Gadong Night Market: Your Ultimate Guide to Brunei's Best Local Street Food Feast
Brunei’s Culinary Melting Pot
The Gadong Night Market (officially Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong, or Pasar Malam Gadong in Malay) is Brunei’s most beloved food haven and a quintessential local experience. It's often described as the common-folk flipside to the upscale Gadong commercial area nearby. While perhaps not as vast as markets found in other parts of Asia, its uniqueness lies in its vibrant atmosphere and its role as a clean, centralized hub for affordable local cuisine. You can feast on a fusion of authentic Bruneian, Malay, Indonesian, and Indian-influenced flavors, with most items priced incredibly low, usually between BND $1–3. It’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in local culture without breaking the bank.
Getting There: From City Center and Beyond
The market is located in the bustling Gadong commercial district, about 5 kilometers from the Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) city center. Since public transportation is limited, getting there requires some planning:
From BSB City Center: A taxi or the ride-hailing app DART is your easiest option, costing approximately BND $8–12 and taking about 10–15 minutes. While buses (like Route 20) are available and cheap (around BND $1), their service often ends early, around 6:00 PM, making them unreliable for evening market visits.
From Nearby Hotels: If you are staying at hotels in the Gadong area, such as The Rizqun International Hotel or The Centrepoint Hotel, the market is an easy and safe walking distance away.
From Brunei International Airport: A taxi ride takes approximately 15 minutes, with a fare ranging from BND $15–20.
Must-Try Local Delicacies and Street Food Staples
Gadong Night Market offers an overwhelming choice, but a few dishes are absolute essentials for any first-time visitor.
The undisputed champion of Bruneian fast food is Nasi Katok. This simple yet satisfying meal consists of a serving of rice, one piece of crispy fried chicken, and a generous dollop of fiery sambal chili, famously sold for just BND $1–2. For those seeking a deeper culinary dive, look for Soup Soto, a comforting and aromatic Bruneian-style noodle soup, typically made with chicken or beef broth. Don’t miss the mesmerizing array of grilled items; stalls dedicated to freshly grilled seafood, chicken wings, and Satay (marinated meat skewers) are central to the market’s smoky atmosphere. For a truly authentic taste of Malay culture, look out for the colorful, bite-sized sweet snacks known as Kuih-Muih and the thick, savory-sweet pancake called Kuih Malaya (also known as Apam Balik).
Sweet Treats and Refreshments
To beat the tropical heat, the market offers plenty of refreshing drinks. Air Bandung is a popular choice—a beautiful pink drink made from rose syrup and condensed milk, offering a distinctive sweet flavor. For a cooling dessert, try Ais Kacang (ABC), a classic Malaysian/Bruneian shaved ice mountain loaded with sweet toppings like red beans, corn, jelly, and rich condensed milk. And of course, fresh Coconut Water is widely available for just BND $1–2 a cup. Note: As Brunei is a conservative Muslim country, the market (and most of the country) strictly does not sell alcohol.
Practical Tips and Market Atmosphere
The Gadong Night Market is open daily from 15:00 to 23:00, though the best time to visit and experience the lively buzz is during the prime dinner hours, from 18:00 to 21:00. The market is now housed in a clean, modern, open-air building, making the experience organized and comfortable. Remember to bring cash, as vendors do not accept card payments. While some vendors may have limited English, most stalls clearly label their food and prices, making ordering easy.
Nearby Attractions
Plan your visit to Gadong to include some nearby attractions. The magnificent Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque—the largest in Brunei—is only about 5 minutes away; visiting just before sunset and then heading to the market for dinner makes for a perfect evening itinerary. Right next door to the market is The Mall, Gadong Shopping Center, Brunei’s largest shopping mall, which is ideal if you need to access an ATM or wish to do some air-conditioned window shopping before or after your street food adventure.
Recommendations:
Half Day City & Water Village Tour in Brunei
Proboscis Monkey Encounter Tour in BruneiGetYourGuide- Borneo: 10-Day Adventure: Kuching to Brunei and Sabah
GetYourGuide- Borneo Tri-Nation Journey: Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia
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The Gadong Night Market (officially Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong, or Pasar Malam Gadong in Malay) is Brunei’s most beloved food haven and a quintessential local experience. It's often described as the common-folk flipside to the upscale Gadong commercial area nearby. While perhaps not as vast as markets found in other parts of Asia, its uniqueness lies in its vibrant atmosphere and its role as a clean, centralized hub for affordable local cuisine. You can feast on a fusion of authentic Bruneian, Malay, Indonesian, and Indian-influenced flavors, with most items priced incredibly low, usually between BND $1–3. It’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in local culture without breaking the bank.
The market is located in the bustling Gadong commercial district, about 5 kilometers from the Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) city center. Since public transportation is limited, getting there requires some planning:
From BSB City Center: A taxi or the ride-hailing app DART is your easiest option, costing approximately BND $8–12 and taking about 10–15 minutes. While buses (like Route 20) are available and cheap (around BND $1), their service often ends early, around 6:00 PM, making them unreliable for evening market visits.
From Nearby Hotels: If you are staying at hotels in the Gadong area, such as The Rizqun International Hotel or The Centrepoint Hotel, the market is an easy and safe walking distance away.
From Brunei International Airport: A taxi ride takes approximately 15 minutes, with a fare ranging from BND $15–20.
Gadong Night Market offers an overwhelming choice, but a few dishes are absolute essentials for any first-time visitor.
The undisputed champion of Bruneian fast food is Nasi Katok. This simple yet satisfying meal consists of a serving of rice, one piece of crispy fried chicken, and a generous dollop of fiery sambal chili, famously sold for just BND $1–2. For those seeking a deeper culinary dive, look for Soup Soto, a comforting and aromatic Bruneian-style noodle soup, typically made with chicken or beef broth. Don’t miss the mesmerizing array of grilled items; stalls dedicated to freshly grilled seafood, chicken wings, and Satay (marinated meat skewers) are central to the market’s smoky atmosphere. For a truly authentic taste of Malay culture, look out for the colorful, bite-sized sweet snacks known as Kuih-Muih and the thick, savory-sweet pancake called Kuih Malaya (also known as Apam Balik).
To beat the tropical heat, the market offers plenty of refreshing drinks. Air Bandung is a popular choice—a beautiful pink drink made from rose syrup and condensed milk, offering a distinctive sweet flavor. For a cooling dessert, try Ais Kacang (ABC), a classic Malaysian/Bruneian shaved ice mountain loaded with sweet toppings like red beans, corn, jelly, and rich condensed milk. And of course, fresh Coconut Water is widely available for just BND $1–2 a cup. Note: As Brunei is a conservative Muslim country, the market (and most of the country) strictly does not sell alcohol.
The Gadong Night Market is open daily from 15:00 to 23:00, though the best time to visit and experience the lively buzz is during the prime dinner hours, from 18:00 to 21:00. The market is now housed in a clean, modern, open-air building, making the experience organized and comfortable. Remember to bring cash, as vendors do not accept card payments. While some vendors may have limited English, most stalls clearly label their food and prices, making ordering easy.
Nearby Attractions
Plan your visit to Gadong to include some nearby attractions. The magnificent Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque—the largest in Brunei—is only about 5 minutes away; visiting just before sunset and then heading to the market for dinner makes for a perfect evening itinerary. Right next door to the market is The Mall, Gadong Shopping Center, Brunei’s largest shopping mall, which is ideal if you need to access an ATM or wish to do some air-conditioned window shopping before or after your street food adventure.
Recommendations:
Half Day City & Water Village Tour in Brunei
Proboscis Monkey Encounter Tour in BruneiGetYourGuide- Borneo: 10-Day Adventure: Kuching to Brunei and Sabah
GetYourGuide- Borneo Tri-Nation Journey: Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia
GetYourGuide- Brunei Airport Transfer
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