BiG Appetite

BiG Appetite : Hooked on Seafood

Reel it in guys! Whether it’s the fresh ocean air or salt in your hair, one thing is for sure. The bounty of the sea has many delicious delights to offer up and our beautiful island waters are no different; whether you enjoy it fried crisp, sauced up or just simple as can be, sail away with us around Borneo to discover the wonderful places you can enjoy seafood but be warned, you’re going to fall in love — hook, line and sinker!


ANJUNG SAUJANA

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You don’t have to be heading somewhere for a flying good time at Anjung Saujana! Their commitment to fresh meals with a twist led us to the Pan-seared Teriyaki Salmon which will satisfy with its umami-fied balance of savoury and sweet flavours. Glazed, flaky New Zealand salmon fillets sit on a dressed bed of lettuce, tomato and tofu chunks; the luxurious fish melts in your mouth like butter, topped off with the more intense notes from the bonito flakes and garlicky sauce. If you’re a smoked salmon fan, their version of Eggs Benedict features a generous portion of New Zealand Smoked Salmon on top of perfectly poached eggs, and a Benedict espuma that has all the taste of the fresh, tangy sauce with the lightness of foam. So good you can gobble it up without feeling guilty. These items sell out fast so be sure to pre-order or make a reservation.

IG: @anjungsaujanarestaurant   |   Tel: 673 233 1853   |   Departures Lounge, Brunei International Airport

 

CHEEZBOX

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Be ready to bite your way around the world thanks to Cheezbox’s fun menu of classic asian and western favourites; there’s plenty to be surprised by too. Their team of chefs are always busy cooking up something new to try and if you haven’t you’ve gotta give their Unagi Burger a go. A thick, grilled eel slice with fresh veggies, cheese, grilled peppers and blueberry sauce. Yup, that’s right! In the world of odd combinations working, this is a smashing seafood extravaganza. The eel is fresh and light, paired well with the tangy sweetness of the homemade blueberry sauce and grilled bell pepper — the fresh veggies tie everything in together for a burger that’s healthy and tasty.

Craving something a little bit more filling? Their popular soft-shell crab menu series is a hit and you’ll find satisfaction with their crispy soft shell crab on a bed of handmade spinach pasta and creamy, spicy sauce. It’s moreish and savoury with the right touch of chilli to give you a happy tummy tingle!

IG: @cheezbox  |   Tel: 673 242 5506   |   Ramp A, The Mall, Abdul Razak Complex, BSB, BE3519

D’PENYETZ

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New name, same great taste! Formerly Dapur Penyet, this Indonesian franchise is still committed to delivering their menu to quality Indonesian cuisine with meaty favourites the standard order. Hot tip — the seafood here is equally lip-smacking. Crunch your way through the juiciest big prawns in the Udang Penyet, which also has the signature ‘penyet crumbles’ that help make this so addictive.

Fishy friends will love the tender flakiness of the Salman Bakar Kicap Manis, which is a Saba mackerel marinated with a sweet soy glaze and flame grilled to smoky perfection. You can really taste the char and the fish is simply moreish. Since both dishes already come with yummy sides like tempe, tofu goreng and crisp veggies for dipping in the spicy sambal, you just need a serving of rice to make this a meal for any time of the day!

IG: @dpenyetz_brunei   |   KIULAP BRANCH: Unit 11-12, Block B, Taibah Complex, Kiulap, BSB BE1518 (Tel: 673 256 7777 or WhatsApp 673 813 2777)   |   DELIMA BRANCH: Unit 9, Ground Floor, Block C, Delima Square, Delima Satu, BSB BE4713 (Tel: 673 233 0033 or WhatsApp 673 715 1177)

GOLDIANA

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Curry-tly craving for the Fish Head Curry at Goldiana; a richly spiced curry that has huge aroma and flavour thanks to essential herbs and spices which give this hearty dish great depth. Of course, the characterised umber-golden colour comes from natural tumeric and gives the fish head curry an added earthiness. If you’ve never tried Fish Head Curry, it is like it sounds; fresh fish head braised and slowly cooked in a curry sauce, often served with vegetables like ladyfingers and smoky eggplant. Goldiana’s is an exquisite execution of this seemingly simple dish. The curry sauce is thick, with the right kind of spice and tang to balance out the jiggly goodness in the braised fish head. Eaten with a bowl of rice, Goldiana’s Fish Head Curry is such a soul-satisfying dish, that’s even better when you share it!

IG: @muliahotelbruneibwn   |   Tel: 673 233 5544   |   Mulia Hotel, Spg 9, Kg Anggerek Desa, Jln Berakas, BSB, BB3713

 


FEZ & CIP

With over 30 years of kitchen experience behind the team at Fez & Cip, it’s not hard to see why this is probably Brunei’s best fish and chips. “We’re still working on making it ‘perfect'”, co-owner Khairul humbly says, even though the batter is already shatteringly crisp with a great balance between batter and lucious fish. Fez & Cip’s menu reads like a classic north U.K chippy, with authentic options like a savoury curry gravy sauce, mushy peas and malt vinegar! It’s proudly a 100% Bruneian owned and staffed business with as much of the produce sourced locally, and a focus on freshly made meals — down to their tartar sauce. If you’re craving the nostalgia of UK style fish and thick cut chips, this is definitely the place to go.

IG: @fezncip  |   Tel: 673 729 8833   |   5A, Spg 23-30, Kg Manggis Satu, Jln Muara, BSB BC3615

CAFFE VERVE

For an elevated Italian dining experience and delicious sourdough pizzas, you can’t go wrong with a meal at Caffe Verve. They’ve been feeding Brunei for the last eight years and we’re here to give you the hot tip on their Salmon Broccoli Pizza and Arrabiata with Prawns and Clams! These dishes will satisfy anyone craving a unique seafood fix. A freshly made sourdough base is the perfect partner for Verve’s combination of smoked salmon, charred Australian broccoli and a white sauce base. Simply delicious, especially when you get a perfect bite with the fresh basil! If you’re a pasta fan, the kick of the tomato and chilli Arrabiata sauce with the meatiest prawns or clams is heavenly and of course like all dishes at Verve, loaded with lots of toppings so you always feel satisfied.

IG: @vervespresso  |   Tel: 673 233 1630   |   Unit 6A, Spg 68, Jln  Batu Bersurat, BSB

COMFORT GREENS

Wholesome, nourishing and comforting; the ethos behind Comfort Greens makes sure every meal is one that leaves you feeling full and happy without sacrificing your health! it’s no wonder, with sister company ROOTS also following the same idea of health-forward and delicious food. Craving something special with a little twist? it’s gotta be the Soft Shell Crab on Avocado Toast. The breaded crab is crispy yet juicy and thankfully, not downing in too much sauce so each flavour and freshness of the ingredients really comes though. With homemade sourdough as the base, it’s a dish that delivers hard on taste without leaving you feeling guilty for indulging — and isn’t that the best? Pair this off with a coffee or fresh squeezed juice for the ideal breakfast or brunch!

IG: @comfortgreens.bn   |   Tel: 673 737 3688   |   Block C, Bangunan Hj Abdul Rahman & Anak-Anak, Unit 4, Spg 88, BSB, BE1518

YASMALINA RESTAURANT

Cracking crabs! We love Yasmalina’s version of the Singapore Chilli Crab dish — this wife and husband duo put all their love and heart into the food and are especially famous for their seafood options. Tucked against an apartment enclave in Kota batu, we can’t gate keep this gem any longer. A slightly sweet and savoury egg sauce is generously cooked into fresh mud crabs (though you can sub for other types of crab or seafood if desired) and served with a plate of deep fried mantou, slices of bread or rice, which are ideal for soaking up all those lovely dregs of slurpalicious sauce. It’s got a kick but isn’t overly spicy so you can eat it all! Don’t be shy and get stuck in with your hands, it’s truly finger-licking good food. You’ll need to pre-order a day ahead so they can grab the freshest crabs on the market for you!

IG: @yasmalinarestaurant   |   Tel: 673 224 2366 or WhatsApp 673 885 4666   |   No. 231, Kg Pintu Malim, Jln Kota Batu, BSB

POLITA

Dough you believe in love at first bite? We definitely do after tasting Polita’s Seafood Marinara Pizza. One of the only wood-fired pizza restaurant in Brunei, this chic pizzeria brings smoky, charred goodness to the masses with handmade dough every day and fresh ingredients. If you love the combination of a herby, galicky tomato sauce and plump seafood, this is simply the best Neapolitan style seafood pizza! It’s uncomplicated, taste and worth every bite. You’;; also enjoy watch the pizzas being cooked right in the dining area. Polita’s pizzas are always made with fresh local and imported ingredients, for pies that are cooked to perfection.

IG: @heypolita   |   Tel: 673 245 2888 or WhatsApp 673 710 9080   |   Unit 7, Block D, Ground Flood, The Curve, Jalan Batu Bersurat, Lebuhraya Tungku, BE3719

PONDOK SARI WANGI SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

We know and love Pondok Sari Wangi Seafood for serving Brunei delicious Indonesian food for over 30 years, but did you know their Jerudong park branch specialises in seafood with an Indo-Chinese style menu? You’ll find favourites like steamed fresh fish (They even have the elusive and very expensive Empurau!) and special dishes with their own twist, like the Seafood Combination platter. We fully recommend ordering the Signature Indonesian Sauce if you’ve never tried it! This is a full bodied curry flavour that’s tempered with the sweetness of milk and a smooth buttery mouthfeel that feels more like a thin gravy, and goes very well poured over the mix of clams, calamari, crab, prawns etc., that are cooked in your desired style. We could eat it by the spoonful! Since Pondok Sari Wangi Seafood is a family restaurant, you can bet there will probably be someone celebrating something when you go there, as well as friendly owner, Ridwan Ho, to help capture the moment.

IG: @pondoksariwangi.bn   |   Tel: 673 261 0728 / 673 717 9726   |   Jerudong Park Food Court Phase 1, Kg Jerudong, BSB BG3122

THAI KITCHEN 459

It’s practically a cult order at this point for this family-run restaurant; Thai Kitchen 459’s Garlic Mussels are a scoopable piece of heaven especially when you add on an order of delicious fried rice! The owner started the restaurant in 2014, as a way to honour her late mother whose cooking she was privy to learning growing up. The food that Badariah cooked is a reflection of her mother’s love and skill, and these addictive Garlic Mussels showcase that. Plump mussels receive a cleansing bath in boiling lemongrass water, before being dressed with Thai Kitchen’s signature sauce. Of course, garlic is the star here but by no means are the supporting cast of ingredients like sweet plum and chilli, secondary. They all sing and shine together harmoniously and make for happy days!

IG: @thaikitchen459  |   Tel: 673 891 8219   |   No. 1, Ground Floor, Telanai Point, Spg 590, Jln Madewa, BSB BF1320

LITTLE AUDREY’S

Crab-a-holics rejoice! You’re in for a feast at Little Audrey’s; their viral, award-winning Chilli Soft Shell Crab Pasta still hits all the right notes with its combination of the juicy, addictively crunchy whole crab crowning a glorious bed of cream pasta that has three levels of spiciness for all hotheads to attempt. It’s a must-try. For a different kind of crab craving, the Chilli Egg Scramble with Soft-Shell Crab is a luxurious way to nourish yourself. Like the rest of Little Aundrey’s menu, this is a dish that’s wholesome at heart and so very satisfying. There are lots of flavours and textures going on here thanks to a yummy dressed side salad, house-made brioche and creamy scrambled omelette situation. To top it off, there’s also a sweet, tangy chilli sauce for dunking! This popular cafe gets especially busy around lunch so it’s best to reserve a time slot if you don’t want to miss out.

IG: @little.audreys   |   Tel: 673 223 0311 or WhatsApp 673 891 0711   |   Qlap Complex, Unit 9, Block A, Ground Floor, BSB BE1518

BROTHERHOOD SEAFOOD PARADISE

If you know, you know. Brotherhood Seafood Paradise in Kuala Belait is well… just that. Fresh as catch from the sea, at reasonable prices? This is a holy grail entry for many reasons; whether you’re into fatty crabs (sometimes the size of your head !) tender and sweet fish meat or the juicy bite of a big prawn or squid, there are so many ways to enjoy eating at Brotherhood Seafood Paradise. Almost all of their seafood is locally caught fresh too! The famous Sweet Egg Chilli Crab is their delightful rendition of Singapore Chilli Crab — at Brotherhood Seafood Paradise, you’ll find an impeccable balance of savoury flavours with just enough sweetness to keep you mopping up the eggy gravy with big chunks of crab meat or your choice of carbs. Fish lovers will dream of the soft and pillowy texture that comes with the fresh catches of the day. Even their simplest steamed fish has something unique to it. Don’t fret if you’re into seafood, they do great meat and veggies dishes too. Their restaurant definitely lives up to its hype and it’s no wonder some loyal customers drive up every month to eat here!

IG: @brotherhood_seafoodparadise   FB: Brotherhood Seafood Paradise   |   Tel: 673 320 1889 or WhatsApp 673 899 6369   |   No. 4005, Jln Setia Diraja, Kuala Belait, KA3131

SANTUARI

When you’ve got a million-dollar view right on your doorstep, it’s hard not to see why Santuari is a popular spot. The Aegean-inspired beach house has a no fuss approach to its menu with a mix of Western and Asian-Thai dishes, and a dedicated team that makes almost everything from scratch. Pop in for their Santuari Fish Sandwich — inspired by the classic variety, you’ve got everything fresh and homemade. Fluffy brioche bun, check. Fresh local fish with a crisp batter, double check. Homemade slaw and a big portion of seasoned fries? Ding ding ding! It’s a winner winner, fishy dinner situation. We love their affordable Sea-cuterie Platter for bigger, hungrier crowds; a platter packed with ultra-snackable items like tender fried calamari, fresh grilled prawns and creamy cheesy baked mussels. Dipped in their house made Lemon Aioli and Tartare sauce, you’ll probably find yourself polishing it all off very easily! Not a member of Panaga Club? No worries as you can now enter to dine-in just by registering your details at the entrance!

IG: @santuari.bn   |   Tel: 673 737 7943   |   Panaga Club, Simpang 464, Jln Utara, Panaga Kuala Belait KB3534

CHEMARA RESTAURANT (SARAWAK)

For a refined taste of classic Sarawakian cuisine, the lovely Chemara restaurant of the eponymous boutique hotel in Miri is a wonderful choice; Chemara’s famous bihun belacan is their rendition of a family recipe that they spent time recreating and making right. Their version features the umami, shrimpy goodness of a belacan -based gravy with a hint of sweetness and refreshing lime and cucumber to round out the noodle dish. The addition of the dried cuttlefish and optional century egg is the cherry on top here, adding a wonderfully toothsome texture to the whole experience. Their Bihun Belacan is a bowl of strong Sarawakian flavours that marry well together, and is such a cravable comfort food! Chemara, like the sturdy Casuarina trees the name references, is committed to serving elevated comfort dishes that feel familiar and a little extra special at the same time.  

IG: @chemararestaurant   FB/TikTok: @chemararestaurantmiri   |   Tel: 6085 663666 / 6019 8138189   |   Lot 1436, Ground Floor, Block 1, MCLD, Jalan Pasar Lutong, 98000 Miri, Sarawak

RUMAH MAKAN TORANI MT HARYONO BALIKPAPAN (KALIMANTAN)

Describing themselves as a comfort food restaurant, Rumah Makan Torani has an incredible reputation for serving delicious seafood, especially their grilled milkfish which is said to be also boneless taking all the work of weeding out the pesky fine bones away from you! The simple soy glaze adds depth to this dish while letting you enjoy the full flavour of the fish meat. Bonus points — you get unlimited rice, sambal and lalapan (blanched vegetables or leaves) making this a very economical meal. Want more seafood? They also do a massive shellout table option with literal piles of seafood that you can tuck into!

IG: @rm_torani   |   Tel: 62811 5495553   |   Jln MT Haryono RT30, No. 10, Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

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