Must-Try Foods In Bako National Park (Kuching) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Bako National Park, Kuching, Malaysia

Bako National Park, while primarily known for its incredible biodiversity and unique landscapes, lies within the state of Sarawak, which has a rich culinary history influenced by Malay, Chinese, and Indigenous Dayak cultures, along with contributions from its Indian and Thai communities. Traditional methods include cooking with bamboo and utilizing the abundance of fresh fish and seafood from the South China Sea, tropical fruits, and plants. For tourists, experiencing local foods often involves venturing into nearby Kuching or local villages, as the park itself is more focused on nature conservation than gastronomy.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in and around Bako National Park, Kuching, Malaysia

1. Sarawak Laksa - Non-Veg: A spicy noodle soup made with a coconut milk base, seasoned with a unique blend of herbs and spices, served with shredded chicken, prawns, and topped with fresh coriander.
2. Kolo Mee - Non-Veg: A springy egg noodle dish with a light savory sauce, usually served with minced pork and sometimes seafood.
3. Mee Sapi - Non-Veg: Rice noodles or vermicelli with beef and vegetables, tossed in a flavorful sauce.
4. Sarawak Layer Cake (Kek Lapis Sarawak) - Veg: A rich and colorful multi-layered cake, known for its intricate designs and sweet, spiced flavor.
5. Umai - Non-Veg: A traditional indigenous dish of thinly sliced raw fish, resembling ceviche, with lime juice, onions, and chilies.
6. Midin - Veg: Wild jungle fern typically stir-fried with garlic or belacan (shrimp paste). A vegetarian version can be requested without shrimp paste.
7. Manok Pansoh - Non-Veg: A Dayak specialty of chicken cooked with tapioca leaves inside bamboo over an open fire.
8. Gula Apong Ice Cream - Veg: Ice cream topped with gula apong, a local palm sugar syrup with a distinctive smoky sweet flavor.
9. Ikan Terubok - Non-Veg: A local fish known for its tender flesh and taste, often grilled or fried and served with sambal (chili paste).
10. Belacan Bee Hoon - Non-Veg: Rice vermicelli served in a shrimp paste soup with slices of cuttlefish and a dash of lime juice.

Top Famous Restaurants in and around Bako National Park, Kuching, Malaysia

Top Spot Food Court

Address: Jln Bukit Mata, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Famous for: Seafood Platter - Non-Veg

Lepau Restaurant

Address: 395, Jalan Ban Hock, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Famous for: Manok Pansoh - Non-Veg

Chong Choon Café

Address: No. 275, Jalan Chan Chin Ann, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Famous for: Sarawak Laksa - Non-Veg

Junk Restaurant

Address: 80, 82 & 84, Wayang Street, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Famous for: Wood-fired Pizzas (Vegetarian options available)

Indah Café Art & Event Space

Address: Lot 203, Jalan Padungan, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Famous for: Mee Kolok - Non-Veg

Mee Jawa Pak Amit Café

Address: 93400 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Famous for: Mee Jawa (Vegetarian options available)

Choon Hui Cafe

Address: Lot 186-187, Jalan Ban Hock, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Famous for: Sarawak Laksa - Non-Veg

The Dyak

Address: Sublot 29, Ground Floor Block G, Batu Lintang, Jalan Nanas, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Famous for: Iban Dishes - Non-Veg

Please note, while there are no restaurants within Bako National Park itself as it is a protected area, these establishments are located in Kuching, which is the closest city to the park. They offer an opportunity for travelers to indulge in authentic Sarawak cuisine after exploring the natural wonders of Bako.