15 Best Places to Eat in Kuching

Discover the best places to eat in Kuching with our top recommendations.

This guide will help you find the best spots for a delicious taste of Sarawak.

15 Best Places to Eat in Kuching

Discover the best places to eat in Kuching with our top recommendations.

This guide will help you find the best spots for a delicious taste of Sarawak.

Hi, we’re Rach & Marty!

We’ve visited every country in the world and want to help you get the most out of your travels!

Whether you need an expertly planned itinerary, some experienced hints and tips, or just craving a delicious food adventure, we’ve got you covered!

Hi, we’re Rach & Marty!

We’ve visited every country in the world and want to help you get the most out of your travels!

Whether you need an expertly planned itinerary, some experienced hints and tips, or just craving a delicious food adventure, we’ve got you covered!

Hi, we’re Rach & Marty!

We’ve visited every country in the world and want to help you get the most out of your travels!

Whether you need an expertly planned itinerary, some experienced hints and tips, or just craving a delicious food adventure, we’ve got you covered!

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Carpenter Street best places to eat in Kuching

Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, lovely riverfront, and excellent food scene. 

If you’re looking for the best places to eat in Kuching, you’ll find everything from traditional Sarawakian cuisine to mouthwatering seafood and trendy cafes in this food guide.

As a city that blends indigenous, Chinese, and Malay influences, Kuching’s food culture is a true reflection of its diverse heritage.

There are two popular areas to enjoy some of the tastiest food in Kuching. One area is along Carpenter Street, and the other is my favourite street to eat, along Jalan Padungan; I found many excellent dishes here, and places that make great snack foods, too.

This area feels slightly more local than Carpenter St, which has more souvenir shops than food spots.

My list of top places to eat in Kuching is based on locations within the city centre, so visitors can easily walk around to reach them or take a quick and affordable Grab ride if the weather is super hot or pouring down rain.

Whether you’re here for a few days or an extended stay, these are the top 15 places to eat in Kuching, along with the must-try dishes at each spot.

15 Best Places to Eat in Kuching

1) Chong Choon Cafe

One of the most famous spots for breakfast in Kuching, Chong Choon Cafe is legendary for its Sarawak Laksa, so that’s exactly what I ordered!

This dish consists of rice vermicelli in a fragrant, slightly spicy broth made from a unique blend of sambal belacan, coconut milk, and large, fresh prawns. 

Topped with shredded chicken and a squeeze of lime, it’s a great dish for 8 MYR ($1.80).

Chong Choon Cafe kuching Kolo Mee

This cafe is in an outdoor yet undercover food court area; some other vendors here sell Sarawak classics such as Mee Kolo and roti.

Marty tried the Chicken Kolo Mee here and gave it a thumbs-up! View location on Google Maps

2) Makino Kochi Ramen Bar

A trendy little ramen bar on Jalan Padungan, with innovative dishes and deliciously fresh desserts. With minimal seating, it reminds me of a noodle bar anywhere in Japan; and it’s more of an eat-and-go spot. 

The queue starts before the shop opens and peaks during lunch hour, so be prepared to wait!

Makino Kochi Ramen Bar - Best places to eat in Kuching

This place serves fantastic ramen, and udon noodle dishes. Prices start from around 20 MYR ($4.50) per bowl, which is on the pricey end compared to what great meals you can find in Kuching for under 10 MYR, but in my opinion, it’s 100% worth it!

Every mouthful is heaven. For 4.70 MYR, I also loved the tau fufa (tofu pudding) with palm syrup and roasted crushed nuts. 

Please include this at the top of your list of the best places to eat in Kuching for an unforgettable meal. View location on Google Maps

3) Hong Kong Pau Cafe

This is a fantastic bakery along Jalan Padungan. It’s always busy with locals, which is a very good sign! They sell fresh buns and steamed ones, too. 

If you’re feeling like a snack on your way to visit one of our other best places to eat in Kuching, I recommend you make a few purchases here for later. View location on Google Maps

4) Chai Song Soon

Chai Song Soon restaurant Kuching - Kolo mee

I enjoyed a fantastic Mee Kolo with pork in this simple restaurant. Loved the fresh noodles in this dish; for 5 MYR, the serving size is good. 

They also do stewed pork, which many locals seem to enjoy. There are a few small rooms inside this long restaurant, and they have fresh soy milk too!

Remember to read the sign here, asking you politely, when you’ve finished your meal, to please leave! LOL. View location on Google Maps

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5) DinDin Noodles 

If you’d like to order a few classic dishes from the Sarawak region, this is a good place to do it!

DinDin Noodles is a small restaurant that offers Sarawak laksa, various rotis, and nasi lemak, among other meals.

Prices are very fair; I recommend it. View location on Google Maps

6) Home-Made Steam Buns

steamed bun

This was another surprising find, and I’m so glad I stopped here.

The steamed buns here are loaded! There are many varieties to choose from, both sweet and savoury options. Delicious and fresh, I recommend the BBQ pork buns. View location on Google Maps

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7) 126 Laksa

Want to try a good bowl of authentic Sarawak Laksa? This place is a reliable spot to check this dish off your ‘must-eat’ list.

Go early; they usually sell out early! View location on Google Maps

8) Abee Traditional Buns

This place is included in my list of the best places to eat in Kuching because its fresh bread buns are super affordable and delicious.

With all kinds of fillings, such as coconut kaya (jam), red bean and more, it’s the best 2.10 MYR I spent in Kuching for an easy snack to enjoy later with my afternoon coffee. View location on Google Maps

cat statue Kuching Malaysia
Kuching is the ‘city of cats’, so find cat statues everywhere!

9) Noodle Descendants 

A local favourite for many decades, Noodle Descendants is famous for its Kolo Mee—a dry-tossed noodle dish served with minced pork, char siu (barbecue pork), and fragrant shallot oil.

The noodles’ springy texture and well-balanced flavours make it a must-try. View location on Google Maps

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10) Country Kitchen

Sometimes, when travelling to a new city, you want to walk into a clean, well-run local restaurant, look behind the counter to find 20+ options of different foods in large trays, both meat or vegetarian dishes and point at what looks good to eat.

If this sounds like the kind of place you’re craving for a quick, tasty and affordable meal – come here.

The lady loads your plate with a massive spoonful of freshly steamed rice, then adds whatever dishes you ask. 

The menu is clear, advising that rice plus two vegetarian dishes is 7 MYR, three vegetarian dishes are 8 MYR or two meat dishes, and a veg dish is 10 MYR, and so on. It’s a very popular take-away spot too, so perfect to pick up a cheap and tasty meal for later on. View location on Google Maps

11) Meng Kui Cafe

kolo mee dish to try in Kuching malaysia

This place looks a bit run down from the exterior, but don’t let that distract you from what the food tastes like; it’s terrific.

They make a fantastic Kolo mee, plus many other tasty dishes. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed. View location on Google Maps

12) Lepau Restaurant

For an authentic taste of Sarawak’s indigenous cuisine, Lepau is the place to go. Yes, it’s expensive; but if you’re up for a delicious meal, make your way here. 

You should try the ‘manok pansoh’, a traditional Iban dish with chicken marinated with lemongrass, garlic, and ginger before being slow-cooked inside bamboo over an open fire, infusing the meat with a smoky aroma. View location on Google Maps

13) Top Spot Food Court

A must-visit for seafood lovers, Top Spot Food Court is an open-air dining spot where you can pick fresh seafood, and they will cook it to your liking. 

I recommend ordering the butter prawns, which are deep-fried and coated in a rich, buttery sauce with crispy egg floss, giving the dish texture, flavour and crunch. View location on Google Maps

14) Choon Hui Cafe

Okay, I know this list of the best places to eat in Kuching includes many recommendations for Kolo Mee and Sarawak laksa, but they’re the two top dishes of the region, so you need to try a few spots to taste the difference. 

So, here’s another top spot to satisfy your cravings! View location on Google Maps

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15) Moon and Sun Coffee

Moon and Sun Coffee best coffee Kuching

If you’re like me, a self-obsessed food lover, you’re likely a coffee lover, too! We need to break down our planned meals in a new city with a caffeine hit.

This cafe serves excellent coffee and scrumptious pastries; the location is perfect! View location on Google Maps

Best Places to Stay in Kuching

waterfront Kuching
The waterfront Kuching

Kuching offers a range of accommodations to suit all budgets, with different areas catering to various travel styles.

I recommend staying in the heart of the city or near Padungan & Carpenter Street (a historic and vibrant area filled with Chinese shophouses) to be near the top attractions and our best places to eat in Kuching.

Here are the best areas to stay in Kuching and top accommodation options for luxury, mid-range, and budget travellers.

Luxury Accommodation

The Ranee Boutique Suites – A stylish boutique hotel with colonial charm, offering spacious suites overlooking the river. Great for couples and those wanting a tranquil retreat.

Hilton Kuching – A 5-star hotel with excellent service, riverfront views, a pool, and multiple dining options, ideal for business and leisure travellers.

Mid-Range Accommodation

The Waterfront Hotel – A modern hotel with a rooftop pool, city and river views, and direct access to the Plaza Merdeka shopping mall.

Grand Margherita Hotel – A well-rated hotel with comfortable rooms, a great location by the river, and a pool to cool off after exploring the city.

Budget Accommodation

QuiikCat – A clean hostel with dorms and private rooms, located near to the Kuching Waterfront, perfect for budget-conscious travellers.

The Marian Boutique Lodging House – A charming budget boutique stay in a converted colonial mansion, offering great value and a relaxed atmosphere.

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4 Best Things to Do in Kuching

Sarawak Cultural Village

Known as the ‘Living Museum,’ this is the perfect spot to explore Sarawak’s rich cultural tapestry.

You’ll experience traditional longhouses, tribal dances, and crafts demonstrations from the Iban, Bidayuh, and other indigenous groups.

Entrance fee: Adults 90 MYR / Children 57 MYR. Book tickets in advance on the official website.

Borneo Cultures Museum

This is Malaysia’s largest museum and Southeast Asia’s second largest museum.

It showcases a rich collection of artifacts highlighting Sarawak’s local communities’ history and cultural heritage, along with exhibits from across Borneo island.

We really enjoyed this museum and highly recommend that you plan to visit. Allow several hours to explore the multiple floors.

Entrance fee (Foreigner): Adults 50 MYR / Children 25 MYR. Locals’ Prices differ; check the official website for more information about fees, opening times,etc.

Semenggoh Wildlife Centre

A must-visit for wildlife lovers, this rehabilitation centre lets you observe semi-wild orangutans in their natural habitat during feeding times.

Although locals tell us Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary in Sandakan, Sabah, is the best place to see rehabilitated orangutans (we visited this one and can agree that it’s fantastic), Semenggoh offers an authentic learning experience.

Bako National Park

Just a short boat ride from the city, Bako is a wildlife haven where you can spot proboscis monkeys, bearded pigs, and vibrant plants.

The park offers diverse trails, from jungle treks to dramatic coastal cliffs with epic views.

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We’ve reached the end of our guide featuring some top places to eat in Kuching, Malaysia, plus our recommendations on where to stay and what to do while you’re here.

Whether you’re in Kuching for its breathtaking landscapes or cultural charm, we wish you a fantastic time!

Travel Tips for Asia

We have many travel guides and tips for Asia— a fascinating continent!

Delicious cuisine can be enjoyed across Asia, and our food map of Asia will inspire your food journey.

These top 5 best street foods in Asia are unmissable! We explain Central Asian food, including seven popular foods in this region.

Our Southeast Asia packing list will be helpful if you’re travelling here.

Furthermore, if you plan to travel long-term (or at least until the money runs out), these 21 cheapest countries to visit will help you make your hard-earned dollars stretch a bit further.

Not surprisingly, our top 10 best countries for food lovers include a few Asian countries.

You’ll need to stay connected while travelling in Asia. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View eSIMs for individual Asian countries, or consider a regional eSIM for Asia (which covers 18 countries).

If your travels in Asia are part of a much larger global adventure, then a Global eSIM may be the answer. It connects you in 124 countries, offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM. The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.

If you want to travel with like-minded travellers, consider joining a group tour. Check out our Group Tours first for any upcoming departures in Asia, or view Tourradar for great deals on tours in Asia.

Check out our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.

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