Food History of Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

Bandar Seri Begawan is not only the capital and largest city of Brunei, but it's also the hub of Brunei's culinary scene. The food history of this city is shaped by a fusion of indigenous Malay culture, Islamic influences, and a blend of Chinese, Indian, and Western culinary traditions due to historical trade and colonization. Given Brunei's location on the island of Borneo, seafood plays a significant role in the local cuisine. The city's food is known for its unique flavors, enhanced by a range of spices and herbs, and it embraces both modest street food stalls and upscale restaurants that offer traditional dishes with a touch of sophistication.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

1. Ambuyat - Non-Veg: A traditional Bruneian dish made from the interior trunk of the sago palm. It is a sticky, starchy paste served with a savory sauce called 'cacah' and side dishes including vegetables and meats (sans beef).
2. Nasi Katok - Non-Veg: Literally meaning 'knock rice', it consists of plain rice, a piece of fried chicken, and a spicy sauce called 'sambal' on the side.
3. Nasi Lemak - Non-Veg: A fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf, it's typically served with anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg, cucumber, and spicy sauce.
4. Soto Brunei - Non-Veg: A soup that's enriched with flavorsome broth, it's served with noodles and garnished with herbs and often includes chicken.
5. Udang Sambal Serai Bersantan - Non-Veg: A prawn dish cooked with chili paste, lemongrass, and coconut milk.
6. Roti Kuning - Veg: A type of yellow-colored bread flavored with turmeric and often served with curry or rendang.
7. Penyaram - Veg: A sweet, crispy pancake also known as the 'Borneo tart' and is a popular tea time snack.
8. Kelupis - Non-Veg/Veg: A glutinous rice snack wrapped in leaves, it can come with or without fillings such as meat or vegetable.
9. Wajid - Veg: A sweet sticky rice confection made with coconut sugar and wrapped in leaf packets.
10. Kueh Lapis - Veg: A steamed layer cake made from rice flour, sago, coconut milk, and sugar, known for its colorful layers and is a local delicacy.

Top Famous Restaurants in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

Kaizen Sushi

Address: Block A, Q-Lap Complex, Kiulap, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Famous Food: Sushi Platters - Non-Veg

Tasek Brasserie

Address: Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Famous Food: International Cuisine - Veg/Non-Veg

Aminah Arif Restaurant

Address: Simpang 12-22, Jln Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Famous Food: Ambuyat Set - Non-Veg

Excapade Sushi

Address: Unit 8,9,10 Block B, Abdul Razak Complex, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Famous Food: Japanese Cuisine - Veg/Non-Veg

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Address: Unit 8, Ground Floor, Block A, Shakirin Complex, Kampong Kiulap, Band2ar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Famous Food: Coffee and Pastries - Veg