The Cuisine of Brunei

Brunei is a country situated on the north coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia.

Ambuyat is the national dish of Brunei, made from sago palm starch. It has a sticky, glue-like texture and is typically served with a variety of flavorful sauces and side dishes. It is  is usually eaten using a bamboo chopstick known as a chandas and eaten by rolling the starch around the points and then soaking it in a sauce.

Ayam penyet is a typical dish that consists of a marinated fried chicken leg with herbs and spices added. The dish is usually served with rice or cucumber or cabbage.

Bamboo chicken is a dish that is prepared by stuffing a marinated chicken into a bamboo pole. Other ingredients include various spices like salt, turmeric, and red chili powder; chopped onions; chopped green chilies; ginger paste; and garlic paste.

This unique dish involves marinating chicken with spices, stuffing it into bamboo tubes, and slow-cooking it over a wood fire, which imparts a distinct smoky flavor.

Belatuk is a traditional Bruneian dish made from the meat of the belatuk fish, often prepared in a spicy and flavorful manner. It is typically served with rice and is a popular choice among locals for its unique taste and cultural significance.

Hati Buyah is a traditional dish made from marinated and stir-fried beef lungs, known for its chewy texture and rich flavor. The dish is known for its distinct and spicy flavor, often enhanced with various spices and aromatics.  It is commonly served with ambuyat, a traditional starchy dish made from sago.

Jungle durian is a unique variety of durian found in Brunei, known for its distinct flavor and aroma. It is often used in traditional dishes and desserts, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the region. It has a strong, pungent aroma and a creamy texture.

Kelupis is considered to be a mini snack or dessert food. It is made with prepared rice that is further cooked with ingredients such as coconut milk and pandan lieves. Then the rice is rolled in the leaves and further steamed and dried to get rid of added water.

Keropok udang, or prawn crackers, is a popular snack in Brunei made from a mixture of minced prawns and flour, which is then shaped, dried, and deep-fried until crispy. The main components are minced prawns and flour, which are mixed and shaped into cylinders before drying.

Nasi katok is a dish prepared with white rice, sambal, an ingredient that is prepared with blended chilies and other spices, and a piece of fried chicken is added to the dish. It is considered to be fast food.

Peanut Butter Chicken (Satay)

Cubed chicken thighs are marinated with minced lemongrass, ground turmeric, minced garlic, grated ginger, minced shallots, coconut milk, salt, and black pepper. Then skewered and grilled.

The peanut sauce is prepared with unsalted, roasted peanuts, coconut milk, tamarind paste, red chilies, palm sugar, soy sauce, vegetable oil, and water to adjust consistency. Then the chcken pieces are dipped in the peanut sauce and eaten.

Pisang goreng is a snack that is made with bananas that have been cut into pieces, dipped in batter, and deep fried. The batter is prepared with rice flour, sugar, baking powder, water, and salt.

Pulut Panggang is a traditional Bruneian snack made from glutinous rice, often filled with a savory mixture of dried shrimp and coconut. This dish is typically wrapped in pandan leaves and grilled, giving it a unique flavor and aroma.

Tapai is a traditional fermented dish popular in Brunei and other Southeast Asian countries, made primarily from rice or other starchy foods. It can refer to both a sweet or sour paste and the alcoholic beverage produced through fermentation.