Discovering Café Bora: A Delightful Lunch And Evening Spot Near Phnom Penh's Royal Palace

Khor Ko: Cambodian Slow Cooked Beef Stew

This week, I discovered Café Bora, a charming establishment located along Street 184, just somewhere behind the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. This inviting cafe features an open rooftop and offers menu that spans both local Cambodian cuisine and Western favorites. Their all-day breakfast menu (available until 5pm) complements their evening offerings of pizza, cocktails, and beer served on their rooftop.

Egg Florentine: Cafe Bora own spin of this popular Italian breakfast and brunch dish

For lunch, I ordered the Eggs Florentine served on a baguette from their breakfast menu. I also couldn't resist trying their Khor Ko, a Cambodian slow-cooked beef stew that has long been one of my favorite local dishes. This humble yet sophisticated stew perfectly demonstrates the careful balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic elements that characterize authentic Khmer cooking. It pairs wonderfully with a baguette that soaks up all the rich flavors.

Meet Bora: Owner and jack of all trades at his cafe from bar to kitchen and service

During my meal, I had the pleasure of meeting Bora, the owner, who graciously shared his journey with me. After working in the food industry for a decade, he took the leap to open his own restaurant—a venture both challenging and rewarding. He recently celebrated the restaurant's first anniversary and spoke warmly about the support he's received from friends and the connections he's made with customers. When I inquired about his menu development, Bora explained that he and his team of home cooks prepare everything themselves. His culinary skills were acquired from various sources: friends, chefs from previous workplaces, and online resources.

As someone who has worked in the food industry for decades, I believe the success of a establishment like Café Bora stems from genuine customer interactions and meticulous attention to what's being served. This approach builds trust and creates a comfortable dining atmosphere, whether you're dining solo (as I often do) or with a group. After all, that's what the dining experience is truly about. I'm looking forward to my next visit, when I plan to enjoy some pizza and drinks on their rooftop in the evening.

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