Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, Malaysia, is a haven for food enthusiasts. The city’s rich cultural tapestry is reflected in its diverse culinary offerings.
From traditional Malay dishes to Chinese delicacies, Kuching promises a gastronomic adventure like no other. Here are some of the best places to savor the authentic flavors of this vibrant city.
1. Mom’s Laksa Kopitiam: A Taste Of Authentic Sarawak Laksa
Sarawak Laksa is a must-try when visiting Kuching. This hearty bowl of noodles is packed with flavors and served with shredded chicken, shrimps, egg, tangy sambal, and lime to elevate the taste. Mom’s Laksa Kopitiam is renowned for serving one of the best versions of this dish in town.
2. Oriental Park: The Quintessential Kolo Mee Experience
No trip to Sarawak is complete without tasting Kolo Mee. This dish consists of freshly made springy egg noodles generously drizzled with shallot oil. For many decades, Kolo Mee has become an iconic dish representing Sarawak, and is especially loved by the local Chinese community. Many claim that Oriental Park serves the best version you could find in Kuching.
3. Barong Tinuk: Dive Into Traditional Melanau Cuisine With Linut
Linut is a famous ethnic Melanau dish in Sarawak, typically eaten with sambal. At Barong Tinuk, they pair the linut with a small bowl of sweet and spicy sambal. The linut itself is generally tasteless, but the accompanying sambal elevates the dish, making it a unique culinary experience
4. Yee Ho Yan Cafe: Savor The Unique Fried Crispy Tomato Mee
One of the most popular signature Sarawakian dishes is Tomato Mee. This dish is an elevation of the traditional Kolo Mee, where the springy noodles are deep-fried until golden brown. It is served in a bowl of hearty tomato sauce along with seafood and meat of your choice. Yee Ho Yan Cafe offers this dish along with other favorite Chinese-style foods at their vibrant food court.
5. Top Spot Food Centre: A Seafood Lover’s Paradise
For a seafood feast, head to Top Spot, located on top of a car-park building. This food center houses a number of different seafood restaurants, allowing you to pick your own fish from the vast selection of seafood on offer.
Don’t forget to order local vegetables to accompany your meal, like midin belacan (jungle fern) and cangkuk manis (sweet leaf). A lively atmosphere and fresh seafood make for a brilliant dinner out.
6. Dayang Salhah Kek Lapis: Indulge In Sarawak’s Famous Layer Cakes
Sarawak is famous for its Kek Lapis or layer cake, often served on special occasions. Visitors to Kuching purchase these elaborate and colorful cakes by the box load—a piece of the butter cake along with a kopi (Malaysian coffee) makes for the perfect afternoon tea.
You’ll find all kinds of flavors, including durian, mint, blueberry, pandan, coffee, and more. Heading over the river to Kampung Gersik, a Malay village with a number of Kek Lapis shops, is highly recommended.
7. Lau Ya Keng Food Court: A Hub Of Local Delicacies
Food centers are an excellent way to dine in Malaysia—they can’t be beaten when it comes to variety and affordability. Lau Ya Keng Food Court features an array of local food.
Think grilled chicken wings, kolo mee, satay, grilled stingray, dumplings, laksa—to name but a few. The casual yet lively atmosphere and local food make food centers a great option when looking for a place to eat.