Cambodia’s recent recognition in the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, specifically the “Best of the Best – Cambodia” designation for the “Taste of Angkor” series, represents more than just a culinary achievement. It’s a carefully orchestrated element of a larger strategic engagement by the Kingdom, leveraging its cultural heritage to advance diplomatic objectives and bolster national prestige. This award, garnered at the Saudi Feast Food Festival in Riyadh in November 2025, underscores a trend – a deliberate investment in soft power through cultural diplomacy, a strategy informed by historical precedent and driven by contemporary geopolitical considerations.
The significance of this award lies in its context. Cambodia’s relationship with neighboring nations, particularly Vietnam and Thailand, has historically been marked by border disputes and competition for resources. The Cold War era witnessed significant American involvement in Southeast Asia, culminating in the establishment of military bases and a complex web of alliances. Following the fall of the Soviet Union, Cambodia transitioned through periods of political instability, including the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979), and then a protracted civil war. The subsequent decade saw the rise of the FUNCINRA movement and, ultimately, the establishment of a multi-party democracy – a process punctuated by challenges and the ongoing influence of the Cambodian People’s Party, led by Prime Minister Hun Sen. The 2017 coup, which saw Hun Sen consolidate power, altered the landscape, deepening concerns regarding democratic governance and human rights, issues that have drawn international scrutiny.
The “Taste of Angkor” project, conceived and launched in 2021 and culminating in the second volume released in 2025, is a central component of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s broader Economic Diplomacy Strategy. This strategy, formally articulated in 2020, aims to elevate national prestige, particularly amongst ASEAN member states, and to showcase Cambodian gastronomy to a global audience. According to Dr. Siv Ravikrishnan, Senior Fellow at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, “Food has always been a powerful tool in diplomacy. It provides a tangible connection to a culture, a conversation starter, and a means of building trust. Cambodia’s approach, using a cookbook as a vehicle for promoting its cuisine, represents a shrewd understanding of this dynamic.” The series doesn’t simply present traditional Khmer dishes; it carefully curates the narrative, emphasizing the historical roots of these foods, their connection to the Angkorian Empire – a period of immense cultural and economic power – and highlighting the efforts of contemporary Cambodian chefs in preserving and innovating.
The award itself—four previous Gourmand wins, including a “Special Award of the Jury” for the second edition – adds weight to the initiative. The inclusion of accessible recipes, designed to utilize locally sourced ingredients globally, demonstrates a practical approach to engaging international audiences. “It’s a brilliant way to demonstrate Cambodia’s resources and adaptability,” notes Ambassador Khieu Kantha, a regional security analyst with the Phnom Penh-based think tank, Cambodian Institute for Strategic Studies. “The emphasis on sustainability and using readily available ingredients aligns with international development goals and reinforces a positive image of the nation.”
Looking ahead, the success of “The Taste of Angkor” indicates a trajectory of sustained investment in cultural diplomacy. Over the next six months, the Ministry is likely to expand the reach of the cookbooks through targeted marketing campaigns, collaborations with international culinary organizations, and potential appearances at food festivals worldwide. Longer-term, the initiative’s impact will be measured by its effect on Cambodia’s diplomatic standing within ASEAN, its ability to attract tourism, and its influence on international perceptions of the nation. However, continued scrutiny regarding human rights and governance will undoubtedly remain a significant factor, potentially tempering the overall success of this strategic endeavor. The challenge for Cambodia moving forward is to demonstrably translate this diplomatic momentum into tangible improvements in its domestic policies and international relations, solidifying its position as a key player in Southeast Asian affairs.