What comes to mind when one thinks about Sarawak cuisine? For me, I think of springy Kolo Mee noodles mixed in red, black and white sauces. So, I was delighted to learn more about and try Sarawak cuisine beyond Kolo Mee at KANTIN. Hailing from the islands of Borneo, KANTIN brings a taste of authentic Sarawak cuisine straight to Singapore, right at Jewel. It is also Singapore’s first and only Bornean restaurant.
Located near the Canopy area of Jewel Changi on the 5th floor, a iconic headhunter mask adorns the center of the restaurant, greeting patrons upon arrival.
Relating to its roots in the Borneo rainforest, the restaurant is surrounded by lush greenery and wooden furniture, fitting into the canopy’s open area vibe, where you can enjoy a refreshing environment without the heat.
KANTIN: Borneo and Sarawak Restaurant at Jewel Changi Airport
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I had the opportunity to try out the full spread of offerings at KANTIN, and it made me understand why Sarawak cuisine is so delicious. Here are some of my favourite dishes include.
The Signature Headhunter Pansuh set
As authentic as it gets, the dish is served in a bowl carved from bamboo, with tender chicken and vegetables stewed together, making every bite extremely juicy and flavourful. It comes with Keropok, various Dayak sides and a optional side of purple rice cooked in banana leaf.
For the sides, we had Pusu Bawang, which are pickled onions with crunchy deep-fried anchovies, Paku, bornean fern seasoned with belachan and Umai Jellyfish, which is a jellyfish side reminiscent of the well known Japanese sidedish. The side dishes will rotate seasonally and based on availability.
Sarawak Laksa
I was really looking forward to trying this, as it was named “Breakfast of the Gods” by famous celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain.
True enough, this dish took me by surprise. Compared to local laksa, this laksa is stewed with over 30 kinds of herbs and spices, turning into a creamy broth with rich flavour, striking a balance with the coconut cream instead of letting it overpower the dish. It is a great bowl of hearty laksa with generous amounts of prawns, chicken and egg strips that does not leave you feeling heavy after.
For those who love dry laksa, the Superdry Laksa is a wok-fried version of the classic Sarawak laksa, infused with smoky wok-hei.
Rainforest Fried Rice
Another delicious signature not to be missed is the Rainforest Fried Rice, serving up ingredients available in Borneo’s jungle.
Tossed with native herbs, torch ginger flowers and tapioca leaves, and paired with cauliflower nuggets, crispy shiitake, the dish is extremely fragrant and every bite keeps me coming back for more. An added bonus is the crispy tapioca leaves, which are so addictive and crunchy.
Kambing Asap
While not a main dish, the Kambing Asap, which is grilled lamb cubes, is one of my favourite dishes in the spread.
Served up on a traditional bowl made using trees in Sarawak, the meat is well seasoned, juicy and fragrant, without a hint of gaminess in it.
Traditional and Alcoholic Drinks at KANTIN
To complement the meal, don’t miss out on KANTIN’s wide selection of Borneo inspired drinks and cocktails.
Starting off with non-alcoholic options, the Sarawak Teh C special is a delightful three layer tea consisting of Milk, Tea and Gula Apong syrup derived from Nipah Palms found in Borneo’s mangrove swamps. If you are someone who likes their bubble tea at 25%, opt for less sugar as the Gula Apong can be quite sweet, and for me, it was just nice.
I also tried the Three Sour Crush, a refreshing ice blended drink with lemon, calamansi and asam boi, perfect for sour lovers, and cools you down in the sweltering climate.
KANTIN also serves up a generous selection of alcoholic drinks which are definitely not to be slept on.
The Borneo Sling offers a tribal twist on the classic Singapore sling, with juicy and tart Sarawak pineapple, reimagined with Borneo rice wine. The drink comes with a cocktail shaker for you to be your very own bartender, adding to the fun experience.
Traditional Desserts Served With A Twist
Rounding off the meal, try out the delightful desserts that KANTIN has to offer. Refreshingly sweet and tangy, Coconut Dream is a coconut ice cream served with calamansi jelly and crushed sago.
The dessert has an interesting take on sago, as it is usually boiled and served in traditional desserts as tiny clear boba-like balls, but is instead presented as a crunchy topping. The Cempedak ice cream is a bold but extremely delicious option, pairing vanilla ice-cream with a rich scoop of cempedak sauce and savoury crumbles. The flavour is akin to caramel, making every bite sweet, crunchy and delicious.
Visit KANTIN And Bring Home A Piece Of Sarawak With You
Before you leave, consider bringing a piece of Sarawak back with you! KANTIN has a selection of goods, both traditional accessories and homewares made in Sarawak that is available for sale. This is perfect if you are looking for a unique gift or a souvenir to remember your experience here!
Overall, the food at KANTIN is perfect for communal meals with family and friends, with its large variety of sharing dishes and fusion fare catering to all tastebuds! Come visit KANTIN and have a taste of Sarawak for yourself.
KANTIN at Jewel Changi Airport
Operating Hours: 11 am to 10 pm, Daily
Address: 78 Airport Boulevard, #05-206/207 Jewel, Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore 819666
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