Street Food Safari: Exploring Miri’s Best Hawker Delights

Welcome to your culinary journey through Miri – the heart of Sarawak’s street food paradise. Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable adventure as we guide you through the bustling streets and hidden alleys to uncover the best hawker delights this city offers. Our food safari will take you on a delicious voyage, discovering traditional bites, modern twists, and everything in between.

Day 1: Arrival and Evening at Miri Night Market

After settling into your comfortable room at one of Miri’s welcoming hotels, start your evening with a stroll towards the famed Saberkas Night Market. This vibrant bazaar becomes alive as the sun sets, offering a plethora of culinary treasures that reflect the city’s diverse culture and rich history.

Saberkas Night Market – A Feast for the Senses

Begin your exploration with some of Miri’s most iconic street food staples. Look out for the Sarawak Laksa, a spicy noodle soup that combines a fragrant broth made from a complex blend of herbs and spices, served with a generous helping of rice noodles, shredded chicken, prawns, and topped with fresh cilantro.

Do not miss trying the local favorite – Kolo Mee. This delightful dish features springy egg noodles tossed in a light yet flavorful sauce, topped with minced pork and shallots. It’s simplicity at its best, yet packed with flavors that will leave you craving for more.

For something a bit more adventurous, head to the stalls selling Sago Worms. Considered a delicacy in Borneo, these lightly sautéed or grilled worms offer a nutty taste and are known for their nutritional benefits. It’s a must-try for the daring foodies.

No food safari is complete without something sweet. Indulge in a plate of Apam Balik, a fluffy pancake filled with a mixture of creamed corn and sugar, then folded into a half-moon shape. Crispy on the outside, sweet and creamy on the inside, it’s the perfect ending to your first night of culinary exploration in Miri.

Day 2: Morning Market Madness & Afternoon Delights

After a night of tantalizing your taste buds with Miri’s vibrant street food, Day 2 beckons with more culinary adventures. Begin your day bright and early at the Tamu Muhibbah, Miri’s morning market, where locals flock to for the freshest produce, meats, and, most importantly, traditional breakfast delights.

Morning Feast at Tamu Muhibbah

Start your day with a warm bowl of Bubur Pedas, a unique Sarawakian spicy porridge, packed with local herbs, vegetables, and either chicken or fish. This hearty breakfast is guaranteed to energize you for the day ahead.

As you wander through the market, be sure to try some Kueh Lapis, a colorful, layered cake that’s as sweet to the taste as it is to the eye. Made of rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, it’s a favorite snack to enjoy anytime of the day.

Afternoon Culinary Exploration

Noon in Miri ushers you into the heart of the city’s daily bustle. Make your way to Miri Central Market, a haven for food enthusiasts. Here, the aroma of freshly cooked dishes fills the air, mingling with the chatter of locals and visitors alike.

For lunch, savor the flavors of Ikan Bakar, freshly grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves and seasoned with local spices. This smoky, spicy dish is a testament to the simplicity and freshness of Bornean cuisine. Pair it with a serving of Umai, a traditional Sarawakian salad of raw fish, lime juice, and chili peppers, for a refreshing contrast.

Afterward, tempt your palate with Miri’s unique street food, such as the delectable Pisang Goreng Cheese—fried banana fritters topped with cheese and condensed milk, a fusion treat that has gained popularity among locals and tourists alike.

Day 3: Culinary Deep Dive & Evening Adventure

Welcome to Day 3 of your exhilarating street food safari in Miri. Today, we delve deeper into the local culinary culture with immersive experiences and a visit to some of the city’s iconic foodie hangouts. Ready your palate for an exceptional blend of tradition and innovation.

Experiencing Local Cuisine with Cooking Classes

Miri offers a unique opportunity to not just eat but prepare traditional dishes that have been passed down through generations. Join a local cooking class at one of the boutique culinary schools or request a session in a local home through community tourism initiatives. Learn how to make classic Sarawakian dishes such as Bidayuh Bamboo Chicken, where chicken and spices are stuffed into bamboo and cooked over an open fire, or the intricate process of weaving Sarawak Laksa paste from scratch.

Sunset Dining and Evening Exploration

As evening approaches, make your way to Luak Bay Esplanade, the perfect spot for beachside dining. Feast on grilled seafood caught fresh from the South China Sea, enjoying the cool sea breeze and the sound of waves crashing as you dine.

Exploring Miri’s street food is not just about savoring the diverse flavors but also about connecting with the people who make the city’s culinary scene so vibrant. Whether you’re indulging in a hearty breakfast at Tamu Muhibbah, learning to cook local dishes, or enjoying sunset dining at Luak Bay Esplanade, the warmth and hospitality of Miri’s locals shine through, making every meal an experience to remember.

We hope this guide has inspired you to embark on your own street food safari in Miri, exploring the hidden corners and bustling markets for those authentic flavors that define the city. Remember, the best way to experience a culture is through its food, and Miri’s street food scene is a journey worth taking, one delicious bite at a time.