Cha Houy Teuk is a beloved Cambodian dessert that features colorful layers of agar-agar jelly served with sweet coconut milk and various toppings. This refreshing treat is especially popular during hot days, offering a cooling and satisfying way to end a meal or enjoy as an afternoon snack.

The dessert showcases the Cambodian love for combining different textures and colors in their sweets. While its exact origins are unclear, jelly desserts became popular in Southeast Asia with the introduction of agar-agar, a vegetable gelatin derived from seaweed, which remains firm even in tropical temperatures.

Making Cha Houy Teuk is a delightful process that allows for creative expression. The base is made by dissolving agar-agar powder in water and bringing it to a boil with sugar. The mixture is then divided into portions, each colored differently using food coloring to create vibrant layers. Each layer is poured into molds and allowed to set before adding the next color, creating a beautiful striped or patterned effect. The result is a visually stunning dessert that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

While the traditional version features simple colored layers, modern variations include adding fruit essences to each layer, creating not just visual but also flavor contrasts. Some makers incorporate fresh fruit pieces between the layers or experiment with different shapes and patterns. The coconut milk sauce can also be customized with pandan flavoring or adjusted for sweetness.

In Cambodia, Cha Houy Teuk is commonly served in small bowls or cups, with the jelly cut into bite-sized pieces and topped with sweetened coconut milk. Additional toppings might include jackfruit, palm seeds, or other tropical fruits. It's often found at street markets and dessert stalls, where vendors prepare it fresh daily.

From a nutritional perspective, Cha Houy Teuk is a relatively light dessert option. Agar-agar is low in calories and contains no fat or cholesterol, making it a healthier alternative to many other desserts. However, the addition of sugar and coconut milk does increase the caloric content, so those watching their sugar intake should enjoy it in moderation. The dessert is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly, as agar-agar is plant-based. A typical serving contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of coconut milk and additional toppings used.