Kuy Teav (Noodle Soup)

Uncover the Mysterious Cambodian Noodle Soup That Will Revolutionize Your Morning Meals

Kuy Teav: Cambodia’s Flavor-Packed Breakfast Bowl That Blows Your Taste Buds Away—You Won’t Believe How Easy It Is to Make!

Kuy Teav (Noodle Soup)

Recipe Index

  1. Fish Amok
  2. Lok Lak (Stir-fried Beef)
  3. Nom Banh Chok (Khmer Noodles)
  4. Samlor Korko (Stirring Pot Soup)
  5. Beef Saraman Curry
  6. Char Kroeung Sach Ko (Stir-fried Lemongrass Beef)
  7. Bai Sach Chrouk (Pork and Rice)
  8. Kuy Teav (Noodle Soup)
  9. Prahok Ktis (Pork and Coconut Dip)
  10. Num Ansom Chek (Banana Sticky Rice Cake)
  11. Lap Khmer (Lime-marinated Khmer Beef Salad)
  12. Char Kdav (Caramelized Palm Sugar Chicken)
  13. Maam Snoul (Fermented Fish)
  14. Nom Kong (Khmer Donuts)
  15. Twa Ko (Khmer Sausage)

Imagine waking up to the ideal breakfast bowl that not only fills your stomach but also brightens your entire day with its delicious flavor. Meet Kuy Teav, Cambodia’s delicious noodle soup that is sure to become your morning obsession.

This isn’t just ordinary soup; it’s a delectable symphony of soft noodles, succulent pork, and expertly seasoned broth that will leave you demanding more.

Are you ready to jump into a bowl of magic that will enhance your morning game?

Kuy Teav (គុយទាវ)

Overview

Kuy Teav is a beloved Cambodian rice noodle soup, typically served for breakfast but enjoyed throughout the day. This comforting dish features a flavorful clear broth, rice noodles, and various toppings, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that reflect the essence of Khmer cuisine.

Cultural Significance

Origins and Influences

Kuy Teav showcases the Chinese influence on Cambodian cuisine, with its origins likely traced back to Chinese immigrants. Over time, it has been adapted to local tastes and ingredients, becoming a distinctly Khmer dish.

Role in Daily Life

This noodle soup is a staple in Cambodian food culture, found in homes, street stalls, and restaurants across the country. In Siem Reap, it’s a popular choice for both locals starting their day and tourists seeking an authentic culinary experience.

When It’s Eaten

While primarily a breakfast dish, Kuy Teav is enjoyed throughout the day in Cambodia. In Siem Reap, you’ll find it served from early morning at local markets and street-side stalls, and well into the afternoon at restaurants catering to various schedules.

Key Information

  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 2 hours (for the broth)
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Medium
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the broth:

  • 1.5 kg pork bones
  • 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
  • 2 onions, quartered
  • 2 inches ginger, sliced
  • 2 tbsp rock sugar
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • Salt to taste

For the soup:

  • 400g rice noodles
  • 200g minced pork
  • 100g shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 quail eggs, hard-boiled (optional)

Toppings and garnishes:

  • Bean sprouts
  • Chives, chopped
  • Fried shallots
  • Lime wedges
  • Fresh chili slices
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Sriracha sauce

Notes on Ingredients

  • Fresh rice noodles can be found at the Old Market (Psar Chas) in Siem Reap. Dried rice noodles are a suitable alternative.
  • Rock sugar gives the broth a unique sweetness, but regular sugar can be substituted.

Instructions

Preparing the broth:

  1. In a large pot, bring 3 liters of water to a boil.
  2. Add pork bones and chicken pieces. Bring back to a boil and skim off any foam.
  3. Add onions, ginger, rock sugar, and fish sauce.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, skimming occasionally.
  5. Strain the broth and season with salt to taste.

Preparing the toppings:

  1. In a small pan, cook minced pork until browned.
  2. Briefly poach shrimp in the hot broth until just cooked.
  3. Hard-boil quail eggs, peel, and set aside.

Assembling the soup:

  1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
  2. Divide noodles among four bowls.
  3. Top with minced pork, shrimp, and quail eggs.
  4. Ladle hot broth over the noodles and toppings.
  5. Garnish with bean sprouts, chives, and fried shallots.
  6. Serve with lime wedges, chili slices, hoisin sauce, and sriracha on the side.

Serving Suggestions

  • Traditionally served with the broth very hot and garnishes on the side, allowing diners to customize their bowl.
  • Some prefer to add the sauces and garnishes to the broth, while others use them as dipping sauces for the meat and noodles.

Beverage Pairings

  • Non-alcoholic: Jasmine tea or iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk (Cafe Touk Doh Koh Touk).
  • Alcoholic: A light lager beer or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors well.

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
  • Protein: 25g
  • Carbs: 50g
  • Fats: 10g
  • Rich in collagen from the bone broth, providing potential benefits for skin and joint health

Variations

Regional Differences

  • Phnom Penh style often includes liver and blood cake as additional toppings.
  • Some versions in Siem Reap might include local herbs or vegetables specific to the region.

Modern Adaptations

  • Vegetarian versions replace the meat-based broth with a mushroom or vegetable broth and use tofu or mock meats as toppings.
  • Some upscale restaurants in Siem Reap offer fusion versions with non-traditional ingredients like truffle oil or imported seafood.

Cultural Notes

  • The way one eats Kuy Teav can vary; some prefer to add all garnishes at once, while others add them gradually as they eat.
  • The dish reflects the Cambodian culinary principle of balancing different flavors and textures in a single bowl.

Chef’s Tips

  • For the best flavor, make the broth a day ahead and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to develop fully.
  • Don’t overcook the noodles; they should remain slightly firm as they will continue to cook in the hot broth.
  • Adjust the seasoning of the broth just before serving, as the flavors can intensify as it reduces.

Related Experiences

  • “Morning Market Food Tour” in Siem Reap, where you can taste authentic Kuy Teav from local vendors.
  • Cooking class focused on Cambodian soups and broths at a local culinary school.
  • Visit to a local noodle-making workshop to see how fresh rice noodles are produced.

Editor’s Note: Brace yourself for a flavor adventure like no other. Kuy Teav is more than just a dish—it’s a cultural experience that brings the heart of Cambodia right to your table. Packed with authentic taste and tradition, this soup is the breakfast you never knew you needed but won’t be able to live without. Here’s what makes it truly special.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Flavor Explosion in Every Sip: The broth is the star here, simmered for hours with pork bones and fresh herbs, delivering a deep, rich taste that dances on your tongue and leaves you wanting more.

  2. Noodles Like You’ve Never Had Before: These silky rice noodles soak up the delicious broth, creating a perfect balance of texture and flavor that’s incredibly satisfying with every bite.

  3. A Breakfast That Feels Like a Warm Hug: Kuy Teav is comfort in a bowl—warm, hearty, and filling. It’s the kind of breakfast that wraps you up in its flavors and makes you feel ready to take on the world.

  4. Customize Your Bowl Your Way: Whether you like it spicy, tangy, or sweet, Kuy Teav is all about personalizing your bowl with endless topping possibilities—from fresh herbs to crunchy bean sprouts and zesty lime.

  5. A Taste of Cambodia’s Culinary History: This dish is a testament to Cambodia’s rich culinary heritage, combining Chinese influences with Khmer cooking techniques, making it a true cultural gem.

  6. Easily Make It at Home: With a straightforward recipe, Kuy Teav is surprisingly simple to recreate in your kitchen. The ingredients are accessible, and the step-by-step process ensures you can enjoy this authentic Cambodian delight anytime.

  7. Perfect for Any Time of the Day: While traditionally a breakfast dish, Kuy Teav’s light yet filling nature makes it an ideal meal for lunch or dinner too. It’s versatile, satisfying, and always delicious.

  8. Nutritional Powerhouse: This soup isn’t just tasty—it’s packed with protein, healthy carbs, and collagen-rich broth that’s great for your joints and skin. It’s a meal that nourishes from the inside out.

  9. Street Food Vibes at Home: Bringing Kuy Teav into your kitchen is like taking a trip to the vibrant streets of Cambodia. The smells, the flavors, the experience—it’s all right there in your bowl.

  10. A Fun Cooking Experience for All: Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting in the kitchen, making Kuy Teav is an enjoyable process. Plus, the result is so rewarding, you’ll want to make it again and again!

  11. Pairs Perfectly with Your Favorite Beverage: From iced coffee to a cold beer, Kuy Teav pairs beautifully with a variety of drinks, making it a flexible meal that fits any occasion.

Featured

Best Floating Village in Siem Reap

Best Floating Village in Siem Reap

How to Get from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap Quickly and Easily

How to Get from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap Quickly and Easily

Siem Reap floating village tours

Siem Reap floating village tours – Explore floating villages where boats replace cars and water is everyone’s front yard!

The Best Siem Reap Travel Itinerary

The Best Siem Reap Travel Itinerary Plan Takes You Inside Real-Life Temple Ruins and a Village That Floats on Water

The Ultimate Guide to Getting Your Cambodia Tourist Visa

The Ultimate Guide to Getting Your Cambodia Tourist Visa: Everything You Need to Know to get Ready for Your 2025 Siem Reap tours

Discover the 2024-2025 Cambodia Travel Trends EVERYONE Will Be Talking About!

Discover the 2024-2025 Cambodia Travel Trends EVERYONE Will Be Talking About! Get Ready for the Ultimate Travel Season!

Cambodian Festival Calendar [2025 Update]

Cambodian Festival Calendar – For visitors interested in timing their trip with local festivals

Lions of the Ancient Khmer Empire

Lions of the Ancient Khmer Empire

Siem Reap Rainy Day Activities

Siem Reap Rainy Day Activities – Fun Things To Do in Siem Reap When It’s Pouring Rain (And You Won’t Get Bored!)

Temple Architectural Glossary - Key Architectural Terms to Decode Angkor's Ancient Structures and Impress Your Travel Companions

Angkor Temples Architectural Glossary – Key Architectural Terms to Decode Angkor’s Ancient Structures and Impress Your Travel Companions

Key Milestones in the Restoration of Phnom Bakheng Temple You Need to Know

Key Milestones in the Restoration of Phnom Bakheng Temple You Need to Know

Cambodia Responsible Tourism Pledge – Save Temples and Wildlife While You Explore!

The Secret Sunset Spot That Rivals Angkor Wat (Without the Crowds!)​

Bakong Temple – The Secret Sunset Spot That Rivals Angkor Wat (Without the Crowds!)

Ultimate Siem Reap Packing List

Ultimate Siem Reap Packing List Generator: Tailored for Every Season and Event for Every Traveler

New Extended Angkor Opening Hours - Angkor Wat's Game-Changing Move!

New Extended Angkor Opening Hours – Sunrise Secrets Unlocked – Angkor Wat’s Game-Changing Move!

Shopping Cart