// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did Num Kom say to its friend? Num to talk to you.

Num kom

Num kom for sale at a market.
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.

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.

History and symbolism

Coconut, palm sugar, and sesame seed filling in num kom.

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.