In the heart of Brunei, an Islamic nation where tradition and modernity blend harmoniously, your culinary journey takes a fascinating turn. Here, the essence of local cuisine lies in the simple, yet profound staples of rice and fish, reflecting the country's connection to its natural resources and religious beliefs.

You'll find that pork is entirely absent from the menu, adhering to Islamic dietary laws, while beef, deemed a luxury due to its high cost, graces tables less frequently. As you navigate this culinary landscape, you'll discover that Brunei takes great care in ensuring all meat is halal-certified, a testament to its commitment to faith. Meanwhile, the absence of alcohol from dining experiences invites you to immerse yourself in authentic Bruneian culture, where beverages of vibrant colours and sweet, tropical flavours enchant the palate, enhancing every meal with a celebration of local fruits and traditional recipes.

Though Brunei stands unique in Southeast Asia for its adherence to Sharia law, it welcomes you with a sense of peace and safety seldom found elsewhere. This tranquillity extends to its culinary scene, where the vibrancy of local dishes awaits your discovery. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or a curious food enthusiast, Brunei's gastronomy offers a distinctive array of tastes and traditions.

From the sizzling aromas of street food markets to the refined flavours of classic dishes, there is a story in every bite, a heritage woven into every recipe. As you set out to explore the rich tapestry of Brunei's cuisine, remember, you're embarking on a journey that transcends simply eating—it's an exploration of culture, faith, and the warmth of Bruneian hospitality that will leave you with memories to cherish and stories to share.

Read more: Top Things to Do in Brunei Darussalam

Table of Content

1. Nasi Katok
2. Exotic Jungle Durian
3. Ambuyat
4. Kelupis
5. Cucur
6. Kuih-muih

6 Must-Try Food in Brunei Darussalam

6 Must-Try Food in Brunei Darussalam

Nasi Katok

Nasi Katok is one of Brunei’s most commonly found dishes. Sold from as low as B$1 (even cheaper in the suburbs), Nasi Katok is a minimalist and undecorated dish consisting of only three components: plain white rice, sambal (chili shrimp relish) and a piece of fried chicken. Despite being a simple dish, Nasi Katok managed to get itself into the franchising business and clinched the title of being a staple food loved by the Bruneians.

Nasi Katok in Brunei

The best Nasi Katok in Brunei

Cheap Nasi Katok in Brunei

Exotic Jungle Durian

There are a few types of durians that can only be found in Brunei and across the Borneo island, and Durian Sukang (red durian) and Durian Dalit (orange durian) are two of them. While commercially planted durian produces thicker flesh, the durians collected from the deep remote Borneo jungles have thinner layers of flesh and they bear a distinct alcoholic-like flavor. The redder the flesh, the stronger the flavors and the more expensive they are!

Exotic red durian in Brunei

Red and yellow exotic durian in Brunei

Ambuyat

Ambuyat is one national dish that surprisingly only very few know about. Created by the Bruneian Malay, this dish is prepared using the interior trunk of a sago palm. The starchy, flavorless and glutinous substance is eaten using a pair of prongs made using bamboo called chandas. To eat, simply and artfully twirl the starch around the bamboo sticks until it becomes a deflated ball, before dipping it into any type of cacah (dipping) or side dishes of choice, such as tempoyak (fermented durian paste), chili sauce, ulaman (raw salad) or curry.

Ambuyat - the national dish of Brunei. Photo credit: Brunei Tourism.

Kelupis

Another classic recipe created by the Malay people of Brunei, Kelupis is a type of glutinous rice rolls wrapped in Nyirik leaves. It is traditionally served during wedding ceremonies or special occasions by the Bisaya, Lun Bawang and Lundayeh ethnic tribes as light refreshments, and is available in different varieties through different fillings such as dried shrimp or anchovies, or dipped into a peanut paste or curries.

Kelupis - a delicious Brunei snack. Photo credit: Brunei Tourism.

Cucur

Cucur is really just fritters - pieces of cut up items deep-fried and eaten as snacks. In Brunei, cucur plays a huge role in the country’s street food scene and is sold everywhere from roadside food stalls to top-rated restaurants. Can be made into either a sweet or savory snack, they are most commonly made using fruits and vegetables such as bananas, sweet potatoes, carrots or yams, as well as using meat like shrimps. For more exotic varieties, look out for fritters prepared using local seasonal fruits such as durian, tibadak (cempedak), tarap (johey oak) or sukun (breadfruit).

Cucur sold at markets in Brunei

Kuih-muih

As Brunei is made up mostly of Malays, the preparation and consumption of kuih-muih is widespread. These traditional snacks are conveniently sold in bite-size pieces, come in different shapes and colours, and are made primarily using ingredients such as rice flour, sugar, coconut cream and tapioca. Examples of the most popular kuih-muih in Brunei are selurut, penyaram, tapai and kuih cincin.

Local snacks in Brunei

As a rule of thumb, most of the dishes in Brunei can be found in Malaysia. If you are accustomed with the flavours of Malaysian cuisine, then you should have no issues dining here!

Malay food is generally mild, slightly spicy and very filling, so you can rest assured that your meals here will be a tummy-pleasing one!

A vendor preparing chicken rice at Tamu Kianggeh, Bandar Seri Bagawan in Brunei.

Local food in Brunei

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