Banteay Srei district authorities in Siem Reap province are organising an event to showcase the making of ambok – cooked rice that is fried dry and pounded by mortar and pestle – from November 5-7.

The making of the flattened rice dish – traditionally served with bananas and coconut juice – marks the end of the rice harvesting season and the event in Banteay Srei aims to showcase the tradition to local and international visitors to the popular tourist attraction.

The event takes place at the Banteay Srei Roundabout, the biggest roundabout in Cambodia, and will proceed along with folk dance.

“The event is made possible with the cooperation of villagers in Preah Dak commune and other communities in Banteay Srei,” said district governor Khim Finan.

He said the rice used to make ambok in the event is collected from rice fields in the roundabout area and is made fresh upon collection.

Finan said authorities are prepared to take measures to prevent Covid-19 transmission during the event.

“No matter how much we want our tourism sector to rebound, we cannot be negligent in preventing Covid-19,” Finan said.