The 10 Best Local Breakfast Spots in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Run by Cambodian celebrity chef, Luu Meng, Malis serves up fine Khmer cuisine, with a contemporary twist. With many of Cambodia’s traditional recipes wiped out during the Khmer Rouge regime, Meng has made it his mission to revive the unique flavours his homeland is famous for. Boasting a dedicated breakfast menu, tuck into popular morning dishes kuy teav, lort char or num banh chok. Set menu options are also available.

Nestled in a tropical garden, this laid-back eatery serves authentic and delicious casual Khmer cuisine. Boasting a cosy and comfortable atmosphere, Eleven One Kitchen cooks up a range of local treats — with a local breakfast menu to boot. Start your day with stir-fried noodles, fried rice or sticky rice with mango and apple, and wash it down with a delicious fresh smoothie or coconut.

This family-run restaurant, located in Anise Hotel, serves a range of Southeast Asian specialities, with an obvious focus on Cambodian cuisine. All of the usual local breakfast delicacies are on offer, including pork and rice and a range of noodle soups to fuel diners for the day ahead.

Spread across three floors, each offering its own atmosphere, Khmer Surin serves authentic Khmer food in sumptuous surroundings. The ground level is a great spot to enjoy breakfast, and people watch from among the tropical foliage. Traditional Cambodian breakfasts of noodle soups and rice dishes are served, as well as a range of morning eats from neighbouring countries.

Putting a modern spin on comfort Cambodian food, Phka Slaa serves a rang of delicious dishes in style. Offering various breakfast options, the cool contemporary setting is a great place to start the day and sits right around the corner from the Royal Palace.

Nicknamed Titanic, this restaurant is popular with affluent locals throughout the day. Perched over the Tonlé Sap River, the diner is spacious and kitted out in traditional Khmer style. The menu is as authentic as it gets and isn’t toned down for tourists’ tastebuds. Tuck into a bowl of steaming kuy teav and enjoy the views over the water.

Located in the heart of the backpacker area of Street 278, opposite Wat Langka, Samaky is a stalwart on the tourist scene. Specialising in Cambodian food, Western treats are also on the menu, so you can opt for both for your breakfast if you desire.

Yisang is one of top Cambodian chef Luu Meng’s many eateries. While this may not serve up Khmer food per se, with a large population of Cambodians with Chinese heritage living in the country, sampling some authentic Chinese cuisine while you’re in the country is a must. This is also a great spot to taste the range of Cantonese and Chaozhou delights on offer.

Cambodia is awash with kuy teav every morning, with the majority of Cambodians starting their day with a helping of the pork broth-based rice noodle soup. The signature breakfast dish is served with garnishes of lettuce, bean sprouts, chopped scallions, coriander, black pepper, lime juice and caramelised garlic oil. Another of Luu Meng’s creations is Uy Kuyteav, and while it serves a range of Cambodian dishes, what better place to try a typical Khmer breakfast?

This elegant restaurant serves authentic Cambodian and other Asian food, especially Thai, at its best. The combination of an elephant wall painting and rustic décor adds to the ambience of Khmer culture created by the owners. A range of traditional breakfast dishes are served, including prahok pâte.