What is Kuy Teav?

Kuy Teav (pronounced “kwee tee-uh”) is a Cambodian noodle soup featuring a savoury broth made from pork bones, beef, or seafood, and loaded with thin rice noodles. It’s typically garnished with a selection of fresh herbs, lime, bean sprouts, and green onions, offering a mix of textures and flavours in every bite. What makes Kuy Teav truly special is its customizable nature—diners can add chili, lime, soy sauce, or fish sauce to create the perfect bowl for their taste.

Traditionally eaten for breakfast, Kuy Teav has become popular as a lunch or dinner option as well, especially among those craving a light yet filling meal.

Key Ingredients in Kuy Teav

The magic of Kuy Teav lies in its combination of simple yet fresh ingredients. The key components include:

1. Rice Noodles: Thin, delicate noodles that soak up the flavours of the broth.
   
   
2. Broth: A slow-cooked stock, often made from pork bones, beef bones, or seafood, which gives the soup its rich, savoury base.
   
   
3. Protein Options: Common choices include thinly sliced pork, beef, shrimp, or fish balls. Some vendors may even add liver or intestines for a more traditional touch.
   
   
4. Herbs and Garnishes: Fresh cilantro, green onions, bean sprouts, and sometimes lettuce leaves are used to add freshness and crunch.
   
   
5. Condiments: Diners can customize their Kuy Teav with lime wedges, chili paste, sugar, fish sauce, and soy sauce.
   
   

The combination of these ingredients results in a dish that’s light yet packed with flavor, making Kuy Teav an ideal street food option, especially in Cambodia’s warm climate.

Where to Find Kuy Teav in Cambodia

Kuy Teav is a staple at Cambodian markets, street stalls, and small noodle shops. Cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap offer a variety of vendors serving different takes on the dish, from simple, classic versions to more elaborate versions with additional ingredients. Some stalls offer a “dry” version where the noodles and toppings are served without broth, accompanied by a separate bowl of soup, which allows diners to enjoy the noodles with a different texture.

If you’re looking for the most authentic experience, try Kuy Teav at a local open-air market in the early morning, where vendors serve it to locals starting their day.

Tips for Enjoying Kuy Teav

1. Experiment with Condiments: Try adding small amounts of each condiment to find the perfect balance. Fish sauce adds depth, chili paste adds spice, and lime juice brightens up the flavours.
   
   

2. Order “Wet” or “Dry”: If you prefer a soupier texture, order Kuy Teav as the traditional “wet” version with the broth poured over. If you like a more intense flavor in each bite, the “dry” version might be perfect.
   
   

3. Pair with Traditional Sides: Kuy Teav pairs well with a Cambodian iced coffee or fresh fruit juice, especially in the morning.
   
   

Cultural Significance of Kuy Teav

Kuy Teav isn’t just a dish; it’s a part of Cambodia’s rich culinary culture. It’s often eaten in bustling marketplaces or by street-side vendors where locals gather, creating a shared food experience that’s central to Cambodian life. The dish’s simplicity and versatility reflect the resourcefulness and creativity of Cambodian cuisine, where local ingredients are transformed into deeply satisfying dishes.