In a significant boost to Cambodia’s culinary diplomacy efforts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced that its latest cookbook, “The Taste of Angkor 2,” has won the prestigious “Special Award of the Jury” at the 2025 Gourmand World Cookbook Awards held in Lisbon, Portugal.
On 18-22 June 2025, hundreds of participants from approximately 200 countries gathered to celebrate the world’s best cookbooks. The award marks a culmination of extensive efforts undertaken by the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in recent years, which have allowed the world to rediscover the Khmer people through a perspective seldom explored before: the refinement of their gastronomy.
“The Taste of Angkor 2,” officially launched on 3 March 2025 by His Excellency PRAK Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, features 38 Khmer dishes and desserts commonly enjoyed by Cambodian people nationwide. The cookbook highlights Cambodia’s rich agricultural heritage and renowned Geographical Indication (GI) products such as Phka Romduol Rice, Kampot Pepper, Kampot-Kep Salt, and Kampong Speu Palm Sugar.
This achievement adds to the list of accolades for the Royal Government of Cambodia in its ongoing efforts to contribute to elevating national prestige and realizing Cambodia’s vision of becoming a high-income country by 2050. By leveraging Khmer’s rich history, culture, and tradition, the Ministry aims to promote Cambodia’s culinary identity and strengthen its relationships with other countries through gastronomy.
“We are thrilled to see ‘The Taste of Angkor 2’ receive this prestigious recognition,” said Mr. Edouard Cointreau, Chairman of the Awards Committee. “This award completes a captivating study that honors Cambodia’s illustrious past, celebrates the effective strategies of the present, and looks forward to the country’s promising future.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation will continue to promote Cambodia’s gastronomy through various diplomatic channels, further solidifying its position as a key player in regional and international affairs.
on the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards or to learn about Cambodia’s culinary diplomacy efforts, please contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation at Tel: +855 23 246 122 or Fax: +855 23 216, or email at mfa@minmofac.gov.kh.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is committed to promoting Cambodia’s interests and strengthening its relationships with other countries. With this latest achievement, the Ministry further cements its position as a key player in regional and international affairs.