Meet David

Where were you born? What is your heritage?

Pomona, CA, but my parents are immigrants from Cambodia. My mom is from the province of Kampot, and my dad is from Battambang.

How important is celebrating culture and/or Global Diversity Month to you?

Very important. My parents always raised my siblings and me to respect our culture and traditions. For example, during the Cambodian New Year, we offer food to the Gods and our ancestors to get blessings for the rest of the year. We also participate in the Water Festival in the Fall, marking the end of the monsoon season.

What is your favorite Cambodian dish and why?

Papaya salad! I’ll ask my mom for a recipe, but some ingredients are fish paste, papaya, tiny crabs, chilis, and lime. We grind it in a pestle and mortar and adjust the salad per our particular taste preference. I prefer mine spicy and sour!