Breakfast in Cambodia looks very different from what many travelers are used to.
Instead of cereal, pastries, or toast, many Cambodians start their day with a hearty bowl of noodles, a plate of rice and pork, or a comforting bowl of congee. Walk through any neighborhood in Phnom Penh between 6AM and 9AM and you’ll find busy breakfast stalls packed with locals before work and school.
If you’re looking to eat like a local during your visit, these are three Cambodian breakfast dishes you shouldn’t skip.
1. Bay Sach Chrouk (pork rice)
At first glance, Bay Sach Chrouk might look like a simple plate of rice and pork. But don’t let its appearance fool you.
One of Cambodia’s most beloved breakfast dishes, Bay Sach Chrouk consists of tender pork served over rice, accompanied by pickled cucumber and carrots or pickled young papaya on the side.
Depending on the restaurant or street stall, the pork may be grilled or fried, although many locals swear by the grilled version.
What makes the dish special is the finishing touch. Before serving, vendors often spoon a fragrant oil made from pork fat, minced pork, and garlic leaves over the rice, adding an extra layer of richness and flavor that keeps people coming back morning after morning.
Simple, affordable, and satisfying, it’s a breakfast you’ll find across Phnom Penh.
Price: From $1.25 per plate
2. KUY TEAV
Vietnam has pho. Cambodia has kuy teav.
While both are noodle soups, the flavors are entirely different. Kuy teav features rice noodles served in a rich, savory broth and topped with your choice of meat.
Popular options include sliced pork, minced pork, beef, meatballs, seafood, or a combination of everything. If you’re having trouble deciding, the mixed version gives you a little bit of everything, although it usually costs a bit more.
Most locals customize their bowl with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime, chili, and various sauces before digging in.
Whether enjoyed at a roadside stall or a busy local restaurant, kuy teav remains one of Cambodia’s most popular breakfast choices.
Price: From $2.50 per bowl
3. Bor Bor (CAMBODIAN RICE PORRIDGE)
Nothing beats a warm bowl of bor bor on a cool morning or after a late night out.
Cambodian borbor is a rice porridge, typically served with bean sprouts and garlic leaves. Diners can choose from fish, pork, or chicken, although many locals consider borbor with pork or chicken organs to be the most flavorful version.
For the full experience, order a serving of chha kwai alongside your bowl. These crispy fried dough sticks are perfect for dipping into the porridge and add a satisfying crunch to every bite.
Comforting, filling, and easy on the stomach, borbor is a breakfast favorite enjoyed throughout Cambodia.
Price: From $1.25 per bowl
A Taste of Everyday Cambodia
You don’t need a fancy restaurant to enjoy some of Cambodia’s best breakfasts.
In fact, the most memorable bowls of kuy teav, plates of Bay Sach Chrouk, and bowls of borbor are often found at humble roadside stalls packed with locals. If you see a breakfast spot crowded with Cambodian families and office workers, that’s usually a good sign.
So set your alarm a little earlier, skip the hotel buffet for a morning, and discover why these three dishes have remained breakfast favorites for generations.
