Lisbon: The Taste of Angkor 2, a culinary publication by Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has received the ‘Special Award of the Jury’ at the 30th Gourmand Awards. The event, which took place during the Cascais World Food Summit from June 18-22, 2025, in Lisbon, Portugal, saw participation from hundreds of representatives from around 200 countries.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, The Taste of Angkor 2 was officially launched on March 3, 2025, by H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The cookbook aims to promote Cambodia’s culinary heritage as part of its culinary diplomacy and the Economic Diplomacy Strategy.
The second edition of The Taste of Angkor follows the success of its inaugural edition, which garnered four prestigious international Gourmand Awards. These accolades include “Best Asian Cookbook in 2021,” “Best Asian Cuisine Book,” and “Heads of State/Food” in 2022, along with “Best Television Awards in 2023.”
Featuring 38 traditional Khmer dishes and desserts, The Taste of Angkor 2 showcases 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.
Mr. Edouard Cointreau, Chairman of the Awards Committee, highlighted the efforts of the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in allowing the world to rediscover Khmer culture through its gastronomy. He noted that this second volume offers a comprehensive study that honors Cambodia’s rich past, celebrates effective present strategies, and anticipates a promising future.
The award underscores the Royal Government of Cambodia’s achievements in enhancing national prestige and working towards the vision of becoming a high-income country by 2050, by leveraging its rich history, culture, and traditions.