Kuching: Food and Drink
Places we like to eat and drink in Kuching
(in no particular order)
We do tend to lean towards slightly more Western or modern places, mainly because of my allergy to pepper and spices — but there are plenty of local options mixed in here too.
Commons at the Courthouse
Set within the courthouse complex, this is one of my favourite places to sit and relax. We are probably here once a week for lunch and our most recent visitors took a trip there daily. I love the pasta with smoked duck whilst my husband thinks the mee mamak is one of the best dishes he has ever eaten. They also do a very nice kway teow - more expensive than the local restaurants but you are paying for the beautiful setting and ambiance.
It’s ideal for:
a late breakfast or light lunch
a break from the heat
or just somewhere calm to sit for a while
The setting is lovely, and the cakes are excellent — especially the lemon tart. It’s the kind of place where you go in for a quick stop and end up staying longer.
Zinc
One of our favourite spots in Kuching and somewhere we return to every time we are here (well probably weekly).
Set in a converted shop house, it has a relaxed but slightly more high-end feel. The menu is a mix of Mediterranean and local influences - for example, Laksa pizza and it’s consistently good with friendly and attentive staff.
I nearly always end up ordering the tenderloin steak — partly because it’s excellent, and partly because the staff know that’s what I’ll choose! They have an extensive and interesting cocktail menu - a blend of the classics and their own creations with a local twist. You can eat inside or on their outdoor covered terrace.
Southside
A really friendly, relaxed bar owned by a local and her English husband. It’s one of those places where people end up chatting to each other — a bit of a regular meeting spot for expats.
They often run events like quiz nights, so there’s usually something going on. It’s a good place to go if you want something informal — a beer, a glass of wine, or a simple meal.
Food is more on the light side — burgers, sandwiches, and easy options — but it’s not really about the food. It’s about the atmosphere and the people.
Fifty8
This is a relatively new addition to the Kuching restaurant scene and is quickly becoming one of our favourites. A more modern, slightly trendier option with a Western-style menu and a bit more of a “city” feel.
The menu tends towards:
pasta
burgers
grilled dishes
Dining options are indoors or outdoors and they have private rooms too if you want to eat with a group of friends. It’s a good option if you’re looking for something familiar or a break from local food. Slightly more polished than some other places, but still relaxed enough for an easy meal. The staff are all friendly and attentive and there’s live music on a Saturday and Sunday evening.
The Granary
A really nice restaurant set in a restored heritage building. The lunch time menu is mostly local food and the evening menu a mix of local and international fayre.
It’s still relaxed, but a good choice if you want a good menu in an interesting building. The setting is one of the main draws here as it’s minutes from the waterfront.
Thomson Corner Food Court
A more local, no-frills option and somewhere that feels very much part of everyday Kuching life.
This is a ground-level food court, simple and busy, where locals come to eat rather than somewhere designed for visitors. It’s the kind of place you go when you want something quick, affordable, and straightforward.
You’ll find a mix of:
noodle dishes
rice dishes
local favourites
It’s not polished, but that’s part of the appeal. A good option if you want something easy and more local without overthinking it.
Boca Rica
A tapas-style restaurant, so ideal if you want to share a few dishes rather than have a single main.
It has more of an evening feel — somewhere you go to sit for a while, order a few plates, and have a drink. Good for couples or small groups.
The menu is a mix of:
small plates
meats
seafood
It’s a nice change from the usual options in Kuching and feels very relaxed and very like a tapas bar in Spain
Jak Ma’an
A very local, no-frills spot — simple, busy, and popular.
This is the kind of place where:
you go for straightforward local food
you don’t expect anything fancy
but you know it will be good
It’s usually busy, which is always a good sign, and a good option if you want something more authentic without overthinking it.
Petanak Food Stalls
A great place to try a variety of local dishes in one location.
It’s very informal — think plastic tables, busy atmosphere, and lots of choice. You can walk around, see what’s available, and order from different stalls.
Good for:
trying different dishes
eating cheaply
getting a feel for local food
It’s not refined, but it’s a proper local experience.
Keeper’s Ground (The Spring)
Located in The Spring shopping mall, so a very easy and convenient option.
It’s a good place to go if you want:
something familiar
a comfortable setting
a break from the heat
Menu is more Western/café style — coffee, light meals, desserts — and it’s a reliable option if you’re shopping or just want something straightforward.
Ceylonese
A slightly different option in Kuching, offering Sri Lankan food.
There’s a good mix of:
rice and curry dishes
breads
spiced meat and vegetable options
Flavours are a bit different from local Malaysian food, so it’s a nice change if you want something a little less familiar but still accessible. And for something really different, you need to try the banana, cheese and condensed milk dessert!
James Brooke Bistro & Café
Right on the waterfront, so this is more about the setting than anything else.
It’s a good stop for:
a drink
a light meal
or just sitting and watching the river
The menu is fairly straightforward — Western-style café food — but the location makes it worth including, especially in the evening when it’s cooler.
Tai Tai Restaurant
A solid local option with a good reputation.
The menu is quite extensive, with a mix of:
seafood
meat dishes
local favourites
It’s a good choice if you want a proper sit-down meal somewhere that’s reliable and well-established.
Tabby’s Gastronomy
Tabby’s Gastronomy is a rooftop bar/restaurant. It’s located on the rooftop of The Sheraton Hotel - one of the newest hotels in Kuching. The menu is mostly lighter bites like pide - a Turkish flatbread similar to pizza although they do sometimes have some lovely dishes - like this amazing scallop dish. We tend to head here to catch up with friends over a cocktail. It’s somewhere we always bring visitors because of the views - especially at sunset.
Kechala, Cove 55
This is about 40 minutes out of town and somewhere we always go when we have visitors - it’s an ideal place to stop off after a game of golf at Damai or a visit to the Sarawak Cultural Village or newly opened Santubong Archaeological Park. Kechala is the restaurant of the boutique Cove 55 hotel. We like the variety of food on offer - from local laksa, to a tuna poke bowl. We really enjoyed these local jungle ferns in a tempura batter. They do a lovely fish and chips and great mocktails. Staff are friendly and service is great.
Final thoughts
There are hundreds of places to eat in Kuching, catering for every taste and budget.
For me, that’s part of the appeal. It’s a city where you can:
wander without a plan
eat well almost anywhere
and take things at your own pace