diplomacy event. As I continue my journey to share and celebrate the vibrant flavours and rich heritage of Cambodian cuisine with the world, I am truly delighted to welcome Chef Petrina Loh to our home, Cambodia,” she said.
“Together, as we cook and share the foods that are closest to our hearts, we celebrate not just our shared histories but also the friendships, values and cultural stories that unite us. I hope that this occasion will deepen the bonds between Singapore and Cambodia and inspire many more years of collaboration, creativity and mutual appreciation at the table and beyond,” she added.
Chef Petrina echoed her sentiments.
“It is such a deep honour to be invited to Cambodia for this special dinner celebrating 60 years of friendship between Singapore and Cambodia. Food is a powerful bridge between cultures, and being able to share this moment through cooking is incredibly meaningful to me,” she said.
“Collaborating with Chef Nak – someone who is so passionate about preserving and celebrating Cambodian cuisine – has been an inspiring experience. Together, we are not just preparing a meal; we are telling a story of heritage, connection and the friendships that tie our countries together. I am truly grateful to be part of this beautiful celebration through food, culture and shared memories,” she continued.
Chef Nak grew up in Phnom Penh, immersed in rich culinary traditions. From a young age, she nurtured her passion for cooking by helping her family select fresh, quality ingredients. Today, she is a celebrated chef dedicated to preserving and revitalising Cambodia’s culinary heritage.
She is the author of the acclaimed cookbooks NHUM and SAOY: Royal Cambodian Home Cuisine – the latter honoured as “Best Cookbook in the World 2023” by the Gourmand Award. Her work bridges food, health and culture and has also been featured in the New York Times, the BBC and Condé Nast Traveler.
Born and raised in Singapore, Chef Petrina left private banking at the age of 29 to pursue her passion for cooking. Trained at the prestigious California Culinary Academy’s Le Cordon Bleu programme, she also honed her skills in several Michelin-starred kitchens.
She is known for her progressive Asian fusion cuisine, which blends food anthropology, slow food values and artisanal techniques. Her dishes draw inspiration from her cultural heritage, global travels and passion for fermentation, sustainability and ingredients that nourish both the body and soul.
“Flavours of Friendship” is part of a series of events organized by the embassy to commemorate the diamond jubilee of bilateral relations this year.
SG-CAM60 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Cambodia.
A series of events will be held throughout the year to celebrate the strong bonds of friendship, cooperation, and shared aspirations between the two countries. Updates on SG-CAM60 activities are available on the embassy’s Facebook page.