Must-Try Foods In Kuching (Malaysia) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Kuching, Malaysia

Kuching, the capital city of the Malaysian state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo, has a rich culinary heritage influenced by the myriad ethnic groups that call this region home. With a population comprising mainly of Malays, Chinese and the indigenous Dayak peoples, the city's food is characterized by a harmonious blend of flavors. The indigenous tribes contribute dishes that are often made with ingredients sourced from the surrounding jungles and rivers. Meanwhile, the Chinese community, some of whom are descendants of immigrants from the 19th century, has brought in a variety of noodle and dumpling dishes. Malay cuisine in Kuching is known for its aromatic spices and herbs, combining sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. Overall, the city is known for its seafood dishes, a result of its proximity to the South China Sea, as well as its street food culture.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Kuching, Malaysia

1. Kolo Mee - Non-veg: A signature noodle dish of Kuching tossed in a light sauce, served with minced pork and sometimes with slices of char siu (barbecued pork).
2. Laksa Sarawak - Non-veg: A spicy noodle soup made with a base of sambal belacan, coconut milk, and topped with ingredients such as chicken, prawn, and egg.
3. Sarawak Layer Cake (Kek Lapis Sarawak) - Veg: A colorful and rich layer cake, which is an art of its own, made of butter or vegetable oil-based with various flavors and designs.
4. Midin - Veg: A wild jungle fern commonly stir-fried with garlic or shrimp paste (belacan), it’s a classic indigenous dish.
5. Manok Pansoh - Non-veg: Chicken cooked with herbs, spices, and vegetables in a bamboo tube, an authentic dish of the Dayak people.
6. Umai - Non-veg: A traditional salad made with thinly sliced raw fish, onions, chili, and seasoned with lime juice, salt, and pepper.
7. Belacan Bee Hoon - Non-veg: Rice vermicelli served with a shrimp paste sauce, usually accompanied by cuttlefish and fresh vegetables.
8. Tomato Kway Teow - Non-veg: Flat rice noodles stir-fried with tomato sauce and accompanied by seafood or meat and vegetables.
9. 3-Layer Tea (Teh C Peng Special) - Veg: A refreshing local drink made with layers of palm sugar syrup, evaporated milk, and strongly brewed tea.
10. Ayam Penyet - Non-veg: Indonesian-style smashed fried chicken served with sambal, cucumber, tofu, and tempeh.

Top Famous Restaurants in Kuching, Malaysia

1. Top Spot Food Court
   Address: Jalan Bukit Mata Kuching, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
   Famous Food: Seafood - Non-veg
2. Chong Choon Café
   Address: Jalan Abell, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
   Famous Food: Laksa Sarawak - Non-veg
3. Black Bean
   Address: 87, Ewe Hai Street, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
   Famous Food: Coffee and Pastries - Veg/Non-veg options
4. The.Dyak
   Address: Sublot 29, Panovel Commercial Centre, Jalan Simpang Tiga, 93300 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
   Famous Food: Dayak Cuisine - Non-veg/Veg options
5. Mee Kolok Pak Amit
   Address: 93400 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
   Famous Food: Mee Kolok - Non-veg