A Food Lover’s Guide to Kuching, Sarawak

Aidan Low of Akâr Dining takes us to his favourite dining spots in the city

The largest of Malaysia’s 13 states, Sarawak is known for distinct regional cuisine which makes use of fresh seafood and aromatic local herbs. A trip to Kuching, the state's capital, is not complete without slurping a hearty bowl of laksa Sarawak or sipping tuak, a traditional rice-based alcoholic beverage native to the Dayak community.

Aidan Low, one of the featured chefs at the highly anticipated Off Menu Kuala Lumpur 2022 happening in November, shares his favourite places to dine when in the charming, gastronomical city.

Start your day at Earthlings

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Kick start your morning with a cup of coffee from Earthlings, an artisanal coffee roastery that serves affordable, quality coffee. Starting off humbly as a café with only four tables, Earthlings now supplies beans internationally and hosts coffee workshops.

Earthlings | Sublot 16, Soho East Hq Lot 188, Lorong 5, Jalan Wan Alwi, Taman Supreme, 93300 Kuching | +6011 1003 1208

For something local, visit Lau Ya Keng foodcourt

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Located along Carpenter street is Lau Ya Keng foodcourt, which boasts an abundance of local delights. Don’t miss a steaming bowl of laksa Sarawak from Mui Xin’s laksa stall, a favourite amongst fans of the noodle-based dish due to the generous serving of toppings such as shrimp and shredded chicken.

Lau Ya Keng Foodcourt | 19, Carpenter St, 93000 Kuching

Sip on tuak from Bad Cat Borneo

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The traditional alcoholic beverage, tuak, is made by fermenting fragrant or glutinous rice. While in the past, tuak was reserved as a welcoming drink for festive occasions, independent brewers like Bad Cat Borneo have made the drink more accessible, producing tuak-based cocktails and flavoured tuak.

Bad Cat Borneo's artisanal tuak can be enjoyed at bars such as Fairland Hidden Bar.

Fairland Hidden Bar | 64, Carpenter St, 93000 Kuching | +6012-858 7010

Splurge at Roots

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Roots masterfully handles homegrown ingredients using modern European culinary techniques. Try the paella with your choice of chicken, seafood or even lobster as well as the poached prawn with mashed potatoes.

Roots | The Old Court House Kuching, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, 93000 Kuching | +6012 588 7366

For a true taste of Sarawak, visit Lepau Restaurant

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Traditional Sarawak eatery Lepau Restaurant prides itself on authentic Orang Ulu and Dayak cuisine in a relaxing environment. Not to be missed are the ayam pansuh and the terung asam broth.

Lepau Restaurant | 99, Jalan Ban Hock, Road, 93100 Kuching | +6012 884 5383

Don’t leave without trying kek belacan

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While the cake’s namesake may lead you to believe otherwise, there is no shrimp paste used in kek belacan. Rather, the iconic Sarawak-style delicacy is a dense, moist and richly flavoured chocolate cake. Kek belacan can be found at many bakeries such as Lapis Sari.

Lapis Sari | 3, Lorong Gersik, 115, Kampung Sourabaya Ulu, 93050 Kuching | +6016 576 4420

Catch Low at Off Menu KL 2022, which you can purchase tickets for HERE.

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Topics

Kuching Sarawak Aidan Low Akâr Dining