25 Best Sarawak Food You Should Try

Sarawak has a food culture influenced by its diverse communities, including Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Malay, Chinese and other communities. The food includes traditional dishes, seafood and local snacks. This guide covers the best Sarawak food to try.

Noodle Dishes

1. Sarawak Laksa

Sarawak Laksa is a noodle dish, made with rice noodles, prawns, chicken and a spicy broth. It is one of the most famous Sarawak dishes. See our best food places in Kuching guide.

2. Kolo Mee

Kolo Mee is a noodle dish, made with egg noodles, char siew and vegetables. It is a popular breakfast dish in Sarawak. It is one of the most famous Sarawak dishes. See our best food places in Kuching guide.

3. Kampua Mee

Kampua Mee is a noodle dish from the Foochow community, popular in Sibu and other parts of Sarawak. It is made with flat noodles and a savoury sauce.

Traditional Dishes

4. Manok Pansuh

Manok Pansuh is a traditional Iban dish, made with chicken cooked in bamboo. It is a popular local dish and one of the most famous Sarawak dishes.

5. Midin

Midin is a traditional Sarawak fern, cooked with belacan or garlic. It is a popular local dish and one of the most famous Sarawak dishes.

6. Bamboo Clams

Bamboo clams are a popular seafood dish in Sarawak, cooked in a range of styles.

7. Umai

Umai is a traditional Melanau dish, made with raw fish, lime, chilli and onion. It is a popular local dish. Note: Umai is similar to hinava from Sabah, but is a distinct Melanau dish.

Rice Dishes

8. Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak is a traditional Malaysian dish, made with coconut rice, sambal, peanuts, anchovies and egg. It is a popular breakfast dish in Sarawak. Note: Nasi Lemak is a national dish, not unique to Sarawak.

9. Nasi Aruk

Nasi Aruk is a traditional Sarawak fried rice, made without soy sauce. It is a popular local dish.

Seafood

10. Sarawak Seafood

Sarawak has seafood restaurants serving fresh seafood. See our best food places in Kuching guide.

11. Grilled Fish

Grilled fish is a popular dish in Sarawak. It is usually served with a spicy sauce.

12. Butter Prawns

Butter prawns are a popular seafood dish in Sarawak. They are made with prawns, butter and curry leaves.

13. Steamed Fish

Steamed fish is a popular dish in Sarawak, usually served with a soy-based sauce.

Snacks

14. Kek Lapis Sarawak

Kek Lapis Sarawak is a layered cake, popular in Sarawak. It is one of the most famous Sarawak snacks. It comes in a range of flavours and colours.

15. Tebal Pi

Tebal Pi is a traditional Sarawak snack, made with peanuts and sugar. It is a popular snack.

16. Kuih Tradisional

Sarawak has a range of traditional kuih (snacks), including kuih lapis and other local varieties. They are popular snacks.

Desserts

17. Ais Kacang

Ais Kacang is a cold dessert, made with shaved ice, beans, jelly and syrup. It is a popular dessert. Note: Ais Kacang is a national dessert, not unique to Sarawak.

18. Cendol

Cendol is a cold dessert, made with coconut milk, green jelly and palm sugar. It is a popular dessert. Note: Cendol is a national dessert, not unique to Sarawak.

Other Dishes

19. Roti Canai

Roti Canai is a popular Malaysian flatbread, served with curry. It is a popular breakfast dish in Sarawak. Note: Roti Canai is a national dish, not unique to Sarawak.

20. Satay

Satay is a popular dish, made with grilled meat on skewers, served with a peanut sauce. It is a popular dish in Sarawak. Note: Satay is a national dish, not unique to Sarawak.

21. Kacang Ma

Kacang Ma is a traditional Sarawak dish, made with chicken and herbs. It is a popular local dish.

22. Linut

Linut is a traditional dish, made with sago starch. It is eaten with a sauce and side dishes. Note: Linut is similar to ambuyat, shared across multiple Borneo regions.

23. Tuak

Tuak is a traditional Iban rice wine. It is a popular local drink. Note: Tuak is a traditional drink, not unique to Sarawak.

24. Sayur Midin

Sayur Midin is a dish made with midin fern, cooked with belacan or garlic. It is a popular local dish.

25. Local Fruits

Sarawak has local fruits, including seasonal tropical fruits. They are popular snacks.

Where to Try Sarawak Food

• Kuching: The markets and food stalls in Kuching are the best places to try Sarawak food. See our best food places in Kuching guide.
• Sibu: Sibu is the home of Kampua Mee and other Foochow dishes. See our places to visit in Sarawak guide.
• Miri: Miri has food stalls and restaurants serving local food. See our best places to visit in Miri guide.

Practical Tips

• Spice level: Sarawak food can be spicy. Ask about the spice level if you are sensitive to chilli.
• Halal: Most Malay restaurants in Sarawak are halal. Chinese restaurants may serve pork.
• Timing: Some dishes are only available at certain times. Ask locally for the best time to try specific dishes.
• Hygiene: Choose busy stalls and restaurants — they usually have a high turnover of food.
• Cash: Bring cash — some stalls may not accept cards.

FAQ

What food is Sarawak famous for?

Sarawak is famous for Sarawak laksa, kolo mee, kek lapis and midin. See our best food places in Kuching guide.

Where can I try Sarawak food?

Kuching is the best place to try Sarawak food. See our best food places in Kuching guide.

Is Sarawak food spicy?

Sarawak food can be spicy. Ask about the spice level if you are sensitive to chilli. See our best food in Sarawak guide.

Conclusion

Sarawak has a food culture influenced by its diverse communities. For more ideas, see our best food places in Kuching, places to visit in Kuching and places to visit in Sarawak guides.