Ratana’s

Fantastic spot. Staff and owners made us feel like family. We ordered Thai iced tea, mango sticky rice, pad thai, red curry with pumpkin and even asked them to cook us the same spicy pork soup they were eating, which was not on the menu. They oblidged my obnoxious request. It was incredible and if I lived close, I would go there once a week and request the secret off-the-menu item. There are a couple of tables for seating, but it looks like most of their business is structured for quick pick up. Prices were very reasonable and food was piping hot. Owner even brought out some dessert for us to try that was straight from Thailand. She told us about how important sourcing local ingredients is for her cooking and that they have a booth at the Waimea Saturday farmers market. Nice to see family restaurants on island thriving!

Amazing place! We got the green papaya salad and asked for tofu on top which they kindly added and also had the tom yum which was soooo delicious 🥹. Honestly healing. The restaurant was recently bought by a couple in December of 2022 (I unfortunately didn’t ask their names) and the woman has been cooking her whole life and for various local places around Hilo. Seriously spectacular spot and I’m so happy we found them! They’re not always open at 10 since they’re busy folks, but if you get the chance to stop in and give it a try, definitely recommend 🌈.