Sarawak
Cafés Black Bean Coffee & Tea Company (Borneo Café) 87 Ewe Hai Street (08 242 0290/019 879 9747).
Owned by a husband and wife team, this cosy little café offers a variety of freshly made coffees. The owner himself roasts the Liberica and Robusta coffee beans which enhance the taste of the former and fragrance of the latter. Also in their cache are fresh leaf premium teas. If you have a higher appreciation of your coffees and teas then this is the perfect place to visit.
Chinese Causeway Bay Hong Kong Restaurant Ground floor, Sublot 38, Brighton Square 7691, Block 16 KCLD, Jalan Song (08 228 5808).
As the name suggests, Causeway Bay Hong Kong Restaurant specialise in Hong Kong dishes. But their expertise doesn’t stop there as the menu also has items like Japanese noodles and the famous Thai soup tom yum. Pork-free. Child friendly. Credit cards accepted. Disabled friendly. Free parking.
Life Café Sublot 28, Lot 7691, Block 16, KCLD Brighton Square, Jalan Song (08 228 5688).
Life Café’s classic Chinese environment is evident as you step in. Specialising in authentic Chinese food, their signature dish is the malak mee. Enjoy the relaxing vibe of their bamboothemed walls as you chow down.
Pork-free. Child friendly. Credit cards accepted. Free parking.
European & British Modern European Jambu Restaurant & Lounge Crossroads of Jalan Central and Jalan Crookshank/Bampflyde (08 223 5292/ www.jamburestaurant.com).
This exotic and stylish restaurant and lounge bar is an oasis if you’re fond of Modern European and Mediterranean dishes. Situated in a picturesque bungalow from the colonial era, Jambu claims to serve a mix of Spanish and Bornean tapas but the menu is a standard mix of prawns (done various ways), patatas bravas, olives, and spicy chorizo. Nevertheless, the restaurant is worth a visit, even if it’s only to feast your eyes on the warm, inviting decor. Halal. Kids’ menu. Free parking. (Restaurant) Tues–Sun, 6pm–11pm; (Lounge) Tues–Sun, 6pm–late. $$
Indian
Lyn’s Tandoori Restaurant 7 Jalan Song Thian Cheok (08 223 4934).
The Indian feel is strong when you come here; Indian decorations, Indian cooks, and of course, Indian cuisine. North Indian cuisine is prominent on the extensive menu which includes murg matter and Kashmiri naan. Chefs and ingredients are brought all the way from India to guarantee the authenticity of servings totalling up to 200 items from the menu. Vegetarians need not fret as there is an entire nonmeat section on the menu. Try the fresh and creamy grape lassi, a totally different taste sensation from the conventional mango lassi. Pork-free. Child friendly. Credit cards accepted, Disabled friendly. Free parking (after 5pm).
International Charcoal Grill Ground floor, Pusat Suria Permata, Upper Lanang Road, Sibu (08 421 7127/016 878 4802).
Charcoal Grill offers fusion and French cuisine, both of which are uncommon in Sibu. The dim lighting, along with its cosy ambience makes it a suitable place for family, friends and couples alike. The truffle scrambled eggs are excellent and the pan-fried seabass is a reprieve from other restaurants which usually use dory fish in their dishes. Closed on Tuesdays.
Free parking.
Jolly Kitchen Hock Lee Centre, third floor, Jalan Datok Abang Abdul Rahim (08 234 0373).
This food court has a distinctive concept; you can sit at the common tables with the chairs, or you can sit Japanese style with a pillow. They serve a choice of Asian and Western food from Sarawak laksa to Mongolian beef rice.
NEW Magna Carta Old Courthouse, Sarawak Tourism Complex (012 886 3500).
Housed in the old courthouse, this laid back café dishes out western treats like pastas, pizzas, burgers, smoothies and milkshakes. Thirsty for something stronger? There’s also a small selection of beers and wines, including Sarawakian rice wine. Food is hit and miss but the setting is so lovely and relaxed that it’s a nice choice for a bite to eat over a few beers.
Tue–Sun, 10am–11.30pm. $
Sugarbun Various locations (08 242 2000/www. sugarbun.com).
Sugarbun can be dubbed the KFC of East Malaysia. With more than 15 outlets in Sarawak including nine in Kuching, this fast food restaurant offers Asian cuisine and pasta dishes. The fish panini will cost you RM5.70 and its portion is generous. Another must-try is the Asian style beef stew clay pot.
Child friendly. Kids’ menu.