HELLO. I AM DA.
Cambodian food blogger & stylist. Loves nature and healthy food, and good coffee.
A Story in Every Dish
My Journey from Refugee to Recipe Keeper
Growing up, my kitchen wasn’t just a room; it was a sanctuary. It was a space where the aroma of lemongrass and galangal met the sizzle of stir-fries and the gentle hum of my grandmother’s stories. My parents came to America as refugees from Cambodia, bringing with them a suitcase full of memories and a culinary heritage that they protected fiercely.
For a long time, my relationship with food was complicated. It was a bridge to a homeland I’d only seen in photographs, but it was also a reminder of a past filled with hardship. American-style school lunches were what I craved—I wanted to fit in. I wanted a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, not the fragrant rice and fish that my mom packed with so much love. I was a child caught between two worlds, and the kitchen felt like the front line of that battle.
As I grew older, something shifted. The “weird” foods of my childhood became a source of pride. The complex flavors of a Samlor Korko—a soup filled with a hundred different vegetables—suddenly felt like a metaphor for my family’s journey: each ingredient, unique and distinct, coming together to create a deep and nourishing whole. Cooking became my way of connecting with my family’s past, and it was a way for me to preserve a heritage that was at risk of fading.
My food blog started as a personal project, a digital recipe book for myself. It was a place where I could document my grandmother’s recipes, which were all measured by “a handful of this” and “a pinch of that.” But it grew into something more. It became a community where I could share not just recipes, but the stories behind them. Every dish I post—from a zesty Tirk Prahok to a comforting Kathiew, Cambodian Noodle Soup—carries a piece of my family’s history, a memory, or a lesson I learned while stirring a pot with my mother.
This blog is my way of keeping our traditions alive. It’s a way for me to honor my parents’ resilience and to share the beautiful, complex, and comforting flavors of Cambodia with a new generation. Every recipe is an act of love, a testament to the idea that a family’s legacy can be kept alive, one delicious meal at a time.
My Mission
To celebrate and preserve Cambodian culinary heritage by sharing authentic, heartfelt recipes and the stories behind them. This blog is a bridge between generations and cultures, honoring the resilience of my family and sharing the rich, comforting flavors of Cambodia with the world.
My Goals
Inspire others to cook with love: To show that cooking is more than just a task—it’s an act of love, a way to connect with your roots, and a powerful tool for storytelling.
Document and preserve family recipes: To create a living archive of my grandmother’s and mother’s recipes, ensuring these traditional dishes and their stories are never lost.
Share the heart of Cambodian cuisine: To introduce a wider audience to the diverse and vibrant flavors of Cambodian food, from everyday comfort meals to festive dishes.
Build a community: To connect with fellow food lovers and those interested in Cambodian culture, creating a space for shared stories, experiences, and a mutual love for good food.
Cambodian food is more than just a meal; it’s a story told through the language of lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime, connecting us to a history of resilience and a future of shared love around the table.
Thank you for reading
If you’ve enjoyed this taste of Cambodian culture and cuisine, I invite you to join our growing community. We share new recipes, stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of life in our kitchen every week. To stay updated on all our latest creations, be sure to follow us on our social media channels. You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Your support means the world, and I can’t wait to share more with you!
