Kuching has many local delights and here’s a list of local food in Kuching which are unique to this massive melting pot of cultures.
SARAWAK LAKSA
Sarawak Laksa or Laksa Sarawak is a great breakfast food with a specially made by combining a special prawn-based broth thicken with coconut milk. It is served with a generous amount of shredded chicken (I prefer chunks of chicken instead), omelette strips, prawns, crunchy bean sprouts, and of course prawns. To add flavour and zest, lime and thick sambal paste can be added.
WHERE : Can be ordered for RM5 in almost every food courts in Kuching. The best ones are served at these famous Sarawak laksa locations.
KOLO MEE
Kolo Mee or Mee Kolok in Malay, is also a popular breakfast dish in Sarawak and there’s generally two versions; one being the Mee Kolok Merah (because it’s red in colour), and the other being Mee Kolok Putih (because it’s white in colour).
There’s a bigger version of the Mee Kolok family, but the two I mentioned above, is the main ones. The original mee kolok is basically dry noodles mixed in pork lard, with minced meat, and a generous amount of barbecue pork, but Muslims in Sarawak have also come up with their version, replacing pork lard with soy sauce, and the pork meat with beef meat.
WHERE : The standard Kolo mee version which cost around RM3-5 can be ordered in almost every food courts in Kuching. Personally prefer the vineger version served at Noodles Descendants although it’s higher priced and has a longer wait.
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 mother-worth leaves, Chinese rise wine and ginger. The dish has a strong liquor flavor with subtle dry and sweet taste.
WHERE : Kacang Ma cost around RM7 and can be ordered in almost every food courts in Kuching. Not my favourite dish, so I can’t recommend a decent one.
MANOK PANSUH
Manok pansuh is a traditional 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 flavorsome soup leaves a rich aftertaste that will linger in your mouth and memory for a long time.
WHERE : A popular Dayak dish in Kuching that can be only found in selected eateries. The halal version is served at Aroma Cafe from RM8, while Rumah Asap Dayak Stutong serves the non-halal version at night.
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 (shrimp paste).
WHERE : Can be ordered in almost every seafood restaurant in Kuching. Usually served for dinner and is priced at RM8 – 10 per serving for two.
TOMATO KUEH TIAW
Tomato Kueh Tiaw is a very unique and can only be found in Sarawak. Adding tomato sauce to a place of fried kueh tiaw is just irresistible, even to children, and is a very popular comfort food.
WHERE : Can be ordered in almost every seafood restaurant in Kuching and food courts in Kuching. A plate would start at RM5. A bit hard to find really good ones and my favourite will be the one served at Aroma Cafe.
SARAWAK KEK LAPIS
The colourful and flavourful Kek Lapis, also known as Sarawak Layer Cake, is another special delicacy you can find in Kuching. This is a ‘must’ for Muslims when they celebrate their Hari Raya.
WHERE : Can be found sold at RM10/200g along the Main Bazaar sidewalk, along the Kuching Waterfront, and Kampung Boyan (across Sarawak river).
KUEH CHAP
Kueh Chap is not for the faint of heart. 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 flavorful dish.
WHERE : Kueh Chap can be found in almost every food court in Kuching. I however favour the one serve in Yeong Joo, 3rd Mile. It’s priced from RM5 and is served until 10AM.
TOMATO CRISPY MEE
The cousin of Tomato Kueh Tiaw is also a very unique and can only be found in Sarawak. Adding tomato sauce to a place of fried crispy noodles is just irresistible, even to children, and is a very popular comfort food.
WHERE : Can be ordered in almost every seafood restaurant in Kuching and food courts in Kuching. A plate would start at RM5. A bit hard to find really good ones and my favourite will be the one served at Aroma Cafe.
WHITE LADY
Probably Kuching’s favourite dessert. White lady is made by mixing condense milk, lemon and a bunch of other condiments with ice as a topping. Together it creates a refreshing drink, perfect to wash away the heat of Kuching.
WHERE : Best found and taken in the evening at Lock Ann and is priced at RM4.
