PRESS RELEASES
Rosewood Phnom Penh is pleased to debut “SAOY”, a group exhibition that unites three Cambodian creatives: Celebrity chef Rotanak Ros, or “Chef Nak”; digital artist Serey Sot, also known as “Soben”; and award-winning Cambodian photographer Lamo.
May 10, 2023
Running from May 10 to June 6, 2023, the exhibition features original illustrations and fine art photography commissioned by Chef Nak for her second cookbook, SAOY – The Forgotten Flavors of Royal Cambodian Home Cuisine. Meaning “to eat” in a royal setting, SAOY effectively transports readers to the monarchy’s dinner table with a collection of recipes initially documented by the late Princess Norodom Rasmi Sobhana, which Chef Nak has reinterpreted and reinvigorated with arresting visuals.
“I was so lucky to get to work with Soben and Lamo – two incredibly talented Khmer artists who have truly elevated the cookbook’s stories, ingredients and recipes through their beautiful artwork,” says Chef Nak, who has dedicated her career to illuminating Cambodia’s culinary traditions by preserving long-lost dishes and sharing them with the world. “I’m also grateful to Rosewood Phnom Penh for giving us a platform and helping us celebrate Khmer culture.”
Drawing inspiration from Cambodian folklore and traditional art, Soben’s pieces illustrate the royal family’s unique ingredients, table settings and dining customs. From jasmine and rose to the likes of coconut, fresh herbs, Cambodian blue crab, star anise and cloves, each ingredient has been artfully depicted with layered use of color and sophisticated shading.
“I take great pride in my work for SAOY, which offers an extraordinary opportunity to showcase my country’s authentic cuisine through artistic expression,” says Soben. “I am grateful to Chef Nak and her team for their tireless support of Khmer traditions and for giving me complete artistic freedom.”
Meanwhile, Lamo’s photography depicts the finished dishes, set against warm woods, silks and intricate gold-trimmed lacquerware. In one image, shrimp paste dip with crispy rice sits invitingly against a black and gold backdrop. In another, “golden-stuffed chicken” takes center stage surrounded by local ingredients served in gleaming tableware.
The exhibition continues Rosewood Phnom Penh’s proud commitment to promoting Cambodian culture through art, food and beverage programs, philanthropic initiatives and more. For example, the hotel nurtures local hospitality talent through its Open Door internship and scholarship program and regularly exhibits the works of local artists at the Rosewood Phnom Penh Art Gallery on Level 35.
In 2022, Rosewood Phnom Penh invited Chef Nak to transform the Khmer menu at Brasserie Louis. Home to stunning river and skyline views, this elegant all-day restaurant brings together classic French dishes and Cambodian staples made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. As part of the ongoing collaboration with Chef Nak, the Khmer menu features 10 dishes, including royal dishes that appear in SAOY, such as Soup Tea Spey Kdoab (shredded duck breast with a five-hour chicken, beef, pork and duck broth) and Bay Cha (fried rice with beef or chicken, herbs, eggs and assorted vegetables).
“Whether empowering rural Khmer women or sharing local dishes with her global following on social media, Chef Nak is one of the most passionate advocates and ambassadors of Cambodian food culture,” says Daniel Simon, Managing Director of Rosewood Phnom Penh. “We are proud to continue supporting her important work by displaying Soben and Lamo’s spectacular artistic contributions.”
The SOAY exhibition will be on display from May 10 to June 6, 2023, at the Rosewood Phnom Penh Art Gallery on Level 35 of the hotel. The gallery is free to the public and open 24 hours a day.
