The exclusive, specially-designed menu is an exploration of Khmer cuisine
Set to unfold in the opulent dining room of Aniba, an exclusive culinary experience beckons this weekend. On 21 and 22 January, Chef Mariya Un Noun will create vibrant expressions of gastronomic art. Picture yourself dining under soft lights as the aroma of freshly ground spices and traditional sauces distracts you from the melodic clink of glasses. Each course promises a journey through Cambodia: the crunch of fresh vegetables, the velvety touch of traditional sauces, and the play on textures of palate-stunners. But this event is more than just feast for the senses.
Aniba, in partnership with nonprofit organisation Smiling Gecko Cambodia, invites you to an exploration of Khmer cuisine, orchestrated by renowned chef Mariya Un Noun, who was raised in the slums of Phnom Penh before working under some of Europe’s most distinguished chefs. The upcoming six-course meal is a harmonious blend of Cambodia’s rich, authentic flavours with the elegance of modern culinary art. The collaboration embodies Aniba’s core values—a perfect marriage of gourmet excellence and a deep commitment to social responsibility. Across the two evenings, part of the proceeds of this three-hour experience will be going to Smiling Gecko, supporting their humanitarian efforts.
“Aniba was founded upon the inspiration to traverse universes and dare to be ourselves. We are firm believers in encouraging all to dream—and this is something that the Aniba team does too, whether in the kitchen or front-of-house,” said Tal Eisenberg, co-founder of The Foragers, which spearheads the Aniba concept. “We found a like-minded partner in Smiling Gecko, whose mission aligns with our values as an establishment. We are extremely excited for what’s set to be a long-term collaboration as we connect the Singapore crowd with this meaningful cause.”
Since its establishment in 2014, Smiling Gecko has played a crucial role in transforming lives in Cambodia. Led by Dr. Hannes Schmid, the organisation focuses on building sustainable communities through creating job opportunities and apprenticeships in various sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and education. Their approach is centred on empowering individuals to become self-reliant, with the goal of these projects being self-financing to ensure long-term sustainability and contribute to Cambodia’s economic growth.
“We are heartened to be partnering with Aniba for this meaningful campaign as we introduce Smiling Gecko’s incredible journey and mission to the Singapore audience. Our agricultural projects are rich in culture and fascinating for city-dwellers to visit, and we look forward to raising awareness of our efforts through Aniba’s network—alongside a delectable dining experience thanks to Chef Mariya and Chef Shami, no less,” said Dr. Schmid.
You can book a reservation for the exclusive experience in support of Smiling Gecko Cambodia on 21 or 22 January at Aniba here.
