The classic breakfast comes in a range of interesting incarnations in Phnom Penh. Here are our favourites

FEEL GOOD CAFE A twist on the traditional eggs Benny, Feel Good’s is served on a mashed then fried potato patty, an ideal platter for their perfectly poached eggs, and topped with flavoursome and creamy hollandaise sauce. The cafe offers spinach ($5.25), bacon ($6) or smoked salmon ($7.50) as accompaniments, catering for all types of eaters, and you get a couple of deliciously roasted tomatoes to boot. With some of the best coffee in town, it’s one heck of a breakfast (or brunch or lunch or even dinner). #79 Street 136. Breakfast served 8am until 8pm

Eli Meixler D22 AT THE TAMA HOTEL Tama’s D22 restaurant and bar eschews poaching for their eggs Benedict, instead serving them up soft boiled. It’s a bold move – the eerily perfect ovoids do look a bit strange. But when you break open those suckers, spilling forth delicious orange goo, the oddness is soon forgotten. Served with good quality ham and decent hollandaise (it’s maybe a little too runny for some), for $6, it’s not bad value. Add a free drink, air-con, wi-fi, plenty of power outlets, hip surroundings and the view from the 22nd floor of the Phnom Penh tower and it’s really a bargain. Floor 22, Phnom Penh Tower, #445 Monivong Boulevard. Breakfast served until 11am

Eli Meixler TEA GARDEN The Tea Garden’s $6.50 eggs Benedict comes topped with blanched spinach and garnished with an herb locally known as chee on kang, which matches the green, leafy surroundings in the back garden. Served on thick slices of baguette, with generous amounts of ham or salmon, it’s a filling breakfast or brunch. The strong flavours of the spinach and ham tend to overwhelm the somewhat milquetoast hollandaise, even though there is plenty drizzled on top and around the plate, however all-in-all it’s still a delish dish. Goes well with their traditional or loose leaf teas. Street 19, near the corner of Street 172. Breakfast served all day

Eli Meixler THE DUCK When it comes to value, The Duck rules. While generally known for its high-class fusion dining with the likes of roasted pork belly and tofu cheesecake on the menu, The Duck’s eggs Benedict captures the dish’s simplicity without sacrificing style – finely chopped spinach floats among the yolk on top of toasted bread. And at just $3.75 (or $4.75 if ordered with bacon or salmon), the dish provides an inexpensive way to enjoy Duck’s opulent setting. #49 Sothearos Boulevard. Breakfast served 11am-3pm Monday-Friday, from 9am weekends

Will Jackson METRO HASSAKAN The eggs Benedict from Metro are among the priciest in Phnom Penh, but also the most substantial. For $8.20, along with a couple of perfectly done poached eggs, some smashingly tart and creamy hollandaise and two thick slices of ham, all on a toasted English muffin, you also get two stalks of asparagus, half a cooked tomato and some roasted potatoes. For Benedict purists, the extras will be a superfluous distraction at best and heretical at worst, but if you find the offerings at some others places don’t leave you sated, Metro might be a good choice. #271 Street 148 (corner of Sisowath Quay). Breakfast served all day

Eli Meixler DOORS MUSIC AND TAPAS Brunch at Doors is a favourite for foodies – and anyone else who likes a long, boozy afternoon. The menu, available only on Sunday, is packed with top-quality, low-priced dishes (from banana and chocolate pancakes with cinnamon sauce, to spicy Spanish sausage on ciabatta). Free-flow drinks (including sparkling wine, sangria, juice and coffee) is $18. The eggs Benedict ($3.50) is a rich and gooey delight, elegantly served on an English muffin with a bed of spinach and smoked salmon. A drizzle of hollandaise and splash of balsamic vinegar completes the plate. #18 Street 47 (corner of Street 84). Brunch is available Sundays, 11am until 3pm