Bai Sach Chrouk
Bai Sach Chrouk spread out from Phnom Penh, where it still dominates street corners in the morning hours, served from simple stalls, often run by the same family for generations. The combination of sweetish pork and plain rice is a direct legacy of the cuisine of rice-field workers, who needed quick energy before a day of labour. Unlike many other spice-heavy Cambodian dishes, Bai Sach Chrouk remains deliberately simple — meat, rice, and pickles — letting the quality of the raw ingredients speak for itself, which is why every vendor fiercely guards their reputation.
The capital's favourite breakfast
Bai Sach Chrouk is the morning dish most Phnom Penh residents start their day with.
Marinated with coconut milk
Thin slices of pork are marinated with coconut milk and garlic, which make them tender and slightly sweet.
Slow-grilled over charcoal
The meat is grilled slowly over charcoal, turned constantly, for an even, caramelised crust.
Tangy pickles on the side
A small bowl of pickled cucumber and carrot balances the sweetness of the marinated meat.
Ingredients 4 servings
- 600g pork chop, thinly sliced
- 150ml coconut milk
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 400g white rice
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 100ml rice vinegar
How to make it
- 1Mix the coconut milk, garlic, fish sauce, and sugar together in a bowl for the marinade.
- 2Add the thin pork slices and let them marinate for at least two hours, ideally overnight, in the fridge.
- 3Cook the white rice according to the instructions until fluffy.
- 4Toss the thinly sliced cucumber and carrot with the rice vinegar and a little salt, letting them pickle while everything else is prepared.
- 5Remove the meat from the marinade and let it come to room temperature.
- 6Grill the meat over charcoal or in a very hot pan, turning often, until it develops a caramelised crust on both sides.
- 7Serve sliced over the steamed rice, alongside the tangy pickles.
Nutritional info
per serving (~350 g)
Estimated nutritional values.
Pairs perfectly with
