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ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
Bruneian delicacies overlap with those
found in neighbouring countries like
Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, drawing
inspiration from Malay, Chinese and Indian
cuisine.
Rice and noodles are the staple food on most
menus. Bruneians are avid meat-eaters,
with chicken, beef and seafood forming the
base of a variety of local dishes. Seasonal
tropical fruits such as papaya, durian and
rambutan are popular among locals.
Asian cuisines ranging from Indian and Thai
to Japanese and Korean are relatively easy
to come by in Brunei while Western food,
particularly Italian, is a popular option.
WHERE TO EAT
Kopitiams, gerais, hawker
centres and food courts
Gerais – meaning impermanent food stalls –
pop up during special occasions such as His
Majesty's birthday, Ramadhan and Hari Raya
Aidilfitri. They are seen as more than just an
eatery, but an integral part of Brunei's food
culture and identity.
Roti john, nasi lemak and mee goreng are
the most common fare found at gerais. Ikan
panggang (grilled fish), tongkeng ayam
(grilled parson's nose), hati buyah (grilled
beef lung) and satay can be seen atop
most barbeque pits at these stalls. Various
local kuehs (cakes) are available, as well
as drinks like sugar cane juice, air kelapa
(coconut juice), milo and air bandung (rose
water).
Popular gerais in the Muara district include
Tamu Selera, the Gadong Night Market,
Gerai Makan Jalan Residency and Gerai
Ramadhan at the Hassanal Bolkiah National
Stadium. Other eating areas are Tudung
Saji, Gerai Bunga Rambai and Gerai Simpur
in Kuala Belait and Tamu Muhibah Aneka
Rasa in Temburong.
Kopitiams are traditional coffee shops found
in Brunei. The word kopi is Malay for coffee
and tiam is Hakka/Hokkien for shop. Typical
breakfast items include roti kahwin kuning
(kaya and butter on toast), roti mentega
(butter buns), roti kacang (peanut butter
buns) and roti kosong (plain) or roti telur
(egg).
Chop Jing Chew is one of Brunei's oldest
kopitiams and most widely recognised.
It was founded in 1946 by the late Han
King Juan. Other popular coffee shops are
the Jee Juan Coffee Café in Kuala Belait,
Seria's Universal Café, Soi Heng Coffee
Shop and Wah Hing.
For those after convenience, Brunei's vast
array of food courts are a great option.
Jerudong Park Food Court, Kianggeh
Food Court, Sumbangsih Food Court, The
Mall Food Court and the recently opened
contemporary Little Soho are go-to lunch
and dinner spots.
Franchises and Hipster Cafes
International food and beverage chains have
found relative success in Brunei over the
years, including McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut,
Jollibee and Burger King. Newer franchises
like Dairy Queen, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
and Mochi Frozen Yoghurt can also be found
peppered throughout the nation.
Bubble tea, also known as pearl tea, is a
typically Bruneian guilty pleasure, with
outlets of established brands such as Gong
Cha, Ochado and Chatime dotted around the
country.
Coffee chains Starbucks, Coffee Bean & Tea
Leaf, Gloria Jean’s Coffee and It’s A Grind
coffee house have been well-received by
Brunei’s coffee-loving community. To meet
the country’s growing caffeine demand,
hipster cafes and independent brewers have
sprouted up.