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Published on January 22, 2026

Must-Try Brunei Food: A Culinary Guide for Travelers

Brunei Darussalam, often celebrated for its stunning mosques and lush rainforests, also offers a fascinating culinary journey. Delve into the rich flavors of Bruneian cuisine, a delightful fusion of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, with its own unique local twists.

Embark on an adventure for your taste buds, exploring everything from the national dish to beloved street food. This guide will help you navigate the vibrant food scene, ensuring you savor the authentic tastes of Brunei.

The Heart of Bruneian Cuisine: Ambuyat

No culinary exploration of Brunei is complete without tryingAmbuyat, the national dish. This unique delicacy is made from sago palm starch, resulting in a glutinous, flavorless substance that resembles a thick, sticky paste. It's traditionally eaten by twirling it around a two-pronged bamboo stick called achandas, then dipping it into various flavorful sauces and accompanying dishes.

Ambuyat is typically served with a variety of side dishes, known ascacah, which provide the flavor. The most popular dipping sauce isTempoyak, a fermented durian paste, often mixed with chili. Other common accompaniments include:

  • Ikan Rebus: Boiled fish, often served with a spicy dip.
  • Udang Sambal: Prawns cooked in a spicy chili paste.
  • Daging Tumis: Stir-fried beef.
  • Sayur Pakis: Stir-fried fern shoots.

Eating Ambuyat is not just a meal; it's a cultural experience, often enjoyed communally. Don't be shy to ask for a demonstration if you're unsure how to master thechandas!

Popular Local Delicacies and Street Food

Beyond Ambuyat, Brunei boasts a range of accessible and delicious local dishes, many of which are perfect for a quick bite or a hearty meal.

Nasi Katok

A true Bruneian staple,Nasi Katoktranslates literally to "knock rice." Legend has it that vendors would knock on doors late at night to sell this simple yet satisfying meal. It typically consists of a small portion of steamed white rice, a piece of fried chicken or fish, and a generous dollop of spicy sambal. It's a go-to for breakfast, lunch, or a late-night snack, widely available at roadside stalls and cafes.

Mee Goreng and Nasi Goreng Brunei Style

While found across Southeast Asia, Brunei offers its own rendition of these beloved noodle and rice dishes.Mee Goreng(fried noodles) andNasi Goreng(fried rice) are often stir-fried with a mix of vegetables, egg, chicken, or seafood, and a unique blend of local spices that give them a distinct Bruneian flavor. They are comforting and widely available.

Kelupis and Kuih Mor

For a taste of traditional snacks, look out forKelupis, glutinous rice cooked with coconut milk and wrapped in nipah leaves, giving it a unique aroma. Another delightful treat isKuih Mor, a sweet, crumbly biscuit made from sago flour, often enjoyed with tea or coffee.

Udang Sambal Serai Bersantan

Given Brunei's coastal location, seafood features prominently in its cuisine. This dish features succulent prawns cooked in a rich and creamy coconut milk gravy, infused with aromatic lemongrass (serai) and spicy chili paste (sambal). It’s a flavorful and aromatic dish that showcases the region's love for fresh seafood and bold spices.

Hearty Meals and Influenced Flavors

Brunei's culinary landscape is also enriched by its neighbors, offering familiar yet distinctly local versions of regional favorites.

Ayam Penyet and Ikan Bakar

These Indonesian-influenced dishes are hugely popular.Ayam Penyetfeatures a smashed, crispy fried chicken served with fiery sambal, fresh cucumber, and sometimes tofu and tempeh.Ikan Bakarrefers to grilled fish, often marinated in a sweet and spicy sauce before being cooked over charcoal, imparting a smoky flavor. Both are must-tries for those who appreciate robust flavors.

Roti Canai and Murtabak

Reflecting the Indian and Malaysian influences,Roti Canaiis a flaky, pan-fried flatbread, often served with dhal or curry dipping sauces.Murtabakis a savory stuffed pancake, typically filled with minced meat (chicken or beef), eggs, and onions, served with a tangy pickled onion gravy. These are popular breakfast or snack items.

Sweet Treats and Refreshing Drinks

Brunei's culinary scene extends to delightful desserts and beverages that provide a perfect end to any meal or a refreshing break.

Kuih-muih

The termkuih-muihrefers to an assortment of traditional cakes and sweets, often colorful and made from ingredients like glutinous rice, coconut milk, and palm sugar. From steamed delicacies likePulut Panggang(grilled glutinous rice with spicy filling) to sweet fried treats, these are perfect for experiencing local flavors. You can often find a wide variety at local markets or specialized bakeries.

Cendol and Ais Kacang

For a refreshing dessert, tryCendol, a bowl of shaved ice topped with green jelly noodles made from rice flour, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup.Ais Kacang(literally "ice beans") is another popular shaved ice dessert, typically adorned with various toppings like red beans, sweet corn, grass jelly, and colorful syrups.

Teh Tarik and Kopi O

These classic beverages are ubiquitous throughout Brunei.Teh Tarik("pulled tea") is a frothy, sweet milk tea, prepared by pouring the tea back and forth between two containers to create a thick, airy texture.Kopi Ois a strong, black coffee without milk or sugar, perfect for a caffeine kick.

Where to Savor Bruneian Flavors

Brunei offers numerous venues to explore its culinary offerings:

  • Night Markets (Pasar Malam): These bustling markets, like the popular Gadong Night Market (not linkable), are fantastic for street food, local snacks, and a vibrant atmosphere.
  • Food Courts and Hawkers Centers: Found in shopping malls and standalone complexes, these offer a wide variety of local and regional dishes at affordable prices.
  • Restaurants and Cafes: From casual eateries to more upscale dining, many establishments serve traditional Bruneian dishes alongside international cuisine.
  • Traditional Restaurants near Kampong Ayer: Some restaurants in the vicinity offer a taste of traditional Bruneian fare, allowing you to enjoy a meal before or after exploring the Water Village.
Travel Tip:When visiting cultural landmarks like the Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque or the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, look for nearby local eateries to experience authentic Bruneian hospitality and cuisine. After a visit to the Royal Regalia Museum, a satisfying meal of Nasi Katok might be just what you need.

Dining Etiquette and Tips for Travelers

Brunei is a predominantly Muslim country, so adherence to Halal dietary laws is paramount. Most local eateries will serve Halal food.

  • Halal Focus: All food served in local restaurants and eateries will be Halal.
  • Eating with Hands: For some traditional dishes, particularly when eating Ambuyat, it's common to eat with your hands (specifically your right hand). Don't be afraid to try it, but cutlery is always available.
  • Hydration: Always carry water, especially if you're exploring during the day. Many local drinks are sweet, so balance them with plain water.
  • Spicy Food: Many Bruneian dishes have a spicy kick. If you're sensitive to chili, you can often request less spicy versions.

Brunei's culinary scene offers a delightful array of flavors, from the unique experience of Ambuyat to comforting street food and refreshing desserts. It's a journey that promises to be as enriching as exploring the country's natural beauty and cultural heritage. So, come hungry and prepare to discover the delicious side of Brunei!