Why Kampot Pepper Is the Champagne of Spices

At TYKCollective, we honour ingredients that carry not just taste — but legacy.

In this beautifully produced short documentary by Business Insider, we are transported to the fertile lands of Kampot, Cambodia, where pepper cultivation is a living tradition. Unlike industrial spices, Kampot pepper is grown without chemicals, hand-picked at peak ripeness, and sun-dried in small batches, using ancestral techniques passed down through generations.

What sets it apart is not only its vibrant flavor — floral, citrusy, and complex — but its protected origin. Like Champagne in France or Parmigiano Reggiano in Italy, Kampot pepper is the first Cambodian product to receive a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status from the European Union, certifying its authenticity and tying it irrevocably to its terroir.

This film offers a rare glimpse into the slow, intentional rhythm of the farmers who make this pepper a global treasure. It’s a story of survival, resilience, and craftsmanship — from the fields of Cambodia to the tables of world-renowned chefs. Watch the full video below, courtesy of Business Insider via YouTube.

“Why Kampot Pepper Is So Expensive” – Business Insider

At TYKCollective, we are proud to offer Kampot pepper in its purest form — sourced ethically, curated with care, and delivered as an invitation to taste the soul of Cambodia.

Curated by the TYKCOLLECTIVE Research & Culinary Studio.

Image by Demure Storyteller via Unsplash