Sarawak, also known as Bumi Kenyalang, is a state located in Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. It is the largest state in Malaysia and is known for its diverse culture, rich history, and unique flora and fauna. Sarawak is home to many indigenous communities and is a melting pot of various ethnic groups, each with their own unique customs, traditions, and language. Sarawak is renowned for its unique cuisines, which are difficult to find in peninsular Malaysia.
The traditional cuisine of Sarawak offers a unique and delicious taste that you won’t find anywhere else! From the spicy and flavorful Laksa to the tender and juicy Manok Pansoh, there’s something for everyone. If you are a food lover who is looking for rich culture and unique food, check out these 10 best traditional dishes in Sarawak to taste the unique flavours of Bumi Kenyalang for yourself!
Why is Sarawak food famous?
Sarawak is well-known for its diverse and multi-ethnic population. It serves as the home to numerous distinct communities, leading to a rich array of cuisine not commonly found in other parts of Malaysia. Every native group in Sarawak has its own lifestyle, traditions, culture, and foods.
What is the taste of Sarawak traditional food?
Sarawak’s traditional food is less spicy and has a subtle taste. Fresh seafood and natural herbs such as turmeric, lemongrass, ginger, lime, and tapioca leaves are used in cooking. These ingredients are easily available in Sarawak and can add a touch of aroma, texture, and freshness. As a result, they play a significant role in elevating the taste of the cuisine in Sarawak.
10 Best Traditional Foods in Sarawak You Must Try 2025
1. Ayam Pansuh
Ayam Pansuh is a traditional dish from the Iban communities in Sarawak, Malaysia. It is made by cooking chicken, vegetables, and spices in a bamboo stem over an open fire. The bamboo stem helps to infuse the dish with a unique, smoky flavour and aroma, making it a popular dish among locals and tourists alike.
Operating Hours: 5:00 am – 10:00 pm (Daily)
Address: off, Jln Padungan, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak
Phone No: 019-888 5940
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2. Midin
Midin is a type of local fern leaf that is commonly used as a vegetable in the cuisine of Sarawak, Malaysia. It is often stir-fried with belacan (shrimp paste) and other ingredients, such as garlic. Stir-fried midin is a popular dish in Sarawak. Midin is known for its crunchy texture and slightly bitter taste.
Operating Hours:
11:00 am – 2:00 pm (Monday – Saturday)
6:00 pm – 10:00pm (Monday – Saturday)
Closed on Sundays
Address: 99, Jalan Ban Hock, Road, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak
Phone No: 012-884 5383
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3. Umai
Umai is a traditional food of the Melanau community, but nearly the entire Sarawak population enjoys and loves it. Umai uses raw seafood such as fish fillet, shrimp, or squid marinated with lime juice, sliced red onions, and chilli for added flavour. It is delicious to eat with white rice as one of the main dishes during a meal.
Operating Hours:
4:30 am – 10:00 pm (Monday – Saturday)
Closed on Sundays
Address: 7, Jln Kampung Pulo Ulu, Kampung Boyan, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak
Phone No: 016-870 7021
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4. Gong pia
Gong Pia is a popular snack for the Chinese Fuzhou community in Sarawak, often enjoyed as a treat during teatime, similar to an Asian bagel. Gong Pia is prepared with ingredients such as wheat flour, salt, water, and sesame seeds. The dough is baked by adhering it to the walls of a large charcoal oven. Gong Pia includes a filling, which can range from marinated pork, ham, cheese, garlic, and other options.
Operating Hours: 11:30 am – 5:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Jalan Song Kheng Hai, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak
Phone No: 014-684 0916
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5. Kek Lapis Sarawak
Kek Lapis Sarawak is a traditional layer cake from Sarawak, Malaysia. The cake is unique due to its cool pattern and delicious flavour. It is widely available in local stores and markets. One of the things that distinguishes it is the variety of colours and flavours available. It is typically served with tea or coffee and is a very tasty treat!
Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce, 93400 Kuching, Sarawak
Phone No: 010-235 8969
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keklapiswarisansdnbhd/
6. Laksa Sarawak
Laksa Sarawak is a well-known dish that can found throughout the state of Bumi Kenyalang. It makes use of a special sauce made up of a variety of unique ingredients. To make the laksa broth, coconut milk must be used. Laksa paste is served with scrambled egg slices, prawns, boiled chicken slices, bean sprouts, lime juice, and Belacan chilli paste.
Operating Hours: 6:00 am – 11:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Icom Square, Ground Floor, Unit A101 & Unit 102, Block A, Jalan Pending, 93450 Kuching, Sarawak
Phone No: 011-5687 7157
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebestlaksaintown/
7. Mee Kolok
Mee Kolok is a food that was brought to Sarawak by the Chinese community that migrated there. However, it has become a traditional food of the local people even though it was introduced by the Chinese community in the past. Mee Kolok uses curly noodles and is served with soup and soy sauce. It is also served with slices of boiled meat or chicken.
Operating Hours: 7.:00 am – 1:00 pm (Daily)
Address: GF, Lorong Gertak, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak
Phone No: 016-807 8115
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8. Mee Belacan
Mee Belacan is quite unique in taste. The soup of the Mee Belacan is made from shrimp paste mixed with a bit of belacan, gula Apong, and corn flour. It is quite thick due to the use of corn flour as one of the ingredients. Belacan noodles are made of vermicelli and served with cuttlefish, bean sprouts, and sliced cucumbers.
Operating Hours:
10:30 am – 6:00 pm (Tuesday – Sunday)
Closed on Mondays
Address: SL80G, Block G, Synergy Square, Jalan Matang, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak
Phone No: 017-844 2258
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9. Nasi Goreng Dabai
Dabai Fried Rice is a renowned dish in Sarawak due to the rarity of its main ingredient, the Dabai fruit, which can only be found in Sarawak and is not commonly available in other states in Malaysia. The fruit is typically added to fried rice. Dabai Fried Rice is stir-fried with soy sauce, garlic, shallot, chilli, and oyster sauce, creating a delicious and flavorful meal that is known for its salty and nutty taste.
Operating Hours:
9:30 am – 4:00 pm (Tuesday – Sunday)
Closed on Mondays
Address: 37, China St, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak
Phone No: 012-877 0771
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pinggaicafe/
10. Manok Kacangma
Manok Kacangma is a unique dish in Sarawak. In Sarawakian dialects, kacangma means motherwort, which is a local remedial herb, while Manok means chicken. It’s known for its health benefits and is often served to women during their confinement periods because of its healing properties. However, everyone of all ages can enjoy it because of its high nutritional value.
Operating Hours:
9:30 am – 4:00 pm (Tuesday – Sunday)
Closed on Mondays
Address: No 72, Jalan Sekama, Sekama, 93300 Kuching, Sarawak
Phone No: 012-877 0771
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