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...

Aniba, a Singaporean fine-dining restaurant, collaborates with Chef Mariya Un Noun and NGO Smiling Gecko, founded by Hannes Schmid, to offer a six-course Khmer cuisine experience. A portion of the proceeds supports Smiling Gecko’s mission to provide education and vocational training in rural Cambodia.The menu, crafted by Chef Mariya and Aniba’s executive chef Anas Shami, showcases authentic Khmer flavors with modern twists. The event takes place on January 21st and 22nd at Aniba. Explore the full article to discover the unique culinary experience and its impact on a good cause. Read...

Explore the transformative impact of sustainable tourism in Cambodia with Hannes Schmid, Founder of Smiling Gecko Farmhouse Resort & Spa, as featured in Asian Journey – Singapore Magazine. Dive into the heart of Smiling Gecko’s mission, providing education and skills training to break the cycle of poverty.  Discover how your stay at The Farmhouse Resort & Spa contributes to this noble cause, offering stylish accommodation, tantalizing food, and a sanctuary spa rooted in traditional Khmer architecture. Immerse yourself in a unique cultural experience, knowing your...

Hannes Schmid’s journey from a Swiss photographer to a humanitarian is a tale of resilience and compassion. Known for his daring adventures, including surviving a cannibal tribe in Indonesia, Schmid’s life took a significant turn when he encountered the plight of exploited Cambodian children. This led to the creation of Smiling Gecko, an NGO aimed at providing education and sustainable living to impoverished communities.Within this transformative project lies the Farmhouse Resort & Spa, which houses our Restaurant Un. Explore the full story to learn more about Hannes Schmid’s...