What Food To Try in Bandar Seri Begawan and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Bandar Seri Begawan for 2024.
National currency: Brunei Dollar, symbol — (international currency code BND).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Bandar Seri Begawan cafes and restaurants
$3
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $2.22
$29.6
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $17.03
$5
Combo Meal
Starting from $4.44
What to Try in Bandar Seri Begawan
Must-try Dishes
Nasi Lemak - Coconut Rice (fragrant and hearty) - This dish consists of fragrant coconut milk rice served with sambal, fried crispy anchovies, boiled eggs, and peanuts. It's a popular breakfast choice often enjoyed with a side of curry for an extra kick.Kebab Sate - Grilled Skewered Meat (savory street food) - Skewers of marinated meat, usually chicken or beef, are grilled over charcoal, served with a rich peanut sauce. You'll often find this as a popular snack at roadside stalls, where locals love to enjoy it in the evening while chatting with friends.
Nasi Bruni - Brunei Rice (rice with meat and vegetables) - A comforting plate of rice topped with a choice of chicken or beef, and sautéed vegetables, making it filling and satisfying. Locals typically enjoy it for lunch, and it’s common to share with family at home.
Ambuyat - Sago Starch (local specialty) - Crafted from sago, this sticky starch is rolled into balls and served with a variety of dipping sauces, often featuring sambal or sour sauces. It's a traditional meal often enjoyed during family gatherings to celebrate Brunei’s rich culture.
Roti John - Egg Topped Sandwich (surprising combination) - A hearty sandwich filled with minced meat, topped with an egg, then grilled to golden perfection. Locals typically grab this delight during late-night markets, and it's a perfect fuel after a long day of exploring.
Nasi Kandar - Rice with Curries (customizable plate) - Steamed rice served with a selection of richly spiced curries and side dishes, allowing for personal preferences. It's best enjoyed during lunch hours, where you might find a long queue, as this dish offers a flavor-packed variety.
Beef Rendang - Spicy Coconut Beef (seasonal favorite) - Tender beef slowly cooked in a spicy coconut sauce until juicy and rich in flavor, often served with rice. It’s particularly popular during festive periods, where families come together to savor this comforting dish.
Mi Goreng - Fried Noodles (popular lunch item) - Stir-fried noodles tossed with vegetables and your choice of protein, spiced with soy sauce for bold flavors. You’ll see many locals grabbing this quick fix for lunch at food courts during the mid-day break.
Desserts & Drinks
Teh Tarik - (pulled tea) - A frothy drink made from strong black tea and condensed milk, poured back and forth from one cup to another to create a silky texture. Locals love to enjoy it during breakfast or as an afternoon pick-me-up while socializing in cafes.Bandar Teh - (iced tea) - Refreshing black tea served chilled, often sweetened with sugar and garnished with a slice of lemon. It's commonly consumed at outdoor gatherings or during particularly warm days, making it a refreshing choice for relaxing by the Brunei River.
Coconut Shake - (kelapa blend) - A tropical blend of fresh coconut water, coconut meat, and a scoop of ice, this drink is the perfect thirst-quencher. It's especially popular at street markets, where locals grab one while enjoying the bustling atmosphere during the evenings.
Kue Lapis – (layered cake) - A colorful, steamed cake made from rice flour and coconut milk, boasting a soft and chewy texture with distinct layers. It's often served at special occasions like weddings or festivals, and cutting it into neat slices is a delightful ritual for sharing.
ABC - (shaved ice dessert) - A mountain of finely shaved ice topped with sweetened red beans, corn, and colorful syrups, finished off with condensed milk. This refreshing dessert is a go-to during the hot months, perfect for cooling off while people-watching at local parks.
By the way, coconut desserts are especially popular during the festive months, like Hari Raya Aidilfitri!
Food and Groceries in Bandar Seri Begawan
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.73 |
| Bananas | $2.22 |
| Oranges | $3.7 |
| Potatoes | $1.63 |
| Apples | $3.42 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.75 |
| Imported Beer | $1.48 |
| Milk 1L | $1.44 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $15.1 |
| Chicken | $5.3 |
| Cigarettes | $11.11 |
| Rice | $1.28 |
| Local Cheese | $4.44 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Forget everything you know about lunch hours in Bandar Seri Begawan. While in many cities, the lunch rush is a quick affair, here, it’s relaxed and social. At around 12:30, you'll find families and friends gathering in the cafes and food courts, sharing meals and laughter. This is a stark contrast to places like Singapore, where meals are often a quick, solo affair.
Typically, locals dine around 12:30 PM for lunch and come back again for dinner around 7 PM. If you're planning to join, don’t head out too late; around 1:30 PM, many places start to empty out, which is both good and bad. On one hand, you might enjoy a quieter meal, but on the other, some of my favorite stalls like those in the Gadong district run out of their signature dishes quickly. Oh, and before I forget, skip the lunch hour rush on Fridays, when the local mosques see a surge of early afternoon crowds, making eateries bustle even more than usual.
Now, let’s talk about food prices. You might be surprised to find that a filling lunch can range from BND 3 to BND 10, depending on the spot. For instance, a delightful chicken rice served at a street-side vendor might only cost you BND 4, while a set meal at a mid-range restaurant could stretch to BND 10. When I paid BND 8 for a nice meal in the Sengkurong area last week, it was satisfying without breaking the bank.
Payment customs can feel a bit different here too. Cash is king, and while some places accept cards, you’ll find far fewer options than in other countries. It's not uncommon to see folks heading to an ATM after finishing their meal, which can be a bit inconvenient. One little tip: have small notes ready. Vendors appreciate it, and it speeds up the process.
As for tipping, it's not necessary, but kind of you to leave small change if you enjoyed your meal. Many locals don't tip, but I've made it a habit to do so when the service is warm and inviting—it feels right.
One local dining custom to note is the tendency to share dishes, which creates a sense of community at the table. Ordering multiple plates and enjoying them together over a chat is part of the experience. This can really amplify flavors and enjoyment, so dive in!
You might think popping in anywhere without a reservation is a breeze, but during peak lunch hours, it's good to double-check if your favorite spot has a waitlist. With more people exploring local dining, some joints are getting busier, especially the popular ones.
In recent months, I've noticed younger generations venturing into dining concepts that blend traditional flavors with modern cuisine, hinting at a slowly evolving food scene. This is quite refreshing, as it shows the locals are eager to adapt even while staying connected to their roots. As food patterns shift with the seasons, expect more comfort foods in the cooler months and lighter eats when the heat sets in.
Typically, locals dine around 12:30 PM for lunch and come back again for dinner around 7 PM. If you're planning to join, don’t head out too late; around 1:30 PM, many places start to empty out, which is both good and bad. On one hand, you might enjoy a quieter meal, but on the other, some of my favorite stalls like those in the Gadong district run out of their signature dishes quickly. Oh, and before I forget, skip the lunch hour rush on Fridays, when the local mosques see a surge of early afternoon crowds, making eateries bustle even more than usual.
Now, let’s talk about food prices. You might be surprised to find that a filling lunch can range from BND 3 to BND 10, depending on the spot. For instance, a delightful chicken rice served at a street-side vendor might only cost you BND 4, while a set meal at a mid-range restaurant could stretch to BND 10. When I paid BND 8 for a nice meal in the Sengkurong area last week, it was satisfying without breaking the bank.
Payment customs can feel a bit different here too. Cash is king, and while some places accept cards, you’ll find far fewer options than in other countries. It's not uncommon to see folks heading to an ATM after finishing their meal, which can be a bit inconvenient. One little tip: have small notes ready. Vendors appreciate it, and it speeds up the process.
As for tipping, it's not necessary, but kind of you to leave small change if you enjoyed your meal. Many locals don't tip, but I've made it a habit to do so when the service is warm and inviting—it feels right.
One local dining custom to note is the tendency to share dishes, which creates a sense of community at the table. Ordering multiple plates and enjoying them together over a chat is part of the experience. This can really amplify flavors and enjoyment, so dive in!
You might think popping in anywhere without a reservation is a breeze, but during peak lunch hours, it's good to double-check if your favorite spot has a waitlist. With more people exploring local dining, some joints are getting busier, especially the popular ones.
In recent months, I've noticed younger generations venturing into dining concepts that blend traditional flavors with modern cuisine, hinting at a slowly evolving food scene. This is quite refreshing, as it shows the locals are eager to adapt even while staying connected to their roots. As food patterns shift with the seasons, expect more comfort foods in the cooler months and lighter eats when the heat sets in.