The Essence of.....Brunei An exploration of the world through food and drink

Essence -ial Information UK Tourist Office 20 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PG Currency Bruneian Dollar BND Capital Bandar Seri Begawan Language Malay Main Airlines None direct from UK Flying Time from UK 18 hrs Visa No

PROFILE Brunei Darussalam is located in South Asian and it borders Malaysia to south, east and west and South China Sea to the north. Brunei Darussalam was a British colony since 1888 until 1984 when the country gained its independence. Due to the influence of the diverse populations that have come and established within the Brunei society through the years, Brunei Darussalam cuisine is very various and it combines national recipes with international cuisines. The fertile soil of Brunei Darussalam provides various seasonal or non seasonal fruits such as bananas, watermelons, papayas, pineapples, sweet oranges, durians, coconuts, cempedak , rambutans, namely and taraps. The main source of protein is fish, other types of meat eaten in Brunei Darussalam is goat and cows but this type of meat is quite expensive. The cuisine of Brunei has been greatly influenced by neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore, as well as the many ethnic Chinese living there. Daging Masak Lada Hitam - Spicy beef cooking until very tender then potatoes and beans are added. Udang Sambal Serai Bersantan (chile prawns with coconut milk) Serondeng Pandag (Fried chicken with garlic wrapped in pandan leaves) European food is served in hotel large restaurants, along with Malaysian, Chinese and Indian dishes. Local food is similar to Malay cuisine with fresh fish and rice, often quite spicy. Alcohol is prohibited by law in Brunei, although it may be imported in certain quantities if reported to Customs.