5 must-try Gawai and Kaamatan dishes you can enjoy in KL

Free Malaysia Today

2 days ago

Have an authentic Sabahan and Sarawakian feast during this year's Hari Kaamatan and Hari Gawai. (Theevya Ragu @ FMT Lifestyle)
PETALING JAYA : As May draws to a close, two of Malaysia's most vibrant cultural festivals take centre stage –
As May draws to a close, two of Malaysia's most vibrant cultural festivals take centre stage –
Kaamatan in Sabah (May 30–31) and
Hari Gawai in Sarawak (June 1–2).
These harvest celebrations aren't just about rituals, music, and merrymaking – they're also a time for feasting on traditional dishes that are rarely found outside of East Malaysia.
But don't worry if you're stuck in KL! You don't have to book a flight to Kota Kinabalu or Kuching to enjoy the earthy, bold, and soulful flavours of Borneo.
From zesty raw fish salads to bamboo-cooked meats, here's your cheat sheet to five must-try Gawai and Kaamatan dishes – plus exactly where you can get your hands on them without leaving the Klang Valley.
1. Hinava
Hinava is Sabah's bright and bold raw fish salad. (Unilever Food Solutions pic)
Think of hinava as Sabah's answer to ceviche – but with a spicy kick and a whole lot of character.
This Kadazan-Dusun classic features raw mackerel (or sometimes tenggiri) marinated in fresh lime juice, finely sliced shallots, bird's eye chillies, and sliced ginger.
Some versions also toss in grated bambangan seed (from a wild mango) for extra punch.
Hinava is tangy, fiery, and refreshing – perfect as an appetiser or a palate cleanser between richer dishes.
Try it at D'Tungkus Takanon Sabahan Cafe in Kota Kemuning.
2. Kolo Mee (NON-HALAL)
Kolo Mee consists of springy egg noodles tossed in a savoury sauce and topped with minced meat and char siu. (Ikan Mas pic)
You can't say you have experienced the full Sarawakian culinary experience until you have tasted the kolo mee, the quintessential comfort food of Sarawak.
Indeed, Sarawakians will tell you that no matter how fancy the feast, there's always room for kolo mee.
These springy egg noodles are tossed in a light, savoury sauce (no soy!), topped with minced meat, char siu, and sometimes spring onions or pickled vegetables.
It's quick, it's tasty, and it's pure nostalgia in a bowl for anyone from Kuching. It's also non-halal.
Mama Ting Sarawak Noodle in SS2, PJ is a firm favourite among East Malaysians living in KL.
3. Ayam Pansuh
The ayam pansuh is a Sarawakian delicacy infused with the aroma of bamboo. (Ikan Mas pic)
Hailing from the Iban and Bidayuh communities of Sarawak, ayam pansuh is chicken slow-cooked inside bamboo stalks, sealed with tapioca leaves and seasoned with lemongrass, torch ginger, and tapioca shoots.
The bamboo traps all the moisture and aroma, infusing the meat with an earthy, smoky fragrance you can't replicate in a pot. Rich, aromatic, and incredibly tender.
Kafe Sarawak in Ampang serves a lovely version of ayam pansuh alongside other Iban and Sarawakian specialties.
4. Sarawak Laksa
The richly-flavoured Sarawak Laksa is one of the highlights at Slurrp. (Muhaimin Marwan@FMT Lifestyle)
This isn't your typical laksa. Sarawak laksa is made with a special spice paste that includes sambal belacan, galangal, and lemongrass, blended with coconut milk for a rich yet balanced broth.
Served with rice vermicelli, shredded chicken, prawns, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime – it's a bowl that warms the soul.
It's such a beloved dish that the late celebrity chef and author Anthony Bourdain once called it 'breakfast of the gods'.
Slurrp in PJ has built a loyal following for its authentic Sarawak laksa.
5. Tuaran Mee (NON-HALAL)
Tuaran Mee is tossed with local Chinese rice wine, vegetables, and slices of barbecued pork or sausage. (Taste Atlas pic)
Hailing from the town of Tuaran near Kota Kinabalu, this dish features yellow egg noodles that are pan-fried until they're both chewy and crispy.
Tuaran Mee is often tossed with local Chinese rice wine, vegetables, and slices of barbecued pork or sausage.
It's smoky, eggy, and addictive – perfect for anyone who loves wok hei.
SugarBun Borneo Asian Food at Menara Hup Seng brings this Sabahan specialty to life with great authenticity.