Kuching, the charming capital of Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo, is a food lover’s paradise boasting a rich culinary tapestry shaped by Malay, Chinese, and indigenous Dayak cultures. The city’s vibrant street food scene is famous for delivering authentic flavors that are affordable and unforgettable. From aromatic noodle dishes to crispy fritters and refreshing desserts, Kuching’s street food will satisfy every craving. Whether you’re a local or a traveler exploring Borneo, here are the top 10 street foods in Kuching you absolutely must try.
1. Kolo Mee (Mee Kolok)
- Introduction: Kolo Mee is a beloved Sarawak noodle dish with springy egg noodles tossed in fragrant shallot oil and served with minced pork or chicken and crispy shallots.
- Location: Lau Ya Keng Food Court, Choon Choon Cafe, and hawker centers throughout Kuching.
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM daily.
- Must Try: Kolo Mee with char siu (BBQ pork) and chili sauce.
- Price: RM 4 – RM 6 per bowl.
- Highlights: Light and flavorful with a perfect balance of aroma, texture, and savory taste. Ideal as a breakfast or lunch option.
2. Kuching Laksa
- Introduction: Known as Sarawak Laksa, this spicy and tangy noodle soup features rice vermicelli, shredded chicken, prawns, bean sprouts, and egg strips in a rich coconut milk and sambal broth.
- Location: Choon Hui Kopitiam, Top Spot Food Court.
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
- Must Try: Sarawak Laksa with extra prawns and a squeeze of lime.
- Price: RM 5 – RM 8.
- Highlights: Complex flavors of lemongrass, galangal, and sambal create a rich yet refreshing broth that’s a culinary icon of Kuching.
3. Kompia
- Introduction: Kompia is a Foochow-style baked bun, crispy on the outside and soft inside, sometimes filled with minced pork and onions.
- Location: Song Kheng Hai Hawker Centre, local bakeries.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Must Try: Pork-filled Kompia or plain with local kopi (coffee).
- Price: RM 1.50 – RM 2 per piece.
- Highlights: Portable, tasty, and great as a snack or quick breakfast.
4. Cucur Udang (Prawn Fritters)
- Introduction: Deep-fried fritters packed with fresh prawns, crunchy outside and juicy inside, often paired with spicy sambal sauce.
- Location: Old Rex Cucur Udang Cafe, night markets.
- Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
- Must Try: Original prawn fritters served with homemade chili sambal.
- Price: RM 5 – RM 10 per serving.
- Highlights: Crunchy texture and fresh seafood flavor make this a perfect snack or side dish.
5. Tomato Crispy Mee
- Introduction: A Kuching specialty where Kolo Mee noodles are fried until crispy and then coated with a tangy tomato sauce, topped with chicken, prawns, and fish cake.
- Location: Lau Ya Keng Food Court.
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
- Must Try: Tomato Crispy Mee with extra seafood toppings.
- Price: RM 6 – RM 9.
- Highlights: Unique crispy noodles paired with a sweet and tangy sauce — a distinct Kuching flavor experience.
6. Satay Celup
- Introduction: Skewers of seafood, meat, and vegetables cooked by dipping into a communal pot of spicy peanut satay sauce.
- Location: Select local eateries and night markets.
- Opening Hours: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
- Must Try: Mixed seafood and meat satay celup skewers.
- Price: RM 1.50 – RM 3 per skewer.
- Highlights: Fun, interactive communal dining with bold peanut flavors.
7. Lok-Lok
- Introduction: A popular street food featuring skewers of various meats, seafood, and vegetables boiled in hot broth and dipped in spicy or savory sauces.
- Location: Night markets across Kuching.
- Opening Hours: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
- Must Try: Assorted seafood and vegetable skewers.
- Price: RM 1 – RM 2.50 per skewer.
- Highlights: Affordable, casual, and a great way to sample different items in one meal.
8. Kway Chap
- Introduction: Teochew rice noodle sheets served in a dark soy sauce broth with pork cuts, offal, tofu, and boiled eggs.
- Location: Song Kheng Hai Hawker Centre.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
- Must Try: Kway Chap with extra offal and tau pok (fried tofu).
- Price: RM 6 – RM 10.
- Highlights: Hearty and comforting, a perfect breakfast or lunch.
9. Gula Apong Ice Cream
- Introduction: A unique Sarawak dessert made from the sap of the sugar palm tree (gula apong), served as a sweet, caramel-flavored ice cream.
- Location: DP Ice Cream Gula Apong stalls, local markets.
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
- Must Try: Gula Apong ice cream in cone or cup.
- Price: RM 3 – RM 5.
- Highlights: Refreshing and distinctively local, perfect for tropical weather.
10. Siniawan Night Market
- Introduction: A lively night market held Fridays to Sundays in Siniawan town (~30 mins from Kuching), offering a huge variety of local street food, including satay, grilled seafood, and traditional snacks.
- Location: Siniawan Town.
- Opening Hours: Fridays to Sundays, 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
- Must Try: Grilled satay, traditional kueh (cakes), barbecued seafood.
- Price: RM 1 – RM 10 per item.
- Highlights: Bustling market atmosphere with live cultural performances, perfect for food and culture lovers.
Final Thoughts
Kuching’s street food scene is a culinary journey reflecting the city’s rich heritage and diverse cultures. From the savory Kolo Mee and Sarawak Laksa to the sweet and refreshing Gula Apong ice cream, each dish offers an unforgettable taste of Sarawak. Explore local hawker centers, night markets, and food courts to dive deep into Kuching’s vibrant food culture.
