Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - New culinary academy targets aspiring chefs

New culinary academy targets aspiring chefs

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Chef Kim Matang prepares food in the academy’s kitchen. Photo supplied

New culinary academy targets aspiring chefs

The first cooking school to offer internationally recognised associate degrees in culinary arts will begin classes next month.

A project spearheaded by Swiss foundation Shift 360, the Academy of Culinary Arts will run a two-year program for students in both Asian and European cuisine in partnership with a range of ministries and private sector associations, including the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Education and the Cambodia Hotel Association. One of the instructors, Kim Matang, has worked in restaurants in Siem Reap since 2002, after working in the food industry in the Gulf.

At a presentation last weekend, Matang displayed his chicken satay, mung bean custard and prahok katis-stuffed cucumber and salmon for visitors. At the event, he explained his ambitions for the school.

“I do hope that the chef career becomes a big market in Cambodia and that people understand the rules for making food that are up to standards with healthy ingredients,” he said. “That’s the first basic rule to cooking good food from the heart.”

Nicole Loretan, the sales and marketing manager for the academy, explained that while it is one of many cooking schools in Cambodia, its adherence to internationally recognised standards, and the length of its program, sets it apart.

“The institution has a strong alliance with hotel and restaurants, which could provide students with opportunities for internships, on-the-job training and guaranteed job placements after graduation,” she said.

Students will have three choices: a two-year diploma, short-term courses and skills training. The full program will cost Cambodian students just over $3,000, while foreigners will be charged more than $6,500.

ACAC is located at #23, street 139, Sangkat Veal Vong, Phnom Penh. Contact: 023 922 226 or 023 922 227.

A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Swiss Hotel Management Academy Lucerne (SHL) is leading the project and that the company is partly owned by the Swiss government. The company is a technical partner on the project and is a private enterprise. The article also incorrectly stated that only the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Education are involved as partners. A range of ministries and private sector partners are involved.

MOST VIEWED

  • Joy as Koh Ker Temple registered by UNESCO

    Cambodia's Koh Ker Temple archaeological site has been officially added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 17. The ancient temple, also known as Lingapura or Chok Gargyar, is located in

  • Ream base allegations must end, urges official

    A senior government official urges an end to the allegations and suspicions surrounding the development of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, now that Prime Minister Hun Manet has addressed the issue on the floor of the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78). Jean-Francois Tain, a geopolitical

  • Cambodia set to celebrate Koh Ker UNESCO listing

    To celebrate the inscription of the Koh Ker archaeological site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Ministry of Cults and Religion has appealed to pagodas and places of worship to celebrate the achievement by ringing bells, shaking rattles and banging gongs on September 20. Venerable

  • CP denied registration documents by ministry

    The Ministry of Interior will not reissue registration documents to the Candlelight Party (CP). Following a September 21 meeting between ministry secretary of state Bun Honn and CP representatives, the ministry cited the fact that there is no relevant law which would authorise it to do

  • Cambodian diaspora laud Manet’s UN Assembly visit

    Members of the Cambodian diaspora are rallying in support of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s forthcoming visit to the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) in the US’ New York City this week. Their move is an apparent response to a recent call by self-exiled former

  • After three deferrals, Capital Gains Tax to take effect Jan 1, 2024

    The General Department of Taxation (GDT) will implement the Capital Gains Tax starting January 1, 2024 to after being deferred three times as industrial players warn that the implementation might have some negative impact on the property market growth, which is down due to the economic downturn.