Kuching, the enchanting city nestled in the heart of Borneo, is a true food paradise that beckons both locals and short-term travellers with its tantalising array of flavours.

From mouth-watering traditional dishes that will transport you back in time to innovative and trendy concoctions that push culinary boundaries, there is something for every discerning palate in this vibrant city.

Now, we understand the struggle of navigating through a new food scene, especially when you're not familiar with the local gems. Fear not, for we've got your back! Our team at Rolling Grace has embarked on a delicious quest to uncover the very best that Kuching has to offer, and we're excited to share our ultimate list of must-try dishes with you.

Read also: 20 Must-Try Foods in Sarawak, Malaysia

Table of Content

1. Laksa Sarawak at Mom's Laksa Kopitiam (Halal)
2. Linut at Barong Tinuk (Halal)
3. R.G. Ais Krim Bergula Apong (Halal)
4. Nasi Briyani Ayam Kari at Briyani World (Halal)
5. Coffee & Snacks at Ruang Parkir (Halal)
6. Fried Crispy Tomato Mee at Yee Ho Yan Cafe (Non-halal)
7. Kolo Mee at Oriental Park (Non-halal)

7 Must Try Food in Kuching, Sarawak

7 Must Try Food in Kuching, Sarawak

Laksa Sarawak at Mom's Laksa Kopitiam (Halal)

Each type of Laksa in Malaysia has its own distinctiveness, but when you are in Kuching, you have to try Laksa Sarawak! This hearty bowl of noodles is packed with flavours and served with shredded chicken, shrimps, egg, tangy sambal, and lime to take the taste to the next level.

In Kuching, Mom’s Laksa prepares the best Laksa Sarawak and you can easily spot one of their branches around town.

Address: Mom’s Laksa Kopitiam, Ground Floor, Ave Astana, SL-2, Jalan Astana, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak.

Opening hours: 8am – 4:30pm

Contact number: +6019-812 8587

Laksa Sarawak at Mom's Laksa Kopitiam, Kuching | Photo by Mom's Laksa

Linut at Barong Tinuk (Halal)

Linut is a famous ethnic Melanau dish in Sarawak which is typically eaten with sambal. At first glance, you might be hesitant to try it. Most restaurants will provide sambal asam which is made of mango to go with it. At Barong Tinuk, they pair the linut with a small bowl of sweet and spicy sambal.

There are a few small anchovies in the sambal which gives it an additional chewy texture. The linut itself in general is tasteless, but what made this particular restaurant so special is its sambal.

Address: Ground Level, Lot 12295, Jalan Semarak, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak.

Opening hours: Monday – Saturday, 9am – 11pm

Contact number: +6019-818 8145

Get your first taste of authentic Melanau Linut at Barong Tinuk, Kuching | Photo by Barong Tinuk

R.G. Ais Krim Bergula Apong (Halal)

Looking for something to cool your body down after spending the entire day under the sun? Let’s do it the local way. Introducing the first ever shop that sells ice-cream gula apong in Malaysia – RG Ais Krim Gula Apong. This little ice-cream shop has been around for nearly two decades. The owner will usually rotate the flavour daily between pandan, vanilla, and chocolate.

Fun fact: The locals often grab the ice-cream around midnight, where you will notice a long queue!We highly recommend the vanilla apong flavour with any topping of your choice. The creaminess of the ice-cream and the sweetness of the gula apong will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth!

Address: No.11 Tower 93000, Wet Market & Hawker Centre, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak.

Opening hours: 2pm – 12am

Contact number: +6016-891 0001

R.G. Ais Krim Bergula Apong is a popular food in Kuching, Sarawak | Photo by R.G. Ais Krim

Nasi Briyani Ayam Kari at Briyani World (Halal)

When you order Nasi Briyani at Briyani World, the first thing that will definitely catch your attention is the side dishes. While biryani is typically served with just dhall, sambal, and acar, this restaurant spices things up by offering other items including a thick spicy dhall, tomato-based sambal, and onion raita.

As a result, it is packed with flavours. The freshly fried shallots sprinkled on top of the rice unlocks a new level of deliciousness. This is a must-try for Indian cuisine lovers! 

Address: 481, Lor Lee Ling 2B1, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak.

Opening hours: 8am – 8pm

Contact number: +6011-1607 7176

Craving for rice? Try the Nasi Briyani Ayam Kari at Briyani World, Kuching | Photo by Briyani World

Coffee & Snacks at Ruang Parkir (Halal)

Ruang Parkir is a coffee shop but it also offers delicious comfort food that will surely get you addicted. We highly recommend the Sticky Thai Chicken Wings and Congo Bars. Every inch of their chicken wings is so crunchy and chewy, and they are entirely coated in a luscious Thai sauce. On the other hand, the congo bars are incredibly soft and gooey! A slice of congo bar might not be enough, so remember to get two, just in case!

Address: Jalan Merdeka, Kampung Tanjung, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak.

Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 1pm – 10pm

Contact number: +6019-942 2941

Drop by Ruang Parkir along Jalan Merdeka for yummy snacks and drinks | Photo by Ruang Parkir

Fried Crispy Tomato Mee at Yee Ho Yan Cafe (Non-halal)

One of the most popular signature Sarawakian dishes is the Tomato Mee. This dish is an elevation of the traditional Kolo Mee, where the springy noodles are deep fried till golden brown. It is served in a bowl of hearty tomato sauce along with seafood and meat of your choice. You can find this dish along with all your favourite Chinese-style food at the vibrant food court known as Yee Ho Yan Cafe.

Address: 685, Lot 9294, Synergy Square, Jalan Matang Batu 4, Petra Jaya, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak

Opening hours: 6am – 1pm (Closed on Wednesday)

Contact number: +6019-482 3696

Something new to try: Fried Crispy Tomato Mee at Yee Ho Yan Cafe

Kolo Mee at Oriental Park (Non-halal)

No trip to Sarawak is considered complete without a taste of its unique Kolo Mee. This dish consists of freshly made springy egg noodles which is generously drizzled with shallot oil. For many decades, Kolo Mee has become an iconic dish representing Sarawak, and is loved especially by the local Chinese in town. Many claimed that Oriental Park serves the best version you could find in Kuching!

Address: Ground floor, Lorong Gertak, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak

Opening hours: 6am – 1pm

Contact number: +6016-8078115

Oriental Park is said to serve the best Kolo Mee in Kuching!

This Malaysian gem boasts some of the most amazing and diverse culinary options you'll ever experience. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on a food hunting trip with your loved ones - it's a culinary journey like no other!

Don't forget to share your travel and dining moments with us on Instagram by tagging @rollinggrace or #RollingGrace. Now, let's satisfy your taste buds and explore the vibrant food culture of Kuching.