Cambodia's NhamFesta event brings together local and foreign foodies

From The Star

PHNOM PENH (Phnom Penh Post/ANN): The aroma of spices, the sizzle of frying pans and the buzz of excitement filled the air at The Elysee Koh Pich, as the NhamFesta food festival kicked off in Phnom Penh this weekend.

The 12-day event, which will run every Friday to Sunday until December 31, showcases the diverse cuisines, flavours and culinary traditions of Cambodia and its fellow Asean countries.

Thousands of food lovers, both local and foreign, flocked to the opening day of the festival to enjoy the delectable dishes, chill out in the festive atmosphere and marvel at the presence of famous Cambodian chefs, celebrities, singers and influencers.

The food festival is hosted by Unbox Marketing, a Phnom Penh-based boutique advertising and creative agency, and leading real estate developer Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC). The Phnom Penh Post collaborates as a media partner.

The Elysee Koh Pich, a new and elegant venue inspired by the French-style Parisian streets, was chosen as the location for the event.

OCIC deputy CEO Touch Samnang explained that the venue was carefully designed to attract tourists and provide a new place in Phnom Penh for nightlife leisure and recreation.

"We created The Elysee Koh Pich with a wide walking thoroughfare which is nearly 1km long. The space is capable of hosting thousands of people, and we also have underground parking,” he said.