Jonathon Holdsworth was born in Yorkshire, England — but his taste buds belonged somewhere else. When he finally visited Cambodia, he discovered the food he’d unknowingly been searching for all his life.
That revelation sparked not only a love for the country but also a calling: To become a content creator showcasing Cambodia’s rich culinary and cultural heritage to the world.
Better known by his online persona AreYouHomeYet, Jon has made it his mission to spotlight authentic Cambodian food, culture and traditions.
With a passion for travel, food and connecting with local communities, Jon has built a dedicated following on platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, where he highlights Cambodian experiences that are often overlooked by tourists.
“It’s a country I’ve grown to love after living here and getting involved in the community and culture,” Jon tells The Post.
His journey into content creation began when he realised that the world knew little about Cambodia’s unique culinary offerings.
“When I first traveled to Cambodia, I didn’t hear about most of the delicious food it has to offer, so I wanted to share it with others,” he explains.
Through his content, Jon not only promotes Cambodian food but also emphasises the importance of learning about the culture and connecting with the local people. Supplied
Jon’s content often takes viewers on a journey through bustling markets, street food stalls and hidden local eateries.
He introduces them to a variety of dishes like lort cha (stir-fried noodles) and pounded rice, while also daring them to try more adventurous fare such as red ants.
“Lort Cha is my favourite, especially from Krousar Lort Cha, they are experts at making a deliciously well-balanced dish at a very affordable price,” he says.
His collaboration, with Cambodian pop star Mean Sonyta, promotes Nom Agaos Tnoat, a traditional Khmer palm cake made from sticky rice flour, coconut milk and palm sugar, which Jon believes represents the essence of Cambodia’s culinary heritage.
The video, which earned more than a million views on TikTok, was shot in Preah Dak village near Siem Reap, highlighting the village’s best version of this beloved treat.
Jon’s ability to connect with locals and foreigners alike has made him a bridge between cultures. His Facebook page Jon in Cambodia is a blend of food explorations, travel tips and insights into Cambodia’s lesser-known traditions and festivals.
Through his content, Jon not only promotes Cambodian food but also emphasises the importance of learning about the culture and connecting with the local people.
“The Cambodian people are so welcoming. They go out of their way to make foreigners feel at home, especially during cultural events. It’s one of the things I love most about living here,” Jon says.
For Jon, it’s not just about showcasing what Cambodia has to offer but also about making it accessible to everyone, especially those unfamiliar with the country’s traditions.
His videos often feature hidden gems, local festivals and unique experiences that tourists might miss.
From trekking in the jungle to learning traditional games during Khmer New Year, Jon encourages his followers to engage with the country beyond the typical tourist destinations like Angkor Wat.
When it comes to his creative process, Jon works closely with local businesses and artists to promote Cambodia’s tourism and culture.
A recent collaboration with Psych-Ko’s beef jerky highlighted local entrepreneurship, while his ongoing work with other Cambodian influencers has been pivotal in creating a stronger cultural dialogue.
“I’ve been collaborating with local creators to help promote Cambodian food and culture. It’s a great way to share different perspectives and experiences,” he explains.
He noted that generally Cambodian people are quite shy, but many are willing to help with guiding foreigners and really go out of their way to make foreigners feel welcome especially during cultural events.
They try to explain about food and culture, and invite them to join in activities like dancing and traditional games.
Jon explains that he wants to find and promote delicious food that is difficult for foreigners to find because Cambodian food has an unfair bad reputation.
“I wanted to show the world about food in Cambodia, when I first travelled in Cambodia, I didn’t hear about most of the delicious food that Cambodia has to offer. I wanted to help foreigners learn more about it,” Jon says.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Jon’s work is the connection he’s made with his audience.
“Meeting people who follow me and hearing their stories is the best part. I have a really diverse following from young to old, Khmer and foreign,” Jon explains.
His ability to create content that resonates with both locals and tourists has made him a trusted source of information for those planning to visit Cambodia.
Jon believes that the perception of Cambodia in international media is often inaccurate, which is why he started making videos after living here for three years.
“I wanted to show the Cambodia I know and love. One of the most popular themes among my followers is food,” Jon shares.
“I frequently hear that people are left angry after watching my videos, likely because they get so hungry from seeing all the delicious dishes,” he laughs.
Looking ahead, Jon is excited about the future of Cambodian tourism and culture.
“I want to focus on difficult-to-find delicacies and hidden tourist spots. There’s so much more to Cambodia than what people know,” he says.
As he continues to share his journey with the world, Jon remains a passionate advocate for Cambodia’s cultural heritage, one video at a time.
