In line with the old adage, “breakfast is the most important part of the day”, we’ve selected some of the best breakfasts in Siem Reap to get your day off to a winning start.
Siser Srey
Overlooking Siem Reap River, Sister Srey has cemented itself as a firm favourite on the breakfast – and lunch and coffee – scene since opening its doors in 2012. Doubling up as a social enterprise, the eatery’s breakfast options are served throughout the day. If you’re hungry, tuck into the Big Daddy and feast on two eggs any way, on two slices of bread, roasted tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, sautéed spinach, baked beans and hash browns or crispy bacon. Healthier options include smashed avocado on toast, and a dragon fruit smoothie bowl.
Little Red Fox Espresso
Over in Kandal Village, Little Red Fox Espresso has built up a solid fanbase in Siem Reap. As well as serving top-notch coffee, it’s breakfast menu is a winner. It’s heavily vegan- and vegetarian-friendly, with the option to add sides of bacon and other meats. A favourite is the funguy and temp-tress plate: organic herbed mushrooms, tomatoes and locally-made tempeh, served with vegan bread, tahini spread with pumpkin seeds and coriander. The masala omelette is another must.
Khéma Angkor
Perfect if you have a free morning to kill, Khéma’s free-flow breakfast runs every day from 6.30am to 10am ($13.50++) and is a great way to kick-start the day. The limitless options take in a range of Western and Cambodian dishes, with plenty of French choices on the menu. Start the day the Cambodian way with kuy teav – a fragrant pork and prawn noodle soup devoured by locals every morning – before feasting on pastries and an English breakfast, complimented by fruits and fresh yoghurts.
Malis
What better way to start the day than in the super-stylish setting of Malis Siem Reap? Overlooking Siem Reap River, the restaurant is set in a stunning colonial-style villa with a central courtyard. In line with the ethos of Malis’ owner, Cambodian Master Chef Luu Meng, the breakfast menu takes in a range of elevated Khmer dishes given a contemporary twist. Try the bay sach chrouk ang (grilled pork and rice) or lort char sach kor (wok-fried short noodles with beef).
Footprints Café
Light, bright and breezy, Footprints Café has come a long way since it opened in Siem Reap in late-2016. Since then, it has turned into a fully-fledged social enterprise book-focused café, training underprivileged Cambodians in hospitality. A second is in the making on the Thai island of Koh Phangan. The all-day breakfast menu takes in a range of hearty dishes, including Sunni’s Savory Fry-Up: a vegan fry-up with mushrooms in lok lak sauce, chopped tomatoes, spinach, sweet potato hash browns and toast.
Bayon Pastry School
Feast on the sweet treats on offer guilt-free because Bayon Pastry School’s coffee shop operates with a heart. All of the staff come from underprivileged backgrounds and have been trained and employed at Bayon School. There are three set-menu options to brighten up your morning. For a light snack, opt for the Sweet Break: one pastry and tea or coffee ($3); Breakfast: one pastry and one viennoiserie or two viennoiseries and tea or coffee, with a fruit salad ($5); or the French breakfast: one viennoiserie, tea or coffee and fruit salad ($3).
Brother Bong Café
With award-winning barista Bunthoeun behind the machine, you’re guaranteed a good cup of coffee to prepare you for the day ahead. Founded by a young Cambodian couple harbouring a passion for the bean, Brother Bong Café is a cute hideaway, where the food is locally-sourced and spans Khmer and international options. The menu also caters to gluten free, vegan and vegetarian diners. The full English breakfast, scrambled eggs with avocado and breakfast burger are a must.
