Tarindak D'Seni
Tarindak D'Seni combines a cafe with a cultural gallery space in a traditional Bruneian building in Gadong. The ground floor serves as a dining area with wooden tables and traditional textiles on the walls, seating about 35 guests. The menu features Bruneian heritage dishes including ambuyat (sago starch eaten with a bamboo fork), kelupis (glutinous rice in palm leaves), and kueh-mueh (traditional sweets). On select evenings, local musicians perform traditional Bruneian music on instruments like the gambus (lute) and kulintangan (gong chimes). The space doubles as a small gallery showcasing local arts and crafts. No alcohol served.
What to Expect
A warm, cultural space that feels like dining in someone's well-decorated home. Traditional textiles hang on walls, local art fills the gaps, and the food connects you to Bruneian culinary traditions that most tourist restaurants don't serve.
Cultural, warm, and genuinely Bruneian. You'll feel like a guest rather than a customer.
Traditional Bruneian music on select evenings; quiet background music otherwise
Modest and casual. This is a cultural venue, so respectful dress is appreciated.
Travelers interested in Bruneian culture and traditional cuisine. A meaningful alternative to generic cafe experiences.
Cash preferred, cards accepted for bills over BND 20
Price Range
Mains BND 8-15, desserts BND 3-6, teh tarik BND 2-4
Mains ~USD 6-11/~EUR 5.60-10.50, desserts ~USD 2.25-4.50/~EUR 2.10-4.20
Hours
11:00-22:00 daily, closed Fridays until 2 PM
Insider Tip
Try the ambuyat if you haven't before; the staff will show you how to eat it with the chandas (bamboo fork). Ask about live music schedules, which vary weekly. The kueh selection is best early in the evening before items sell out.
Full Review
Tarindak D'Seni stands out from every other Gadong venue because it actually tries to show visitors what Bruneian culture looks and tastes like. The space is modest but thoughtfully arranged, with traditional weaving, woodwork, and ceramics displayed alongside the dining tables.
The food is the real draw. Ambuyat is Brunei's national dish but almost impossible to find in standard restaurants. Here, it's served properly: a pot of sago starch gel, accompanied by various dipping sauces and side dishes. The staff explain the eating technique to newcomers without making it feel like a performance. Other dishes, including the fish curries and kelupis, are home-style cooking executed consistently.
Live music evenings happen a few times per month, featuring traditional instruments and occasionally folk singing. These aren't polished performances; they're informal and intimate, which makes them more interesting. The gambus player who performed during my visit played for about 45 minutes to a room of 20 people, and the sound filled the space perfectly.
The main limitation is hours. Closing at 10 PM means this is an early evening option, not a late one. And Friday closures until 2 PM reflect the country's religious observances. Plan accordingly.
The Neighborhood
Located in the Gadong area, within walking distance of the night market and major shopping centers. The venue is slightly off the main commercial strip, giving it a quieter, more residential feel.
Getting There
Taxi from BSB center costs BND 5-8. Ask the driver for Tarindak D'Seni specifically as it's not on the main road. A short walk from The Mall Gadong.
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.
Roasted Sip
Third-wave coffee shop with a modern interior and a menu featuring single-origin brews, smoothies, and light bites. Draws a young local crowd.
De Royalle Cafe
Spacious cafe and restaurant with shisha, mocktails, and Middle Eastern-inspired food. The closest thing Gadong has to a lounge atmosphere.
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.