Nom Korng (Cambodian Donuts): My Childhood Favorite
I ate Nom Korng at school, and I still love it today. Whenever my mom came back from the market, she brought some home for me. That bag of Cambodian donuts always made my day.
Nom Korng is a popular Cambodian snack and dessert. Vendors sell it in markets, and cooks make it from rice flour, palm sugar, and sesame seeds. Donuts exist all over the world, but this donut feels very Cambodian to me because it keeps its own character. In this post, I will share what it tastes like, how to make it at home, and where to find it.
What Is Nom Korng?
Nom Korng is a Cambodian donut made from glutinous rice flour and rice flour. Cooks shape the dough into a ring, fry it until golden, and dip one side in a palm sugar glaze. Sesame seeds finish the top. Many donuts use wheat flour, but this donut uses rice flour, so the bite feels chewy. People in Cambodia eat it as a snack, a dessert, or a quick treat from the market.
What Does It Taste Like?
The outside is crispy and the middle is soft and chewy. That contrast makes it so fun to eat. My favorite part is the sugar on top, because it turns crispy and sweet. The sesame seeds add a nutty flavor that balances the sweetness. If you love sweet treats, you will enjoy this one.
Nom Korng Ingredients
For the dough
- Glutinous rice flour
- Rice flour
- Coconut milk
- Salt
- Melted palm sugar
For the glaze
- Palm sugar
- Water
- Sesame seeds
How to Make Nom Korng
- Mix the flours, salt, and coconut milk until you have a smooth dough.
- Let the dough rest for 60 minutes.
- Take a palm sized piece of dough and roll it into a sausage shape about 1½ cm thick. Bring the two ends together to make a ring.
- Fry the rings until they turn golden brown.
- In a separate pan, melt palm sugar with water over low heat until it dissolves completely. Stir in the sesame seeds.
- Use tongs to dip one side of each donut into the glaze.
- Set the donuts on a rack to cool.
Tips for Frying Perfect Rings
- Mix the dough until it feels smooth, with no dry spots.
- Fry the rings in small batches so they do not stick together.
- Keep the heat steady so the outside turns crispy without burning.
- Watch the glaze closely, because palm sugar can burn fast.
- Dip the donuts one by one so the glaze coats each ring evenly.
Where to Eat Nom Korng in Cambodia
You can find Nom Korng in markets all over Cambodia. In Phnom Penh, look for it at Toul Tompong Market, Boeung Keng Kang Market, and Toul Kork Market. Many other local markets around the city sell it too. Outside the capital, you will also spot it in recreational areas and local markets in other provinces. Look for a vendor with a tray of donuts topped with sesame seeds.
Price: About US $0.25 per piece.
That makes it one of the cheapest sweet snacks you can buy. A few pieces cost less than a dollar, so you can easily share with friends or family.
When to Eat This Sweet Treat
It works any time of day. Eat it as a morning snack, an afternoon treat, or a dessert after a meal. It also makes a nice gift to bring home for someone, just like my mom did for me.
Common Questions
Is Nom Korng the same as a regular donut?
No. Regular donuts use a wheat flour dough, often with yeast. It uses rice flour and coconut milk, which gives it a chewy bite.
Is Nom Korng a snack or a dessert?
Both. People in Cambodia enjoy it as a snack or a sweet dessert.
Where can I buy Nom Korng in Phnom Penh?
Try Toul Tompong Market, Boeung Keng Kang Market, or Toul Kork Market. Many other local markets sell it too.
Why I Love This Donut
For me, This treat is more than a snack. It brings back my school days and the happy feeling of seeing a bag from the market. Enjoy it as a sweet dessert or a quick bite any time of day. Try one on your next market visit, and tell me in the comments if you love it as much as I do. Do you have a Nom Korng memory of your own? Share it below.
Source: Best Price Travel, Cambodia Desserts guide (https://www.bestpricetravel.com/travel-guide/cambodia-desserts-3311.html)
