Borneo food and drink guide
Thanks to its location and long history of trade and migration, Borneo’s food is a delicious mix of Malay, Chinese and indigenous influences. Each region has its own specialities, from fragrant noodle dishes and spicy sambals to fresh seafood, tropical fruits and traditional dishes cooked over an open fire. Food here is full of flavour, often using fresh local ingredients and recipes passed down through generations.
Hungry yet? From street-food favourites to dishes you’re likely to come across on your travels, here are some of our favourite foods to try in Borneo.
Our Borneo food favourites
1. Sarawak Laksa
Sarawak’s signature dish is a delight for the senses. This is a spicy soup that’s comprised of chilli paste, coconut milk and thin (mee hoon) noodles topped with beansprouts, chicken and prawns. If you can’t quite hack the spiciness, then tone things down a notch with a squeeze of fresh lime!
2. Kolo Mee
Seek out this simple but unique dish and you won’t regret it. Kolo Mee is a stir-fry dish consisting of yellow egg noodles, barbequed pork and vegetables. This street-food staple has become somewhat of a Borneo signature dish in recent years.
3. Mee Sua
Our Borneo food guide wouldn’t be complete without Mee Sua. Made with wheat rice noodles, chicken and mushrooms as part of a large broth that’s laced with wine – be sure to try it when you’re in this incredible country.
4. Lok Lok
Borneo is renowned for its street food and Lok Lok is a prime example of its best. Delicious skewers of fish, meat or veg are deep-fried or boiled and eaten with sweet and sour or satay sauce.
Vegetarian & vegan food advice
Eating out in Borneo is fairly easy for vegetarians, particularly if you’re happy to explore local markets, food courts and warungs. Tahu sumbat, meaning ‘stuffed tofu’, is a tasty street-food favourite. Crispy fried tofu cubes are sliced open and filled with crunchy cucumber and bean sprouts, then topped with a spicy chilli sauce. For something more substantial, try nasi campur, or ‘mixed rice’. The ingredients vary from place to place, but you’ll often find rice served with tofu, jackfruit, vegetables and crispy veggie fritters.
And don’t forget to make the most of Borneo’s wonderful fresh tropical fruit. Markets are piled high with colourful local favourites such as pineapple, papaya, mango, watermelon and rambutan. If you’re feeling adventurous, look out for mangosteen, snake fruit and the famously pungent durian. Fresh fruit makes an easy snack between meals and is a great way to sample some of Borneo’s tropical flavours.
Alcohol in Borneo
In Malaysian Borneo, the population is predominantly Muslim, so alcohol isn’t always available, particularly in smaller towns and more local restaurants. It’s best to be respectful of local customs and avoid drinking alcohol in public places.
You’ll find that most hotels and restaurants catering to international visitors serve alcohol, although prices can be higher on the islands and in more remote areas. If you’re heading to one of Borneo’s beautiful islands and fancy a drink in the evening, it can be worth picking up supplies as you pass through duty-free. Wine in particular can be expensive once you’re on an island.
Cultural sensitivities
As Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country and you are visiting as a tourist, it’s important to be mindful and considerate of certain religious holidays. During the month of Ramadan, special markets are set up selling foods for Muslims breaking their fast at sunset. At the end of the month, a special feast (Hari Raya Puasa) takes place and many locals spend the next few days visiting family and friends.
Speak to our Borneo specialist, Ella
