A STROLL TO REMEMBER AT ONE Riverside
There was a time when Jalan Kumbang Pasang was a road that connected A to B: you didn’t think about it much, you just drove past it. The Jalan Kumbang Pasang of today is now a hotbed of activity, and you can see why from the new sprawling white-bricked building adorned with fresh greenery spilling out of its edges. These beautiful blocks of luxury style apartments against the backdrop of the Kedayan River, One Riverside, has become the apartment of every new homeowner’s dreams. A bridge has made the location even sweeter – it’s not only close to the traffic-heavy area of Gadong; it’s also now within easy walking distance to the very populated Kampong Kiulap. One Riverside might initially charm you with its mere presence, because who wouldn’t want to live here, located within an easy distance of just about every populated area in Brunei? Come in, traverse the construction site that was still going strong when we last visited it, and make your way there. You’ll find both residents and non-residents mingling, spoiled for choice at the variety of gastronomic outlets available here. And if they’re not dining, or shopping, they’re taking a leisurely walk along the walkway that gives you a view of the river (and crocodiles, if you’re into that). Here’s what we found during our trip to One Riverside:
Seafood and Steak at Area 8, Surf & Turf Restaurant Fresh seafood cooked the way you want it and a fantastic selection of steak and lamb for the carnivores. Along with the delicious food, the warm brick interior of this brightly lit space beckons you in (if the delicious aroma didn’t), and gives you the option to eat alfresco if you prefer to dine with a view of the river. IG: @area8restaurant
Coffee & Cakes at Ximply Chriz and other dishes too, if we’re honest, we’ve been fans of all that Ximply Chriz has to offer since its first branch in Regent Square, Kiulap. IG: @ximplychriz
Some people say the best murtabak can be bought at Iskandar Curry House, and if the waiting line at its first branch at Lambak is any indication, we’d say that’s probably true. Happily they’ve ventured out with another branch here, with vintage images of Brunei adorning the walls, certainly prettier than its first location but with the same great food. IG: @iskandarcurryhouse
So much cuteness going on at Twinkle Kids Café, a jungle gym slash café that is just plain beautiful to look at. The jungle gym takes up a section of the ground and mezzanine floors, while the larger area is dedicated to keeping the parents occupied and fed. IG: @twinklekidscafebrunei
Options, options, options… because if those restaurants didn’t do it for you, what do you feel like eating? Daeon Korean Restaurant serves up Korean cuisine while Nanyang Food Garden is ready for your dimsum needs. Delicious sushi is available at Excapade Sushi Restaurant, while grilled meats can be found at the always popular Amsarra Lebanese and Mediterranean Grill. And drop by for delectable chocolate selections over at Chocolate Origin!
Athletic goods and gear a-plenty, because Under Armour is here, and so is Run Trail Nation and Cycle Nation. All manners of sports attire and shoes of the Under Armour brand can be found here for both men and women, along with sporting accessories from Garmin. Next door is a haven for cyclists, offering different types of bicycles for different terrains, while Run Trail Nation prepares running, walking and jogging enthusiasts to go the distance with their selection of attire, shoes and accessories. IG: @underarmourbn
There’s only one supermarket here, but if you were going to choose any supermarket in Brunei, it would be Supa Save and its wondrous varieties of supermarket goods that you just can’t find anywhere else in Brunei. Sure it’s been a long standing joke that you don’t actually save at Supa Save, rather the opposite, but with this selection of food, who would blame you? Supa Save also has a bakery that allows you to order and dine on some kopitiam favourites at a little alfresco area just outside the supermarket, in case your forays into this supermarket haven has left you peckish (we promise you it will). IG: @supasave.fresh