Flavours of Friendship: 60th Anniversary celebration of Singapore-Cambodia Friendship Through Food
- Han'z Socials
- Jun 27
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 5
Recently, I was invited to attend the second edition of the 60th Anniversary celebration of Singapore-Cambodia Diplomatic Relations. The event, aptly named "Flavours of Friendship," is part of a series organized by the Singapore Embassy to commemorate the diamond jubilee of bilateral relations this year.
A Celebration Through Food
The celebration began last month at National Polytechnic Institute of Cambodia, where both nations shared insights about their street food cultures. Singapore's iconic Popiah and Mi Kola were showcased, alongside information about Singapore's famous Hawker Centers. [see link below for the first event post]
Building on this cultural exchange, on June 24-25, 2025, the Singapore Embassy, with support from the Singapore Tourism Board, hosted an exclusive dinner featuring two culinary powerhouses: Cambodia's Chef Ros Rotanak (Chef Nak) and Singapore's Chef Petrina Loh.
The menu was a magnificent fusion of both countries' culinary traditions, featuring innovative dishes like Bak Kut Teh infused with Kampot pepper, pomelo salad with shrimp sambal, and chili crab complemented with torch ginger pickles.
Diplomatic Insights
Ambassador Teo Lay Cheng highlighted the significance of this culinary collaboration: "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."
The Ambassador further emphasized, "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."
A Personal Perspective
As a Singaporean who has called Cambodia home for over two decades, I couldn't agree more with the Ambassador's sentiments. This event truly embodies personal connection, understanding, and cultural appreciation. Even outside of formal events, I've always enjoyed introducing Cambodian food culture to my Singaporean friends and sharing recommendations about Singapore's best hawker centers with my Cambodian friends or anyone planning to visit.
In The Chefs' Own Words
Chef Nak expressed her enthusiasm: "It is my great pleasure and honor to be part of the Singapore-Cambodia 60th anniversary culinary diplomacy event. As I continue my journey to share and celebrate the vibrant flavors and rich heritage of Cambodian cuisine with the world, I am truly delighted to welcome Chef Petrina Loh to our home, Cambodia. 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."
Chef Petrina echoed these sentiments: "It is such a deep honor 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. 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."
About The Chefs
Chef Ros Rotanak (Chef Nak)
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. Chef Nak is the author of the acclaimed cookbooks NHUM and SAOY – the latter honored 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, BBC and Condé Nast Traveler.
Chef Petrina Loh
Born and raised in Singapore, Chef Petrina, owner / chef of Morsels at Dempsey 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 program, she also honed her skills in several Michelin-starred kitchens. Chef Petrina 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.
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