The Water Festival, or ‘Bon Om Tok’, is an important event in the Khmer calendar. This festival marks the end of the monsoon and the reversal of the course of the Tonle Sap River. But beyond the boat races and festivities, this event is also a culinary feast.
A festival steeped in history
Bon Om Tok has its roots in the ancient Khmer empire, with engravings in the temples of Bayon and Banteay Chhmar providing numerous references to the festival. It has been celebrated for centuries and its traditions have been passed down from generation to generation.
The Water Festival coincides with the full moon of the month of Kadeuk in the Khmer lunar calendar. This period also coincides with the time when the rice crops in the paddy fields are ready to be harvested. Rice, a staple food in the kingdom, therefore plays an essential role during the festival.
The importance of food at the Water Festival
During this festival, food takes centre stage. The traditional Ambok snack of rice, coconut and bananas is sold throughout the festive period. This snack plays an important role in the festival, with former Prime Minister Hun Sen having previously called on the public to enjoy Ambok together,en signe d’unité.
Ambok: A traditional dish
Ambok is a traditional dish made from flattened rice. The process of making Ambok involves frying the rice in its natural husks, then beating it in a pestle until it becomes soft. The husks are then removed and the rice is mixed with banana and coconut juice to give it extra flavour.
Ambok is generally eaten when the clock strikes midnight or when the incense offered at the start of the meeting is burnt. Although it is a traditional dish, Ambok remains a popular snack and is widely sold during the water festival.
The role of rice in the festival
As well as Ambok, rice plays a crucial role in this festival. As it coincides with the time when rice crops are ready to be harvested, rice becomes a symbol of abundance and prosperity. It is not just a staple food, but an integral part of the festival, representing the agricultural wealth of the kingdom.
The culinary landscape of the Water Festival
The Water Festival is also an opportunity to discover Cambodia's culinary landscape. Street food stalls appear along the river, selling treats such as fried insects, pickled mangoes and grilled chicken. Dishes offering a multitude of flavours and highlighting the diversity and richness of Cambodian cuisine.
In Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, where the Water Festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, the gastronomic scene is particularly lively. Here you can not only sample traditional Cambodian street food, but also discover the culinary delights offered by renowned restaurants such as Malis.
Restaurant Malis, a culinary jewel
In the heart of the provincial town, the Malis restaurant is a culinary gem. Known for its authentic Cambodian cuisine, it offers a unique culinary experience combining tradition and modernity. During the Water Festival, Malis serves a special menu highlighting the flavours of the season, making it a must for lovers of fine local cuisine.
The festival, a moment of unity and gratitude
Beyond the culinary delights, the Water Festival is a moment of unity and gratitude. The tradition of eating Ambok together is seen as proof of unity, a reminder of the importance of coming together to celebrate and protect the nation, the religion and the king.
The festival also includes customs such as Ork Ambok and Sampeah Preah Khe, during which offerings are made to the moon and prayers are said for peace and prosperity. These traditions underline the spiritual importance of the festival, and the role that food plays in these rituals further highlights the deep link between gastronomy and culture in Cambodia.
In essence, the Water Festival is a genuine celebration of life, culture and culinary richness. It's a time when the Cambodian people come together to celebrate the end of the monsoon season, take part in vibrant festivities and indulge in the diverse flavours of Khmer cuisine.
Whether you're a resident or a tourist, the experience of the water festival, particularly its culinary aspect, offers a unique insight into Cambodia's rich cultural heritage. And when you're in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, don't forget to visit the Malis restaurant for an authentic Cambodian culinary experience you'll remember long after the festival.
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