The Chanang Giant Pot festival was organised on the pristine shores of the Kan Seng Lake in Ratanakiri province on Tuesday, bringing to the fore the delectable indigenous cuisine of Cambodia and boosting efforts to promote tourism in the Kingdom’s scenic northeast.
The event, which was organised by the provincial administration in collaboration with the Provincial Department of Tourism, saw 1,000 participants offering Chanang to visitors who had the opportunity to delve into the details of the traditional soup long cherished by the province’s indigenous communities.
Minister of Tourism Huot Hak, speaking at the opening ceremony, thanked the provincial leadership and partners for organising the event during the green season, which drew domestic and international tourists. He added that the event not only highlighted the unique culinary identity of Ratanakiri’s indigenous people but also supported the government’s broader efforts to promote Cambodia-made products and sustainable tourism.
Ratanakiri Provincial Governor Nhem Samoeurn said Chanang, once mainly cooked in homes, has become increasingly popular on restaurant menus, with customers asking for it with different meats such as beef, buffalo meat, or pork leg. Indigenous families have also begun offering the dish in Phnom Penh, helping it reach more customers.
“This is an important event to encourage all stakeholders, as well as domestic and international tourists, to better understand the benefits provided by the tourism sector, especially to raise awareness about Chanang, which is part of the culinary identity of the indigenous communities in Ratanakiri province,” he added.
Provincial spokesman Moeng Sinath said the festival was organised during the green season to draw tourists to the northeast and connect them with indigenous culture, which includes the daily life and traditional food. He noted that the event made locals proud to see their culinary heritage being recognised and promoted by the government.
“If this year’s festival attracts more tourists, the province plans to hold more events, and next year organise a contest among the provinces with indigenous communities— especially Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri—to prepare ‘Samlor Prong’ in keeping with each province’s traditions.
Romam Timothe—from the Jarai indigenous community—who travelled over 50 kilometres to participate in the festival, said Chanang represents the culinary identity of Ratanakiri’s indigenous people. He said he took pride in the provincial leadership for organising the festival.
“The event shows the government’s keenness to help promote indigenous people, boosting their confidence in embracing their identity,” Timothe said.
The festival included an exhibition where locally-made products were put up for sale, giving visitors a chance to explore traditional crafts and foods.
