Where to Eat in Bandar Seri Begawan

Bandar Seri Begawan's dining culture reflects Brunei's unique position as a wealthy Islamic sultanate where Malay culinary traditions blend with Chinese, Indian, and indigenous influences. The capital's food scene centers around ambuyat (a sticky sago starch eaten with bamboo tongs), nasi katok (rice with fried chicken and sambal), and fresh seafood prepared with aromatic spices like turmeric, lemongrass, and belacan (shrimp paste). The city operates without alcohol due to Islamic law, and dining revolves around halal establishments ranging from bustling night markets to air-conditioned restaurants, with a particularly busy street food culture that comes alive after sunset. Most dining happens in family-run warungs, kopitiam-style coffee shops, and the famous Gadong night market, creating an authentic local experience distinct from typical Southeast Asian capitals.

• Primary Dining Districts: Gadong commercial area serves as the main food hub with the Pasar Malam Gadong (night market) operating from 4 PM to midnight, offering dozens of stalls selling local specialties for B$1-5 per dish. Kiulap Road features numerous restaurants and cafes popular with locals, while the Taman Selera food courts near the waterfront provide affordable meals with views of Kampong Ayer water village. The Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah complex downtown houses various eateries serving both local and international cuisine in an upscale setting.
• Essential Local Dishes: Ambuyat remains the national dish, served with cacah (a sour-spicy dip), grilled fish, and jungle fern vegetables, typically costing B$8-15 for a complete set. Nasi katok (literally "knock rice") costs just B$1-2 and consists of rice, fried chicken, and sambal, available at countless roadside stalls. Soto Brunei (aromatic beef soup with vermicelli) sells for B$3-5, while kuih-muih (colorful traditional cakes made from rice flour, coconut, and palm sugar) cost B$0.50-1 each at morning markets. Seafood dishes like ikan bakar (grilled fish with sambal) and udang galah (freshwater prawns) range from B$10-25 depending on market prices.
• Price Structure: Street food and night market meals cost B$1-5, making them the most economical option for authentic local flavors. Casual restaurant meals in kopitiams and warungs range B$5-12 per person, while mid-range air-conditioned restaurants charge B$15-30 per person for full meals. Upscale dining experiences, particularly in hotel restaurants or specialized establishments, cost B$40-80 per person. A cup of local kopi (thick coffee with condensed milk) costs B$1-2, while fresh fruit juices run B$2-4.
• Seasonal Dining Patterns: Ramadan transforms the dining scene completely, with special Ramadan bazaars (pasar Ramadan) appearing in Gadong and other neighborhoods from 3 PM onwards, offering unique kuih and dishes not available year-round like bubur lambuk (savory rice porridge) and kelupis (glutinous rice in palm leaves). During Hari Raya celebrations,