Oh honey! Sweet treats are one of life’s greatest pleasures and Borneo has no shortage of ways to enjoy a little dessert — whether you’re a strict Chocoholic, definitely all about donuts, or love trying unique desserts from around the world, there’s a place to eat it on this list. Join us for the sweetest escape around Borneo as we round up some of the most delicious dessert options. Just be warned — you may need a bigger pair of pants after this!
GONG CHA
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If you prefer to get your sugar rush from slurping on a drink, Gong Cha has got the desserts for you! This Taiwanese franchise has outlasted them all thanks to strict commitment to quality and recipe standards that make sure you have the same excellent experience no matter what Gong Cha branch you’re at. Even the straws and cups are vetted and shipped from the Taiwan headquarters! They’re most famous of course for their Milk Tea and natural fruit based beverages but always one to be innovative, their Choco Crisps series is Gong Cha’s spin on the latest viral TikTok trend. The Taro flavour is our favourite with its surprisingly light yet full of delicious taro flavour that pairs well with the dark chocolate crackles in the cup. Plus, it’s not too sweet! If you’re after a rich dessert that’s drinkable, you can’t go wrong with the Creme Brulee Strawberry Latte. Imagine a thick velvety egg custard with a crunchy burned sugar crust atop a seriously strawberry-fied smoothie base. Amazing each on their own but swirled together in a drink? Pure decadence. Their Delima branch even has a drive-through service so you never have to get out of the car!
IG: @gongchabn | Tel: 673-233 9902 | Ground Floor, #1, Spg 98, Bangunan Hjh Dyg Damit Bte Panglima Asgar Dato Paduka Hj Awang Abdullah, Kg Delima Satu, Jln Muara, Bandar Seri Begawan
SAADEDDIN PASTRY BRUNEI
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It’s a Wonka-esque world of chocolate when you step into Saadeddin Pastry Brunei! The viral Saudi Arabian brand first touch down in Brunei in 2020 with some of its most popular items to satisfy the local market and today, sells over 100 varieties of chocolate in store! The amazing team behind the Brunei branch have been ingenious with incorporating their chocolate and baklava into everyday moments — from bursting bouquets to beautiful gift boxes — there is something sure to sweeten any occasion at Saadeddin. The classic choccy favourites like their chocolate wrapped Cornflakes bars and Rocher crisp series can never go wrong, because who can resist the addictive crunch paired with sweet, high quality Arabic chocolate. Saadeddin is also famous for their renditions of Baklava and if you’re a fan of this Turkish and Middle Eastern sweet, there are endless varieties available for you to munch through. We love Saadeddin’s versions for being packed with high-quality ingredients like LOADS of fresh toasted pistachios, almonds and cashews, and of course, the flakey Filo pastry, and shredded Kunafa that lends an irresistible crunch. Can’t make it to The Mall? Saadeddin Pastry is also available at selected Hua Ho Department Store outlets and all Supa Save branches!
IG: @saadeddinpastrybrunei | Tel: 673-826 2050 | 2nd Floor, Rizqun Hotel Atrium, Spg 139, The Mall, Jln Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan
PAPPARICH BRUNEI
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For the ultimate Malaysian makan-makan, you need to go to PappaRich! Savour the flavours you love of Malaysia’s multi-cultural landscape in the comforting setting of a PappaRich restaurant. They’re big on quality, making sure each item served meets their service and kitchen standards and this is definitely reflected in their dishes! Dessert is a huge part of Malaysian culture and anyone who has truly experienced Malaysian living will know this familiar bowl of childhood and the stalls that serve ABC Special. PappaRich’s non-traditional version with fresh Longan pieces is loaded and so vibrant! Sweet and fragrant from ingredients like Rose syrup, mashed sweet potato, sweet corn kernels, milk, salted peanuts and more, these are the perfect conduit for a massive bowl of shaved ice — best eaten together for the perfect bite of ABC. For a more traditional dessert with a little twist, PappaRich’s Sago Gula Melaka comes simply with chewy cooked sago pearls, fresh milk and fresh sweet corn. A separate bowl for the pure Gula Melaka sugar lets you adjust the sweetness level to just how you like it!
IG: @dpenyetz_brunei | Tel: 673-243 2333 | Ground Floor, Block G, Abdul Razak Complex, Jln Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan
BREW9
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There’s a lot of love at Brew9; the Japanese inspired local brand built its fame with a decadent menu of signature drinks and food. At the core of Brew9’s success is a state-of-the-art mobile application, with over 22,000 users. Brunei’s first tech-driven food and beverage brand makes sure dessert is mandatory when dining here, because who can resist the call of crunchy-on-the-outside premium New Zealand butter croissant dough baked into a crunchy waffle shaped, served with a luscious Croffle cream topping, imported fresh fruit or honey drizzle? Their Hokkaido Soft Serve ice cream is a standalone treat that promises all the delicious richness of real Hokkaido Milk, in a cool, swirly treat that’ll brighten up any day! Those looking for a more decadent indulgence will find it in the Belgian Chocolate Overflow — the best for all chocolate enthusiasts. This extraordinary beverage is an experience that tantalises all the senses. Rich and thick, with a bittersweet edge that purists can’t resist, each cup is a glorious mess of decadence. Featuring smooth, rich Belgian hot chocolate topped with lashing of shredded milk, dark and white Belgian chocolate, it’s a drink that doesn’t just satisfy chocolate cravings — it elevates them. Check Brew9’s IG for more locations.
IG: @brew9.bn | Tel: 673-839 9768 | Abdul Razak Complex, ‘The Walk’, #10, Ground Floor, Bandar Seri Begawan
EXCAPADE JAPANESE CUISINE
Exquisite meals are the dining standard at Excapade and the exclusive party bar at the Jaya Setia branch is a feast for all your senses! Chef Minoru’s 15 years of expertise and creativity are on full display here — his commitment to the exacting standards of Japanese training, and influences from working in Osaka, France and Italy, gives us these edible gems worth every bite. ‘Fresh’ is the password here — from the highest quality seasonal fruits to the early in the morning start of his daily bakes — Chef Minoru only uses all natural products. Whether it’s the Premium Shortcake with its geometrical layers of cream and fruit, or a perfectly balanced Pistachio Paris-Brest, you should always say yes to dessert at Excapade!
IG: @excapade | Tel: 673-256 6999 | #8 & 9, Ground & 1st Floor, Lot 64149, Block A, Kg Jaya Setia Berakas
YASFIANI’S BAKE STUDIO
Walking into Yasfiani’s Bake Studio is going to the best decision you’ll make this week. This self-taught baker makes desserts that are almost too pretty to eat — and they taste amazing! We are in love with the Ispahan and Bugan Telang especially. A stunning study on pink, the Ispahan is a tiered pavlova dessert combining the delicate flavours of lychee and rose with bolder sweet notes of ruby chocolate cream and ganache. The unique Bunga Telang marries the soft florals of the butterfly pea flower spong to a deeply satisfying Gula Melaka cremeux and crunchy biscuit base. Topped off with a heavenly Chantilly cream and a little savoury surprise, you’ll be thinking of this dessert for days to come. Make sure you get on Yasfiani’s waitlist for these highly coveted limited items!
IG: @yasfiani | Tel: 673-860 4242 | #7, Ground Floor, Lot 58172, Kg Kilanas (One Building with Court Kilanas)
OTTO TAKEAWAY
Donut sleep on this fluffy cloud of happiness from Otto! Perfectly airy and light, Otto has been the premiere purveyor of donuts in Brunei since 2020. They first made an appearance on the menu of the owner’s previous cafe and the hype speaks for itself: donuts only and always. After taking time to perfect the ideal donut recipe, their original glazed version will make you say ‘Krispy Kreme, who?’. Their range of yeast donuts are fried fresh everyday. Otto’s donuts really come in all shapes, sizes and flavours — dare we say Wonka-esque? Whether you’re craving just a little sugar rush from the adorable bombolonis or want to try one of their many, many speciality flavours (Zesty Key Lime Pie for the win!), it’s always going to be a delicious experience. Stop in at their funky main branch in Kiulap or grab a bit from one of their kiosks around the city.
IG: @ottotakeaway | Tel: 673-877 2262 | #27, Ground Floor, Bangunan Lim Eng Ming, Kg Kiulap
SMÖOY
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: @smooy.bn | KIULAP BRANCH: #16, Block B, Ground Floor, Bangunan Hj Awg Ahmad Bin Awg Hassan & Anak-Anak, Kiulap, BSB | MANGGIS BRANCH: #4, Basement 1, Hua Ho Manggis, Jln Muara, BSB | GADONG BRANCH: Ground Floor, Jaya Hypermart (Centrepoint), Gadong
MR. BAKER BAKESHOP
Eric Pui’s dream of running a bakery has given us 16 sweet years of yumminess and while we love everything on Mr. Baker’s menus, the lamingtons and macarons are the ideal treats when you want a little reward or tea time snack! Pipped from his uni days in Perth, he adapted the classic Aussie dessert to a richer sponge that reminds us of Kueh Kusui. Filled with lemon, custard or mint cream, these bite-size squares are coated in quality dark chocolate and coconut shavings. Their special Macarons are also worth indulging in. The perfect crunchy shell and soft, chewy interior are best mares with their richly flavoured fillings that use high-quality ingredients for a superior taste. Get your delight on at their cool new cafe in Sumbiling that’s Insta-worthy!
IG: @mrbakerbakeshop | Tel: 673-223 1002 | Sumbiling, Jalan Istana Darussalam, #2, Ground Floor, Bangunan 28, BSB
TASCONI’S PIZZA
Here’s the tea on Tasconi’s! Their Tiramisu series is the bomb and if you haven’t tried this true labour of love, you’re missing out. It’s delicious homestyle comfort with all the finesse of technical mastery. Don’t bother trying to figure out if you’re getting the Traditional or Matcha version — this is one time you can have it all without feeling guilty! Soft ladyfinger biscuits dipped in espresso or high quality matcha, layered between thick slabs of their rich, cloudlike homemade mascarpone, and dusted off with lots of cocoa or matcha. Dreamy! Owner Ismail Faris is bringing Tasconi’s into the future with their new menu and interior revamp while paying homage to his mom’s cooking. Think modern Italian classics with a twist, served in a funky space you’ll want to hang out in long after that tiramisu or your pizza is done!
IG: @tasconispizza | Tel: 673-233 5222 | Ground Floor, #C5, Spg 145, Lot No. 10102, Jalan Pasir Berakas
CRAFTED CREATIONS
Love chocolate? Crafted Creations bean to bar chocolate range is the only local chocolate bar that’s entirely made in Brunei! There dreamy sweets are made with tons of love and dedication from carefully selecting cacao nibs sourced from various farms globally to processing them into all natural, delicious raw chocolate that’s transformed into their range of artisan chocolates.
These incredible chocolates come in a variety of flavours and forms for any occasion; delicate and artful bon bons are a fun way to experience unique flavour combinations you may have never tasted before. Or try their chocolate bars — the perfect snacks to share with someone you love (or just yourself!). In the plans, Crafted Creations aims to launch an exciting collection of innovative cakes, crafted to satisfy your sweet cravings while embracing a healthier lifestyle (even if you’re not vegan!). These exclusive treats are only available by order through their website with delivery or pick up options!
IG: @craftedcreations.bn
KITCHEN 21
(NON-HALAL EATERY)
Get a taste of Taiwan at this sweet home restaurant that focuses on affordable, delicious Taiwanese meals! Kitchen 21’s co-owner, Carol, decided to start the restaurant at the suggestion of her husband and showcase her heritage through some of the Taiwanese dishes she missed eating in Brunei. Alongside the quintessential savoury items, their Taiwanese dessert menu is as close as it gets to the real deal. Bowls of bouncy and chewy taro, glutinous rice and sweet potato balls match perfectly with the herbal, slightly bitter Grass Jelly chunks, cool shaved ice or Tau Fu Fa (sweet soy milk pudding). Of course, if you like it sweet there is the brown sugar syrup to drizzle all over! If you’re after something unique, the Roasted Bowl is a nutty, sweet and savoury delight of crushed, roasted peanut and soybean powder generously dusted over your choice of Tau Fu Fa or Shaved Ice, and chunky Herbal Jelly. Best of all, nearly everything is homemade and kept as natural as possible! Whatever dessert you feel like having at Kitchen 21, it’s all going to be ultra refreshing, satisfying and best of all, easier on your wallet
IG: @kitchen21bn | Tel: 673-245 7798 | #21, Spg 74-73-4, Kg Mata-Mata
FIORISE
Flower power is in the house! It’s no secret that Fiorise is where you come for deliciously handcrafted bakes. Head pastry chef and co-owner, Melissa Gan has been honing her craft and passion for baking since she was young and together with her partner Ivan Lin, they’ve created a dreamy, cosy space to eat well at. An amazing feat when you discover Melissa’s self-taught! The changing roster of items in the cafe are all hand-made and like the patisserie’s name, many are inspired by Melissa’s love for flowers — most popular are the Canelé or Petit Gateaux series, which are great reflections of Fiorise’s Korean and French fusion style. The challenging French pastry is near perfect here with the crisp of dark, roast caramel outer giving way to a pillowy cutand-like interior that will put a smile on anyone’s face. Even better are the speciality flavours which add a whole new dimension to the pastry. If there’s one thing to start with here, it’s their signature Strawberry Daisy. A crisp tart shell housing a floral shaped filling of Korean strawberry gel, almond and pastry cream, with vanilla ganache, showcase such finesse that it’s almost a shame to bite into it. Sweet, slightly tart and full of fresh flavours, it’s easy to see why people drive for hours just to buy it!
IG: @fiorise.bn | #10, Complex 333, Jln Sungai Pandan, Kuala Belait
THE WELL CAFE (SABAH)
What started our as the owner’s interpretation of a vision he had, the Well Cafe is a bright and cheery cafe franchise that is well known and loved for its welcoming atmosphere, delicious desserts and of course, some very good in-house roasted coffee. It’s a place that feels like you’re dropping in at a friend’s house and everyone is welcoming with a warm smile and greeting. It turns out that Mr Andy, has quite a sweet tooth and came up with the majority of the dessert recipes on The Well’s menu! There’s a pleasant blend of Chinese-Korean influences; the Well Bingsu series is the refreshing break you need from Borneo’s hot humidity, and whether you prefer sweet and heavier combos or fresh and fruity ones, there’s a bingsu to make you feel better! Traditional dessert lovers must try their unique Peach Gum Milk Bird’s Nest — a healthy, cooling treat packed with natural antioxidants and collagen that also puts a little zing back in your step.
IG: @the.wellcafe | Tel: 6011-51130196 | Lot 1, 1st Floor, Block A, Lorong Pokok Kayu Manis 1, Damai Plaza, Jln Damai Luyang, Kota Kinabalu 88380
OITOM (SABAH)
Want a dining experience unlike any other in Sabah? OITOM’s commitment to community empowerment and showcasing heritage and premium locally sourced ingredients has translated into a bespoke menu showing Sabah as a serious contender in the global fine dining scene. Chef Raphael brought his nine years of experience to the table and boy, what an astounding result! Start off with the Borneo Vanilla Gelato, a dish you need to taste to believe. Featuring Sabah-grown vanilla beans and strawberries, delicate chiffon sponge and a delicate honey tuile, the mystery comes in the form of curry berry to the fruit compote. Yep, you read that right. It’s the kind of ‘weird but it works’ combination that sends your palate on a wild trip and makes you question everything you know about flavours. Take a further walk to the dark side with their Chocolate Keluak Mousse with a Bambangan Siphon Donut! This complex dish has so many layers to the flavour profile that you’ll be surprised at every bite. Stewed Bambangan lends a transformative sweet and sour edge to the almost bittersweet Sabahan chocolate and keluak mousse. Time-consuming due to the many processes that each ingredient must go through to produce this dish, the ‘warm’ essence of this dish is an impressive balance of contrasting flavours and textures — a little sweet, a little sour, and spiced with fragrant Keningau cinnamon for a perfect finishing touch.
IG: @oitom_restaurant | Tel: 6014-3299375 | Unit No B-1-12, Block B, 1st Floor, Sutera Avenue, Lorong Lebuh Sutera, Off Jln Coastal 88100 Kota Kinabalu
AKAR’S RESTAURANT (SARAWAK)
The greatest Burnt Cheesecake in the city probably comes to mind when you think about Akar’s Restaurant. Akar’s is probably best known for its comfort Ameritalian cuisine which is based on the foundation of training that Akar’s co-founder and head chef underwent in Alabama, USA. With an emphasis on comfort soul food and Southern food culture, you’ll find elevated classics that give you warm hugs of joy. Akar’s Burnt Cheesecake is just one of many delicious desserts to cap off your meal. Be it a bowl of rustic peach cobbler, a slice of Pick-Me-Up Tiramisu, or even their newest creation, the Texture of Chocolate, deciding which item to order will be serious challenge. It’s recommended to book i advance using their reservations app because it’s always packed, especially at dinner when frequent customers are looking forward to a delicious meal and dessert to fill them up. Akar’s desserts are alcohol-free, so pick up your spoon and satisfy your sweet tooth with their selection of rustic desserts!
IG: @akars.restaurant | Tel: 6011-1055 8997 | Lot 2180, Ground Floor, Miri Waterfront Commercial Centre, Miri, Sarawak 98000
FINESTICIOUS (SARAWAK)
It’s always the right day to stop in at Finesticious Bakery for some of their delectable bakes and desserts! Specialising in a huge variety of traditional kueh, snacks and modern-styled cakes, Finesticious really takes the cake (excuse the pun!) in offering high-quality, handmade desserts that are comforting and innovative — especially perfect for any festive season or celebration. The bakery originally began as a home business — the family has a long heritage in making traditional kueh mueh and matriach Jenny Lim decided to pursue a proper store with her daughter, Miss Chin, making their delicious treats more accessible to the public. The team here are wonderfully hospitable and ready to help if you can’t pick from the huge variety of Swiss Rolls packed with fluffy cream and imported fruits, or customisable cakes; high tea enthusiasts will never tire of their traditional kueh series — we love their ang ku kueh for the ultimate bouncy chewiness without sticking to your teeth, while the Nine Layer cake and Kueh Lenggang and Kueh Salat are *chef’s kiss*. Their Sarawak Lapis are also covetable cakes that exceed your expectations of the traditional desserts!
IG: @finesticious | Tel: 6014-9590287 | Lot 1395, Ground Floor, Lorong 2 Krokop, Jln Jee Foh Utama, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
JERALD’S COOKIES & DESSERTS (SARAWAK)
From home bakes to building a thriving business, Jerald’s Cookies founder, Ke Sing, yeared to share her cookies with the world. In pursuit of the perfect recipe, she uses only the finest ingredients imported from France and Belgium for delectable flavours! She rebranced to Jerald’s Cookies and Dessert after her brother who introduced the now-famous Jerald’s Signature Tiramisu. Can’t decide what to try? Get their Signature Cookie Pack which includes the must-try Almond, Double Chocolate Hazelnut, Coffee and Malted Milo cookies. Today, Jerald’s Cookies is known for its festival gift sets that include special holiday editions! They continue to flourish under the founder’s steadfast dedication to their values and innovation, as well as their deep connection to the community they serve.
