🍛 Top Must-Try Dishes in Brunei Darussalam – 2025 Foodie Guide 🇧🇳

🇧🇳  Why You Should Explore Brunei’s Culinary Scene

Though often overshadowed by its Southeast Asian neighbors, Brunei Darussalam offers a rich culinary identity shaped by Malay, Chinese, and indigenous traditions—with a focus on halal, flavorful dishes. Here’s your must-try food list in 2025!

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🌀 1. Ambuyat – Brunei’s National Dish

🥄 Sticky, starchy, and totally unique
Made from sago starch, Ambuyat is eaten by twirling it around bamboo sticks (chandas) and dipping into various flavorful sauces.

📍 Try it at: Aminah Arif Restaurant (multiple locations)
💡 Tip: Pair with binjai or sambal tempoyak dip for an authentic hit!

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🍗 2. Nasi Katok – Budget Bruneian Favorite

🍚 Simple but iconic: rice, chicken, and sambal
Literally means “knock rice,” Nasi Katok is available 24/7 at local stalls for just BND 1–2.

📍 Found all over: Local roadside stalls and mini-marts
💡 Tip: Try multiple versions—some offer spicy sambal, rendang, or ayam madu (honey chicken).

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🐟 3. Ikan Bakar (Grilled Fish)

🔥 Fresh fish grilled with sambal or spices
Popular in night markets, this is Brunei’s take on smoky, char-grilled seafood.

📍 Best in: Gadong Night Market
💡 Tip: Ask for stingray (ikan pari)—a local favorite.

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🍜 4. Mee Goreng Basah – Wet Fried Noodles

🍲 Stir-fried noodles with a savory gravy twist
This dish blends yellow noodles, eggs, meat, and veggies in a delicious sauce.

📍 Commonly served at: Local cafés and food courts
💡 Tip: Request for spicy or eggy versions—each vendor has a twist.

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🍛 5. Nasi Lemak Brunei Style

🥥 Fragrant rice with sambal, egg, anchovies, and more
Though Malaysian in origin, Bruneians give it their own twist with bolder sambal and coconut rice.

📍 Found in: Tamu Kianggeh market or breakfast cafés
💡 Tip: Try with beef rendang or chicken curry for a filling meal.

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🍧 6. Cendol / ABC (Ais Batu Campur)

❄️ The ultimate cold dessert
Shaved ice topped with sweet corn, red beans, jelly, gula melaka, and evaporated milk.

📍 Where to find: Street vendors and cafés in Bandar Seri Begawan
💡 Tip: Great afternoon cooler—ask for extra gula melaka (palm sugar syrup)!

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🥤 7. Teh Tarik & Kopi Tarik

☕ Pulled tea or coffee – rich, frothy, and satisfying
A staple drink, often served alongside any meal.

📍 Try it at: Local warungs or Gadong food court
💡 Tip: If you like strong coffee, try Kopi C Kaw—Brunei-style thick brew.

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🛍️ BONUS TIP: Visit Gadong Night Market

If you’re short on time, Gadong Night Market is the ultimate one-stop destination for Bruneian street food. Affordable, fresh, and open every evening!

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📌 Quick Foodie Tips for Brunei:

✅ All food is halal – no pork or alcohol served.
✅ Carry cash for small stalls.
✅ Try dishes in family-run eateries for authentic flavors.
✅ Be polite and greet with “Selamat Makan!” (Happy Eating!)

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✨ Brunei’s food is soulful, simple, and full of character. Whether you’re trying Ambuyat for the first time or munching on midnight Nasi Katok, the flavors of Brunei offer a unique journey of taste.