Introducing our Local Legend Mrs Kong Kolab, inspirational survivor of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime and restaurant owner.
Kong Kolab’s Story
Kong Kolab was born and raised in Siem Reap. A remarkable but all too familiar story of survival, she endured the violent reign of the Khmer Rouge regime as a young girl. Life growing up was difficult for her and her family and every day was about survival.
At a very young age, she made the bold move of leaving her family home in the countryside to join her aunt in Siem Reap. It was then that Kong Kolab learned from her aunt how to make the most delicious Num Banh Chok, a traditional Cambodian rice noodle soup. Together they turned this sumptuous dish into a small business that supported their livelihood.
Fast forward 25 years and Kong Kolab now owns and runs her own restaurant, specialising in this wonderous Khmer dish. Now joined by her daughter, Sovann, they have become famous in the area for cooking the very best Num Banh Chok, sometimes for large celebrations and ceremonies of up to 200 people.
Kong Kolab is a friendly and charming lady, ready to share her story and her delicious Khmer cooking with all our Vivu guests.
During your meeting with Kong Kolab, guests should expect to sample her famous homemade noodle soup, interact with her and her daughter and hear her remarkable story from a youngster to today.
