15 Things You Need To Order The Next Time You’re In Kuching
Welcome to makan heaven!
1. Sarawak Laksa @ Chong Choon Cafe
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
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
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
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
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
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
11. Spicy Lamb Chop With Steamed Rice @ Lima.Tujoh Cafe
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!
12. Tuak Ice Cream @ the.Dyak
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
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
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!