Num kom

Num kom

Num kom steamed in banana leaves.
Alternative names	num khom, nom kom, num korm, nom korm
Type	rice cake
Place of origin	Cambodia
Region or state	Southeast Asia
Associated cuisine	Cambodian cuisine
Main ingredients	glutinous rice flour, grated coconut, palm sugar, and toasted sesame seeds

Num kom (Khmer: នំគម) is a traditional Cambodian steamed rice cake made from glutinous rice flour, filled with a mixture of grated coconut, palm sugar, and toasted sesame seeds distinctively wrapped in banana leaves in a pyramid shape.

History and symbolism

Unwrapped num kom

Chewy rice cake.

Sweet filling.

Along with num ansom, it is one of the most significant traditional cakes in Cambodia, traditionally prepared during major festivals such as Pchum Ben (Ancestors' Day), Khmer New Year, and weddings.

The origins of num kom are deeply rooted in Khmer culture and bears a strong influence of Brahmanism from the Khmer Empire era. The Royal Academy of Cambodia notes that the presence of the cake in traditional ceremonies dates back to the ancient period, with some documents linking its use to the reign of King Jayavarman VII. According to researcher Mr. Heang Rith, num kom symbolizes the earth, and the body of the goddess Uma.