My Photograph of the Day

Lady Vendor (Banana Leaves)

Phnom Penh-The Art Institute Entrance, Street 178

13 January-2025

Image #354

Diary entry #418. 25-01-15

This is a portrait I made in Phnom Penh while taking my morning walk. The photograph shows a street vendor with her wares. She comes to this same location daily, the Street 278 entrance to the Art Institute where she sells num ansom chek (Khmer banana cakes) wrapped in banana leaves.

The composition of the photograph is simple, yet strong, with the woman’s natural, relaxed pose giving the image an authentic documentary feel. The geometric patterns of the sidewalk tiles also provide an interesting background texture, giving the photograph depth and adding to the overall composition. Additionally, I like the positioning of her hands. Hands say so much about a person. I find it helpful, if possible, to include the subject’s hands in the portrait. In this case, the placement of the hands was purely accidental but perfect. I had no say in how she posed for the photograph. The posing and composition is completely natural.

Culture Note

Num ansom chek is a traditional Khmer dessert made of sticky rice, bananas, and coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves. This street food is deeply embedded in Cambodian culture and is often prepared for special occasions like Pchum Ben (Ancestor’s Day) and Khmer New Year, though it’s also enjoyed as an everyday snack.

Traditional Khmer cuisine is known for its use of fresh ingredients, complex flavor combinations, and careful preparation methods. Some other notable traditional Khmer foods include:

– Amok (fish curry steamed in banana leaves)

– Kuy teav (rice noodle soup)

– Lok lak (stir-fried beef served with rice)

– Num banh chok (fresh rice noodles with a fish-based green curry)

A distinctive feature of Khmer cuisine is the use of natural wrapping materials like banana leaves, which not only serve as eco-friendly packaging but are also inexpensive, readily available, and they impart subtle flavors to the food they contain. This traditional practice is pointedly captured in the photograph.