by Jia Ying Chia
The capital’s CBD area is quiet and charming, with close proximity to all the major sights of the area and prime waterfront real estate. ‘Where to eat?’, is the perennial office worker’s existence and we have hopefully answered it with our selection of locations around the Bandar downtown area.
BABU’S KITCHEN
Literally translating to ‘Mum’s Kitchen’, this is where you come for comforting, homey Bruneian and Asian food that will also respect the hard-earned dollars in your pocket. Situated in the CBD, the restaurant lies in a small back lane parallel to Jalan Sultan and you’ll need to park further away to walk over. The Assam Laksa and Fried Noodles come highly recommended, as well as the all important tea-time snack of cucur.
Ground Floor, Dar Takaful IBB 2, Lorong Gerai Timur, Jalan Pemancha, Bandar Seri Begawan
RUSTIQUE BY ABSOLUTE
You might find it a little easy to unknowingly walk past this cafe in Bandar — the zinc roofing exterior and DIY styles interiors ring true to its name. We love the super friendly service team here, making this a really great stop for a nice coffee or quick lunch meeting. You really can’t go wrong with any of their pasta options!
IG: @rustique.by.absolute | G8, Wisma Jaya , Jalan Pemancha, Bandar Seri Begawan
PHONGMUN RESTAURANT 豐滿樓大酒家
(Non-Halal)
This traditional Chinese cuisine restaurant is tucked away in a downtown building, serving generations of customers in the same spot since 1984. The easiest way to get there is the lift that opens up directly to the ornate restaurant entrance. Fill up on their traditional Hong Kong Dim Sum; Cantonese dishes and Hong Kong style BBQ Roasted meat, for hearty meals that deliver on flavour!
IG: @phongmunrestaurant | No. 56-60, 2nd Floor, Teck Guan Plaza, Jalan Sultan
YELO CAFÉ
The Brunei Hotel signature restaurant is a bright and cheery establishment where you can’t help but feel relaxed. There are plenty of choice seats but one of our favourites is the street-facing bar table that is perfect for sipping on coffee and watching the world go by. plus they have a fantastic build-your-own salad and sandwich option with lots of locally grown vegetables so eating healthy and delicious meals are an easy pick !
IG: @yelobrunei | 25, Jalan Pretty, Kuala Belait | Lorong Gerai Barat, Bandar Seri Begawan
LANE MICROBAKERY AND COFFEE 2.0
The famed Lane Microbakery from Kuala Belait has answered our prayers with their second branch, right in the heart of Bandar. Just down the road from Babu’s Kitchen, it’s a little hidden but still extremely convenient for an afternoon coffee run or if you need a perfect croissant or pastry to fix the day.
IG: @lanemicrobakery | Tel: 673 224 4828 Unit 1, Lorong Gerai Timor, Jalan Pemancha
KAIZEN SUSHI
Kaizen Sushi has one of the best restaurant views in Brunei; imagine feasting on fresh sashimi or a comforting Japanese curry looking out onto the peaceful water village. If you want a nice scenery in Bandar or just feel like treating yourself — this is the spot!
IG: @kaizensushi.brunei | Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex, Jalan McArthur, Bandar Seri Begawan BS8711
