Apr 25, 2008, 5:41 GMT
Phnom Penh - A menu dispute between a Thai chef and the Cambodian restaurant manager led to a severe beating for the Thai, local media reported Friday.
Khmer-language Koh Santepheap daily reported the dispute started when chef Y Noy, 55, bought some new seafood ideas to the attention of the Cambodian manager of Asean Beer restaurant, named only as Nor.
Underwhelmed by the response he received from the Cambodian to injecting some Thai flair, Noy decided to eat his creations himself.
The paper said Nor then accused Noy of stealing the food and ordered several wait staff to chase the Thai into his bedroom and beat him in a concerted and vicious attack.
Food is a frequent bone of contention between Thais and Cambodians, with both claiming superiority and authenticity.
Noy, who had been resident in the north-western city of Battambang, 300 kilometres from the capital, for 10 years, received medical attention but it was unclear if charges would be laid.
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