Roasted Sip
Roasted Sip is part of Brunei's growing third-wave coffee movement, occupying a narrow shophouse space in Gadong that seats about 25 people. The interior leans industrial-minimal: exposed brick, concrete floors, and a long bar where baristas work with single-origin beans sourced from Indonesia and Ethiopia. The menu focuses on pour-over coffee, cold brews, and espresso drinks, alongside smoothie bowls and light sandwiches. No alcohol. The clientele is young and local, mostly university students and creative types who treat the space as both cafe and co-working spot. The vibe is closer to Melbourne or Portland coffee culture than anything you'd expect in Brunei.
What to Expect
A small, focused coffee shop where the beans matter. You'll walk into a narrow space with a long counter, a few tables, and the sound of a grinder running. The pace is unhurried.
Minimalist, focused, and slightly hipster. The kind of place where people photograph their latte art.
Lo-fi beats and indie electronic at background volume
Casual. This is a coffee shop, not a restaurant. Come as you are.
Coffee enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates specialty brewing methods. A quiet alternative to the busier cafes.
Cash and cards accepted
Price Range
Coffee BND 5-10, smoothie bowls BND 8-12, sandwiches BND 6-10
Coffee ~USD 3.75-7.50/~EUR 3.50-7, bowls ~USD 6-9/~EUR 5.60-8.40
Hours
09:00-22:00 daily
Insider Tip
Ask the barista to recommend a pour-over based on your preferences. They know their beans and enjoy talking about them. The cold brew is excellent in Brunei's heat.
Full Review
Roasted Sip makes you forget you're in one of the world's most conservative countries, at least for the duration of a pour-over. The space is small and deliberately designed, with every detail pointing toward the coffee itself. The bean selection rotates regularly, and the baristas can explain origin, processing method, and flavor notes without sounding rehearsed.
The espresso drinks are well-executed, and the cold brew, kept on tap, is probably the best coffee-based drink in BSB. Smoothie bowls are thick, generously topped, and make a reasonable light dinner if you're not hungry enough for a full meal. The sandwich options are limited but fresh.
The main limitation is size. With only about 25 seats, the space fills quickly on weekend evenings. There's no outdoor seating. If you arrive after 7 PM on a Saturday, you may need to wait or take your drink to go.
For a city with no bars, places like Roasted Sip fill an important social function. Young Bruneians come here to catch up, study, and spend their evenings in a space that feels contemporary and personal. It's a window into how BSB's younger generation socializes within the constraints of a dry country.
The Neighborhood
Located in the Gadong commercial district, a few minutes' walk from the night market and The Mall. Part of a small cluster of independent cafes that have opened in the area over the past few years.
Getting There
Taxi from central BSB costs BND 5-8. Located along the main Gadong commercial strip, easy to find on foot once you're in the area.
Other Venues in Gadong
Piccolo Cafe
Popular local cafe with outdoor seating, serving specialty coffee, fresh juices, and Western-style food. One of the later-closing spots in Gadong.
De Royalle Cafe
Spacious cafe and restaurant with shisha, mocktails, and Middle Eastern-inspired food. The closest thing Gadong has to a lounge atmosphere.
Tarindak D'Seni
Cultural cafe and gallery space serving Bruneian traditional dishes and desserts. Live traditional music performances on select evenings.
Nasi Katok Mama
Late-night eatery famous for Brunei's national dish of nasi katok. BND 1 per packet. Open until midnight, making it one of the latest closing food spots.
I Lotus Restaurant
Upscale Chinese restaurant near The Mall Gadong, popular for group dinners and family celebrations. One of the nicer dining experiences in the area.