Food to Try in Kuching

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Sarawak has heaps to offer when it comes to food, and what better place to try this unique plethora than in the state's capital!



First up is, of course, Sarawak laksa. You can't leave Kuching without slurping up some of these rice vermicelli noodles in a spicy broth. The noodles are topped with prawns, chicken, bean sprouts and strips of omelette before being served with sambal belacan and lime. The broth has a rich spice and coconut taste to it. Ask any local, and they'll say this dish is loved by all.



Kolo mee is another common favourite. Typically served for breakfast, the noodles come with minced meat and slices of barbecued pork. A popular place to savour this simple yet flavourful dish is Oriental Park Kolo Mee on Lorong Gertak. They open early in the morning and are done by around midday. Arriving at 7 am, I was greeted with tablefuls of patrons and a line of takeaway customers awaiting their turn. Besides the conventional way, these noodles can also be enjoyed in other forms, and a couple of halal versions have been created due to popularity.



As for a traditional Dayak delicacy, you've got to try ayam pansuh. It consists of small pieces of chicken and aromatics cooked in bamboo. This method of cooking gives the dish a distinct fragrance and flavour. I'd recommend Pinggai Cafe which offers a delicious pansuh among other things. You're welcome to try their pork version too. The cafe is located at 37 Upper China Street.



If you're after something sweet, look no further than kek lapis and gula apong ice cream. Kek lapis is a colourful layer cake particularly popular during religious and cultural celebrations. Many variations exist, and they can pretty much be found everywhere in Kuching. However, the Malay village Kampung Boyan is best known for producing these cakes, and one such producer is Mira Cake House . Gula apong ice cream, on the other hand, is an interesting soft frozen dessert made using nipah palm sugar. It can be topped with Oreos, cornflakes, peanuts, nestum, etc. I got mine from the stall along Kuching Waterfront and am happy to put in a good word for them.



When you think of fruits, the humble olive might not necessarily come to mind. But, here, dabai (Sarawakian olive) is very popular. It is often used in cooking to produce a unique flavour. For example, dabai fried rice has the fruit as one of its ingredients, and you can try this deliciously savoury dish at Pinggai Cafe . Eating dabai with some sugar is another way to enjoy the fruit.



So, do give this plethora of food a go next time you're in Kuching. I reckon you'll be pleasantly surprised.

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