10 Amazing Foods in Sarawak

If you're planning a trip to Sarawak, get ready to embark on more than just a scenic adventure—your taste buds are in for a journey too. Nestled on the island of Borneo, Sarawak is a melting pot of cultures, and its food scene reflects that beautifully. From the spicy, aromatic bowl of Sarawak Laksa to the smoky, earthy flavors of traditional Dayak cuisine, every dish tells a story. Whether you’re exploring bustling street markets in Kuching or dining in a rural longhouse, here are 10 must-try foods that capture the heart and soul of Sarawak.

1. Sarawak Laksa

The base of the laksa broth is cooked by adding prawn shells into the laksa paste. Together with this spicy soup, cooked rice vermicelli is topped with peeled boiled prawns, omelette strips, bean sprouts, chicken strips and chopped coriander leaves.

2. Kolo Mee

Kolo Mee is a very common food in Sarawak. It can be consumed in various ways and flavours, such as by adding barbeque pork oil, dark soy sauce, or spicy soy sauce.

3. Kacang Ma

Kacang Ma is originally taken by women from Sarawak on ‘confinement’ which is the period of rest they take after giving birth. The main ingredients are Chinese motherwort leaves, Chinese rice wine and ginger. This dish has a strong liquor flavour with a subtle dry and sweet taste.

4. Manok Pansoh

Manok Pansoh is a traditonal dish of the local Dayaks. Ginger flowers, lemon grass, tapioca leaves and chicken are chopped into small pieces are thrown into the bamboo stalk and cooked over a slow fire. The tenderness of the chicken and flavoursome soup leaves a rich aftertaste that will linger in your mouth and memory for a long time.

5. Umai

This is the ‘Shashimi’ for the Melanau tribe. Ingredients like red chillies, onion, salt and lime juice are used to marinate the raw fish. This salty and tangy flavour stimulate the palate and is very appetising.

6. Midin

Midin is a type of fern that grows in the wild and can only be found in Sarawak. It is crunchy and can be fried with garlic, red wine or belacan.

7. Dabai

Dabai, known as Sarawak’s black olive, is a seasonal fruit. They are very nutritious and can be eaten with some sugar or dark soy sauce. They can also be used as one of the ingredients for fried rice, pizza and jam, and can even be added to soap.

8. Tomato Kueh Tiaw

Tomato Kueh Tiaw is very unique and can only be found in the state of Sarawak. Adding tomato sauce to a plate of fried kueh tiaw is just irresistible, even to the children, and is a very popular comfort food.

"Kueh tiaw" (also known as kway teow or koay teow) refers to flat rice noodles used in the iconic Malaysian street food dish Char Kway Teow (or char kuey teow).

9. Kek Lapis Sarawak

The colourful and flavourful Kek Lapis, also known as Sarawak Layer Cake, is another special delicacy you can find in Sarawak. This is a ‘must’ for the Muslims when they celebrate their Hari Raya or Eid.

10. Kueh Chap

Kueh Chap’s broth is cooked using pork ribs and the slices of ‘kueh’ made of rice. The ‘kueh’ and the soup are then topped with pork slices, intestines, braised egg and dried bean curd. This is a rich and flavourful dish.