Sarawak Food Guide: Must-Try Dishes for New Residents!
TL;DR: Embark on a culinary journey in Sarawak! Discover the must-try dishes and iconic flavours that new residents should experience first. Your ultimate Sarawak food guide.
By Vincent Ng, Director, World Borneo (SMM2H) Sdn Bhd · 7 min read
One of the most exciting aspects of moving to a new place is exploring its culinary landscape. For those considering Sarawak through the S-MM2H programme, you're in for an absolute treat. Sarawak's food scene is a vibrant tapestry, reflecting its diverse cultures, rich history, and abundant natural resources. Far from being a mere sustenance, food here is a celebration, a social connector, and a source of immense pride. Forget everything you thought you knew about Malaysian food – Sarawak carves out its own unique, unforgettable niche. Here’s a guide to the must-try dishes that should be at the top of your list as a new resident.
The Iconic Breakfast & Noodle Staples
Sarawakians take their breakfast seriously, and the morning offerings are nothing short of legendary. These dishes are more than just meals; they are cultural institutions.
- Kolo Mee: This is arguably Sarawak’s most famous dish, and for good reason. A deceptively simple bowl of springy egg noodles, tossed in a fragrant, savoury sauce (often pork lard based, but chicken and vegetarian versions are available), typically topped with slices of char siu (BBQ pork), minced pork, and sometimes fish cake. Kolo Mee comes in various forms – 'bian' (plain), 'merah' (red, with char siu sauce), 'hitam' (dark soy sauce), or a mix. Each hawker stall has its own secret recipe, making every experience unique.
- Sarawak Laksa: Do not confuse this with other laksa varieties found in Peninsular Malaysia. Sarawak Laksa is a rich, aromatic, and incredibly complex broth made from a secret blend of herbs and spices, simmered for hours. It’s served with rice vermicelli, prawns, shredded chicken, and bean sprouts, garnished with fresh coriander and often a squeeze of calamansi lime. Anthony Bourdain famously called it “breakfast of the gods,” and once you try it, you'll understand why.
- Mee Siew: A comforting bowl of thin, stir-fried rice vermicelli often enjoyed for breakfast or a light meal. It's usually stir-fried with slices of pork, prawns, and vegetables, offering a lighter yet equally flavourful alternative to Kolo Mee.
Delights from the Land and Sea
Sarawak's geographical bounty means fresh ingredients are always at the heart of its cuisine, from jungle produce to abundant seafood.
- Midin (Jungle Fern): A local delicacy, Midin is a type of wild jungle fern found only in Borneo. It's typically stir-fried with belacan (shrimp paste) and garlic, creating a crunchy, earthy, and highly addictive side dish that perfectly complements any meal. It's a must-try for its unique texture and flavour.
- Umai: A traditional dish of the Melanau people, Umai is Sarawak’s answer to ceviche. It features thinly sliced fresh raw fish (often ikan tenggiri or mackerel) marinated in lime juice, chillies, onions, and sometimes ginger. It's incredibly refreshing and showcases the freshness of Sarawak's seafood.
- Manok Pansoh (Bamboo Chicken): A traditional Iban dish, this involves cooking chicken pieces with lemongrass, ginger, Bunga kantan (ginger flower), and other herbs inside a bamboo stalk over an open fire. The bamboo infuses the chicken with a unique smoky aroma and moisture, resulting in incredibly tender and flavourful meat. It's a special occasion dish that offers a glimpse into indigenous cooking methods.
- Kek Lapis Sarawak (Sarawak Layer Cake): While not a savoury meal, no culinary journey in Sarawak is complete without trying its iconic multi-layered cake. These vibrant, intricately patterned cakes are a feast for both the eyes and the palate, ranging from traditional spice flavours to modern chocolate or fruit variations. They are a staple during festive seasons and make for wonderful gifts.
Where to Begin Your Food Adventure
Your culinary journey in Sarawak can begin practically anywhere! From bustling hawker centres to roadside stalls and modern cafes, delicious food is abundant. Don't be afraid to try new things and engage with the friendly locals, who are often happy to recommend their favourite spots. Explore the wet markets for fresh produce and spices, and remember that some of the best food experiences are found in unassuming alleyways and humble kopitiams (coffee shops).
Embracing Sarawak's food scene is an integral part of immersing yourself in its culture and community. Each dish tells a story of heritage, adaptation, and shared joy. We encourage all prospective and new S-MM2H residents to dive in head-first and discover their own personal Sarawakian favourites. We're here to help you settle into every aspect of your new life here, including guiding you to the best bites. Feel free to contact us for more information on the S-MM2H program and life in beautiful Sarawak.