Cambodia Investment Review
South Korean coffee chain Mega MGC Coffee has opened a new branch in Phnom Penh’s Bak Touk area as it expands across Cambodia, with plans to operate more than 20 stores nationwide and employ about 300 local staff by 2027.
The new outlet, on Road 139 in Veal Vong commune, opened on November 11. Its launch included a Cambodian traditional dance performance and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Mega MGC Coffee entered Cambodia in October, opening its first store in the Koh Pich area on October 7. It has since opened branches in Toul Tom Pong and near the Institute of Foreign Languages, with another outlet planned for Chroy Changva before the end of 2026.
The Cambodian business is operated by local partner Saisons Brothers Holding F&B.
A High-Volume Model in a Crowded Market
Mega MGC Coffee is entering a Phnom Penh market where local and international brands compete across cafés, restaurants and takeaway outlets. Its model centres on large-volume drinks, signature menu items and prices positioned as affordable, drawing on the format it developed in South Korea.
That combination gives the chain a distinct point of difference in a market where customers have a wide choice of coffee shops and dining options. The company also aims to introduce elements of Korean coffee culture through its menu and store experience, under the brand concept “Same Same, But MEGA Different.”
Its first Cambodian outlet in Koh Pich offered a more visible expression of that approach. The store combined design elements inspired by hanok, a traditional Korean architectural style, with an outdoor garden and the surrounding Cambodian setting. The company said the branch occupies a 76-pyeong building on a site of about 240 pyeong.
The approach suggests the expansion is built around more than adding outlets: store format, location and value-led drinks are intended to help the brand stand out as it reaches different customer groups.
Expansion and Local Hiring Plans
Mega MGC Coffee plans to establish stores in major residential and commercial areas, initially concentrating on Phnom Penh before expanding its network across the country. Its target of more than 20 stores and about 300 local employees by 2027 would make hiring and consistent operations important parts of the growth plan.
The chain has been expanding internationally since opening its first overseas store in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, in 2024. It has identified Cambodia as one of its bases for entering Southeast Asia.
The company’s rapid store rollout will test whether its large-format, value-focused offer can build a lasting customer base amid strong competition in Cambodia’s food and beverage sector. Its ability to pair an accessible menu with distinctive stores and reliable service will be central to turning its expansion targets into sustained growth.
