The name Kuching is believed to have originated from the word kucing translated into “cat” in English. Few theories regarding to this are the name was given by Rajah Muda Hashim, a Brunei Malay nobleman; Kuching has many associations with cats–there are cat statues, murals, and museum in the city; as well as local custom and superstition that cats are associated with good luck and protection from evil spirits.

Becoming the largest city and the capital of the Sarawak state, Kuching is known for its cultural diversity with a mix of various ethnic groups: Malays, Chinese, and indigenous people, like Iban and Bidayuh. That is why this city provides a variety of cuisines influenced by each ethnic group.

Not only that, Kuching also has a vibrant street food culture, with numerous hawker stalls and food markets offering a wide variety of local delicacies. Abundant spices locally grown around the city, such as wild ferns and bamboo shoots, also emphasizes the use of fresh and local ingredients featured in certain traditional dishes.

The indigenous communities in Sarawak have their own traditional cooking methods, involving bamboo cooking and grilling contributing to the unique taste of Kuching’s culinary offerings as well. One of Kuching’s signature dishes is Sarawak Laksa; the broth is made with a unique blend of spices, including laksa leaves, and is often topped with prawns–it is because Kuching is also known for its excellent seafood due to its geographical location–chicken, and bean sprouts.

Therefore, Kuching is one of the best cities you will not miss on your culinary experience’s bucket list. Here are 20 recommended places for dinner in Kuching:

Located in Jalan Padungan, most reviews say that this is the best seafood restaurant in Sarawak, Malaysia. The most popular menus in TopSpot are sea clam, crab, sea cucumber soup, BBQ stingray, and chicken. You also don’t have to worry about being ripped off here, since the prices are ranging from only RM 10-80.

If you are about to find authentic Dayak food in Kuching, you can come to Jalan Penrissen Batu 10. Not only chicken and fish, they also offer pork, tuak, and wine, ranging from RM 10-65. For a minimum purchase of RM 50, they would give you free deliveries. Their operating hours are every day except Sunday from 7 am-4pm. Make sure you already check out the up-to-date info before visiting this restaurant.

Bing Coffee is a cafe chain, located in multiple spots, serving coffee, non-coffee drinks, food, and desserts. They also have a garden cafe where the guests are surrounded by greenery while sipping their cups of coffee. They open daily from 10am-10 pm, except for the garden cafe. You can check their official Instagram account on @bingcoffeesarawak.

The Junk is a 6pm-1am restaurant and bar situated in Wayang St Kuching, Sarawak. The reviews say that they serve great cocktails, baked prawn, calamari salad, lamb shank, pizza, and any other Italian pastas. Live music, such as acoustic and party nights, are performed almost every day. Check @thejunkkch to catch up with the most updated info.

Located in Jalan Chan Chin Ann, Chong Choon Cafe serves a variety of Chinese, Asian, and Malaysian cuisine. They mostly serve breakfast dishes, like kolo mee, popiah, yam kueh, breads, tea, and coffee, yet you can find the best laksa in town, Poh Lam Laksa, here. The food court is open from 6.30am-12 pm only.

One of halal restaurants in Kuching is Ceylonese. Situated in Green Hill Road Lot 95, they offer various Indian, Asian, and Malay cuisines, including the vegetarian options. Their operating hours are from 10am-11pm. Contact them for the most updated info you might want to know.

Not only a cafe, Indah House is also an art event space, bakery, cooking class, and pastry store. This halal resto offers nasi lemak, ayam pansuh, vegan bacon, laksa, and many more. It opens from 8am-5pm. Visit them on the Instagram account @indahhousekuching.

Opening from 4pm-11pm, this halal resto is the best place for nasi ayam penyet and the other popular dishes, like mee mamak, mussels and deep fried squid. Located on the other side of a river, the guests can take sampan from Kuching waterfront to get to the restaurant. Check out the latest info on their several social media or official websites.

Located in Jalan Rubber, several menus like nasi aruk ikan terubuk masin and nasi goreng bunga kantan with ayam penyet are a must-try. This halal eating place opens daily, except on Friday, from 9.30am-4pm, and reopens at 6-10pm. Make sure you keep an eye on their latest info before planning a visit.

This locally owned halal resto serves mee kolok. Your visit to Kuching is not complete if you haven't come to this restaurant yet. It opens everyday at 5.30am-1pm, except on Tuesday. Their Instagram account to check further is @ssmikolok.

This heritage warehouse transformed into a chic resto with raw wood drastic furniture is known for its sotong baker, nasi kerabu, and Sarawak milk tea. They open daily at 10am-10pm, except on Tuesday. Keep an eye on their most updated info.

If you want to savor the delicacy of local Sarawakian Chinese and Bidayuh food, plan a visit to Little Fairy Cafe on Padungan Street, Sarawak. They have several signature dishes, such as fried kolo mee, butter prawn, ayam pansuh, and several vegetarian options. Their operational hours are from 7 am-10 pm from Friday to Wednesday. Contact them in order to get to their latest info.

This f&b destination offers European, Asian, and Malay dishes. Operating from 9am-10.30pm, you can taste a variety of food, like chicken, beef, lamb, and fish grilled or roasted. Local dishes, like laksa, curry, mee mamak, etc are also served there.

Feast and Furious resto serves Western and local cuisine, including salads, pasta, various Malay mees, laksa, and other local favorites, like three layered iced tea. What makes this 11am-10pm resto unique is it has motorcycle-shaped seats for the guests; that’s why the name of it is derived from one of famous Hollywood movies.

Located in Labuan Road, opening on Tuesday to Sunday 6pm-12am, this restaurant and bar serve Spanish, Italian, French, Japanese, and Moroccan dishes. However, they also have several local cuisines, like laksa. DJ music performances and special events are also held on certain days. Check out the official website https://www.zinc.restaurant/ or Instagram account @zinckuching.

Pullman Kuching offers an array of dining options with all-day dining restaurant Puzzle, authentic Chinese restaurant Nu Er Hong, delicious snacks at poolside Liquid bar as well as Déjà vu bar & lounge serving all types of drinks and snacks. Make sure you are updated by going through the latest info.

The menu features lime-inspired dishes, popular Malaysian and international favorites, as well as meatless, vegan and gluten-free options. Meals often served in buffet are prepared in the Halal-certified kitchen. It is operated everyday from 7am-9.30pm. Please check out their social media or website for the complete info.

Taiwan and China are where most of the cuisines in this cafe got the influence from. They can be found in multiple places: Padungan, Brighton Square, Train Terrace, Follow Tea House, and Miri Times Square. Known for their noodles, vegetarian food, dumplings, herbal soups, meat rolls, and teas, the cafe is open from 10am-10/11pm. Visit them on https://lifecafe.my/.

You can enjoy your Western cuisines, like garlic and seafood pasta or braised lamb shank surrounded by superb views of the former courthouse in The Magenta Restaurant. They are open from Tuesday to Sunday at 5-11pm. Their latest best seller is Magenta’s Honey Glazed Beef Ribs; go grab yours now!

Located on Jalan Borneo, Sarawak, Tribal Stove is the only place serving authentic Kelabit Highland cuisines, like manuk and ikan pansuh, nasi lemak, and many more. A great ambience of the resto is achieved from traditional Dayak settings with photos of tribes in Borneo. They are open daily from 7.30am-5.30pm.

The rich variety of dishes in Kuching always have a special place in the hearts of the visitors coming there. It seems like they are always being invited over and over to savor the delicacy of food having the influence of several different cultures, including Chinese, India, Western, or Malaysian itself; they show the balance between modernity and the preservation of the city's natural and historical treasures.

Make sure you take time to visit here, and do not forget to plan your trip’s itineraries with Traveloka. We will help you to arrange everything you need for your journey, starting from flights, hotels, airport transfers, car rentals, and even things to do in your chosen destinations.