Being the largest state in Malaysia, Sarawak is a beautiful state that has so much to offer and explore for locals and tourists alike. Sarawak will take your breath away with its magnificent nature which consists of gigantic caves, national parks and more. Besides the beautiful nature and the vibrant cultures here, Sarawak does not shy away from offering the most delectable Sarawak food.
With that said, your visit to Sarawak is sadly incomplete if you have not tried out some of their delicacies. Hence, here are some foods that you must not miss out on any time you’re in Sarawak.
1. Sarawak Laksa
Your Sarawak experience will not be complete if you haven’t tried their iconic and must-have dish, which is the Sarawak Laksa. This dish is unique and perfect for spicy and non-spicy eaters because of its subtle and mild flavour. Upon every order of the Sarawak Laksa, diners will get to enjoy a flavourful chicken or shrimp-based broth, seasoned with thick laksa paste. Your Sarawak Laksa can be elevated by pairing it with a side of spicy sambal and lime.
Suppose you’re ever in Sarawak and want to try the best laksa in town. In that case, Mom’s Laksa Kopitiam in Jalan Astana, and Chong Choon Cafe in Jalan Chan Chin Ann, Kuching is a must-visit for a flavourful dining experience.
2. Kolo Mee
Kolo Mee, also known as Sarawakian’s dry noodle dish is another staple food in Sarawak that shouldn’t be missed. Kolo Mee is different from the usual Wantan Mee that is popular in Peninsular Malaysia. That is because, unlike the Wan Tan Mee, Kolo Mee is not drenched in dark soy sauce. Kolo Mee usually comes in two different styles: plain or seasoned with red sauce.
You can also have add-on sides such as fish balls, wantons, and vegetables to go with your Kolo Mee. Some places you can check out for great tasting Kolo Mee is the Oriental Park Kolo Mee in Gertak Lane and Sin Lian Shin Kolo Mee in Jalan Green, Kuching.
3. Umai
Umai is another iconic dish in Sarawak that is a must-try when you visit. This dish is a popular traditional native dish of the Melanau people in Sarawak. Umai is a dish that consists of sliced raw fish with a mixture of onions, chillies, vinegar, salt and lime juice.
The umai is another dish that will awaken your taste buds with the sour and spicy flavour of the food. You can enjoy this dish as a salad or an appetizer. You can also opt to replace the fish with other seafood too such as prawns. Before you get all adventurous, we recommend you try the classic umai first. You can do so at My Village Barok at Jalan Kampung Pulo Hilir in Kuching.
4. Kueh Chap
Kueh Chap is another must-have dish whenever you’re in Sarawak, especially if you’re in Kuching. Kueh Chap is a bowl of flavourful pork stew served with various pork innards and pork meat. If you’re a soup lover, then we would recommend you to try the soup-based Kueh Chap with pork meat.
If you’d like a more spicy kick to your dish, you can add a side of sambal to go with your Kueh Chap. You can also have flat rice noodles to go with your soup for a more filling meal. One of the best places to have Kueh Chap in Kuching is the Woon Lam Cafe 1999. This eatery has been operating since 1985 and is an iconic place to have delicious Kueh Chap here in Kuching.
5. Sayur Midin
Midin is a wild fern species that is loved by the locals here in Sarawak. Although it is scientifically known as ‘Stenochlaena’, it is a local favourite that goes great with any dish. Midin is usually sourced from the wild and not grown. You can find this wild fern thriving in the forests, rubber estates and palm oil plantations in Sarawak (and outside of Sarawak too).
The locals in Sarawak love midin cooked with shrimp paste or belacan. It is a great combination that will excite your taste buds! Plus, midin is also high in fibre and rich in antioxidants. You can find this dish anywhere in Sarawak. For example, you could visit the TopSpot Food Court in Jalan Padungan for delicious midin.
6. Ayam Pansuh
Ayam Pansuh, also known as Manok Pansoh, is a unique chicken dish. The unique thing about this dish is how it was cooked. The chicken meat, along with lemongrass and ginger, are stuffed inside a bamboo stalk. Then, it is filled with water and seasonings before being covered with tapioca leaves before the bamboo stalk is roasted over an open fire to cook.
You can give this dish a try at The Dyak in Jalan Simpang Tiga, Kuching. It is a modern-looking cafe that serves some of the best authentic Dayak cuisines in the area.
7. Kampua Mee
This noodle dish called the ‘Kampua Mee’ is also another local delicacy found here in Sarawak. Although some people may mix up the Kampua Mee and the other iconic Kolo Mee, there is a significant difference between the two. Kampua Mee is a special delicacy in the Foochow community.
Hence, you can commonly find this dish in towns that are populated with Foochow people, such as Sibu in Sarawak. This dish is unlike Kolo Mee. Kampua Mee is drier than Kolo Mee. If you prefer a soup dish, then you may opt for Kampua Mee Soup. You can try the Kampua Mee at Song Corner, as locals would deem this place that serves one of the best Kampua Mee in town!
8. Manok Kacangma
Manok Kacangma is another must-try dish in Sarawak. Its origin is believed to be from the Chinese Hakka community, and it is best known for its health benefits. This dish is usually served to women who had just given birth and are in their confinement period. However, that doesn’t mean you can only enjoy this dish after you’ve given birth. It is a local delicacy made for everyone to enjoy.
Manok Kacangma is a dish that consists of chicken cooked with ginger and kacangma. Visitors who travel to Sarawak must get their hands on this dish as the herbs for this dish, which is the motherwort, are not commonly found overseas. With that said, you can make your trip to the Country Kitchen at Jalan Padungan in Kuching for a flavourful Manok Kacangma.
9. Kek Lapis Sarawak
Kek Lapis Sarawak, translated as Sarawak Layered Cake, is another local and tourist favourite snack here. You can even see travellers buying the layered cakes here as a souvenir back. Kek Lapis Sarawak is usually made during religious or cultural celebrations, birthdays and weddings. The Sarawak layered cakes are beautiful because of their colourful appearance.
It can be divided into two categories, which is the layered cake with ordinary layers or layers with different patterns and shapes. You can find delicious and affordable Kek Lapis Sarawak in Mira Cake House in Kuching; it is the biggest layered cake franchise in town. The cakes here are baked fresh every day, with their cakes moister than any other place, with different flavours and colours.
10. Kompia
When in Sarawak, you must give the snacks here a try! One of Sarawak’s most famous and favourite buns is the Kompia. Kompia is a local favourite bun, especially among the Foochow community in Sibu. Kompia is a Chinese pastry made with meat, onion, salt and flour. The bun is stuffed with meat or other fillings and flattened with a rolling pin. It is then baked by slapping the pastry to the side of the traditional homemade Chinese oven.
There are many fillings that you can try with the Kompia such as barbeque chicken, barbeque pork (char siew), tuna, anchovies and more. Visitors can take a trip to Song Kheng Hai Hawker Centre as it is said that the Kompia there is a must-try.
Reading this list of Sarawak food will make anyone’s mouth water. What are you waiting for? Go and explore the beauty of Sarawak and eat like a local there. We assure you that your dining experience in Sarawak is one of a kind and truly unforgettable.
