Chef Nak (Rotanak ROS)

Ros Rotanak, better known as Chef Nak, was born in Phnom Penh into a family with deep culinary roots. From a young age, she cooked for her siblings while her mother worked as a vegetable vendor, igniting her passion for cooking. Today, Chef Nak is a leading figure in Cambodian cuisine, dedicated to preserving and reviving its rich traditions. She is the author of two acclaimed cookbooks, NHUM, focused on home cooking, and SAOY, a tribute to royal Cambodian cuisine, which won the 2023 Gourmand Book Award for Best Cookbook in the World. Her work has become a cultural revival in a country where conflict nearly erased traditional cuisine, inspiring both locals and the Cambodian diaspora. Beyond cooking, Chef Nak promotes Cambodian culture globally through exclusive dining experiences, cooking classes, and homestays in her historic home. She collaborates with high-end hotels and prestigious organizations, including the World Bank, UNICEF, and FAO, advocating for healthy cooking and food safety. Chef Nak also uses social media to reconnect people with their culinary heritage and emphasize the link between food and health. Her efforts have earned global recognition, with features in publications like Travel + Leisure, BBC, The New York Times, and more. Chef Nak's journey exemplifies the role of food in preserving culture, fostering community, and nurturing future generations.