Pumpkin Desserts In Cambodia

About Cambodian Pumpkin Dessert

While western countries use the term "Pumpkin" for a specific type of pumpkin associated with Halloween, in Southeast Asia - specifically Cambodia, this custard originates - "pumpkin" usually refers to kabocha, a disk-shaped and dark green squash with a vibrant yellow interior.

Cambodian Pumpkin dessert comes in two varieties, each with its distinctive appearance and flavor, but they both have two main ingredients: pumpkin and sugar.

Cambodians love these dishes and use them at all hours of the day. So while you'll find this dish on restaurant menus, home cooks also prepare it for special occasions.

This dessert is usually pre-cooked a day before serving and can be refrigerated for two days.

1/ Nom Lpo'v

Nom Lpo'v is a Khmer dessert that is often sold in many markets or streets in Cambodia. This dessert is used daily and even during the Cambodian New Year holidays.

At the same time, the way to make Nom Lpo'v is straightforward; you only need to prepare two common Khmer ingredients, pumpkin and palm sugar. In addition, the type of cake also has another version with an elongated shape and inside is steamed pumpkin with banana leaves.

Nom Lpo'v

Ingredients

• 450 g pumpkins grated
• 250 ml coconut milk
• 120g rice flour
• 10 gr salt
• 100g palm sugar
• Banana leaves

Instructions

1. Pumpkin processing: You should choose pumpkins that are not too old and not too young, wash them with clean water, peel them and use a small scraper.
2. Mix coconut milk with grated pumpkin, salt, jaggery, and rice flour to create a paste that is neither too liquid nor too dry.
3. Wash banana leaves and drain. Then pack each part of the mixture into a banana leaf, a piece of about 35g.
4. Steam the cake for 20 minutes. Then take it out and put it in the fridge.
5. Finally, open the banana leaf and enjoy.

Places To Try

1/ Malis Restaurant

• Address: 136 Norodom Boulevard, Phnom Penh 12301, Cambodia.
• Phone: +855 89 212 888.
• Average price: Around $2
• Opening hours: From 6:00 am – 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm.

2/ Brooklyn Pizzz & Bistro . Restaurant

• Address: #20, STREET 123, TOUL TUM PONG, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
• Phone: +855 89 925 926
• Average price: Around $2
• Opening hours: From 11:00 am - 10:00 pm.

3/ Da Sandro Panini Bar Restaurant

• Address: 162Eo,street 63 (in between Shianuk Blv and street 278), Sangkat Boeung Keng Kang 1, Phnom Penh 12302, Cambodia.
• Phone: +855 10 644 987.
• Average price: Around $2
• Opening hours: From 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.

2/ Sang Khya L'peouv

Sang Khya L'peouv is hollow pumpkins filled with delicious coconut custard that Cambodians often use for dessert after each meal. Each piece reveals a creamy yellow custard that contrasts beautifully with the orange pumpkin flesh when the pumpkin is cut.

Traditional Sang Khya L'peouv usually makes giant pumpkins, but you can use small ones to fit your portion.

Sang Khya L'peouv

Ingredients

• 1 pumpkin, whole (about 1–1.5kg)
• 20 egg yolks
• 250g of sugar
• 350ml of coconut milk
• 1/3 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Clean the pumpkin, then cut a hole large enough in the top so you can scoop out the fibrous portion containing the seeds. Use a spatula to remove all of this and leave some space in the middle but leave the flesh of the pumpkin intact.
2. To make a custard, you need to put the sugar, salt, egg yolks, and coconut milk in a large bowl, then whisk them together to blend and combine thoroughly. Next, use a fine sieve to strain the custard mixture, then pour it into the pumpkin to fill the space.
3. Steam the squash over low heat for about 3 hours. You can tell if it's done by using a skewer to skewer the squash; if it passes easily, it's done.
4. Remove the pumpkin from the steamer when it's cooked through and let it cool. Store in the refrigerator overnight.
5. When enjoying it, you can cut it into pieces and present it beautifully.

Places To Try

1/ The Lost Room Restaurant

• Address : 43, Street 21-very close to Wat Svey | Propey and Russian Embassy, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
• Phone: +855 78 700 001.
• Average price: Around $1.5
• Opening hours: From 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm.

2/ Domrei Kitchen Restaurant

• Address: Number 29A, Street 288, Phnom Penh 12302, Cambodia.
• Phone: +023 6326 461.
• Average Price: Around $1 - $1.5
• Opening hours: From 12:00 am - 9:00 pm.

3/ Topaz Restaurant

• Address: #182 Boulevard Norodom | Sangkat Tonle Basak, Khan Chamcar Mon, Phnom Penh 12301, Cambodia.
• Phone: +855 23 221 622.
• Average Price: Around $1 - $1.5
• Opening hours: From 11:30 am – 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm.

Above are 2 famous pumpkin desserts in Cambodia that you should pay attention to. So come to Cambodia to witness and experience these dishes and discover this country's unique beauties. Hopefully, the above information will be helpful and help you to make your pumpkin desserts at home. Or you can travel to Cambodia for a savory experience - book your Cambodia tour now!

Van Anh

Source: Internet