Food in Brunei

Brunei, a small yet affluent nation on the island of Borneo, may be better known for its majestic mosques and pristine rainforests, but its cuisine is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by culinary adventurers. Influenced by the flavors of Malay, Chinese, and Indian food traditions, Brunei's culinary scene offers an intriguing mix of hearty and flavorful dishes. Travelers to this serene sultanate can look forward to a gastronomic journey that perfectly complements their cultural exploration. This article will introduce you to the must-try local dishes that encapsulate the essence of Bruneian cuisine, ensuring your visit is as delicious as it is memorable.

Bruneian Dishes

Ambuyat

Ambuyat is Brunei's national dish, a starchy goo made from the interior trunk of the sago palm. It has a neutral taste and is often eaten with a bamboo fork called a 'candas'. To enjoy it, one dips the ambuyat into a flavorful sauce called 'cacah' made with fermented durian or tamarind, chili, and other spices. It's a communal dish, typically shared among families or friends.

Nasi Katok

Nasi Katok is a simple yet beloved dish in Brunei, consisting of plain rice, fried chicken, and sambal, a spicy sauce made from ground chili peppers and other ingredients. It's the simplicity and affordability of Nasi Katok that have made it a staple for many Bruneians, available at numerous eateries across the country.

Beef Rendang

Though originally from Indonesia, Beef Rendang is a popular dish in Brunei as well. This slow-cooked curry dish is made with beef, coconut milk, and a mixture of lemongrass, galangal, garlic, turmeric, ginger and chilies, simmered together to create a thick, rich sauce. The meat becomes tender and infused with the complex flavors of the spices over the hours of cooking.

Ayam Penyet

Ayam Penyet, directly translated as "smashed chicken," is a dish where chicken is marinated, boiled, and then fried until crispy. It's typically served with rice, cucumber, fried tofu, and a smashing sambal that can range from mildly spicy to extremely hot. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Ikan Bakar

Ikan Bakar is a dish of grilled fish, commonly found in Brunei's night markets and seaside restaurants. The fish is marinated with a mixture of spices and then grilled, often over charcoal, giving it a smoky flavor. It's usually served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce and chili, along with a portion of rice.

Sayur Lodeh

A vegetable curry dish, Sayur Lodeh includes a variety of vegetables such as eggplant, long beans, and cabbage cooked in coconut milk and a paste of blended spices. It's a comforting dish often accompanied by rice or sometimes enjoyed with Lontong, rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves.

Soto Brunei

Soto is a soup that's commonly enjoyed in Southeast Asia with regional variations. In Brunei, Soto Brunei is a fragrant broth flavored with spices and herbs, served with noodles and garnished with ingredients like shredded chicken, boiled eggs, and fried shallots. It's a hearty and warming dish that's popular for breakfast or lunch.

Ulam-Ulaman

Ulam-Ulaman refers to a traditional salad made from a mix of local herbs and vegetables, sometimes accompanied by fish or shrimp paste. It's a testament to the use of fresh ingredients in Bruneian cuisine and is known for its health benefits and refreshing taste.

Bruneian Desserts

Kuih Mor

Kuih Mor is a traditional Bruneian biscuit that's popular during festive seasons like Hari Raya Aidilfitri. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are made from a simple dough of butter, flour, and sugar, and are often shaped into small balls or crescents before being baked to perfection.

Pulut Panggang

Pulut Panggang consists of glutinous rice filled with a spiced mixture of grated coconut and fish or shrimp, then wrapped in banana leaves and grilled. The smokiness from the banana leaves infuses the rice, giving the dish a distinctive flavor.

Kuih Dadar

Kuih Dadar is a rolled crepe flavored with pandan juice, which gives it a vibrant green color. The crepe is filled with sweetened grated coconut and often enjoyed as a snack or dessert. It's a common sight at local markets and is loved for its sweet and aromatic flavors.

Wajid

Wajid is a sweet sticky rice cake, another favorite during festive times. It's made from glutinous rice, palm sugar, and coconut milk, which are steamed together to create a dense and sweet treat that's rich in flavor.

Bingka

Bingka is a baked custard cake, often made with pumpkin or sweet potato. It has a firm texture and a caramelized top, and is known for being sweet, yet not overly so. Bingka is a common offering at Bruneian tea times and family gatherings.