Cooking is an act of love

Food has always held an important place in culture and human relationships. In many parts of the world, it is common to invite people to share a meal in order to strengthen bonds, whether professional or friendly.

In Khmer culture, food holds a central place. This is also reflected at the AFESIP center, where the cooks are always assisted by our protégées, as well as regularly by Somaly Mam and the rest of the administrative team.

This is an opportunity for everyone to share a convivial moment, to laugh, chat, sing while getting their hands dirty and preparing a meal together for about a hundred people.

Discover below testimonials as well as an original recipe from Somaly Mam to recreate in your kitchen!

Sopheap has been a cook at the AFESIP center since 2012. Herself a former victim of sex trafficking, she is very committed to her work and to helping new victims rebuild their lives day after day.

“As a survivor and now a cook at AFESIP Cambodia, every meal I prepare for the girls is made with love, care, and all my heart. Cooking isn’t just my job; it’s my way of giving back the love and support I’ve received. Honestly, there are days when I don’t want to go home because the girls here have become my family and my source of strength. My greatest reward is hearing them say, ‘We’re hungry,’ and then seeing their smiles when they tell me, ‘This is delicious!’ In those moments, I know that a simple meal can make a girl feel loved.” — Sopheap, survivor and cook, AFESIP Cambodia

“Cooking is a way for me to express my love and gratitude. After school, I enjoy helping in the kitchen because it calms me and allows me to relax after a busy day. I love hearing compliments about the meal; it reminds me that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.” – La Thida, resident of the AFESIP center

“Whenever I have free time after school, I love helping in the kitchen. Cooking makes me happy and helps me let go of worries and painful memories. We may never completely forget our past, but when we cook together, laugh, and talk with our sisters, our hearts feel lighter. Seeing everyone enjoy the dishes we’ve prepared fills me with joy. It reminds me of the love Mom Somaly and our cooks show us every day. The kitchen is more than just a place to cook; it’s a place to recharge, learn new things, and create beautiful memories together.” – Pheap Chhenghann, resident of the AFESIP center

“I find it hard to express what I feel. When I lived at home, I rarely felt the warmth of maternal affection because my mother was always busy with work. Mom Somaly is also incredibly busy, and yet she always finds the time to prepare delicious and special meals for us. This has made me feel a love I had never known before. The difference between my life before coming to AFESIP and my life here is indescribable. To me, Mom Somaly is a wonderful mother. Despite her hectic schedule, she always thinks of us and shows us her love.” — Van Sreynim, AFESIP resident

Somaly Mam, herself a former victim, is the founder of the AFESIP center, established in 1996. For all the girls under our care, she is a maternal figure who provides love, strength, and wisdom. She regularly takes time out of her busy day to cook for all her children.

“When I cook for the girls, it’s so much more than just preparing a meal: it’s a way to heal my own heart. Every dish is prepared with love, patience, and hope. Many of these girls grew up without the warmth of a family table or the comfort of a delicious home-cooked meal. Seeing them smile as they eat fills my heart with joy. Food teaches us that life, too, offers a variety of flavors: sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. We can’t choose all the flavors life throws our way, but we can choose to approach each day with love, kindness, and gratitude. Around the center’s kitchen, no barriers of culture, religion, or origin separate us. We are one family.” — Somaly Mam, survivor and founder, AFESIP Cambodia

Original recipe “Tomato and Chicken Soup” by Somaly Mam

This is one of Somaly Mam's signature recipes, prepared according to her own culinary style and with specific ingredients. This soup combines the creaminess of coconut milk with the freshness of tomatoes and aromatic Cambodian herbs. This comforting dish is a favorite at the AFESIP center.

Ingredients:

• Thinly sliced ​​chicken breast

• Coconut milk

• Quartered tomatoes

• Lemongrass stalks, cut into long pieces

• Kaffir lime leaves

• Sliced ​​galangal

• Fresh chili (optional)

• Minced garlic

• Fresh cilantro

• Lime

• Fish sauce

• Salt

Instructions :

1. In a saucepan, combine the water and coconut milk. Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. Bring to a boil to infuse the broth.

2. Add the tomatoes and simmer until they are soft and blend into the coconut broth, resulting in a smooth soup with a beautiful orange color.

3. Add a little salt, then add the chicken. Do not stir immediately; let the soup return to a gentle simmer so that the chicken cooks naturally.

4. In a bowl, prepare the seasoning by mixing the fish sauce, fresh lime juice, chopped chili, minced garlic and chopped coriander.

5. Pour the hot soup over the seasoning in the salad bowl, stir gently and serve immediately.

Chef's note: “Cooking is an act of love. This soup was created with simple ingredients that bring comfort, warmth, and joy. Each bowl reminds us that even the simplest meal, prepared with care, can soothe the heart.” — Somaly Mam