AKP Phnom Penh, April 16, 2026 —

Local cuisine is a cornerstone of regional tourism, Battambang Provincial Governor H.E. Sok Lou declared Wednesday, as he toured food exhibition booths during the 2026 Sankranta festivities.

Speaking at the Khmer New Year event, the Governor said authentic local flavors are a powerful draw for both Cambodian and international visitors. He was joined by department heads and provincial officials in watching live demonstrations of traditional cooking techniques.

The exhibition, featuring culinary offerings from district administrations and provincial departments, aims to preserve Khmer gastronomic heritage.

“The exquisite taste and presentation of our local food and desserts significantly boost tourism,” Governor Spk Lou said. He thanked local chefs and artisans for elevating this year’s celebration.

The 2026 Battambang Sankranta is organised by the provincial administration in partnership with the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC). Alongside the food expo, the event includes traditional games and arts performances, creating a festive atmosphere for residents and travellers from neighbouring provinces.

Master chefs demonstrating step-by-step preparation of iconic Battambang recipes, with tourists sampling the finished dishes.

H.E. Sok Lou noted that promoting local gastronomy aligns with the Royal Government’s vision of tourism as “Green Gold.” He expressed hope that such events will continue to build Battambang’s reputation as a premier cultural and culinary destination, supporting Cambodia’s long-term development goals for 2030 and 2050.

By K. Rithy Reak