Plans for Phnom Penh kuyteav

The Cambodian government plans to build up the brand name of Phnom Penh kuyteav, to make the popular noodle soup dish well-known both locally and overseas.

According to Soeng Sophary, spokesperson at the Ministry of Commerce, the first discussions with the private sector to get more inputs on how to popularise Phnom Penh kuyteav were held yesterday.

“The Vietnamese have their own pho, while the Chinese also have various kinds of popular noodles. So why doesn’t Cambodia have its own noodles, too?” Ms Sophary told Khmer Times.

Din Somethearith, president of the Cambodia Hotel Association, who was at the meeting with the ministry, supported the government’s plan for Phnom Penh kuyteav.

“Phnom Penh kuyteav will soon be able to join Vietnam’s pho and Thailand’s som tum as world famous dishes,” said Mr Somethearith.

Son Saran, owner of Amru Rice (Cambodia), one of the leading rice millers and exporters, also welcomed the initiative.

“It is a good move on the part of the government to promote more local products,” said Mr Saran.

Amru Rice also produces rice noodles for local markets and has plans to export them to Europe.

“I hope the brand ‘Made in Cambodia’ will be on the packets of Amru Noodle, to make them famous overseas,” added Mr Saran.

The fragrant flavoured Phnom Penh kuyteav noodle soup holds a special place in the hearts of Cambodians and can be found in almost every street corner.

Ms Sophary said that there were lots of noodle sellers and restaurants that broadly labelled all kinds of noodle soup dishes as Phnom Penh kuyteav.

“There is no respect to the quality of the original Phnom Penh kuyteav and we need to set a standard for this popular Cambodian dish,” she said.

Ms Sophary said she wanted all sellers of the popular noodle soup and noodle makers to come together with ministry officials and the private sector to discuss the matter further.