Must-Try Foods In Ratanakiri (Cambodia) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Ratanakiri, Cambodia

Ratanakiri, located in the northeastern part of Cambodia, is known for its diverse ethnic communities, each contributing to the province's unique culinary traditions. The food history of Ratanakiri is heavily influenced by the indigenous people known as the Khmer Loeu, with their practices of using locally sourced and foraged ingredients. Traditional cooking methods often involve bamboo cooking and grilling over open fires. Meals typically feature fresh vegetables, wild game (excluding cow), fish, and local herbs, reflecting the connection between the people and their surrounding environment.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Ratanakiri, Cambodia

1. Bai Sach Chrouk (Non-Veg): Grilled pork marinated in coconut milk and garlic, usually served with rice for breakfast.
2. Amok Trey (Non-Veg): A classic Cambodian dish where fish is steamed in a banana leaf with a thick coconut milk curry.
3. Banh Chao (Veg option available): A Cambodian-style crispy pancake filled with bean sprouts, veggies, and optionally, meat, akin to a Vietnamese crepe.
4. Lort Cha (Veg option available): Stir-fried short rice noodles with vegetables and optionally, meat.
5. Kuy Teav (Non-Veg): A popular noodle soup commonly eaten for breakfast, typically made with pork or chicken broth.
6. Num Banh Chok (Veg option available): A traditional Khmer noodle dish often eaten in the mornings, usually accompanied by a fish-based curry sauce, but can be found in vegetarian versions.
7. Khmer Red Curry (Veg option available): Less spicy than its Thai counterpart, this curry can be made with vegetables and is typically served with bread.
8. Lap Khmer (Non-Veg): Lime-marinated Khmer beef salad flavored with lemongrass, shallots, garlic, fish sauce, and chilies.
9. Prahok Ktis (Non-Veg): A spicy pork dip made with fermented fish paste (prahok), coconut milk, and served with fresh vegetables.
10. Fried Spiders (Non-Veg): Spiders, particularly a species called "a-ping", are a unique delicacy fried with garlic and salt until crispy.

Top Famous Restaurants in Ratanakiri, Cambodia

Terres Rouges Lodge Restaurant

Address: Banlung, near Boeung Kansaing lake, Ratanakiri

Famous Food: Amok Trey (Non-Veg)

Banlung Kitchen

Address: 7 Makara Street, Banlung, Ratanakiri

Famous Food: Banana Flower Salad (Veg option available)

Yaklom Hill Lodge Restaurant

Address: Yaklom Lake, Ratanakiri

Famous Food: Grilled local fish (Non-Veg)

Green Carrot Restaurant

Address: Laban Siek, Banlung, Ratanakiri

Famous Food: Vegetarian Spring Rolls (Veg)

Cafe Alee

Address: 20, Eakareach St | Ban Lung, Ratanakiri

Famous Food: Khmer Curry (Veg option available)