PRESS RELEASES
Rosewood Phnom Penh is proud to present "Food Meets Art", a captivating exhibition that brings together the culinary artistry and visual storytelling of renowned Cambodian Chef Seng Sothea and celebrated artist Nou Sary. Every Thursday throughout July, this distinctive event showcases 20 exclusive original paintings by Nou Sary and invites guests to partake in a sophisticated dinner experience curated by Chef Sothea.
June 26, 2025
Nou Sary, a Cambodian visual artist from Kandal province, has pursued his passion for art since a young age. A graduate of the Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA) in Phnom Penh, Sary further honed his skills at the École Régionale des Beaux-Arts de Saint-Étienne in France. Known for his work that blends traditional painting, sculpture, and conceptual art, Sary is currently influenced by Impressionism, weaving compelling narratives of Cambodian rural life and traditions through his art. His unique style melds memory and landscape to evoke the essence of Cambodia with rich color, texture, and emotion.
In Sary’s words, “Cambodian art—be it painting, sculpture, or any other form—has existed and flourished for over a thousand years. Sadly, we lost many skilled artists during times of war. However, today, a new generation of young Cambodian artists and creators are emerging. They are creating unique and captivating works using their own ideas while also preserving and expressing the identity of Cambodia.”
Chef Seng Sothea hails from Kampong Cham province and began his culinary journey at the age of 18. After working in prestigious hotels in both Cambodia and across the world, he returned home in 2009 to pioneer "New Mekong Cuisine". This innovative approach blends traditional Khmer flavors with global techniques, elevating Cambodian ingredients such as Tonle Sap fish, Kampot pepper, galangal, lemongrass, and turmeric into refined gastronomic expressions.
“Cambodian cuisine is well-balanced and harmonious—an expression of who we are. Through collaboration, we hope to inspire both locals and international visitors to experience Cambodian culture in new ways.”, Chef Sothea says.
The partnership between Nou Sary and Chef Sothea blossomed in 2014 when they first met in Siem Reap. This coincidental meeting led to a decade-long creative collaboration. Chef Sothea was deeply moved by Sary’s visual interpretations of Khmer identity, while Sary admired the authenticity and innovation of Chef Sothea’s culinary creations.
Food Meets Art is a celebration of this synergy. Each of Sary’s 20 paintings draws inspiration from Khmer ingredients, cuisine, and rural life, capturing the spirit of Cambodian food and its inextricable connection to culture and tradition. A standout piece features a golden rice field during harvest—a tribute to the labor, resilience, and harmony between people and the land.
The “Food Meets Art” exhibition is open 24/7, free of charge until July 31, 2025, on the 35th floor of the Art Gallery at Rosewood Phnom Penh. Every Thursday in July, guests can reserve a seat for the exclusive Khmer flavor dinner - a five-course culinary journey meticulously crafted by Chef Sothea, served amidst Nou Sary's stunning artwork.
