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15 Things You Need To Order The Next Time You’re In Kuching

Welcome to makan heaven!

Cover image via Chew Swee Kee | Instagram @as_1977

1. Sarawak Laksa @ Chong Choon Cafe

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No makan session in Kuching is complete without Sarawak Laksa, and this legendary stall is one of the crowd-favourite picks for an authentic bowlful. Given that the laksa here is pork-free, the stall attracts an even larger crowd. Head there early and be prepared for long queues!

The special Mee Jawa here is not to be missed too. The springy noodles flooded with thick curry gravy are given a little twist with a special topping: satay with kuah kacang!

Address: No. 275, Jalan Chan Chin Ann

Opening hours: 6.30am - 12.30pm (daily)

Contact: +6012 856 2811

Chong Chun is pork-free.

More info on: Facebook

2. Kolo Mee @ Sin Lian Shin

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Equally as popular for breakfast, these delicious noodles are the ultimate comfort food. Topped with minced meat and char siew, Kolo Mee needs to be on your makan list if you're looking for something simple yet satisfying.

Address: No. 182, Jalan Green

Opening hours: 6am - 1pm (daily)

Contact: +608 240 726

Sin Lian Shin is non-halal.

3. Mixed Pork Soup With Noodles @ Noodle Descendants

You'll most likely see a queue for this stall as well, but stay the course - it'll be worth it! This wholesome mix of pork innards served in a light yet flavourful soup is best enjoyed with an order of noodles.

Address: Ground Floor Lot 18, No. 188, Section 52, Padungan Road

Opening hours: 8.30am - 3.30pm

Noodle Descedants is non-halal.

More info on: Facebook 

4. Beef Prata Roll @ Kopi O Corner

Besides their famous halal Sarawak Laksa, their signature Beef Prata Roll is a crowd-favourite hit here too! Giving a twist on the traditional murtabak, the fluffy prata bread is filled with chunks of beef and drizzled with chili sauce, black pepper sauce, and mayo.

Address: No.139B, Bangunan MARA, Jalan Satok

Opening hours: 7am - 12am (daily)

Contact: +6017 803 2842

Kopi O Corner is halal.

More info on: Facebook | Instagram

5. Belacan Bee Hoon @ Song Kheng Hai Hawker Centre

For a locals-approved Belacan Bee Hoon spot, head straight for Song Kheng Hai Hawker Centre. The light belacan gravy gets a hint of sweetness from some palm sugar, and the noodles are served with century egg and cuttlefish.

For a fun twist on a traditional favourite, check out The Kong Piah Cheese here. The fluffy sesame-topped buns are stuffed with minced pork and some cheese for extra flavour. Too good!

Address: Jalan Song Kheng Hai

Opening hours:
11.30am - 5pm (Tuesdays - Sundays)
Closed on Mondays

Song Kheng Hai Market is non-halal.

6. Sarawak Laksa @ Choon Hui Cafe

Image via Chew Swee Kee

Famously known as Anthony Bourdain's favourite Sarawak Laksa, here's another place you can try for some good, authentic laksa. Loved for their flavour-packed creamy broth, the laksa comes topped with chicken, prawns, eggs and sambal for a filling, soul-soothing meal.

Address: No. 34, Jalan Ban Hock

Opening hours:
7am - 2pm (Mondays - Sundays)
7am - 1pm (Saturdays)
(Closed on Tuesdays)

Contact: +6082 780 369

Choon Hui is non-halal.

More info on: Facebook 

7. Deep Fried Lamb With Mongolian Sauce @ Rock Road Seafood

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Although famed for their seafood dishes, the unique Deep Fried Lamb With Mongolian Sauce needs to be on your list as well! Complementing the fatty flavours from the lamb with the sweetness of the sauce, this decadent dish is like no other.

Address: Lot 1229 - 1230, Jalan Rock & 2 1/2 Mile, Taman Liong Seng

Opening hours: 11.30am - 2pm, 6.15pm - 10pm (daily)

Contact: +6082 241 575

Rock Road Seafood is pork-free.

More info on: Facebook

8. White Clam Soup @ Muara Tebas Seafood

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Although a little far from town, this seafood spot is worth the drive for their fresh selections and affordable prices. The clam soup here is a must-try! The fresh, sweet clams are served in a claypot filled with a light and fragrant broth.

Address: No. 9, Jalan Kampung Muara Tebas, Kampung Sungai Bako Jaya

Opening hours: 9.30am - 8pm (daily)

Contact: +608 438 219

The Crab Heaven is pork-free.

9. Pork Belly Fries @ The Granary Kitchen + Bar

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Roasted to a crisp, this epic dish makes for the perfect snack while hanging out at this cosy eatery. The beautifully fatty pieces are best dipped in Thai chili sauce for extra flavour!

Address: No. 23 Wayang Street, Kuching Town

Opening hours:
5pm - 11pm (Mondays - Fridays)
11am - 5pm (Saturdays & Sundays)

Contact: +60011 2508 9321

Granary Kitchen + Bar is non-halal.

More info on: Facebook | Instagram

10. Ayam Pansuh @ LEPAU Restaurant

Looking for some good Ayam Pansuh? Check out LEPAU's authentic serving of this famous bamboo chicken dish.

Address: No. 395, Jalan Ban Hock

Opening hours:
10.30am - 2pm, 5.30pm - 11pm (Mondays - Saturdays)
Closed on Sundays

Contact: +6012-884 5353

LEPAU is pork-free.

More info on: Facebook | Instagram

11. Spicy Lamb Chop With Steamed Rice @ Lima.Tujoh Cafe

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In the mood for some spicy Nyonya flavours? This hearty rice dish comes with a side of pan-fried lamb chops topped with Nyonya dried shrimp sambal. Pedas food fans will love this one!

Image via Lima.Tujoh

For something a little more traditional, the Ayam Pongteh here is a popular pick as well!

Address: No.57 Upper China Street

Opening hours:
10am - 10pm (Tuesdays - Sundays)
Closed on Mondays

Contact: +6082 231 382

Lima.Tujoh is pork-free.

More info on: Facebook | Instagram

12. Tuak Ice Cream @ the.Dyak

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You've probably never had ice cream quite like this. This next-level ice cream comes with the option of a drizzle of tuak for a truly unique boozy flavour!

Address: Lot 29, Ground Floor, Panovel Commercial Complex, Jalan Simpang Tiga

Opening hours: 11am - 8.30pm (daily)

Contact: +6082 234 068

the.Dyak is non-halal.

More info on: Facebook

13. Milo Ais Kacang @ Swee Kang Ais Kacang

Image via Hazrul Amry Mn

Known for their sweet icy treats, check out Swee Kang for some really good ais kacang. The Milo ABC is a must-try, loaded with Milo, sweet corn and lychee.

Address:
Ground floor, Lot 176, Jalan Kulas, Haji Taha Interchange, Kampung Bandarshah

Opening hours:
11pm - 8pm (Mondays - Sundays)
Closed on Thursdays

Swee Kang Ais Kacang is pork-free.

More info on: Facebook 

14. Ais Krim Gula Apong @ R.G. Ais Krim Bergula Apong

This Sarawakian-style soft serve is a sweet mix of vanilla ice cream with a generous drizzle of the local gula apong. Perfect for the sweet tooth!

Address: No. 11 Tower Market Hawker Centre

Opening hours: 12pm - 2am (daily)

Contact: +6016 891 001

R.G Aiskrim Bergula Apong is pork-free.

More info on: Facebook

15. Chocolate Brownies @ Bing! Coffee

Image via Food Spotting

For something a little classic, the good ol' Chocolate Brownie at this cafe is highly recommended. Drowned in melted chocolate sauce, the moist and fudgy brownie is served with whipped cream. So simple, so good. :)

Address:
No. 84, Jalan Padungan, Bukit Mata Kuching

Opening hours:
10am - 12am (Sundays - Thursdays)
10am - 1am (Fridays - Saturdays)

Contact: +6082 421 880

Bing! Coffee is pork-free

More info on: Facebook

Keep up on the best makan places around town and beyond with the weekly SAYS Makan Guide. Click here for more!

Image via SAYS

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