As you unwind and relax poolside by Navutu Dreams, you may catch a savoury scent wafting through our grounds – the delightful aroma of gourmet pizzas being baked to perfection in our brand new wood-fired oven.
Now available every weekend at the resort, guests and visitors can look forward to our variety of freshly-made authentic Italian gourmet pizzas.
We put the spotlight on the talent behind these new delicious offerings from Navutu Dreams, Mr. Bo Ran.
Growing up in an orphanage, Bo’s chance encounter with one of the founders of Navutu Dreams in Phnom Penh would prove to be a life-changing experience. First given a box of books, his tenacity and desire to learn was so impressive that he was later offered a chance to to study Khmer and English. Not one to pass up on an opportunity, he decided to move and started his studies in Siem Reap.
Taking up a part-time job as a kitchen steward at Il Forno, one of Siem Reap’s top Italian restaurants, Bo would observe the restaurant’s chef making pizzas. The heat of the kitchen didn’t faze Bo, and when a vacancy became available, he was quickly offered a position.
Bo had to learn quickly by observing the chef’s technique, as he only had one week of training before he had to take over the process. Within three months, he built up his skill and confidence, and pizza-making was a breeze.
Continually improving his technique and skills by studying videos online, Bo is today a certifiable expert pizza chef. His secret to making the perfect pizza is using his own hands to roll and toss the dough, rather than a rolling pin.
“This is how you achieve that crisp texture. You have to use your hands.”
He recently joined the Navutu Dreams’ culinary team, and brought all his love for Italian cuisine with him. He still yearns to learn more about Italian food, and hopes to one day visit Italy himself. With only a little push from the Navutu family, Bo’s dedication, passion and joy for life have brought him to a place he had only dreamt of years ago.
Bo Ran is a true culinary inspiration to us at Navutu Dreams. Join us every weekend and come enjoy his pizza creations!
