Num Ansom Chek (Rolled Banana Cake): A Khmer Festival Favorite

I like Num Ansom Chek a lot. This Cambodian dessert and snack is a sticky rice cake wrapped in banana leaves, and you will see it everywhere during big Khmer festivals. Sometimes I even eat it for breakfast, because it has sticky rice, just like the rice we eat every day. In this post, I will share what it tastes like, how to make it, and where to buy it in Phnom Penh.

What Is Num Ansom Chek?

Num Ansom Chek is a rolled banana cake made from sticky rice, grated coconut, and banana. Cooks wrap everything in banana leaves, tie the roll, and steam it until the rice turns soft and sticky. Many people see this cake as a symbol of Cambodia, and it is a traditional Khmer dessert.

Num Ansom Chek at Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben

You can see this cake a lot during big Khmer festivals, like Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben. Because it is a traditional Khmer dessert, it feels like part of the holiday tradition. Families make it together and share it with relatives. For me, the smell of steamed banana leaves means a holiday is close.

What Does It Taste Like?

The sticky rice has a soft, chewy bite and a lovely coconut smell. The banana inside turns sweet and soft after steaming. I like the mix of salty coconut rice and sweet banana in every bite.

Num Ansom Chek Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1 ripe mango (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups sweet glutinous rice, soaked for at least 6 hours or overnight
• 3/4 cup freshly grated coconut
• Salt, to taste
• 6 banana leaves, each about 15cm x 20cm

How to Make Num Ansom Chek

1. Rinse the soaked rice and mix it with the grated coconut and a little salt.
2. Peel the ripe bananas and cut them in half. Sprinkle a little salt on top so they do not turn dark.
3. Lay a banana leaf flat. Place a small portion of the rice mixture along the longer side of the leaf in a straight line.
4. Put half a banana in the center of the rice. Add strips of ripe mango if you like.
5. Cover the filling with another layer of rice.
6. Roll the banana leaf tightly around the rice and fold in the edges. Tie the roll with string so it stays closed.
7. Repeat until you have wrapped all the bananas.
8. Steam the rolls over water for about 60 minutes. Let them cool, then enjoy.

Where to Buy Num Ansom Chek in Phnom Penh

You can find Num Ansom Chek in local markets like Toul Tompong Market, Boeung Keng Kang Market, and Toul Kork Market. Many other markets around the city sell it too. Look for a pile of banana leaf rolls tied with string.

Price:

• Small / Street Food Size: 1,000 to 2,000 Riel ($0.25 – $0.50 USD)
• Standard Market Size: 2,000 to 4,000 Riel ($0.50 – $1.00 USD)
• Large / Festival / Special Order: $1.50 to $3.00 USD per piece

That is a small price for a filling Cambodian snack. One roll keeps you full for a while, and it is easy to share with family or friends.

When to Eat This Sweet Treat

Most people eat it as a dessert or a snack. I also eat it for breakfast sometimes, because the sticky rice fills me up. It works any time of day, and it makes a nice gift to bring home during a festival.

Common Questions

Is Num Ansom Chek a dessert or a snack?

Both. People in Cambodia enjoy it as a sweet dessert and as an easy snack.

When do people eat it the most?

You will see it the most during Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben, but markets sell it too.

Where can I buy it in Phnom Penh?

Try Toul Tompong, Boeung Keng Kang, or Toul Kork Market. Many other local markets sell it as well.

Why I Love This Cambodian Dessert

For me, this cake is more than a sweet snack. It reminds me of Khmer holidays, family, and the taste of home. If you visit Cambodia during a festival, try one at the market. Have you eaten Num Ansom Chek before? Tell me in the comments.

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