Eat & Drink in Brunei

LOCAL DELICACIES
Carried down from generation to generation, if there’s one thing that has survived the test of time in Brunei, it’s definitely our food and our love for it. Live our culture in the best way possible, through your sense of taste.

Ambuyat
Brunei’s proud national dish. Derived from the interior trunk of the sago palm tree, ambuyat consists of a mix of starchy, solid whites (similar to tapioca starch) and water. Served sticky with a dip called cacah (usually sour and spicy), ambuyat is completely edible without chewing it. In fact, it’s normal to just swallow it; it’s the savoury taste that people yearn for.

Ambuyat is also one of the dishes that has a specific method of consuming it. Using a V-shaped bamboo stick called candas (think chopsticks, except one end is adjoined together), the way you eat it is to twirl some of the sticky texture onto your tips and then dip them in the cacah . It’s a satisfyingly fresh way of eating that you just won’t expect!

Nasi Katok
Nasi means rice and katok literally means knock. The story of how this name came about is that people used to have to knock on the nasi seller’s doors to make an order. Gradually, the name stuck and now we have one of the most beloved dishes of the country.

Though there many variations of the dish spread throughout Brunei, the basic contents remain the same: one serving of rice, one piece of fried chicken and the best part, the sambal (dip). Ultimately, the most remarkable thing about nasi katok has always been that it’s so affordable: at only BND1 per pack!

Kelupis
Essentially rice cakes made from glutinous rice, kelupis is one of Brunei’s all-time favourite snacks wrapped in Nyirikleaf. Traditionally, in the Bisaya culture, they’re served as light refreshments during a wedding or a special occasion. There are many varieties of the kelupis; some served with dried shrimp, some served with anchovies. But on its own, it’s still a sweet delicacy, especially when eaten with peanut or curry dip.

Pulut Panggang
Brunei is also well-known for their pulut panggang, a similar snack which is prepared by having its wrapped contents grilled instead of steamed, like it is done with kelupis. For some of the best tastes of pulut panggang, we recommend stopping by a long-standing Chinese restaurant called Mei Fang in Tutong. Be wary though as they’re so delicious there, they can even run out as early as 8:30 am in the morning!

Bamboo Chicken
Unique to the culinary arts of Borneo, this rich and aromatic dish has long been a secret recipe to the Iban longhouse communities. Now that it’s out in the open, everyone gets to sample a taste of its succulent flavour.

Prepared by stuffing marinated chicken into bamboo poles, onions and other spices are stuffed along with it and wedged shut with bamboo leaves. Next, it’s nestled atop an open fire, and this is where the aroma begins to fill the air as the chicken is slowly cooked to perfection. Pair it with a platter of rice, and you’ve got a signature dish that will forever be a favourite here in Brunei.

Selurut
The Selurut, a dessert of many names! So soft, your teeth practically slides through the steamed rice cake, with a sweet aftertaste left at the tip of your tongue. This traditional yet popular cone-shaped snack, is made with a floury brew of rice and sago, then drenched in salted water with a dash of coconut milk. The concoction is then poured inside a cone-rolled coconut leaf and left to steam.

Penyaram
Have you ever seen a UFO up-close and personal? Well, have you eaten a UFO before? In Brunei, you’ll get that chance. The Penyaram, or also known as Kuih UFO, a creation by the Bruneian Malay and the Bajaus. Take some rice flour, or corn flour, sprinkle in some coconut milk to mold the dough, before throwing it into a pan-full of hot cooking oil for a bite of Brunei’s very own UFO!

Tapai
Fancy a wrap of Bruneian Tapai? A very lengthy process follows in making this traditional Malay snack, but with great effort forms a mouth-watering sweet-sour rice snack. It is made with rolling a mix of Siam rice with “laru” and sugar. Laru (or ragi) is the yeast starter which helps kickstart the fermentation process. The mixture is then wrapped with nipah leaves, kept in a cool place for fermentation, then Voila! You’ve got your hands on a much-loved Bruneian snack.

Kuih Cincin
Fun fact! The word ‘Cincin’ translates to ‘ring’, and why would you ever want to eat a ring? Well in Brunei you will ‘want’ to eat a ring! Made with both red-palm sugar and brown-sugar, and coated with rice flour ready for a deep fry finish. If you haven’t already noticed, in Brunei, everyone loves rice flour!

Keropok Udang
A staple snack for both local dwellers, and foreign holidaymakers, the Keropok Udang is a traditional snack that is shared all across Borneo, including our Kalimantan neighbours. The shape of each Prawn Cracker vary from artisan-to-artisan, but by default, it has a yellowish-white hue. A blend of minced-prawn and starch; garnished with garlic, salt & pepper, and baked under the sun before frying in hot oil to crispy perfection!

RESTAURANTS
Depending on what you might want for a Saturday night dinner, Brunei boasts a fine selection of restaurants offering the most diverse cuisines, ranging from traditional Malay to Chinese and Japanese food.

Might want to book a table in advance during the weekends. These places tend to get real full, real fast.

Excapade
One of the most popular chain restaurants in the country specialising in Japanese cuisine, Excapade Restaurant has several branches in the capital, with an extensive menu that’s sure to satisfy your sushi cravings.

Old Time Kopitiam
Whether you’re in search of a simple, hearty breakfast, or tea with local snacks, Old Time Kopitiam has it all. The place is always bustling with local families in the morning, so if you’re planning to have a meal here to start the day, make sure you get there early!

Gurkha Palace
For a unique and diverse dining experience, don’t forget to stop by Gurkha Palace if you’re visiting Seria in the Belait District, which is known for its Nepalese cuisine. Don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with the cuisine; the menu has helpful descriptions for each mouth-watering dish!

The Horizons Seafood Restaurant
One of the finest restaurants in the capital, the Horizons Seafood Restaurant is best known for their grand selection of succulent seafood dishes spanning across Asian and Western cuisines while offering guests a breathtaking view of Kampong Ayer (the city’s historic water village) by day, and a beautiful riverside filled with reflections from the city’s skyline by night.

Burgers & Grill
Step back in time at Burgers & Grills, specifically to the 80s, and have yourself a merry time! With its black and white tiles and a jukebox to boot, this retro diner is a sight for sore eyes. Take a bite of their signature burgers like ‘Slap the Bass’ and ‘Notorious BLT’ with a side of golden fries and wash it all down with a sweet ol’ mikshake to complete the ideal meal!

Sapphira Cake House
Plan a tea time feast at family-run restaurant Sapphira Cake House and feast on delectable traditional malay delicacies that are freshly baked every day! Enjoy mouth-watering local cakes like the dual color ‘Kuih Talam’ with a taste of green pandan and coconut cream, the famous layered cake, also known as ‘Kuih Lapis’ and wobbly ‘Kuih Kusoi’ with fresh coconut shavings on top! But cakes aside, the cafe also serves savoury dishes like Nasi Lemak Ayam and Mee Mamak.

Dynasty Restaurant
A welcoming Chinese restaurant located on the ground floor of Centrepoint Hotel, nicely designed in a modern concept and oriental elegance. Dynasty Restaurant is known as one of the best halal Chinese restaurants in Brunei serving an expansive menu of 50 dim sum pieces and Chinese cuisine. The extensive menu focuses on Cantonese fare, but also strays into south-east Asia with the likes of Kway Teow and Fish Fillet with Butter Milk Sauce.

Lao Di Fang
An ode to the kopitiam culture that we hold dearly, Lao Di Fang is decorated with nostalgic ornaments that can really bring a sense of comfort and familiarity. From coke bottles that date back decades to old-fashioned telephones that made every connection more meaningful – the time capsule of a restaurant boasts a wide menu of delicious dishes. Some of their most memorable ones are the grilled chicken wings and an array of classic noodles with a twist like their Penyet Kway Teow!

Amsarra Lebanese & Mediterranean Grill
Specialised in whipping up delicious Lebanese and Mediterranean grills with a touch of local flavor, Amsarra Shawarma is a true delight to visit! And if you come at the right time, you’ll be able to catch their huge Sungkai buffets that happen during Ramadhan each year. With the likes of flavorful hummus and tabouleh as well as persian jeweled rice that come with fresh pomegranates, dried cranberries and sometimes a whole salmon tarator. Now if that doesn’t tickle your tastebuds, we don’t know what will!

CAFÉS
Over the past decade, Bruneians have taken an interest in the coffee culture and the art of brewing sophisticated cup profiles. The café scene may be relatively new here, but you’re bound to discover a few bona fide sips that stay true to the bean in your travels here.

Two Sons Coffee
Good coffee with a side of donuts. Doesn’t that just sound heavenly?
Set yourself up for a lovely time at Two Sons Coffee with specially brewed in house coffee and fresh baked goods that tempt you right by the counter. Sharing a space with Nollybooks at Setia Kenangan, Kiulap, the corner cafe packs a big punch in the food and drink they serve out. And if you’re lucky, you might catch donut day.

Little Audrey’s
“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” – Audrey Hepburn
Perfect for a brunch meet up with friends, a lunch do with colleagues and a classy eatery place. Little Audrey’s, despite what the name suggests, brings much more than a little class to the table. With a versatile menu of elegant high-tea choices as well as healthier options that are just as scrumptious.

Tasanee Fast Food
They specialize in one thing and we’re so glad they do because it’s the bomb! Tasanee Fast Food serves a mean plate of Fried Kuey Teow that can satisfy any palate. Their specialty flat rice flour noodles are so tasty and quick, it seems like an effortless process to get it out of the kitchen and onto our tables. But the history behind it is as rich as the highly requested extra sunny side up with runny yolk that comes on top of it. The story goes that the recipe came from Seria in the Kuala Belait District. And this coffeeshop proves that if you’re just serving one dish, serve it well.

Flour & Butter
Albeit small in space, this cafe shows that a little flour and butter can go a long way!
Of heavenly durian cakes and delicious western cuisine with an Asian twist, Flour & Butter knows how to merge creativity with rich flavour! Inspired by the tastes of the world and the internet, like their Mac and Cheese Burger which they got from Buzzfeed, dining here can be an experience like no other. Not only do they serve savoury food, but there’s something for the sweet tooth as well. If you’re an adventurous foodie looking for a memorable dish, you must try their Musang King Durian cake.

High Frequency
Miscellaneous furniture. Brick wall. Concrete floors. Now doesn’t that paint a picture of a cafe?
With baby blue exterior and big wide windows, it’s like an open invitation for people to visit the High Frequency Lifestyle Cafe. From all-day brunch items like creamy eggs benedict served on crispy brioche and dinner dishes like steak or seafood, this cafe is an all-round delight anytime of the day. And if you’re a coffee lover, then you need to stop by for a cuppa of warm or iced coffee to jumpstart your day.

Collective Wildflower
‘There are as many ways of loving as there are people, and that wildflower variety is the great beauty of this dimension of existence.’ – Rumi
With faux grass carpet and beautiful illustrations of wildflowers painted on the wall, The Collective Wildflower boasts colorful sights with delicious food and drink. The quaint cafe also doubles as a florist, hence the theme, and is ideal for foodies who want to experience the culinary wild side of things! Albeit a small menu, each item on it was crafted out of imagination and good taste. One must try item on the menu is their line of Superfood Lattes – deliciously healthy, caffeine-free and available in 3 flavours, it’s just the thing to make that Instagram photo pop!

STREET FOOD
More of an eat-and-go kind of person? The street markets of Brunei may just be right up your alley with an incredibly diverse range of tasty street food and flavorful snacks, and a wholesome and hospitable crowd to top the whole experience off.

Pasar Malam
Brunei’s legendary night market right on the outskirts of Gadong, with some dishes being sold for as low as BND1. Thanks to a seemingly endless variety of local snacks and dishes, from grilled meat on skewers, rice topped with chicken and sambal on the side and a whole lot more of Bruneian favourites, this is undoubtedly Brunei’s busiest and most buzzing night stop on any day. Just be ready to handle the smoke from nearby stalls though, as it can get quite hot and hazy at times.

Tamu Kianggeh
Possibly the best place for a quick, affordable breakfast and a casual morning stroll, absorbing the sights and sounds of a thriving market. Located just along the Kianggeh River, Tamu Kianggeh sees daily visitors coming from all over Brunei for their fresh ingredients and homemade delights. But it’s the calm and relaxed atmosphere that they keep coming back for. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you can even catch a live cultural performance of the gulingtangan(traditional brass musical instruments) on happenstance, when the hawkers are in a good mood or just looking to drum up some business.

The Box
Newly established and creatively constructed to captivate the attention of basically everyone! With its eclectic array of trending food and drinks and random contraptions here and there, the ambience is hard to resist for more than one Instagrammable photo to encapsulate one’s presence there.

Sumbangsih Mulia Complex
A bustling hub of numerous food stalls under one roof, one is absolutely spoiled for choice at Sumbangsih Mulia Complex! Nestled in the busy Beribi industrial area, the place is akin to a large food court with numerous offerings from local snacks like penyaram and celurut, to more filling dishes like the incredibly affordable nasi katokand soto, noodles cooked in beef broth.

Jerudong Park Food Court
Just across the Jerudong Park Amusement Park is the country’s arguably largest food court! The Jerudong Park Food Court, which is open from early afternoon until midnight, definitely won’t disappoint when it comes to its incredibly delicious offerings. Take a stroll along the many food vendors selling a variety of delicacies, such as satay and an assortment of grilled meats, including chicken tail, known as tongkeng ayam. The food court also offers Malay, Korean, Western and Mexican cuisines to satisfy your palate!