Cambodian Pork and Rice with a Fried Egg - Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Cambodian Pork and Rice with a Fried Egg

by the Bright Lotus Restaurant, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the best. It was an early morning in Phnom Penh, the busy capital of Cambodia, and I was hungry. It was my first morning in the city, and I decided to eat at the little local restaurant on the ground floor of my guesthouse.

I asked the staff at the restaurant for their recommendation for breakfast, and they suggested pork and rice. They told me that it is a Cambodian breakfast staple, and a go-to when you are in the mood for a simple and filling meal to start your day.

pork and rice with a fried egg in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
pork and rice with a fried egg in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The breakfast arrived quickly. A generous portion of fried pork which had been marinaded in a mixture of fish sauce, palm sugar, and various herbs overnight topped a huge scoop of white rice. On top of that was a fried egg for extra flavor and protein. The dish was served with fresh slices of tomato and cucumer, and a small cup of pickled carrot, radish, and cucumber slices.

pork and rice breakfast in Cambodia
pork and rice breakfast in Cambodia

I like my food a little spicy, so I added some of the provided hot chili sauce on top. Not too much, just enough for a small extra kick. This dish is meant to be eaten all mixed up, so I broke the egg yolk and mixed the egg, pork, chili, and rice together. It's best to have a little bit of everything in each bite.

pork and rice with a fried egg, chili, and pickled vegetables in Cambodia
pork and rice with a fried egg, chili, and pickled vegetables in Cambodia

Location

The restaurant is located on the ground floor of The Bright Lotus Guesthouse, a cozy family-run guesthouse with cheap and basic but clean rooms located in a perfect location near the Royal Palace and the riverside area. The restaurant serves a variety of Khmer and Western dishes.


Bright Lotus Guesthouse, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Bright Lotus Guesthouse, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

See the exact location in the embedded map below:

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