Bananas are one of the most widely consumed fruits in Cambodia, as they are in the rest of the world. In Cambodia, we use every single part of the banana. The root, tree, and flower are commonly used as a vegetable, both cooked and raw, and for both humans and animals. Banana is delicious to eat raw by itself and also cooked in savory dishes, snacks, and desserts. Some of our favorite ways of cooking bananas are grilling, boiling, frying, as chips, and as chek khtih.
Chek khtih is a creamy and sweet dessert that includes tapioca to thicken the broth. The banana brings a softness and a little sourness, making the whole dish both light and tasty. A sprinkle of roasted black and white sesame seeds helps to lift the dish and fill it with fragrance.
