Brunei Darussalam, the Abode of Peace, is a small but wealthy sultanate on the island of Borneo. This pristine nation offers a unique blend of opulent Islamic architecture, pristine rainforests, and traditional water villages alongside modern luxury.
Brunei's cuisine is a rich tapestry of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous Bornean influences, shaped by its multicultural population and Islamic tradition. All food in Brunei is halal, and the national dish ambuyat — a glutinous sago starch eaten with savoury condiments — reflects the country's distinctive culinary identity. Street food is vibrant and affordable, with nasi katok (rice and fried chicken for BND 1) being Brunei's most iconic everyday meal. Indian and Chinese cuisines are well-represented by the Bruneian-Indian and Chinese communities.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Brunei.
Ambuyat
Brunei's national dish made from sago starch — a glutinous, sticky paste eaten by wrapping it around a bamboo chandas fork and dipping into various sauces including belacan (shrimp paste), binjai (mango) sauce, or tempoyak (fermented durian). An acquired taste and unmissable cultural experience.
Where to try: Aminah Arif Restaurant, Tarindak D'Seni
Price: $8-15 for a set
Nasi Katok
Brunei's most beloved everyday meal — steamed rice, a piece of crispy fried chicken, and fiery sambal chilli served in a paper parcel for just BND 1. The name comes from the Malay word for 'knock,' as customers would knock on sellers' doors to order.
Where to try: Nasi Katok Lily (Jalan Gadong), Nasi Katok Haji Razali (Sengkurong), night markets
Price: $1-2 BND
Kelupis
Glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and wrapped in nyirik leaves, creating a distinctive cylindrical shape with a fragrant, slightly sweet flavour. A traditional Bruneian snack eaten for breakfast or as a celebration food.
Where to try: Tamu Kianggeh market, Tutong market stalls
Price: $0.50-1 BND each
Grilled Stingray (Ikan Pari Bakar)
Fresh stingray grilled over charcoal and smothered in a spicy-sweet sambal sauce — one of the standout dishes at Brunei's night markets. Paired with rice or eaten alone as a snack.
Where to try: Gadong Night Market, Jerudong Night Market
Price: $5-8 BND
BBC Drink
Brunei's signature refreshment — a layered drink made from Bandung (rosewater milk), Barley water, and Cincau (grass jelly) poured over ice. Visually striking with its layered colours and refreshingly sweet.
Where to try: All night markets, Tamu Kianggeh
Price: $1.50-2 BND
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Spaghettini
Elegant Italian restaurant at The Empire Hotel serving authentic pasta, risotto, and wood-fired pizzas. Features an extensive wine selection and romantic ambiance with ocean views.
The Empire Hotel, Jalan Tutong, Jerudong BG3122
Aminah Arif Restaurant
Famous local restaurant chain specializing in ambuyat (Brunei's national dish) and traditional Malay cuisine. Multiple locations across Brunei, known for authentic flavors and generous portions.
Multiple locations - Main: Jalan Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan BE3519
Gadong Night Market
Brunei's premier night market featuring dozens of stalls selling local favorites including satay, grilled seafood, noodles, and traditional desserts. A must-visit for food lovers.
Jalan Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan BE3519
Piccolo Cafe
Charming Australian-style cafe serving excellent coffee, fresh pastries, and brunch items. Popular with expats and coffee enthusiasts.
Jalan Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan BE3519
Li Gong Restaurant
Upscale Cantonese restaurant at The Empire Hotel renowned for its dim sum, fresh seafood, and traditional dishes. Elegant setting with both indoor dining and outdoor terrace seating.
The Empire Hotel, Jalan Tutong, Jerudong BG3122
Excapade Sushi
Contemporary Japanese fusion restaurant offering creative sushi rolls, rice bowls, and Asian-fusion dishes. Trendy atmosphere popular with locals and expats.
Times Square, Jalan Berakas, Bandar Seri Begawan BB3713
Nasi Katok Lily
Famous local eatery specializing in Nasi Katok (Brunei's beloved rice, fried chicken, and sambal dish). Simple, delicious, and incredibly affordable.
Jalan Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan BE3519
Tamu Kianggeh Food Stalls
Morning market with food stalls serving traditional Bruneian breakfast items. Best visited early morning for fresh kuih and local coffee.
Jalan Kianggeh, Bandar Seri Begawan BS8711
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Indian
Seri Damai
Well-established restaurant serving North Indian and Pakistani cuisine. Famous for naan bread, curries, and tandoori dishes at reasonable prices.
Jalan Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan BE3519
Bismi Restaurant
Popular Indian restaurant known for authentic curries, fresh naan, and flavorful rice dishes. Halal certified with generous portions.
Jalan Tutong, Bandar Seri Begawan BA1511
Japanese
Sakura Japanese Restaurant
Authentic Japanese restaurant featuring sushi, sashimi, teppanyaki, and traditional dishes. Private tatami rooms available. Fresh ingredients imported from Japan.
Radisson Hotel, Jalan Tasek, Bandar Seri Begawan BB3713
Kaizen Sushi
Popular Japanese restaurant with multiple locations serving high-quality sushi, ramen, and Japanese cuisine. Modern ambiance with riverfront seating at the One Riverside location.
One Riverside, Jalan Gadong BE3519
Bruneian Fine Dining
Tarindak D'Seni
Upscale Bruneian restaurant offering traditional dishes with modern presentation. Beautiful riverside setting with cultural performances on special occasions.
Simpang 150, Kampong Kiulap, Bandar Seri Begawan BE1518
Coffee Shop
Roasted Sip
Modern specialty coffee shop with locally roasted beans. Minimalist design, excellent pour-overs and espresso drinks.
Kiulap Plaza, Jalan Kiulap BE1518
Fusion
Alter Ego Fusion Cafe
Trendy cafe serving Western and fusion dishes with Asian influences. Instagram-worthy presentations, extensive coffee and dessert menu.
Spg 88, Jalan Tutong, Bandar Seri Begawan BA1712
International Buffet
Choices Restaurant
Premium buffet restaurant at The Empire Hotel offering an extensive selection of international cuisines including Asian, Western, and Middle Eastern dishes. Live cooking stations and themed nights.
The Empire Hotel, Jalan Tutong, Jerudong BG3122
Italian
Fratini's
Casual Italian restaurant serving authentic pasta, pizzas, and Italian favorites. Multiple locations, consistent quality, family-friendly atmosphere.
Kiulap - Simpang 27, Jalan Kiulap, Bandar Seri Begawan BE1518
Malay
Pondok Sari Wangi
Popular restaurant serving Malay and Indonesian cuisine in a traditional kampung-style setting. Known for fresh seafood and spicy sambal dishes.
Jalan Tutong, Kampong Sungai Akar BA1311
Mixed Street Food
Jerudong Night Market
Smaller than Gadong but equally delicious night market near the beach. Great for seafood BBQ and local snacks in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Jalan Jerudong, Mukim Sengkurong BG3122
Specialty Coffee
The Nest Roastery
Artisan coffee roastery and cafe serving single-origin beans and specialty drinks. Industrial-chic decor with knowledgeable baristas.
Spg 5, Jalan Gadong BE1519
Western
I-Systems Cafe
Popular local cafe chain serving affordable Western and local dishes. Known for generous portions and comfortable atmosphere, great for casual dining.
Multiple locations - Kiulap branch: Jalan Kiulap BE1518
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Satay
Skewered and grilled meat (chicken, beef, or mutton) served with peanut sauce, rice cakes, and cucumber-onion salad. Brunei's satay is particularly tender and fragrant with lemongrass and turmeric.
Find it at: Gadong Night Market, Jerudong Night Market
Roti Kuning
Bright yellow bread rolls made with egg, coconut milk, and pandan — a uniquely Bruneian breakfast bread eaten with kaya (coconut jam) or curry. Found only in Brunei.
Find it at: Tamu Kianggeh market (morning only)
Kuih Mor
Traditional shortbread cookies made from rice flour, butter, and sugar, shaped into flower or shell forms and coated in powdered sugar. A popular celebratory kuih often given as gifts.
Find it at: Tamu Kianggeh market, traditional bakeries
Pisang Goreng (Fried Banana)
Whole bananas coated in a spiced batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Available from street vendors and market stalls across Brunei.
Find it at: Tamu Kianggeh, Gadong Night Market, roadside stalls
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Tamu Kianggeh
Brunei's most authentic daily market along Jalan Kianggeh selling fresh produce, jungle herbs, river fish, local kuih, and traditional foods. Best before 10am when the market is at its most lively.
Hours: 5:00AM-6:00PM daily (best morning)
Gadong Night Market
The largest and most popular evening food market in Brunei with over 50 stalls selling every type of local street food. The social heart of BSB's evenings with seating and a festive atmosphere.
Hours: 4:00PM-11:00PM daily
Tutong Tamu Market
A traditional tamu (farmers' market) in the Tutong District where indigenous Dusun vendors sell jungle produce, wild honey, dried meats, and handicrafts alongside regular fresh produce.
Hours: 6:00AM-2:00PM daily
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
All food in Brunei is halal — Muslim travellers have no concerns about food certification.
Nasi katok is the best value meal in the country at BND 1 — eat where locals queue.
Ambuyat is an acquired taste — ask for a small portion to try before ordering a full set.
Night markets are cash only — carry small BND notes.
Most restaurants close by 10-11pm; night market stalls wind down by midnight.
Tipping is not expected but appreciated at upscale restaurants (BND 2-5).
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-10 BND/meal | Street food, nasi katok, night market stalls |
| Mid-range | $15-30 BND/meal | Sit-down restaurants, cafes, Japanese restaurants |
| Upscale | $50-100 BND/meal | Fine dining at The Empire Hotel restaurants or Sakura at Radisson |