KANTIN at The Granary — Restaurant in Sarawak

A Local Sarawakian Perspective

I decided to visit this restaurant after hearing all the glowing reviews and award nominations, so naturally, my expectations were quite high. Sadly, my dining experience fell short of them.

Drinks Let’s start on a positive note: the drinks were great. Refreshing and well-prepared, they really hit the spot. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with the beverages here.

Parking Parking was a headache. Unless you’re okay with squeezing your car into roadside spots (like many locals do, despite the risks), you’ll struggle to find a space. I guess Mother Parker admins turn a blind eye to this area.

Food I only managed to try three dishes, so this isn’t a comprehensive review, but the Pansuh Chicken was a big letdown. The chicken was surprisingly dry—even though it’s supposed to be cooked in broth—and the rice was also overly dry. Proper cooking techniques could’ve easily fixed this. (Or maybe they decided to stick to kampung authenticity with this one.) That said, the side dishes were the star of the meal. The condiments were flavorful, the satay was juicy, and the grilled lamb was decent—though for the price, I’d have liked more variety in the sides.

Price This is where things got tricky. The prices felt steep, even for a touristy spot. I don’t mind paying more if everything—from the food to the ambience—is top-notch, but that wasn’t the case here. On top of that, there’s an additional 10% service charge, and while the staff were okay, the service didn’t have the warm, welcoming touch I’d expect at this price point (maybe because I’m not a foreign tourist). The atmosphere also felt flat. Besides the rustic interior design, there was little effort to showcase the rich art and culture of Sarawak beyond a looping sape ensemble and some common decorations (a point worth mentioning since it’s part of the restaurant’s motto). Perhaps it’s aiming more for a speakeasy café vibe than a cultural dining experience.

This kind of pricing, seemingly geared toward foreign tourists, highlights a larger issue in Sarawak’s tourism scene—why does everything have to be pegged to US dollars?

There’s much room for improvement in food quality and variety, the overall experience, and how the restaurant should balance its appeal to both locals and tourists. With a little extra effort, it could be a spot worth...

Last week, when I returned to Kuching, I brought my Singaporean friend to visit Kantin at The Granary, and it turned out to be an unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant is located in the heart of the old town, making it easily accessible and perfect for a casual stroll before or after a meal.

They also have another outlet at Singapore Changi Airport, which shows how much the brand is expanding internationally.

It was actually my third time there, so I confidently recommended it to my friend.

The interior of the restaurant is stylish and cozy, with a rustic design that blends modern touches with traditional Sarawakian charm. The natural lighting and wooden décor made the space feel warm and welcoming.

The staff were friendly and attentive. They greeted us with smiles and gave helpful recommendations from the menu. The service was prompt, and they made sure we were comfortable throughout the meal.

Emily, the owner of the restaurant, found out that I had brought my Singaporean friend and that it was her birthday. She kindly served us four slices of kek lapis — such a sweet and thoughtful gesture.

What I loved most was the food — it was fresh, creative, and beautifully presented. I especially enjoyed the Dayak pizza and their signature three-layer milk tea. The menu offers a mix of local and Western dishes, which is perfect for both tourists and locals.

They also sell their own designer recycled bags and local rice wine (tuak), which are great for promoting Sarawak culture to foreign visitors.

One thing I was a bit disappointed about was missing the sape performance. They sometimes have live traditional music performances, but unfortunately, I wasn’t there at the right time.

Another thing I disliked was the toilet. I hope they can make it cleaner and more comfortable. For example, providing tissues for customers would be a nice improvement.

Despite these minor issues, I still highly recommend Kantin at The Granary to anyone visiting Kuching. It’s a great spot for brunch, lunch, or simply a relaxing afternoon...

Tucked away along the heritage-rich Wayang Street, KANTIN at The Granary is a piece of Kuching's layered history brought to life with warm hospitality and a uniquely Sarawakian ambiance.

Set within the grounds of The Marian boutique hotel, this space is more than just a restaurant. It's a journey through Sarawak's past.

Originally built in 1885 as part of the Ong Ewe Hai family's ancestral home-yes, that Ong Ewe Hai, (father of the more known Ong Tiang Swee) a patriarch of one of Kuching's most influential early Chinese clans-this building has worn many hats over the decades: a mansion, a boarding school, a guesthouse, and even a grain and opium warehouse (if the legends are to be believed). Today, it's been tastefully restored into a rustic yet modern dining space that beautifully pays homage to Sarawak's Dayak heritage.

The interior? Upon entering, I was immediately drawn to its tastefully designed rustic interior, beautifully infused with elements inspired by Sarawak's indigenous Dayak culture. Think raw timber, vintage touches, and tribal accents that immediately warm the soul.

With its spacious and cozy layout, the setting is effortlessly inviting-a place that encourages you to linger, soak in the atmosphere, and appreciate the charm of old Kuching.

The menu is a celebration of fusion, blending influences from Dayak, Chinese, and Malay cuisine—a true culinary reflection of Sarawak's multicultural soul.

Dishes like pineapple fried rice, nasi kerabu,satay and traditional Dayak-style grilled dishes and Pansuh chicken, cooked in bamboo-a technique deeply rooted in the local culinary tradition.

While the food itself didn't really steal the show, the real star here is the atmosphere. What truly makes KANTIN special is its ability to introduce visitors to Sarawak's rich, multicultural heritage in an elegant and immersive setting.

Would I come back? Absolutely but more to soak in the history and ambiance, and to share this charming spot with out-of-town friends curious about Sarawak's unique...