Mariya Un Noun: Cambodia’s Rising Culinary Star Takes Khmer Cuisine to the World

Chef Mariya Un Noun

Cambodia is increasingly attracting travellers seeking authentic food experiences, and one Cambodian chef is helping put Khmer cuisine firmly on the international culinary map.

Chef Mariya Un Noun, Executive Chef at Smiling Gecko’s Farmhouse Resort and Spa near Phnom Penh, has taken Cambodian cooking from a training kitchen in rural Cambodia to some of Europe and Southeast Asia’s most prestigious restaurant kitchens.

Her remarkable journey demonstrates how food, tourism, education and opportunity can combine to transform lives while introducing international travellers to the distinctive flavours of Cambodia.

From Disadvantaged Youth to International Chef

Mariya’s journey began with Smiling Gecko Cambodia, an organisation established to provide education, vocational training and sustainable opportunities for disadvantaged communities.

Her natural talent for cooking was recognised after she joined the Smiling Gecko programme. Founder Dr. h.c. Hannes Schmid and his colleagues saw potential in her cooking and supported her professional development, including opportunities to train internationally.

That opportunity opened the door to kitchens in Switzerland and beyond, where Mariya worked alongside internationally recognised chefs and gained experience in sophisticated European culinary environments.

Among the chefs with whom she has worked are Michelin-starred chefs Franck Giovannini and Andreas Caminada.

Bringing New Khmer Cuisine to the World

Chef Mariya Un Noun

Mariya has developed her own interpretation of Cambodian food through what Smiling Gecko describes as New Khmer Cuisine.

Her culinary philosophy combines traditional Cambodian flavours and ingredients with modern techniques and presentation. For international visitors, the experience provides an opportunity to discover Cambodian cuisine beyond the familiar dishes found on standard tourist menus.

Mariya has also taken her culinary skills overseas, hosting special culinary events and journeys in leading restaurants in destinations including Singapore and Bangkok.

Her goal is broader than personal success. She wants international diners to discover Cambodia through its food and to recognise the skill, creativity and cultural heritage behind Khmer cooking.

Fine Dining at Farmhouse Resort and Spa

Chef Mariya Un Noun

Travellers can experience Mariya’s cuisine at Restaurant UN and the Chef’s Table at the Farmhouse Resort and Spa, located approximately an hour’s drive north of Phnom Penh within the Smiling Gecko Campus.

The resort combines accommodation, hospitality, agriculture, education and vocational training in a rural Cambodian setting. The resort currently offers 34 rooms and suites across 17 bungalows, while Restaurant UN showcases Mariya’s New Khmer Cuisine. The exclusive Chef’s Table provides an intimate dining experience for up to 10 guests.

For travellers, staying at Farmhouse Resort offers more than a luxury escape. Guests can experience the Smiling Gecko Campus and gain an insight into the organisation’s wider approach to education, employment and sustainable development.

Food That Creates Opportunities

Chef Mariya Un Noun

The Smiling Gecko Campus has grown into a much larger community project incorporating education, agriculture, livestock, craftsmanship, production and hospitality. The Farmhouse Resort is described by Smiling Gecko as both an important source of income and a major vocational training enterprise.

Mariya’s career reflects this philosophy. Her story shows how professional training can create opportunities that extend far beyond an individual kitchen.

For travellers exploring Cambodia, her cuisine provides another way to understand the country. Behind every dish is a connection to Cambodian ingredients, traditions, creativity and the determination of people building new futures.

As Mariya continues to introduce New Khmer Cuisine to international diners, her journey is helping ensure that Cambodia is recognised not only for Angkor Wat and its ancient temples, but also for the richness of its contemporary culinary culture.

Smiling Gecko Farmhouse Resort and Spa

Website: https://farmhouse-smilinggecko.com/
Email: info@farmhouse-smilinggecko.com
Phone: +855 11 67 95 95
Address: Smiling Gecko Campus, Sameakki Mean Chey District, Kampong Chhnang Province, Cambodia

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