Cambodian culinary talent shines in international Michelin kitchens

Asia News Network

11-07-2025

July 11, 2025
PHNOM PENH – Chef Mariya Un Noun, a rising star from Cambodia, is fast gaining a reputation in Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe and Southeast Asia.
Her high-flying kitchen adventures not only highlight the rich flavours of Khmer cuisine but also raise the profile of Cambodian cooking on the global stage.
'I am determined that Cambodian flavours be recognised worldwide and become a well-earned boost to our tourism industry,' said Mariya.
'My journey, which has taken me to some of the best kitchens in Europe, shows that every one of us can play a role in helping to promote our nation,' she added.
Mariya's story is one of overcoming adversity. Growing up in Cambodia, she faced limited opportunities, especially as a young woman in one of the world's least-developed nations.
Like many of her peers, she questioned what the future held — whether it would be marriage, motherhood, or working in low-paying domestic jobs.
However, her life took a turning point when Hannes Schmid, a Swiss international artist and philanthropist, took her under his wing.
He introduced her to the Smiling Gecko Cambodia charity, an organisation that offers education and job opportunities to disadvantaged youth.
Founded in 2012 by Hannes Schmid and Ngon Sokleap, Smiling Gecko Cambodia is a charity dedicated to alleviating poverty through education and sustainable development.
The organisation established a self-sustaining community at its Farmhouse Resort, located 60 kilometres north of Phnom Penh.
With a natural talent for cooking, Mariya's skills were soon recognised by Schmid, who arranged for her to pursue further training in Switzerland.
'After we took her into the Smiling Gecko charity's Farmhouse and started training her in the kitchen, we discovered she had a real talent,' said Schmid.
There, she had the opportunity to work alongside top Michelin-star chefs, including Franck Giovannini and Andreas Caminada.
She has also hosted 'culinary journeys' in top restaurants in Singapore and Bangkok.
Now, she is not only promoting Khmer cuisine globally but also contributing to the Smiling Gecko Cambodia's mission at its Farmhouse Luxury Resort & Spa, where she runs a fine-dining restaurant and a chef's table.
Mariya's achievements are also a source of pride for Smiling Gecko co-founder Sokleap.
'Mariya's success is a testament to what we stand for. Our goal is to help underprivileged individuals gain the skills they need to build a sustainable future,' said Sokleap.
Mariya's remarkable journey has caught the attention of several high-profile brands, including Mercedes-Benz, V-Zug, Victorinox and luxury watchmaker Bucherer/Rolex, who have supported her endeavours through commercial endorsements.
From humble beginnings to international acclaim, Mariya's story highlights the potential of Cambodian talent, not just in the culinary world, but in the broader global arena as well.
In addition to the resort, Smiling Gecko includes a school, medical facilities, animal husbandry training and a solar power plant.
The organisation's mission is to empower Cambodians to break free from poverty by providing them with the tools to help themselves.