Dining in Brunei Darussalam

There's a lot of options when eating out in Brunei. It ranges from informal and casual eateries to more established restaurants and fine dining cuisine. I only ate at one of the local hawker centres, Asian restaurant and a local cafe, but if you want to try some of them, here's the list:


MARKET & STREET FOOD
Hawkers centres offer fine local delicacies at a very reasonable price. Among the favorite dishes include satay, noodles, rice, whole roasted chicken, grilled fish and steamboats. Hawker food can be found in downtown areas of all four districts, and in a purpose-built complex near Jerudong Park. Two of the most popular market are the Tamu Kianggeh and Gadong Night Market.
 Seafood Fried Rice at Kopi Bandar
Below is the list of hawkers, markets and restaurants that offers local delicacies:

1. Lim Ah Siaw Pork Market
This market or more like an underground market offers crispy braised pork knuckle, pork belly, pork buns, pork dumplings. We all know that Muslims don't eat pork, and by eating there, it feels like you are smuggler sneaking into this Chinese market. If you decide on eating there, you better watch over your shoulder!

Location: Jalan Teraja, Bandar Seri Begawan
Phone#: +67(3)222-3963
Business Hours: 6:00am to 10:00pm 

2. Gerai Makan Jalan Residency
These food stalls along long the riverbank facing Kampung Ayer is the perfect place to try local delicacies such as satay, mee goreng and nasi goreng, and soups such as soto (noodle soup). Opening hours depends on the owners, some of them are sometime open for 24 hours. You might want to eat there at night to see the beauty of the Kampung Ayer when lit. One of the stall is the Kopi Bandar.

Location: Jalan Residency, Bandar Seri Begawan
Business Hours: 4:00pm to 12:00am

3. Tamu Kianggeh (Pasar Kianggeh)
The food stalls here are said to serve Brunei's cheapest meals, including nasi katok (plain rice, a piece of fried or curried chicken and sambal) and nasi lemak (rice cooked in coconut milk and served with chicken, beef or prawn, egg and cucumber slices). They also serve Nasi Daun Silat and Udang Galah and Pusu with Nasi Kampung (cooked rice with viand wrapped in I think palm or coconut leaves) for only B$1.00.

Location: Jalan Sungai Kianggeh, Bandar Seri Begawan
Phone#: +67(3)
Business Hours: 5:00am to 5:00pm
 
4. Gadong Night Market (Pasar Malam Gadong)
Thanks to its authentic Brunei-style snacks and dishes, this is Brunei's most popular and beloved night market. Unfortunately, it's geared to car-driving locals who take the food away so there are almost no places to sit. Situated 3km northwest of the city centre and 200m across the river from The Mall shopping centre and near the Gadong Wet Market. Popular dishes include a meticulously packed portion of rice wrapped in banana leaves, giving it an authentic taste; pyramid and finger shaped nasi lemak contains rice with chicken, beef or anchovies topped by sambal sauce. Nasi Katok is another popular rice dish. They also offer satay and barbecued fish to chicken wings and kueh melayu (sweet pancakes filled with peanuts, raisins and sugar).

Location: Jalan Pasar Gadong
Business Hours: 4:00pm to 10:00pm
 
5. Tamu Selera
If you want to try local dishes at a very cheap price go to Tamu Selera. It's an old fashioned hawker centre set in a shady park with colorful tarps and parasols. It's an open area with ceiling fan that offers Malaysian and Indonesian dishes. If you've been to other Asian countries, you'll know by now that this is the kind place to get the best of the local dishes and local culture. Tamu Selera literally means "Appetite Park", an excellent night-time food stall area.

Location: Between Jalan Tasek Lama & Jalan Kumbang Pasang, opposite Radisson Hotel
Business Hours: 5:00pm to 2:00am (Daily)

6. Bob Ume Kitchen
Is located in Tamu Selera and recommended for fresh seafood, cooked while you wait. You can have it cooked the way you want it.
7. Aminah Arif
Is an institution among locals for ambuyat (thick, starchy porridge), Brunei's signature dish. If you're up for trying a generous serving of wiggly white goo, this is a good spot to do so. Also serves rice and noodle dishes. Meals can be washed down with iced kasturi ping (calamansi lime juice).
Location: Unit 2-3, Block B, Ground Floor, Bangunan Haji Abdul Rahman, Simpang 88, Kampung Kiulap
Phone#: +67(3)223-6198
Business Hours: 9:00am to 11:00pm (Daily)


FOOD COURT
Another place to find local dishes at reasonable prices are the food courts. 
 Aroi Food Court in Yayasan Complex
Temperature in Brunei really gets hot, so if you want to enjoy food in an air-conditioned room, go to these food courts:

1. Yayasan Complex Food Court
When you're in Yayasan Complex and want to try local food, why not go to the mall's food court. You can find a variety of food from local favourites like chicken rice and laksa to Indian and Western food. There's also fresh fishes inside the tanks if you want fresh seafood. There's even a spot there where you can enjoy the view of the mosque and the royal barge.

2. Wisma Setia Food Court
Another food court that you might want to try, if you are around the Wisma Setia building in downtown Bandar, is their food court. If offers a variety of local and international dishes at reasonable prices.

3. Centrepoint Food Court & The Mall Food Court
These two food courts are both located in Gadong District. They offer a variety of food ranging from dim sum to steak.


INTERNATIONAL CUISINES
Brunei is no foodie capital when it comes to restaurants, but you can still find more sophisticated dining and international restaurants inside 4 or 5-Star hotels. For a more comfortable and friendly atmosphere, there are family-run Asian restaurants you can visit.
 Bento Box at Kaizen Sushi
If you are craving for a taste other than Malay/Bruneian, then head to one of these restaurants:

CHINESE:
Li Gong Chinese Restaurant
Located in the Empire Hotel & Country Club, this is a favourite local haunt for Sun brunches of dim sum & Cantonese roast duck. The interior is chic, with a semblance of a modern Chinese temple in its glass-walled form. I checked the website of the Empire Hotel but I can't find this restaurant in their list, so I'm not sure if this is still operating. Please check with the hotel prior to going there to eat.
Location: Empire Hotel & Country Club, Tutong Muara Highway, Jerudong
Phone#: +67(3)241-8888
Business Hours: 11:00am to 2:00pm | 6:00pm to 12:00am (Daily)

Dynasty Restaurant
Situated on the ground level of The Centrepoint Hotel in the busy commercial area of Gadong, Dynasty Restaurant is reputed to be one of the finest Chinese Restaurant in Brunei which offers authentic Hong Kong Cantonese cuisine for lunch and dinner. A wide selection of Dim Sum and Yam Cha delights are served daily for breakfast and lunch.

Location: Ground Floor Centrepoint Hotel, Abdul Razak Complex, Gadong
Phone#: +67(3)243-0430
Business Hours:
9:00am - 2:15pm l 6:00pm - 10:00pm (Monday to Thursday | Saturday)
8:00am - 12:00pm l 6:00pm - 10:00pm (Friday)
8:00am - 5:00pm l 6:00pm - 10:00pm (Sunday)
Four Sea Hut or Shikai
If you are craving for Hong Kong-stlyed roast duck & chicken dishes, plus a mix of Malay & Chinese noodle and soup plates while in Brunei, then go to this small place. 

Location: Unit 1, Block E, Sempurna Complex, Jalan Batu Bersurat, Gadong
Phone#: +67(3)245-6222
Business Hours: Lunch & Dinner 

I-Lotus
First opened in 2003, this restaurant aimed to create the best Asian cuisines and dining experience possible. You have the option to dine indoor if you don't like the heat, or outdoor and enjoy the view of stunning large garden patio. You’ll need a cab or a very keen sense of direction to find this posh Chinese restaurant, but you’ll be glad you put in the effort.

Location: No. 20, Simpang 12-26, Perumahan Rakyat Jati, Kampung Rimba
Phone#: +67(3)242-2466 | +67(3)244-0171
Business Hours: 10:30am to 2:30pm | 6:00pm to 12:00am (Daily)
Le Taj
Aside from Filipinos, the major nationality working in Brunei are Indians. And what best way to enjoy food while you're away from home, Le Taj. It's popular not only with Indians but also locals who love Indian food. It's rated as the best Indian restaurant in Brunei.

Location: 2nd Floor, Seri Kiulap Complex, Jalan Kiulap
Business Hours: 6:00pm t- 12:00am (Daily)

Noralizah & Iskandar House of Curry
It's all about the roti flat breads at this spot, from flaky roti to deliciously oily paratha, stuffed with ground lamb and onions in a murtabak , or bananas and a dusting of sugar for a breakfast treat. Dip that deliciousness in one of several bowls of warming curry. Very popular with students looking for a cheap meal.

Location: No. 15 Ground Floor, Kompleks Awang Hj Ibrahim, Kampung Lambak B, Jalan Berakas
Phone#: +67(3)867-5781
Popular Restaurant
Quality Indian savories & sweets, samosas, vadai @manu vegetarian dishes. Finish with the Indian twist on Malaysia's favourite tea, the tarek halia (ginger-pulled tea).
 
Location: Ground Floow, Seri Complex, Mile 1, Jalan Tutong
Phone#: +67(3)222-1375
Business Hours: 8:00am to 12:00am (Daily)

Zaika Restaurant
The only restaurant in Brunei that offers authentic North Indian tandoori cuisine in a 16th Century atmosphere. For Indian delicacy in the city centre go this excellent and stylishly antiquated decorated restaurant.

Location: 4 Block Yayasan Complex
Phone#: +67(3)223-1155
Business Hours: 11:00am to 2:00pm | 6:00pm to 12:00am (Daily) 

INDONESIAN:
Pondok Sari Wangi
Located in Gadong, Pondok Sari Wangi is a beloved Bandar institution. They started the craze for the Ayam Penyet (literally "smashed fried chicken") in Brunei. Other Indonesian classics include ayam (chicken) & beef rendang, iga penyet (beef ribs), tauhu telur (fried tofu with egg), gado gado &ampcendol drink-desserts on.

Location: Unut 12 & 13, 1st Floor, Block A, Abdul Razak Complex, Jalan Gadong
Phone#: +67(3)244-5043
Business Hours: 10:00am to 12:00am (Daily)

JAPANESE:
Excapade Sushi
Sushi-train restaurant - fast buy high-quality Japanese food. I always think that synonymous with Japanese food is "High Quality".

Location: Ground Floor, Block A, Q-lap Complex, Kiulap
Phone#: +67(3)223-4012
Business Hours: 11:00am to 12:00am (Daily)

Kaizen Sushi
We had lunch here on our second day and I can say I love the restaurant, but not the food. I have heard so much about Japanese Curry and I wanted to try it. I'm really forward to it and excited to eat. When it was served to me I felt disappointed because it doesn't look appetizing at all. And the I told myself, maybe it's only the look and it's probably taste good. I took a first bite, and it's not good. My friends ordered a Bento Box and Sushi and they were enjoying it so I guess it's only the curry. Staff are not very accommodating (didn't smile at all!), but all in all the restaurant is a must try. It;s located not far from the Yayasan Complex overlooking the Kampung Ayer. If you are planning on dining, make sure to book ahead, otherwise, you will have to wait until they find an available table for you.

Location: Kompleks Yayasan, Sultan Haji Hassabal Bolkiah, Jalan McArthur
Phone#: +67(3)222-6336
Business Hours: 11:00am - 2:30pm | 6:30pm to 12:30am (Daily)

ITALIAN:
Fratini's Restaurant
Brunei does very average Italian food, but the upper balcony of this franchise Italian restaurant overlooks Sungai Brunei, with a great-river soaked ambience. There are two branches of this restaurant, one at Yayasan Complex and Centrepoint in Gadong.

Location: Yayasan Complex, Bandar Seri Begawan | Centrepoint, Jalan Gadong
Phone#: +67(3)223-2555
Business Hours: 10:30am to 12:30am (Daily)

Spaghettini
Located in the Empire Hotel & Country Club, a small restaurant serving Italian food for guests craving for some.

Location: Empire Hotel & Country Club, 6th Floor, Lobby Bldg., Jerudong
Phone#: +67(3)241-8888
Business Hours: 6:00pm to 12:00am (Daily)

Villa Mauri Group of Restaurants
Brunei’s best tribute to the Bootland, Villa Mauri’s menu reads like a poem: risotto Milanese, linguine alla pugliese, farfalle al salmone affumicato. Chequered tablecloths further enhance the Mediterranean vibe – too bad there’s no wine list. Please visit their website for more details: http://villamauri.com/menu/?p_=menu

KOREAN:
Kimchi Restaurant(Korean)
Korean restaurants are pretty ubiquitous in BSB, and Kimchi, in Regent Sq west of the centre, is the best of the bunch. The titular kimchi (fermented cabbage) is delightfully smelly and spicy, rice cakes are drowned in a hot, rich sauce and the chicken wings...well, when are chicken wings a bad idea? The bulgogi (grilled marinated beef) is a lovely indulgence.

Location: Unit 19, Block B, Regent Square, Bandar Seri Begawan
Phone#: +67(3)222-2233
Business Hours: 11:00am to 2:30pm | 6:00pm to 10:30pm (Daily)

THAILAND:
Nur Wanita
A fantastic new restaurant in the Kiarong area, this chic venue serves authentic dishes from Northern Thailand. It’s exceptionally popular during lunch when nearby office monkeys swing by to transport their taste buds. Please visit their website for more details: http://nurwanitarestaurant.com/

WESTERN:
Deals
Is a fine-dining restaurant with soft lights and nice decor located in Radisson Hotel. It caters for guests for lunch and formal dinner. Please visit their website for more details: https://www.radisson.com/bandar-seri-begawan-hotel-bn-bs8674/brnrdbd

Atrium Cafe
Another restaurant located at the Empire Hotel & Country Club with an impressive view of the sea through the floor-to-ceiling glass window. It offers a rotating buffet of international, Malay & Indian specialties and also local and Western dishes. For more details, please visit their website: http://www.theempirehotel.com/categories/dining

Tasek Brasserie
Also located in Radisson Hotel, this restaurant caters to guests who love seafood and meat. It also has BBQ evening and good salad buffet making it more perfect with a warm, woody setting & poolside eating. Please visit their website for more details: https://www.radisson.com/bandar-seri-begawan-hotel-bn-bs8674/brnrdbd/hotel/dining/brasserie

FUSION:
Red Canopy
Plunked by the airport, the Red Canopy serves up a tasty combination of Malay, Thai, Chinese and Western cuisine (not all at once, obviously). A Malay lunch buffet keeps customers satisfied by day; at night daily specials rotate in and out, from buttermilk chicken on Tuesdays to quail egg soup on Thursdays.

Location: At Bersurat, Bandar Seri Begawan
Phone#: +67(3)245-3878
Business Hours: 7:00am to 12:00pm (Sundays to Wednesdays) | 7:00am to 2:00am (Thursday to Saturday)

RMS Portview Seafood Restaurant
Not the most original name, but sure enough, the split-level Port View does indeed gaze out over the water towards Kampung Ayer. The downstairs cafe menu includes simple Western, Chinese and Malay dishes, while upstairs is a little more expensive and features Thai, Chinese and Japanese food. If you want a steamboat while in Brunei just head to this restaurant.
 

Location: Unit 44, Jalan Sultan, Bandar Seri Begawan
Phone#: +67(3)223-1467
Business Hours: 10:00am to 10:00pm (Daily; Closed on every Friday)

Nyonya Restaurant
The wide-ranging menu and bistro-style air-con chic accentuate the appeal of this popular place on the Yayasan’s central courtyard. As well as steak, soup, sandwiches, sea bass, and Indian, Chinese and Malay dishes, there’s a good-value selection of pasta (B$3 to B$7.80).

Location: 3 Bangunan Hasbullah 1, Bandar Seri Begawan
Phone#: +67(3)234-0038
Business Hours: 8:00am to 11:00pm (Thursday to Sunday) | 8:00am to 12:00pm & 2:00pm to 11:00pm (Friday)


CAFE'S
Most of the cafe's in Brunei serve a mixture of Asian and Western meals and sumptuous value for money.
De Royalle Cafe
Below are the choices for your morning coffee or a light afternoon snack:

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
The hangout of choice for folks who need to bang out some work on their laptops or just relax in air-conditioned frigidity. Serves hot and 'ice blended' beverages, hearty breakfasts, pastries (muffins, cakes, scones), gourmet sandwiches (B$6 to B$8) and pasta (B$4.80 to B$7.50).

Chop Jing Chew
For the most authentic Bruneian cafe, Chop Jing Chew is the perfect place for that. It’s the oldest coffee shop in Brunei, open since 1940 and popular for freshly baked golden egg buns. Other favourites are roti knack kahwin (buns with a centre of sweet ground peanuts, served with butter and kaya), and roti cheese. The best time to go there is around 3:00ppm for the fresh out-of-the oven buns.

Location: Simpang 5, No. 10, Jalan Gadong, 1/2km, Bandar Seri Begawan
B 5:30am to 7:00pm (Monday to Thursday) | 5:30am to 12:00pm (Sunday) | 5:30am to 12:0pm & 2:00pm to 7:00pm (Friday)

Chill Cafe
Is located at The Mall in Gadong, which serves a decent light food and espresso.

Coffee Zone
Located not far from Chill Cafe, this one is located at the Centrepoint also in Gadong.

De' Royalle Cafe'
De’ Royalle Cafe has a maverick charm and run by a veteran journalist and serves Illy espresso. A clutter of books and cushions, and leopardskin pavement chairs added to its charm. It's located not far from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. I love this cafe because most of the staff are Filipinos.

Location: Ground floor, G- 1, Bangunan Haji Ahmad, Jalan Sultan,, Bandar Seri Begawan
Phone#: +67(3)223-2519
Business Hours: 24 Hours (Daily)


FAST FOOD
Fast food has really caught on Brunei. Pizza Hut, KFC and McDonald all have outlets in the city and at the Jerudong Park. The most loved Filipino fast food, Jollibee has many outlets around Brunei Darussalam.
Jollibee
These are the local fast food equivalent:

Ayamku Restaurant
Brunei’s answer to KFC, this is one of the cheapest places in town to get a meal. You can get a big piece of fried chicken, some rice and a drink for about B$3. And the chicken is surprisingly good. 

Location: 3, Soon Lee Megamart, Jalan Batu Bersurat
Phone#: +67(3)245-0539
Business Hours: 9:30 am to 10:00pm (Daily)

Sugar Bun
The story of this Malaysian fast food is almost the same as what Jollibee has, from rags to riches. Started from just an ice cream parlour to a more Innovative Food and Beverage Franchise Restaurant Brand. They have stores in Brunei, Bangladesh, Australia and Indonesia. To know more about this store, please visit their website: http://www.sugarbun.com/

RBC Express Fast Food
This is the only fast food I knew that is not "unhealthy". Based on what I read, this store has its own dietitian  to measure the nutrients of the food they serve to customers. For those who doesn't want to go out of the hotel after a long day of walking or exploring, you can call them for a delivery.

Location: Jln Beribi, Bandar Seri Begawan
Phone#: +67(3)2237253
Business Hours: 8:00am to 10:00pm (Friday closed from 12:00pm to 2:00pm)

Please note that this is not a complete list of restaurants & cafes in Brunei but at least this will help you have an idea when you visit. For a more complete list, please visit this blog: Phone Directory and Location of Restaurants/Cafes in Brunei

0 comments:

Post a Comment

Thank you for reading! Please share and like my Facebook page :)

 
Unless otherwise stated, Lakwatserang Ligaw is the legal copyright owner of all materials on this site © Lakwatserang Ligaw | Template by Ipietoon Cute Blog Design