Brunei, a tiny yet vibrant nation on the island of Borneo, is a hidden gem when it comes to its culinary scene.
While it may not be as globally renowned as its Southeast Asian neighbors, Brunei’s food culture is a delightful fusion of Malay, Chinese, and Indigenous influences.
Think aromatic spices, rich flavors, and dishes that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
If you’re a foodie looking to explore something new, you’re in for a treat.
Get ready to dive into a world of bold flavors and hearty meals that’ll leave you craving more.
From savory rice dishes to mouthwatering desserts, these Bruneian recipes are the real deal.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing your friends at a dinner party, these dishes are sure to hit the spot.
So, roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
1. Ambuyat: Brunei’s Staple Starchy Delight
Ambuyat is Brunei’s national dish, and it’s as unique as it gets. Made from the sago palm.
This starchy, glue-like dish is a must-try for anyone looking to experience authentic Bruneian cuisine.
It’s often paired with tangy and spicy dips, making it a flavor explosion in every bite.
Ingredients:
- Sago starch
- Water
- Cacah (dipping sauce made from sour fruits like binjai)
- Optional: grilled fish, vegetables, or tofu
How to Make It:
- Mix sago starch with water in a pot and stir continuously over medium heat until it thickens into a translucent, sticky paste.
- Serve hot with cacah and your choice of sides like grilled fish or veggies.
- Use bamboo forks called “candas” to twirl the ambuyat and dip it into the sauce.
Why did this make it to our list? Ambuyat is not just a dish; it’s a cultural experience.
It’s simple yet deeply rooted in Bruneian tradition, making it a must-try for anyone exploring the country’s cuisine.
2. Nasi Katok: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Nasi Katok is Brunei’s answer to fast food, but way tastier and more satisfying.
This humble dish consists of steamed rice, fried chicken, and a spicy sambal sauce. It’s cheap, filling, and oh-so-delicious.
Ingredients:
- Jasmine rice
- Chicken pieces
- Flour
- Salt and pepper
- Sambal (chili paste)
How to Make It:
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, coat it in flour, and deep-fry until golden brown.
- Steam jasmine rice until fluffy.
- Serve the fried chicken and rice with a generous dollop of sambal on the side.
Why we chose it: Nasi Katok is the ultimate comfort food that’s both simple and flavorful. It’s a staple for locals and a must-try for visitors.
3. Pulut Panggang: Grilled Glutinous Rice Parcels
Pulut Panggang is a savory snack made from glutinous rice stuffed with a spicy filling, wrapped in banana leaves, and grilled to perfection.
It’s a popular street food that’s perfect for snacking on the go.
Ingredients:
- Glutinous rice
- Coconut milk
- Salt
- Dried shrimp
- Chilies
- Shallots
- Garlic
- Banana leaves
How to Make It:
- Cook glutinous rice with coconut milk and salt.
- Blend dried shrimp, chilies, shallots, and garlic into a paste.
- Spread the rice on banana leaves, add the filling, and wrap into parcels.
- Grill until the leaves are slightly charred.
Why we selected it: Pulut Panggang is a flavorful and portable snack that showcases Brunei’s love for bold spices and creative cooking techniques.
4. Kelupis: Sticky Rice Cakes Wrapped in Leaves
Kelupis are bite-sized sticky rice cakes wrapped in banana or nyirik leaves. They’re often served during special occasions and are a favorite among locals.
Ingredients:
- Glutinous rice
- Coconut milk
- Salt
- Banana or nyirik leaves
How to Make It:
- Cook glutinous rice with coconut milk and salt.
- Wrap small portions of the rice in leaves and steam until firm.
Why this made it to our list: Kelupis are a delightful treat that’s both simple and satisfying, making them a must-try for anyone exploring Bruneian cuisine.
5. Ayam Penyet: Smashed Fried Chicken
Ayam Penyet is a dish of crispy fried chicken that’s smashed to make it extra tender. It’s served with rice, sambal, and fresh veggies.
Ingredients:
- Chicken
- Rice flour
- Garlic
- Shallots
- Chilies
- Lime
- Cucumber and lettuce
How to Make It:
- Marinate chicken with garlic and shallots, then coat in rice flour and fry.
- Smash the chicken lightly with a mortar and pestle.
- Serve with rice, sambal, and fresh veggies.
Why we chose it: Ayam Penyet is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for anyone who loves fried chicken with a kick.
6. Lontong: Rice Cakes in Coconut Curry
Lontong is a hearty dish of rice cakes served in a rich coconut curry with vegetables and tofu. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for any time of the day.
Ingredients:
- Rice cakes
- Coconut milk
- Turmeric
- Lemongrass
- Tofu
- Vegetables (beans, carrots)
How to Make It:
- Cook rice cakes and set aside.
- Simmer coconut milk with turmeric, lemongrass, and vegetables.
- Add tofu and serve with rice cakes.
Why this made it to our list: Lontong is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for anyone looking to try something new.
7. Serondeng Pandan: Fragrant Coconut Topping
Serondeng Pandan is a fragrant coconut topping often sprinkled over rice or desserts. It’s sweet, nutty, and incredibly aromatic.
Ingredients:
- Grated coconut
- Pandan leaves
- Sugar
- Salt
How to Make It:
- Toast grated coconut with pandan leaves until golden brown.
- Add sugar and salt to taste.
Why we selected it: Serondeng Pandan adds a unique flavor to any dish, making it a must-try for anyone exploring Bruneian cuisine.
8. Kuih Mor: Sweet Coconut Pancakes
Kuih Mor are sweet, fluffy pancakes made with coconut milk and sugar. They’re a popular dessert in Brunei.
Ingredients:
- Flour
- Coconut milk
- Sugar
- Eggs
How to Make It:
- Mix flour, coconut milk, sugar, and eggs into a batter.
- Cook in a pan until golden brown on both sides.
Why this made it to our list: Kuih Mor are a simple yet delicious dessert that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
9. Soto: Aromatic Beef Soup
Soto is a fragrant beef soup with spices, rice noodles, and herbs. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for any time of the day.
Ingredients:
- Beef
- Rice noodles
- Turmeric
- Lemongrass
- Garlic
- Shallots
How to Make It:
- Simmer beef with turmeric, lemongrass, garlic, and shallots.
- Serve with rice noodles and fresh herbs.
Why we chose it: Soto is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for anyone looking to try something new.
10. Kueh Cincin: Crispy Ring-Shaped Cookies
Kueh Cincin are crispy, ring-shaped cookies that are a popular snack in Brunei. They’re sweet, crunchy, and utterly addictive.
Ingredients:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Coconut milk
- Oil
How to Make It:
- Mix flour, sugar, and coconut milk into a dough.
- Shape into rings and deep-fry until golden brown.
Why this made it to our list: Kueh Cincin are a delightful snack that’s perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.
11. Pais: Spicy Fish Parcels
Pais is a dish of spicy fish wrapped in banana leaves and grilled. It’s a flavorful and aromatic dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers.
Ingredients:
- Fish fillets
- Chilies
- Shallots
- Garlic
- Turmeric
- Banana leaves
How to Make It:
- Blend chilies, shallots, garlic, and turmeric into a paste.
- Marinate fish in the paste, wrap in banana leaves, and grill.
Why we selected it: Pais is a flavorful and aromatic dish that’s perfect for anyone who loves seafood.
Conclusion
Bruneian cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be explored. From the sticky goodness of Ambuyat to the crispy delight of Kueh Cincin, these dishes offer a unique culinary.
Experience that’s hard to resist. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, head to the kitchen, and start cooking these amazing Bruneian recipes. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!