Rice paper forms identity of villagers in Battambang, deters residents from migrating

Known for its great quality rice paper for fresh and deep-fried spring rolls, the village of Doun Teav in the Battambang province, Cambodia, is home to many families who have perfected the making of rice paper and have taken it as a family business.

Several villagers interviewed have said that the business of making the spring rolls is an alternative to leaving the hometown and their families, as they noted that even though the business does not generate that much money, it is enough to allow the residents to support their families.

The locals are delighted to show their identity through the food they make and sell to tourists to generate more income.

Mr. Roeun Hin, who is the chief of the village, said that he is trying to bring the villagers together to make the selling of rice paper a community-based activity, as he said that he aspires to reflect the identity of the Doun Teav village through rice paper.