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After ten days in Cambodia, Michelin-starred chef Tanja Grandits shares what she experienced at the Smiling Gecko campus, from a beautifully refined Chef’s Table by Mariya Un Noun to a farm-to-table approach that is fully lived, not just described. What struck her most, however, went beyond the kitchen. Mornings begin with hundreds of children arriving for school, part of a daily rhythm shaped by care, structure, and opportunity. It is this contrast, between fine cuisine and real impact, that left a lasting impression and led her to describe herself, quite simply, as an ambassador. Read...

Two chefs, two styles in one unforgettable evening. At a Basel charity dinner for Smiling Gecko, star chef Tanja Grandits joined forces with Cambodian rising star Mariya Un Noun, creating a four-handed menu that wowed guests with bold contrasts and surprising harmony. From scallop ceviche to Khmer-style chicken curry, every dish told a story of cultures coming together on the plate. Discover how this culinary collaboration is helping transform lives in Cambodia. Read Full Article

For culinary icon Mariya Un Noun, food has always been more than just sustenance – it is both a language of love and a source of comfort in the toughest times.Growing up in the slums of Phnom Penh in Cambodia, her earliest memories of food were shaped by her mother’s resourcefulness. Despite scarce ingredients and financial struggles, her mother could turn the simplest elements into something remarkable. Read Full Article

She grew up in the slums of Cambodia and later learned the craft of cooking from chefs such as Franck Giovannini and Massimo Bottura. Today, Mariya Un Noun reinterprets Khmer cuisine. Chefs build bridges! The Fundaziun Uccelin, Smiling Gecko and the Thomas Abegg Foundation are joining forces. Read Full Article

Together with Hannes Schmid, renowned photographer and founder of the Smiling Gecko charity, she is cooking for several fundraising dinners at Sonnenberg Restaurant. The goal is to raise awareness of the Cambodian project and collect donations for new initiatives. “Sometimes I pinch my cheeks and say, “Wake up, Mariya! This is just a dream.” Read Full Article

Aniba recently hosted a remarkable culinary event that brought the flavors of Cambodia to Singapore. Held on January 21 and 22, 2024, this six-course dining experience featured the culinary talents of Chef Mariya Un Noun and was in support of Smiling Gecko Cambodia. Priced at SGD 250, the event aimed to raise awareness and funds for Smiling Gecko’s mission to provide education and training to underprivileged communities in Cambodia. The menu, known for its visual appeal and delicious taste, was designed around the theme of self-expression, combining authentic Khmer flavors with modern...

Aniba, a restaurant in Singapore, recently hosted a special six-course dinner featuring nouvelle Khmer cuisine on January 21 and 22, in collaboration with the Cambodian NGO Smiling Gecko. Led by Executive Chef Anas Shami and Chef Mariya Un Noun, who has a remarkable journey from Cambodia’s slums to working alongside Michelin-starred chefs, the event supported Smiling Gecko’s work in providing education and vocational training to underprivileged children in rural Cambodia. Menu included dishes like Rainbow Hamachi Fillet Tartare and Vanilla Kampot Pepper Ice Cream, showcasing...

Vogue Singapore spotlighted a special dining event at Aniba, where Chef Mariya Un Noun curated a six-course Khmer cuisine menu. This exclusive experience was held in partnership with Smiling Gecko, a Cambodian NGO focused on education for underprivileged youth.The event aimed to raise funds and awareness for Smiling Gecko’s initiatives, with a portion of the proceeds supporting their efforts.Guests enjoyed a fusion of Khmer flavors and European flair, while Smiling Gecko founder Hannes Schmid hosted a charity auction featuring artwork by Cambodian students. Read Full Article

Aniba, a Middle Eastern restaurant in Singapore’s CBD, recently collaborated with Smiling Gecko Cambodia, an NGO dedicated to supporting children and young adults in rural Cambodia, to host a six-course dining experience. Chef Mariya Un Noun, who hails from Phnom Penh’s slums, curated a menu blending Khmer cuisine with Middle Eastern and nouvelle Khmer flavors. The event featured dishes like Rainbow Hamachi Fillet Tartare, Lemongrass Red Curry Coconut Soup, and Vanilla Kampot Pepper Ice Cream. Proceeds from the event and silent auctions, which included children’s paintings,...

Aniba, a renowned restaurant in Singapore’s CBD known for its Middle Eastern flavors with a European twist, recently hosted a special event on January 21st and 22nd, 2024. In collaboration with the Cambodian NGO Smiling Gecko and Chef Mariya Un Noun, Aniba offered a six-course dining experience featuring Khmer cuisine for S$250++. The menu included dishes like Rainbow Hamachi Fillet Tartare, Lemongrass Red Curry Coconut Soup, and Vanilla Kampot Pepper Ice Cream. A portion of the proceeds supported Smiling Gecko’s efforts to provide education and vocational training to underprivileged...

Chef Mariya Un Noun and Aniba’s Executive Chef Anas Shami recently presented a gastronomic journey into Khmer cuisine at Aniba, Singapore, in support of Smiling Gecko’s mission to provide education and training in Cambodia. The event, held on January 21st and 22nd, 2024, showcased a six-course dining experience featuring authentic Khmer flavors with modern cooking techniques and Aniba’s Middle Eastern twist.Dr. Hannes Schmid’s photography of Smiling Gecko’s inspiring journey was also featured, raising awareness and funds for the NGO’s educational projects...