Sankhya lapov

Sankhya lapov is a traditional dessert that consists of a small pumpkin filled with creamy custard containing coconut milk or cream, palm sugar paste, eggs, and salt. It is usually prepared with kabocha squash, which is dark green on the outside and has a bright orange interior with a sweet flavor. The top of the squash is cut off, its seeds are removed, and the cavity is filled with the custard. The pumpkin’s top is then replaced, and the pumpkin custard is steamed until it is thoroughly cooked. Sankhya lapov can be enjoyed warm or chilled, and it is traditionally prepared for special occasions and religious festivals. In the Khmer language, sankhya means custard, while lapov translates to pumpkin. This sweet treat is also a typical dessert in Thailand and Laos, where it is known as sangkhaya fak thong and sangkhaya maryu, respectively.