National Classics

• Ambuyat: Brunei’s national dish, made from thick sago starch paste, eaten by rolling it with a special bamboo fork and dipping it in sour sauces. It has a unique texture.
• Nasi Katok: Literally “knock-on-the-door rice,” this popular street food consists of white rice served with fried chicken and sambal chili sauce. It comes in simple packaging and is very inexpensive, making it a beloved everyday meal.
• Satay: Grilled chicken or beef skewers served with peanut sauce and rice cakes, commonly found in night markets and restaurants.
• Mee Brunei: A local stir-fried noodle dish with a slightly sweet flavor, often served with chicken or seafood.

Specialties and Snacks

• Nasi Lemak: Coconut-flavored rice served with anchovies, peanuts, and chili sauce, commonly eaten for breakfast.
• Kelupis: Glutinous rice wrapped in palm leaves and steamed, often served as a festive snack.
• Roti and Paratha: Flatbreads influenced by Malay and Indian cuisines, usually served with curry.
• Chinese-Influenced Breakfast: Includes fried dough sticks (youtiao) and kaya toast, often paired with soft-boiled eggs and coffee.
• Grilled Fish and Sambal: Popular night market fare, featuring thick, flavorful grilled fish served with homemade spicy sauce.
• Teh Tarik: Pulled tea with rich foam, best enjoyed with hawker center meals.

Drinks and Where to Eat

• No Alcohol: Alcohol is banned nationwide, so restaurants do not serve alcoholic drinks. Popular beverages include Teh Tarik, fresh fruit juices, and coconut water.
• Where to Eat: Gadong Night Market, hawker centers, and food courts in shopping malls are the main spots to sample local flavors.
• Prices: A plate of Nasi Katok costs around 1 to 3 Brunei dollars, while dining at a restaurant typically ranges from 10 to 30 Brunei dollars per person.

Dining Tips and Practical Advice

Bruneian cuisine blends Malay, Indian, and Chinese influences, often featuring sweet and spicy flavors along with generous use of coconut milk and spices. Locals typically eat with their right hand and use serving utensils when sharing dishes. When entering a Malay restaurant or home, it is polite to remove your shoes and dress modestly. Hawker centers offer affordable, diverse options and are a great way to experience daily life in Brunei, though they usually operate only during the day and early evening—check opening hours in advance. For first-timers, start with a Nasi Katok and a satay skewer, then try the uniquely textured national dish Ambuyat, paired with a glass of Teh Tarik for an authentic meal. You can ask for less spice when ordering, and if trying Ambuyat for the first time, consider ordering a small portion before deciding whether to have more.