Places to Eat in Miri

Miri is a wonderland of multi-cultural and international cuisines. Its reputation as such has sent foodies to its shores and lured tourists in for a few days of culinary adventure.

Dishes to Taste

There really are countless local dishes that would enrich your stay and leave you with a feeling of adventure. There is simply not enough time in the world to talk about them all. Your best bet is to be audacious, endlessly so. Say ‘yes’ to the new and uncertain, and approach the foreign and indiscernible with openness. You will be rewarded with incredible dishes like bubur pedas, mani chai buhin, umai, and kompia. Our personal favourite was manok pansoh, a dish in which chicken, lemongrass and tapioca leaves are stuffed into bamboo and cooked over a fire. The result was the most tender, juicy and flavourful thing we ate.

Markets and Street Food

Chicken and rice is so prevalent in Malaysia, it’s on the verge of being the national staple. While you may have had your fair share of rice during your travels in Malaysia with the thought of it now significantly less appealing than at your first arrival, do not give up hope just yet. The chicken and rice that we had from stall six in the Miri Central Market rejuvenated our appreciation for it. Ask not why (because, the chicken) and simply ask how to get there, and then go. The market is open from 7pm every night.

A cheap and brilliantly colourful dessert that will satisfy you as much as it intrigues you is the Sarawak layer cake. Grab some of the multi-coloured, multi-flavoured cake from the night market for a couple of ringgit.

Seafood

Being so close to the sea, seafood is a well-established and finely crafted cuisine. While higher-end establishments like Apollo come highly recommended, we found that Meng Chai Seafood Restaurant offered an enchanting experience at a much lower cost. There are no menus and you’re required to choose your fish from a fridge of glimmering choices. The food is excellently prepared and will set you back around MYR 30 a head.

Local Food

Traditional Sarawakian cuisine, Kelabit food, is in seemingly endless supply at the elongated buffet of Summit Café. Consume entirely foreign vegetables and experience the local dishes alongside the locals themselves. Meals cost between MYR 6 and 7. Really, this is a near quintessential experience of the culinary delights in Miri.

Western and International Food

However, Malay food is not the only thing on the menu in Miri. The influence of Chinese cuisine can be celebrated incredibly well at Miri Taiwan. Grab yourself a few plates of dumplings at around MYR 8 each, an unusual foam-headed soft drink and kick back in the 60’s aesthetic.

Piato Bistro will not only satisfy any craving for the tastes of home, it may indeed just surpass your expectations. Dishes like salmon eggs benedict, and bacon with poached eggs on baked croissants populate the menu. This place knows how to do breakfasts and brunches. They are open from 7.00 AM until 12.00 PM.

Italian? Fratini’s Restaurant is your best bet. Authentic, delicious pizza and pasta and a great place for the family to spend some time together. The restaurant is expensive mind, falling into the upmarket category of dining alternatives.

Fine Dining

A truly artistic establishment, JD’s Fine Foods makes for a fantastic evening out. Splash out and indulge in some perfectly crafted appetizers, mains and desserts. The cost per head should be around MYR 70 per head.

Cafes and Coffee Houses

Café Murano – do try your best to remember that name. They have these fantastic waffles that would be considered an easy selection for your sweet tooth satisfaction if they weren’t entirely dwarfed by their truly magical macaroon ice cream sandwiches. My goodness. Forego any budgetary considerations and indulge in this masterpiece. You would be crazy not to.

Route 66 offer a unique and high-end cup of coffee. It is tailor made for the coffee lovers amongst us. Choose your blend and watch as the coffee is made at your table in a mocha pot, or opt for a perfectly crafted latte – you can’t really go wrong!