Not only in Cambodia, but also abroad, Cambodian nationals gathered Sunday to eat Num Banchok, Khmer traditional rice noodle, at the call of Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen.
In France, H.E. Ambassador Chem Widhya and his wife gathered their compatriots there around a lunch with Num Banchok.
This very convivial meal allows Khmer expatriates in France to be aware of their culture and to feel in communion with the Cambodian people in a spirit of solidarity and patriotism, said Ms. Chantha Sar Darasse, AKP correspondent in France.
Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed his gratitude to all his compatriots for getting together to eat Num Banchok, despite the difference in their religious belief and political tendency, which reflects strong friendship, solidarity, love and national unity.
Tourism Minister H.E. Thong Khon said Cambodia was considering nominating Num Banchok to be included in the list of intangible world heritage of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Num Banchok is a kind of noodle laboriously made by hand in heavy stone mills from fermented rice and can be eaten in various combinations, particularly topped with a cool fish gravy and crisp raw vegetables such as cucumbers, banana blossom, and water lily stems and fresh herbs, including basil and mint.
Its special taste has also been described in a number of Cambodian folk tales and popular songs.
Source: Agency Kampuchea Press