Brunch in Cambodia

Overview

Brunch in Cambodia has evolved from a niche expat activity into a vibrant culinary scene that blends Western brunch traditions with local Cambodian flavors and café culture. Every major city now has specialty cafes serving everything from avocado toast to Cambodian-twist eggs benedict, alongside traditional breakfast options like kuy teav (noodle soup) and num banh chok (rice noodles with fish curry).

What makes Cambodian brunch special is the social enterprise element—many of the country's best cafes exist to train underprivileged youth, employ people with disabilities, or fund education programs. Your brunch genuinely makes a difference, and the food quality has risen to match the mission. Add extraordinary value for money (excellent brunch for $5–15), and Cambodia becomes one of Southeast Asia's most rewarding brunch destinations.

Phnom Penh Brunch

The capital has the most developed brunch scene in Cambodia, driven by a large expat community, a growing Cambodian middle class discovering Western brunch culture, and a competitive café market in the BKK1 and Toul Tom Poung neighborhoods.

• The Desk ($8–15): BKK1's most popular brunch destination combines a coworking space with a serious kitchen. The farm-to-table eggs benedict uses locally sourced produce, the sourdough is baked in-house, and the specialty coffee program rivals any café in Southeast Asia. Arrive before 9:30 AM on weekends
• Brasserie Louis at Rosewood ($45–65): Phnom Penh's grandest Sunday brunch. A lavish buffet spread including a live seafood station, carvery, Asian and Western dishes, a dessert room, and free-flowing Champagne. Live jazz accompaniment. The city's most indulgent meal—book ahead
• Embassy Café ($6–12): Set in a garden courtyard of a former embassy building, this café offers elegant brunch in a colonial setting. Eggs royale, croque madame, and a Cambodian coffee flight that showcases the country's growing specialty coffee scene
• Friends (Mith Samlanh) ($5–10): A social enterprise restaurant training formerly homeless youth. The brunch menu includes Western and Khmer options, served on a charming rooftop terrace. One of Phnom Penh's most feel-good dining experiences
• Brown Coffee ($3–7): Cambodia's homegrown coffee chain has raised the bar for affordable brunch. The BKK1 flagship serves Cambodian single-origin espresso, pastries, and light brunch options in a sleek modern space

Siem Reap Brunch

Siem Reap brunch is the perfect recovery after an early temple visit. Arrive back from Angkor Wat sunrise by 8 AM and settle into a café by 9 for the most rewarding post-temple tradition in Cambodia.

• Sister Srey Café ($4–9): A social enterprise café that has become a Siem Reap institution. The granola bowls with tropical fruit, banana pancakes, and smoothie menu are outstanding. The riverside terrace is the ideal spot to decompress after temples. Profits fund education programs
• The Little Red Fox Espresso ($5–12): Australian-owned specialty coffee shop with serious barista culture. The avocado smash, baked eggs, and house-made pastries rival any café in Melbourne. Opens at 6:30 AM—perfect for a pre-temple coffee
• Haven ($5–10): A training restaurant for underprivileged youth serving creative brunch dishes in a garden setting. The quality consistently impresses given the social enterprise model. The French toast with caramelized banana is exceptional
• Raffles Grand Hotel ($25–40): The 1932 bar and restaurant serve an elegant colonial-style brunch. High ceilings, starched linens, and impeccable service in a building that has hosted royalty since the 1930s. Worth the splurge for a special occasion

Kampot Brunch

Kampot's brunch scene is intimate, unhurried, and infused with the town's characteristic charm. The riverside setting and strong café culture make it Cambodia's most pleasant brunch destination.

• Epic Arts Café ($3–8): A social enterprise employing deaf and disabled Cambodians that has become Kampot's most beloved café. The cinnamon rolls are legendary—baked fresh daily and sell out by mid-morning. Specialty coffee, eggs done any way, and an atmosphere of genuine warmth. The staff communicate in sign language and teach interested visitors basic signs
• Café Espresso ($4–9): Kampot's best specialty coffee, served in a peaceful garden setting away from the main road. Single-origin Cambodian beans, professional barista preparation, and house-baked pastries. The garden seating under flowering trees is Kampot at its most tranquil
• Oh Neil's ($4–8): A bakery-café with real sourdough bread (rare in Cambodia), croissants, and all-day brunch. The eggs florentine on house-baked sourdough is Kampot's best Western-style brunch dish
• Rikitikitavi ($6–12): The rooftop terrace overlooking the river serves brunch with a view. The menu skews more substantial—shakshuka, big breakfasts, and specialty coffees alongside the panoramic river vista

Battambang Brunch

Battambang's brunch scene is smaller but growing, anchored by social enterprise restaurants and the town's emerging café culture.

• Jaan Bai ($5–10): A social enterprise run by CEDO (Cambodian Education and Development Organization) that trains underprivileged youth in hospitality. Weekend brunch features Khmer-Western fusion dishes in a beautiful garden setting. The banana blossom salad and Cambodian-style eggs are standouts
• Kinyei Café ($3–7): Another social enterprise café focused on youth training. Simple but well-executed brunch dishes, good coffee, and a friendly atmosphere. The proceeds fund community programs in Battambang province
• Choco l'Art Café ($4–8): A French-run café and chocolate shop with excellent pastries, quiche, and brunch plates. The chocolate croissants are the best in Battambang. The gallery space showcases local art
• Riverside Balcony Bar ($4–9): Overlooking the Sangker River, this spot serves a solid Western brunch menu with river views. Popular with the expat community for lazy weekend mornings

Best Cafes for Brunch

Prices & Tipping

Brunch prices across Cambodia offer outstanding value by international standards:

• Budget ($3–6): Local cafes and basic Western brunch. Eggs, toast, and a coffee. Perfectly adequate and often surprisingly good
• Mid-range ($8–15): Specialty cafes with quality ingredients, barista coffee, and attractive settings. The sweet spot for quality-to-value
• Premium ($15–25): Hotel restaurants and upscale cafes with full service, extensive menus, and premium ingredients
• Luxury ($40–65): Hotel brunch buffets with champagne and live cooking stations. A special-occasion splurge

Frequently Asked Questions