Never let anyone tell you that Phnom Penh doesn’t have a brunch scene.

Tini

Tini is one of my favourite places in the world. This is based off a few things: firstly, they have a deal where you can get a very good cold brew and croissant for $3.50 in the mornings. Secondly, they have a tree growing out front and a balcony upstairs on the same level as the tree branches, so that when you have the fan going and the sun is shining it’s easy to pretend you’re actually in the tree itself, sipping coffee and eating your croissant. And thirdly, they have the best ice cream in the world. They also have a food menu made up of street food from around Phnom Penh, which is great because since it’s locals choosing it you know you won’t get food poisoning. Out of everywhere in the city it’s my favourite work-from-home, after-dinner drinks and everything in between spot.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/TiniPP450/

Location: Russian Market – St. 450, between 135 & 155

Lot 369

I came for the appies (mediocre), I stayed for the brunch and coffee (best in the city). They have an open-air covered seating area in the front, and a big brightly-lit room upstairs with lots of big couches and tables to work. It’s always chock-full of expats homesick for a solid latte or smoothie. On Wednesdays they do 1$ coffees, which you should absolutely take advantage of because they brew with Feel Good beans – directly sourced from farmers around Southeast Asia, grown using sustainable and ethical practices, and one of the best blends in Cambodia. The turmeric lattes are also delicious and I swear they’re the reason I never got a cold while in Phnom Penh.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/lot369/

Location: Russian Market – St.454, between 123 & 115

L’Irrésistible

They started off making jam, and now they have a café where you can get crêpes and toast with said jam. Best to avoid the coffee but the watermelon jam is to die for, and the staff are really lovely.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/lirresistiblejam/

Location: Russian Market – St. 454, between 135 & 155

Backyard Café

This little gem is near the Royal Palace, which being in Riverside can be pretty packed with tourists but the combination of the quiet side street and tons of green growing things overflowing from the balcony means it feels miles away from the bustle of people. The avocado toast is to die for – seriously best I’ve ever had – but everything on the menu is vegetarian/vegan-friendly and deliciously fresh.

Website: https://backyardeats.com/

Location: Riverside – St. 246, right off St. 3

Feel Good II

The home of Feel Good Coffee Roasters, so not only can you buy their beans here but you can also drink/buy their tea blends. They’re also a reliable place for a delicious brunch, and they have a walled-off garden area which is nice to work from. Feel Good is my backup place for brunch when I’m near Riverside or not feeling like Lot 369.

Website: http://www.feelgoodcoffee.com.kh/

Location: Independence Monument – St. 29, just off of St. 294

Java Café

I discovered this place in my very last week in Phnom Penh; I tried to make up for this by going three times in the next four days. Anywhere which is accessed by a secret-looking side staircase is bound to be good and this place doesn’t disappoint. It’s in a lovely old colonial building with a huge balcony chock-full of plants growing everywhere, so it achieves that feeling which is so precious in Phnom Penh of feeling like you’re in a garden. Plus, the food and drinks are amazing (if a little on the pricey side.)

Website: http://javacambodia.com/

Location: Independence Monument – Sihanouk Boulevard at St. 29

Khema

Now that I’m back in Canada I’m really wishing I’d gone for the 12$ all you can eat brunch at this fancy French restaurant, but when I was actually in Phnom Penh 12$ was as much as I’d spend in two or three days on food so I never went for it. But it got rave reviews from everyone who went so if you’re ok with splurging then this is a good bet.

Website: https://www.khema-restaurant.com/

Location: Independence Monument – St 51 & 228