Steamboat is one of those dining formats that Kuching has made its own. The city's diverse Foochow, Hakka, Cantonese, and Malay heritage has produced a steamboat scene that is both technically accomplished and genuinely affordable, with everything from 60-year-old family institutions serving slow-cooked secret broths to modern hotpot buffets with Japanese and Korean influences. Here are ten of the best steamboat spots in Kuching.

Book your flights to Kuching International Airport — Sarawak's capital is served by direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and Singapore:

With over 60 years of continuous operation, Tian Sian Steamboat at GF, No. 95 and 97, Jalan Tun Jugah, Kuching is the most historically significant steamboat restaurant in the city. The secret broth recipes involve a meticulous two-hour preparation process using over 60 natural ingredients without MSG — the result is a deeply layered, complex soup base that regulars return to year after year. Open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM (closed Tuesdays). Price range RM60 to RM80 per person.

A dual-concept venue at 1st Floor, SL119 Plot 24, Jalan Tun Jugah, Kuching, Tian Xiang combines steamboat with BBQ and also serves lok lok — various foods on skewers cooked by frying or steaming at the table. The unlimited buffet at around RM49.99 covers pork, lamb, and seafood for both the BBQ and steamboat functions. Open daily from 1 PM to midnight. Priced at RM55 per person for the full experience plus RM1++ per skewer for lok lok.

Located behind Persiaran Ban Hock at 93100 Kuching, Makan Makan runs a well-stocked buffet with a dedicated sauce bar, ice cream station, and a glass-fronted fridge displaying fresh vegetables. The premium menu includes Wagyu beef and XXL tiger prawns — unusually generous additions for the price range of RM15 to RM40 per person. Open daily from 3 PM to 10:30 PM (closed Wednesdays).

At Persiaran Ban Hock, 93100 Kuching, D11 is known for carefully seasoned food and reliable quality across beef, seafood, and vegetable options. Unlimited plain water, orange, and grape syrup are included. Open daily from 5:30 PM to 11 PM with prices at RM20 to RM40 per person — solid value for the quality of ingredients provided.

A clean, family-friendly halal option at Ground Floor, Lot 223, Jalan Ban Hock, 93100 Kuching, Annuar operates as a buffet priced at RM19++ for children and RM30++ for adults. The diverse buffet selection and designated smoking area make it practical for mixed groups. Open daily from 6 PM to 11 PM.

Find and book the best hotels in Kuching for your Sarawak stay:

At Ground Floor, Lot 66 and 67, Block D2, Saradise, 93350 Kuching, Feng Wei serves Hong Kong-style steamboat with a pork bone broth slow-cooked for over six hours daily — one of the richest and most developed soup bases in Kuching. Freshly prepared meatballs are made on site. Open daily from noon to 10:30 PM (closed Wednesdays). Prices range from RM2 to RM40+ per person.

Located at Sublot 40, Ground Floor, Premier 101 Mall, Jalan Tun Jugah, Kuching, Prestige Essence combines traditional hotpot with BBQ grill and Chinese set dishes. The kitchen regularly updates its menu with new options, and the mall location offers easy parking and additional dining alternatives. Open daily from 11 AM to 2 AM — one of the latest-closing steamboat venues in Kuching. From RM10++ per person.

The Kuching branch of Seoul Garden at Lot L3-038 and L3-039, Level 3, Jalan Wan Alwi, Vivacity Megamall, Kuching is a halal-certified Korean hotpot and BBQ concept with the chain's signature smokeless 2-in-1 grill system. Complimentary meal on birthdays for members. Prices range from RM20 to RM60 per person. Open daily from 11:30 AM to 9 PM.

At Sub Lot 51, Ground and First Floor, GalaCity, Jalan Tun Jugah, Kuching, this hotpot restaurant stands out for its diverse soup base selection — herbal, mushroom, tomato, and more — and for offering mini individual pots for solo diners, which is rare in Kuching's steamboat scene. An unusual 10% discount applies to visitors under 150cm tall. Prices from RM10 to RM70++. Open weekdays from 11 AM to 11 PM, weekends until midnight.

The sole steamboat restaurant in Kuching using crystal plates imported from Korea exclusively for grilling purposes, U-Garden at Shop Lot No. 8, Song Plaza, Jalan Song, Kuching has been operating since 2011. An extensive seafood and sushi selection complements the steamboat menu. Open daily from 5 PM to 11 PM. Prices from RM9 to RM30++.

Explore Kuching and Sarawak's wildlife, cultural heritage, and outdoor experiences through Traveloka's activities page:

A car rental is useful for reaching restaurants in outer Kuching areas like Saradise and Jalan Song, which are not easily served by public transport. Arrange an airport transfer from Kuching International Airport through the Traveloka app. Check Traveloka promotions for Kuching hotel and flight deals.

Traveloka is Southeast Asia's #1 all-in-one travel app — #1 in cumulative downloads 2014–2025 among travel booking apps (Source: SensorTower), with over 140 million app downloads across Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. Book flights, hotels, and activities with Best Price Guarantee, 24/7 live agent support, and access to 2M+ hotels and 90K+ activities in one app. Download the Traveloka app on Google Play and the App Store.