Taste Kuching Like a Local: Honest Food Guide from a Malaysian Chinese Guy

Hey, it’s Kenny — still roaming around Malaysia in search of my next food high, and this time, my nose led me to Kuching. The city may mean “cat” in Malay, but I guarantee the real star here is the food. It’s where Sarawak laksa, kolo mee, and gula apong ice cream all share bragging rights. Strap in — your belly’s about to get very happy.

NUM 1 : Choon Hui Café – Laksa Legend & Anthony Bourdain Approved

Choon Hui Café

This place made it onto TV for a reason. The laksa here has a broth that punches you awake with layers of shrimp paste, rich spices, and lime brightness. I once walked in sleepy… and walked out sippin’, slurping, and ready to Instagram my bowl.

DetailInfo
Address34, Jalan Ban Hock, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak
HoursTuesday–Sunday, 6:30 AM–11:00 AM

NUM 2 : Lau Ya Keng Food Court – Laksa & Kolo Mee Cha Cha Cha

Lau Ya Keng Food Court

Imagine a food court that’s quietly popular because locals know it’s legit. I once had both laksa and kolo mee here on the same morning (I’m not even sorry) — and both were winners. Plus, the lo-fi charm hits differently.

DetailInfo
Address19, Carpenter Street, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak
HoursUsually open morning to early afternoon (exact hours vary by vendor)

NUM 3 : Hap Hap Hin – Tomato Crispy Mee with Charm

Hap Hap Hin
Hap Hap Hin

This place makes a mean tomato crispy mee—crispy noodles drenched in tangy tomato sauce, fresh veggies, and sometimes seafood. I went because I was hungry. I left thinking about it for days. That sauce? Legendary.

DetailInfo
AddressStall No. 37, Kenyalang Park Market, 93200 Kuching, Sarawak
HoursDaily, 4:00 AM–10:00 AM

NUM 4 : Ah Kheng Belacan Bee Hoon – Funky Noodles, Kuching-Style

Ah Kheng Belacan Bee Hoon

Century egg, spicy belacan gravy, rice vermicelli… this dish just vibes an entire heritage. It’s bold, unapologetic, and one spoonful feels like Kuching in a bowl. I debated adding more, and I was right to do it.

DetailInfo
AddressJubilee Ground Hawker Centre, Jalan Tan Sri Datuk William Tan, 93450 Kuching, Sarawak
HoursDaily, 7:00 AM–5:30 PM

NUM 5 : IG Gula Apong – Gula Apong Ice Cream That Crushes

IG Gula Apong

This is dessert with a local twist. A swirl of gula apong-infused ice cream (Malaysian palm sugar) brightened with boba milk tea. The queue wraps around the kiosk at the Kuching Waterfront, but trust me—it tastes like sunshine.

DetailInfo
AddressJalan Gambier, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak (Kuching Waterfront)
HoursDaily, 11:00 AM–11:00 PM

Kuching is less about flashy tourist traps and more about quiet, soulful bites. Whether you’re slurping laksa that’s been perfected by generations or scooping ice cream that’s sweet with nostalgia, each mouthful here whispers, “Eat slowly, feel a bit more alive.” Bring a friend, bring your pace, and maybe bring extra cash—Kuching will steal your stomach and your heart, in the best way possible.