Thanis Lim

All Rounder Chef and Food Journalist

The Kuching Food Guide The Best Restaurants in Kuching

People have always compared Kuching to Penang when it comes to the food capital of Malaysia. Which state has the best food in Malaysia? I personally went to Kuching just to savour the best Kuching food – 9 days later – 123 stalls/restaurants – 214 dishes/specialty drinks later – I can declare I must had gained 5kgs and gained very useful insight into what are the must eat food in Kuching – which has the reputation to rival Penang as the food capital or gem of Malaysia.


DSCF2347 (Medium)

Some say that it’s difficult to travel around for food in Kuching because all the good stalls are scattered around – so you will need a local Kuching friend or you need to rent a car to go around and hunt for good Kuching food. What if I were to tell you – that after tasting all the Kuching kolo mee, Kuching laksa, belacan bee hoons and Kuching pork satays during my stay in Kuching – I can give you a KUCHING FOOD GUIDE that is tourist friendly – mostly within close proximity of city centre and walking distance! Say hello to my Kuching Good Food guide – with detailed maps of MUST TRY FOOD IN KUCHING – the CAT CITY!


DSCF2025 (Medium)

During my visit – I stayed at Tune Hotel Waterfront in Kuching, which is an affordable quality hotel which suits my needs. It is located just right opposite Hilton and very near Pullman Hotel. You can stay in either of these hotels depending on your budget – Tune Hotel being the most affordable and basic while Pullman is the pricey option but very classy and comfortable.


DSCF2255 (Medium)

If you arrived during the afternoon and checked into Tune hotel – you’ll be glad that just two blocks behind Tune Hotel is this halal noodle place called Mohammad Lim – go for his Hand made Mushroom Chicken Noodles – this area is suitable for those who want to find halal food.


DSCF2257 (Medium)

Gotta love the texture of the noodles – this is not the typical Sarawak Kolok Mee but it’s pretty good – best is that it’s halal and suitable for Muslim diners.


View Larger Map

The Map above shows that you need to take one big round – but you don’t need to – just walk straight across from behind Tune Hotel – there’s a small alley so you don’t have to make a big turn like in this map. The famous Teresa Laksa is in between Tune Hotel and Mohammad Lim Noodles – which opens night time till late.

DSCF2339 (Medium)

Teresa’s Laksa and Kolo Mee are halal – suitable for Muslims as well. A good place for supper after a late night chilling session in Kuching – best of all – just right behind Tune Hotel – less than 1 minute walk!


DSCF2343 (Medium)

The Kuching Kolo Mee without the pork lard – Muslim friendly Kuching Delicacy!


DSCF2342 (Medium)

You gotta love Auntie Teresa’s laksa – featured in newspapers as well – tastes especially good during supper! Now both Mohd Lim and Teresa Laksa are close by – that’s why I mentioned these two first. I will now start my walking food guide to good Kuching food. Best HALAL Laksa! You can wake up at 7 and start walking from your hotel by 7:30 am.


DSCF2349 (Medium)

We will begin our first day of Kuching Food Hunt by waking up early to visit the historic Chong Choon Café – come a bit late and you would need to wait and queue for their delicious Kuching Laksa! So try to be here before 7:30 am. It should be about 9 minutes walk from Tune Hotel.


DSCF2350 (Medium)

Good morning uncle! Give me a bowl of your delicious Kuching laksa – and make it a big bowl please! *note – they are closed every Tuesday*


DSCF2355 (Medium)

Oh my Laksa! Notived that the gravy is slightly darker than your curry mees and Singapore laksas – it doesn’t use so much santan but has strong flavour from the spices used in this Laksa paste! The most authentic Kuching Laksa to many locals - that is why Chong Choon’s laksa is regarded as one of the BEST Kuching Laksa in Sarawak.


DSCF2351 (Medium)

They also have various Kuching Chinese Kuih available as well as Ko Lo Mee ~ but I will reserve that for other shops ~


DSCF2352 (Medium)

Pan roasted Nasi Pulut ~~


DSCF2372 (Medium)DSCF2376 (Medium)

DSCF2377 (Medium)DSCF2373 (Medium)

DSCF2375 (Medium)

Deep fried Popiah is only available on Sundays.


DSCF2362 (Medium)

After Chong Choon, walk a few minutes to Min Hong Kee – a great place for delicious porridge! They finish pretty quick in the morning!


DSCF2364 (Medium)

This handsome man is famous for his delicious porridge!


DSCF2371 (Medium)

Simplicity at its best! Healthy porridge – notice how ‘smooth’ the porridge look ~~ oh yes ~~


DSCF2366 (Medium)

The Sibu Gong Pia here is pretty good too! Do give them a try and eat with the porridge!


View Larger Map

Above is the map from Tune Hotel to Chong Choon (Abel Road) and then to Min Hong Kee (Pandungan street)

DSCF2380 (Medium)

If you have a craving for Indian food or halal breakfast – Maharajah’s is on the same street -


DSCF2379 (Medium)

They have good roti prata and other good spicy Indian curries to enjoy them with.



View Larger Map

Try to look out for Secret Recipe along the road and Woon Lam Café is right behind Secret Recipe.

DSCF2382 (Medium)

Another nearby place to fill up your tummy for breakfast is Woon Lam Café 1999 – I have no idea what the numbers meant – maybe established in 1999? Not too sure ~~ it’s about 9 minutes walk from Min Hong Kee ~~


DSCF2383 (Medium)

Order your kueh chap from Lau San Kueh Chap


DSCF2387 (Medium)

Took quite a while for my Kueh Chap (slices of various part of the pork) as they are pretty busy early in the morning!


DSCF2385 (Medium)

You can also have their Sarawak Popiah (Spring Rolls – which is pretty good!)


View Larger Map


Walk across Secret Recipe – less than 1 minute walk for John’s Pie ~~

DSCF2391 (Medium)

For snacks – you have to try John’s Pie in Kuching – they have quite a lot of variety to choose from but I got to try a very interesting pie! About nine minutes walk away from Noodle Descendants!


DSCF2779 (Medium)

Say hello to the Kuching Laksa pie! You can taste the Kuching Laksa within this yummy pie!


DSCF2780 (Medium)

Om nom nom nom nom!


DSCF2782 (Medium)

I had the pleasure of meeting the boss in another branch of John’s Pie in Jalan Song!


View Larger Map

After the pie – it’s time to pay a visit to a legendary restaurant in Kuching – Noodle Descendants – follow the easy map for a 8 minute walk ~~~

DSCF1963 (Medium)

Now it’s time to introduce the legendary Noodle Descendant – Legendary because if you came during peak hours – you would need to wait at least one hour to 90 minutes for your meal here – when you finally found a table – do not attempt to disturb the boss or call for order – the waitress will come and ask for what you want and you wait patiently for your food – or risk being scolded by the owners (from the rumours I heard!) The best time to come here is during weekdays/non public holidays from 2-3 pm – my noodles arrived in less than 25 minutes. (Just walk across the road from Min Hong Kee or Maharajah’s – you will see it along Pandungan Street)


DSCF1964 (Medium)

You will see photo frames of newspaper articles – Chinese and English language – being written about this legendary Uncle serving ‘Cheng’ Noodles ~~ Some people even joked – Noodle Descendants ? It’s because you need to wait till next descendant then your food will arrive! HAHAHAH!


DSCF1977 (Medium)

‘Cheng’ noodles basically refers to pork innards like liver, intestines, kidney in a clear consommé pork broth ~ served usually with noodles dipped with black vinegar.


DSCF1985 (Medium)

Delicious indeed! Well worth the wait! If you’ve read over the net about a famous noodle place called Min Joo – this is their new name – Noodle Descendants!


DSCF2760 (Medium)

Despite being rumoured to be a hot tempered boss – I managed to ask him to take a picture with me – he was all smiles! Really happy to try his cooking. Perhaps due to popular demand and him being the only one or with the help of his wife, he needed to focus on his cooking and get’s grumpy when disturbed. A must try food in Kuching – Noodle Descendants Cheng Noodles! 



View Larger Map

Now let’s pop over to Song Kheng Hai Food Court – a good place for afternoon tea the Kuching style! Less than 3 minutes walk!

DSCF2026 (Medium)

This is the famous Song Kheng Hai Food Court – which can be pretty packed during working days from 3pm onwards~~


DSCF2029 (Medium)

You can enjoy Belacan Bee Hoon here but this isn’t the best one I’ve tasted – there’s a better one but it requires a longer walk – I will post this later for those who are willing to travel further!


DSCF1734 (Medium)

This is a good place for some nice ice kacang or some famous Sarawak drinks ~~


DSCF1735 (Medium)

The famous CocoCane – which is a combo of freshly squeezed sugar cane with coconut juice and flesh ~ hmmm


DSCF1743 (Medium)

Or you can have a refreshing honey lime sea coconut drink ~~ yum yum ~~


DSCF1746 (Medium)

They also serve pretty decent tomato Kway teow here – which is a wok fried rice noodles with a tomato sauce. It’s not the best in Kuching but I will highlight another place for better Tomato Kway Teow or Kio Cap Mi ~~


DSCF1738 (Medium)

They also have SioBee and Gong Pia here ~~


DSCF1750 (Medium)

The Gong Pia’s here are pretty popular – it’s a mini Sibu style bagel that’s crispy on the outside and chewy to the bite inside – usually served with minced pork in a sweet gravy – this stall also serves Gong Pia with ham, cheese or garlic – I personally prefer the original minced pork version ~ I can say this stall in Song Kheng Hai food court is my favourite for Kuching.



View Larger Map

Alternatively, a good place for tea is Tom’s just nearby as well – follow the map for a short walk to Tom’s for the best cakes and desserts in Kuching!


DSCF1998 (Medium)

I admit – from outside – I was skeptical that I would find great desserts and cakes in here – but according to my research – Tom’s cakes are simply the best in Kuching – so I die die also must try ~


DSCF1999 (Medium)

The interior décor is pretty comfortable and they provide free wifi ~ a good place to meet up your Kuching friend or romantic dates – desserts are girl’s best friend they say ~ *cough*


DSCF2004 (Medium)

Grand Lourve Chocolate ~~


DSCF2009 (Medium)

Fancy a slice of Rainbow Cake?


DSCF2011 (Medium)

OMG BLUEBERRY PIE OF THE HEAVENS!! ATTACKK!!!!!!! SO BEAUTIFUL!!


DSCF2743 (Medium)

Triple chocolate cheesecake ~~~


DSCF2744 (Medium)

So cute ~~ so delicious ~~


DSCF2750 (Medium)

Oh hello Red Velvet ~~ we meet again ~~~


DSCF2748 (Medium)

My favourite is their double chocolate hazelnut praline – for me – this hit’s all the right spots in terms of chocolate – richness and crunch! Thumbs up – must try this one when you visit Tom’s!


DSCF2757 (Medium)

If you like giant foo chow style buns – pop by Sin Kwang Café – which is along the same block as Tom’s


DSCF2758 (Medium)

I’ve seen many people buying these buns in big quantities ~~



View Larger Map

Walk along Pandungan Street to a good place for Kolo Mee – I would say one of the best Kolo Mee in Kuching and the best part is that it’s within walking distance – look out for Miss Annie at Fook Seng Café


DSCF2772 (Medium)

When you order your kolo mee – be sure to let them know if you want the red colour or normal ones – the red colour ones are slightly sweeter ~~ I personally prefer the red ones but my other Kuching friends prefer the plain ones. Annie Kolo Mee is even featured on Trip Advisor ooo! Note: Opens only after 5:00pm.


DSCF2764 (Medium)

The braised pork leg here is pretty good – so you can enjoy braised pork while eating the delicious Annie Kolo Mee.


DSCF2769 (Medium)

w000t!! Hello delicious Kuching Kolo Mee!! ITADAKIMASU!


DSCF2766 (Medium)

Pair it with this tender loving care braised pork leg ~~ chopped into pieces – bite sizes ~~ om nom nom nom ~~

DSCF2773 (Medium)

Now Pandungan street is a good place to buy souvenirs back for your loved ones – just opposite this Annie Kolomee is this stall – where you can ask them to pack frozen Sio Bees and Buns for you to take home and steam. They will pack them into boxes and then seal them for you to check in. Great service!


View Larger Map

Another good place for souvenirs is Chin Hian Chia – a place for good home made Chinese Pastries!

DSCF2484 (Medium)

Kuching friends tell me this is the most original one that has been around for generations.


DSCF2480 (Medium)

They sold out their pastries pretty fast – like the popular Bee Pang (Rice Puff Treats), Da Bing, Hong Cher Pia, Pong Pia – so come in the afternoon to buy them and the boss will kindly seal them for you in a box for easy check in as well!


DSCF2482 (Medium)

Yummy Da Bing – made with flour and sweet potatoes ~~


DSCF2478 (Medium)

I also like their Black Sesame and Peanut Candy! You can buy them in bigger packs too!


DSCF2476 (Medium)

Grab some Sarawak Black Pepper Sweets here as souvenirs – one of it’s kind peppery sweets unique only to Sarawak~


DSCF2477 (Medium)

Look out for these prawn crackers from Kiasar Trading – they also have the vegetarian sweet potato crackers which gain state wide recognition in newspapers – very popular and usually sold out – buy a couple and deep fry at home if you see these in stores or anywhere in Kuching! Selling like hot cakes!



View Larger Map

After all that – you can go back to your hotel (Tune, Hilton or Pullman) to rest and freshen up for a good place for dinner. I recommend either the Junk or Bla Bla Bla – they are situated on the same block with Havana (a good place for drinks and chilling) right between them. These are more posh areas and I would dress up a little bit for dinner and then drinks afterwards here ~~

DSCF2143 (Medium)

I will start with the setup for Bla Bla Bla – a fusion restaurant with good ambience.


DSCF2137 (Medium)DSCF2140 (Medium)DSCF2147 (Medium)DSCF2148 (Medium)DSCF2149 (Medium)DSCF2153 (Medium)DSCF2132 (Medium)DSCF2154 (Medium)DSCF2133 (Medium)

The ambience is pretty good and it’s a pretty big restaurant with many different sections – you will take some time to find a favourite spot to sit – I chose a brighter spot so I can take my food photos naturally ~~ food bloggers unite!


DSCF2157 (Medium)

This is their marinated midin (a native sarawak fern dish which is crunchy and slightly slimy but extremely delicious). Normally midin is stir fried with sambal belacan, garlic or red wine but Bla Bla Bla made their version with sliced chilies, lime and onions and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese – a very creative dish and one of my favourites in this Kuching food hunt!


DSCF2160 (Medium)

This soft shell crab dish – served with mayo and chicken floss is one of their signatures – it is good but it’s no match for Brunei’s Thiam Hock version ~~


DSCF2177 (Medium)

Pandan Chicken ~~


DSCF2172 (Medium)

Mango Duck ~~~ Notice that their salads are similar to the Pandan Chicken and the Soft Shell Crabs – one thing I would complain about ~~


DSCF2163 (Medium)

The winning dish of the night is the Grilled Salmon – now – the funny thing is – the Salmon is not the reason for this being the best dish – neither are the mashed potatoes – the reason this dish won us over is the crispy fried Cangkok Manis (sweet potato leaves or Mani Chai) in this dish ~


DSCF2164 (Medium)

Deep fried Mani Chai? GENIUS! We were all raving about this all night!


DSCF2167 (Medium)

Of course – everyone had fun instagramming and facebooking the food before eating ~~ Thanks’s John and Karen, who has been an excellent host to me in Kuching! Will return the favour next time in Brunei! Confirm will let them eat till faint with my Brunei Food Guide!


DSCF2533 (Medium)

The Junk restaurant is an alternative – for another night – since both Bla Bla Bla and The Junk are walking distance to the hotel ~


DSCF2534 (Medium)DSCF2543 (Medium)DSCF2584 (Medium)DSCF2630 (Medium)DSCF2635 (Medium)DSCF2637 (Medium)DSCF2634 (Medium)DSCF2565 (Medium)DSCF2537 (Medium)DSCF2572 (Medium)DSCF2560 (Medium)DSCF2569 (Medium)

The Junk, similar to Bla Bla Bla is pretty big with separated sections for you to choose – take some time and you will find lot’s of retro pieces within the restaurant! Click on the pictures to get a better view! Taking food photos can be difficult here btw ~~ dim and uneven lightings with some blinking decorations – you will need special skills and equipment for your food ~


DSCF2593 (Medium)

The Junk is more of a Western restaurant and they are famous for the 555 Sour – usually we order San Xuan – which is triple sour – but the Junk combines five different sour and sweet items to make this drink ~~


DSCF2596 (Medium)

Give them a good crush and enjoy your drink – I would advise the waiter/waitresses to not make it so sweet next time though – mine was too sweet to enjoy the sourness!


DSCF2610 (Medium)

Their seafood risotto is pretty decent for only RM35 – a good accompaniment to what we ordered ~


DSCF2623 (Medium)

The famous lamb shank from the Junk – only RM35 – huge tender goodness – a good dish ~~ and recommended.


DSCF2783 (Medium)

After this – you can pop over next door to Havana for drinks – or go back to the hotel to prepare for tomorrow’s food hunt around Carpenter street area!


DSCF2784 (Medium)

Foodie meets Miao and Wafufafu ~ hu hu hu ~~ don’t worry ~~ I won’t eat you one ~~

 

DSCF2094 (Medium)

For this part – we will target the Carpenter Street, Kuching Water Front and Old Market (next to Electra). For today’s trip you don’t have to wake up too early as the stalls don’t open too early along this guide – most of them operate after 8 and some open only after lunch and some only night time.


DSCF2202 (Medium)

As soon as you turn out of Tune Hotel – turn right downhill – and then turn left – (if you turn right – you will be heading to Pandungan Street area). You will get to see the Kuching Heritage trail – good time for picture taking.


DSCF2206 (Medium)

You will see this temple right before the entrance of Carpenter Street ~ this is a good landmark for the best deep fried chicken bums I’ve ever tasted – but I’ll get to that later.



View Larger Map

Our first destination is Kim Joo – a place that sells similar Cheng Mee to Noodle Descendants


DSCF1812 (Medium)

Kim Joo opens from 6.30am and closes at 2pm. Kim Joo has been rated as second best to the famous Noodle Descendants but the good part is that you don’t have to wait too long according to the locals and there’s other good options besides kolo mee here.


DSCF1817 (Medium)

Their soup base and kolomee is slightly different from noodle descendants but pretty good as well. Worth a try. Another worthy mention is that they are famous for Fried Rice and Tomato Kway Teow. Be sure to give them a try when you visit!



View Larger Map

After that, walk along the road up and you will see the famous Lau Ya Keng Temple – home of the famous pork satays and the most epic banana fritters – but you will notice something if you reach here in the morning ….


DSCF2213 (Medium)

There’s a lot of people – but where’s the satay?! WHERE IS THE PORK SATAY?! NOT YET OPEN LA! Luckily for me – they still have Laksa, Kolo Mee and Kueh Chap early in the morning ~~


DSCF2217 (Medium)

I ordered a bowl of Kueh Chap to try and it’s not bad – it’s different from Woon Lam in part 1 of my guide – this one has more fatty part and tau hu pok.



View Larger Map

The next destination is a 7 – 9 minute walk to the famous Old Market or Lau Pa Sat – or some say Electra food court (because the market is right next to Electra)


DSCF2223 (Medium)

The Old Market has quite a few notable stalls – fortunately – most of them open in the morning except for the Beef Noodles which only opens at night ~ another must try stall.


DSCF2229 (Medium)

I ordered Tomato Kway Teow – one of the best food or must try food in Kuching from this uncle at stall 39.


DSCF2237 (Medium)

As well as Sio Bee from stall 30 – I actually tried two stalls but I felt stall 30 had superior chili and also serves good soya bean milk from the tap – you can see it from that big metal container with tap there – filled with soya bean milk (draft soya bean! hahaha) freshly made daily!


DSCF2233 (Medium)

Oh yes ~ tomato kway teow with sio bee and soy bean milk for breakfast ~~ bon appetit!


DSCF2674 (Medium)

Now – Ah Mui Beef noodles is located in the same food court – but they open at night – I posted this now so it’s easier for you to remember and find this place.


DSCF2677 (Medium)

To me – this is a must try food in Kuching – while most Kolo Mee vendors serve their noodles with pork – this boss serves their delicious kolo mee with Ngau Chap (beef spare parts) – at the same time you can order the sio bee and soy bean milk next door – as well as yummy Char Kueh (they have the salty or sweet versions)


DSCF2684 (Medium)

Char Kueh is also popular in Kuching – it’s basically a stir fried radish cake with eggs. Kuching is famous for having a sweet version of this dish ~~


DSCF2338 (Medium)

The black sweet version usually has sweet soy sauce or gula anau added to it for that sweetness and a bit of minced chai pok (salted pickled vegetables) for a salty contrast.


DSCF2333 (Medium)

Be sure to give both a try! Char Kueh is available in many stalls in Kuching – but the two easier to find ones are from this Old Market food court – and Song Kheng Hai Food Court which I mentioned in Part 1 of this Kuching Best Food series!



View Larger Map

After all that – it’s time to go to Plaza Merdeka – which you probably walked past on the way to Old Market – for some air cond and shopping ~~ I can hear you girls rejoicing already! Did someone say shopping?


DSCF2243 (Medium)

Ahhhhhh! GLORIOUS AIR CONDITIONING! You must be working up quite a sweat from all that morning walk! There’s plenty of shops here for the girls – and if you’re tired – you can chill at Star Bucks.



View Larger Map

Our next place Winnie Café is a very interesting place – I found this place on Facebook highly recommended by my friend. I added the owner and chatted with her about paying a visit. Winnie Café is located just right in front of Kuching Waterfront Management Office~~


DSCF2716 (Medium)

I saw pictures of her beautiful creative dishes on Facebook and expected a pretty cool place … I was very surprised by what I saw ~~


DSCF2717 (Medium)

I was very surprised that it’s a very normal kopitiam place ~~ not much fancy smancy décor ~~ just in your face straight forward Kopi Tiam. Now I have to admit this is a funny experience because I felt like I’m in the wrong place – must be my fear of people with lot’s of tattoos! Me and John sat down, Winnie greeted us and our food arrived – very nicely plated – it’s like a bento plated – with many beautifully presented healthy food on a plate. We didn’t really know what to do or whether anyone’s going to guide us – Winnie was busy serving other guests ~~


DSCF2732 (Medium)

Fortunately, one simply must not judge a book by it’s cover – the people in this café are very friendly and kind hearted. Don’t be worried!! Haha! Beautiful presentation which is very very unmatched with the Kopi Tiam surroundings ~~


DSCF2723 (Medium)

The quail eggs are the highlight of this dish – apparently Winnie used a toothpick to push out the yolks and stuffed them with beef! A lot of patience and love goes into the making of such a simple dish – which many would just pop into their mouth without noticing! The grilled chicken wing is boneless and is stuffed with a lemongrass instead – very good technique!


DSCF2728 (Medium)

This dish has fish umai (a Sarawak raw marinated fish) and I am very impressed with this steamed and then dry roasted organic black chicken dish ~ stuffed with potatoes and cheese – delicious and healthy – Winnie told us that the food contains no MSG – I’m very pleased with the flavours of her cooking and I must say – she’s an example of those humble talented chefs – hiding her talents!


DSCF2734 (Medium)

It’s such a pleasure to meet a very very talented chef who loves food – cooking the healthy way without MSG! My total bill was less than RM50 – SUCH A BARGAIN! A person like her should have her own store with ambience to match the creative food but she’s very humble and only cooks for the fun of it! Now – to try Winnie’s food – you need to know her in advance or give her a call before you dine here – because she will tailor the food to your needs and health – Winnie Café is a special café in that the better she knows you – the more she can custom make food to suit your lifestyle!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Winnie-Cafe/101016529981825?fref=ts – Chat with Winnie and get to know her first. She’s a very nice lady and give her time and get to know her better before you reach Kuching if possible! You will be touched by her passion and love for healthy creative cooking!


After Winnie Café, since it’s near the waterfront – it’s a good time to check out Kek Lapis Dayang Salhah ~~~ to get there – you need to take a boat from the waterfront –



View Larger Map

Take a boat across – and turn right – until you see a green mosque – Dyg Salhah Kek Lapis is right behind that green mosque ~


DSCF2415 (Medium)

See this sign – and you’re in the right place! There are other pretty cake shops around but this one is the most original one!


DSCF2417 (Medium)

Welcome to Kek Lapis Dayang Salhah!


DSCF2428 (Medium)

What’s unique about this place is that you can try as much cakes as you like – the ones being displayed on the table.


DSCF2427 (Medium)

Waaaaa so tempting – so much cakes to try ~~~ to me this feels like a CAKE BUFFET!! EAT ALL THE CAKES!! Om Nom Nom Nom ~~~


DSCF2424 (Medium)

I liked the Lady Baltimore for it’s rich chocolaty taste so I bought one of these ~~


DSCF2426 (Medium)

Their KEK Belacan looks exactly like belacan (prawn paste) but it’s not ~~ it’s very delicious and I admire the creativity of the boss for naming this!


DSCF2420 (Medium)

You can eat all the cakes to your heart’s content ~ with no pressure to buy – but I tell you – Dyg Salhah is so confident that you will buy them so she will not worry if you ate so much without buying! They offer packing services for those who want to check in ~~ you can buy some today or you can come back at a more convenient time! We still got lot’s of food to try!! Take the sampan back to Waterfront – for more nom noms along Carpenter Street~~



View Larger Map

After all that cake, it’s a good time to go to Carpenter street at about 2pm onwards for their Pork Satays and epic Banana Fritters!


DSCF2292 (Medium)

Be ready to be amazed by one of the iconic street food of Kuching – the delicious succulent PORK SATAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!


DSCF2294 (Medium)

They are charcoal grilled with tender loving care to ensure the most tender juicy Pork satays ~~


DSCF2295 (Medium)

A secret recipe that’s passed down generations. You’re in for a treat!


DSCF2300 (Medium)

They go very well with the secret recipe peanut sauce and sliced cucumbers ~~


DSCF2301 (Medium)

They also sell home made fish balls and stuffed tofu with fish paste ~~ do give them a try ~


DSCF2304 (Medium)

Now the temple right opposite of the place that sells pork satay – has a banana fritters stall – when my friend asked me if I wanted any – I was skeptical and full from all the eating – and told her – okay la – just order one piece – Jaq ignored my request and bought 6 of them!


DSCF2302 (Medium)

Guess how many did I eat? I ATE 5 OF THEM! OMG!! SOOO GOOD!! ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!!!


DSCF2736 (Medium)

Rows and rows of delicious fritters ~~ oooh la la ~~~


DSCF2741 (Medium)

Look at the caramelization of the fritter!! Apparently, they use only Pisang Tanduk (Horn Bananas) which are huge bananas, sometimes up to an arm’s length, fully ripened and dipped in thin batter to deep fry – notice their batter is not too thick and pretty thin ~~ ensuring a crispy skin – and lot’s of goooey oozing banana! DIE DIE ALSO MUST TRY THIS STALL IN KUCHING OKAY! Best banana fritter/cucur pisang I’ve tasted!


DSCF2394 (Medium)

Along the same street – there’s a restaurant called Life Café which is quite worth it to check out ~~ it’s near Kim Joo – and right opposite Black Bean Café (which I will highlight as well)


DSCF2395 (Medium)

I like the interiors and the choice of food they have – catered to a more healthier living concept ~


DSCF2403 (Medium)

If you like dumplings, noodles, healthy teas – this is a good place to chill (you can avoid the Plaza Merdeka and come here straight away right after Old Market! But I am sure female readers would be screaming at me – WHAT? NO SHOPPING? DIE THANIS!!!)


DSCF2465 (Medium)

Vermicelli (glass noodles) with a ginger dressing ~~ hmm …. a good way to detox after all those street food!


DSCF2464 (Medium)

I also tried their mutton curry served with delicious Ma Lak Handmade Noodles ~


DSCF2470 (Medium)

Springy bite and spicy ~~ oooh laa laa ~~


DSCF2495 (Medium)

Right opposite Life Café – is another must try stall – Black Bean Coffee – this place uses local Sarawak Coffee beans and professional coffee machines to make your coffee!


DSCF2497 (Medium)

There’s not much place to sit – usually people have their coffee on the go – but I still managed to find a small area to sit down ~~~


DSCF2503 (Medium)

So old school – I really like the look and feel of this café ~~


DSCF2511 (Medium)

You gotta love their awesome café late served in this cup! Hmm…. smooth delicious latte ~~ move over Star Bucks – this is way better!


DSCF2507 (Medium)

Like Stigun café in my Penang Food Guide they hand pick the good beans and discard the brittle ones. A good practice to ensure only the best quality coffee is produced!



View Larger Map

As you can see – along Carpenter street – seriously so much food – Life Café and Black Bean Coffee is opposite one another – while Alladin café is opposite nearby the Pork Satay place. If only they all opened at the same time!


DSCF2663 (Medium)

Another must visit place is this Alladin Café which has a reputation for the best chicken rice in Kuching! It’s along the block of shops opposite the pork satay place ~~ they usually open from 6 pm onwards for dinner – they sell out pretty quick and can be pretty packed so come early!


DSCF2664 (Medium)

A funny story about this table – My dad would tell me stories about special tables like this in Kopitiams and to avoid sitting here as it usually belong to gangsters of big bosses – so I avoided this table. Apparently – anyone can sit here – and the people here are very friendly ~~


DSCF2673 (Medium)

Eventhough he’s full of tattoos – this handsome young man is very friendly and cooks very good fried chicken for the chicken rice!


DSCF2669 (Medium)

I ordered all three kinds of chicken they served – roasted, steamed and deep fried – all tender and juicy – the rice was fragrant – no wonder they’re considered the best in Kuching by the locals.


DSCF2671 (Medium)

My favourite has to be their crispy fried chicken to match their fragrant rice – a super thumbs up and you simply must not miss Aladdin Chicken Rice in Kuching!


DSCF2404 (Medium)

After all that – it’s time to say good bye to Carpenter Street – but it’s not the end yet – I am told just right outside this street – right next to the temple is a famous old couple with a pushcart selling fried street food! Follow the map below ~~




View Larger Map


DSCF2407 (Medium)

They are usually around here from 3pm – earlier or later depending on them one ~~ no fixed time! They are just right next to the traffic light next to the temple (entrance to Carpenter Street)


DSCF2411 (Medium)

I was one of the earlier ones – cars would park along the road and come here to takeaway some of their fried goodies ~~


DSCF2410 (Medium)

My friend told me his friends from KL would eat 10 of these chicken bums on his own – one feature of their fried chicken bums and wings is that you don’t get tired of eating them – unlike the typical oily greasy chicken bums you find elsewhere. They also sell fishballs on sticks served with yummy chili sauce ~ nom nom ~


DSCF2412 (Medium)

Despite an old tender age and their children are already doing very well – they still enjoy selling these yummy snacks – I saw their son helping them here during the weekend – such a good son! Oh look at those crispy looking chicken bums! NOM NOM NOM!!



View Larger Map

On The way back to the hotel – there’s this restaurant called John’s place which is quite popular with the locals. They have good Western food and baked rice but my friend John is a big fan of their fish head bee hoon – you have the option of fried or just boiled fish head – but I chose to have mix of both ~~


DSCF2307 (Medium)

Feels like a place for chilling and having tea or drinks at night – the locals seemed to fancy this place while trip advisor rated this place as well.


DSCF2308 (Medium)

Prices are more expensive than typical Kuching restaurants but for tourists – these are still very cheap ~~


DSCF2316 (Medium)

The Fish head Bee Hoon has pretty good fish slices and good soup – it’s good to try but I would prefer the ones in KK. You can walk back to your hotel to rest after this.


View Larger Map

 


View Larger Map

This is the overall walking directions map for the day ~~

Special thanks also to Dine with Jaq, prominent Kuching Food Blogger for driving me around to some of the out of town food hunts – Miao and Wafufafu and Irene Law for taking the time to meet up with me during my stay in Kuching! Special mention also goes to the Sibu God of Food Arthur for recommending many places as well!

Get ready for two fancy places for dinner; Absolute Tribal and Dyak. Now you can choose to go to any place by taxi for a posh dinner – or you can take a taxi to Hui Sing Food Court another famous hawker centre, Jalan Song or Premier 101 Area. You can choose any of the places depending on your preferences.


Special thanks also to Dine with Jaq, prominent Kuching Food Blogger for driving me around to some of the out of town food hunts – Miao and Wafufafu and Irene Law for taking the time to meet up with me during my stay in Kuching! Special mention also goes to the Sibu God of Food Arthur for recommending many places as well!

Hope to see more of the other Kuching bloggers in future!


View Larger Map

The full map of this trip’s journey – you can use Google Maps and see the directions I took and also the GPS coordinates.


Get updated on my social media updates!

Follow @Thanislim on Instagram and Snapchat

Untitled[6]

For the latest news on restaurants and dining scene in Brunei – Please follow my Instagram or Snapchat account @thanislim

No comments

No comments :

Post a Comment