Where to Eat in Brunei

Brunei's dining culture is deeply rooted in Malay Islamic traditions, where halal cuisine dominates every aspect of the food scene and alcohol is completely prohibited nationwide. The local cuisine, known as Bruneian Malay food, features signature dishes like ambuyat (a sticky sago starch eaten with bamboo tongs), nasi katok (rice with fried chicken and sambal), and beef rendang slow-cooked in coconut milk and spices. Strong influences from neighboring Malaysia, Indonesia, and historical Chinese migration create a distinctive Southeast Asian flavor profile characterized by rich coconut curries, grilled seafood, and aromatic spice pastes, while the country's oil wealth has fostered a surprisingly diverse international dining scene alongside traditional open-air markets and hawker-style eateries.

Key Dining Features:
• Primary Dining Districts: Gadong commercial area serves as Brunei's main food hub with countless restaurants and the popular Gadong Night Market (Pasar Malam Gadong), while Kiulap offers upscale dining options and cafes. Bandar Seri Begawan's waterfront Yayasan Complex and Tamu Kianggeh open-air market provide authentic local food experiences, and Jerudong features family-friendly restaurants near the entertainment district.
• Essential Local Dishes: Ambuyat remains the national dish served with cacah (sour fruit dip) and various side dishes; nasi katok costs just BND 1-2 and is available everywhere; kueh malaya (steamed pandan cake), kelupis (glutinous rice in palm leaves), and soto (spiced soup with rice cakes) represent daily staples. Seafood specialties include ikan bakar (grilled fish with sambal), udang galah (freshwater prawns), and various satay preparations with peanut sauce.
• Price Ranges: Local hawker stalls and markets charge BND 1-5 per meal, with nasi katok being the cheapest option at BND 1-2; mid-range local restaurants cost BND 8-20 per person for full meals; international and upscale dining ranges BND 25-50 per person; and premium Japanese, Korean, or Western establishments reach BND 50-100 per person. The Gadong and Kiulap night markets offer the best value with complete meals under BND 5.
• Optimal Dining Times: Brunei's dining scene peaks during Ramadan evenings when special buffets (known locally as sungkai or berbuka puasa meals) appear throughout the country, offering elaborate spreads for BND 10-25 per person. The cooler months from November to February make outdoor night market dining most comfortable, while year-round tropical weather means covered food courts remain consistently popular.
• Distinctive Dining Experiences: Eating ambuyat requires mastering the chandas (bamboo tongs) technique of twirling the sticky sago and dipping it quickly before swallowing without chewing. Water village (Kampong Ayer) restaurants accessed by water taxi offer authentic settings for traditional meals, while gerai (roadside stalls) provide the most genuine local experience where Bruneians eat standing or at plastic tables, often sharing communal seating with strangers.