“Psst hey, did you know that Surau Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong wasn’t always like this?” I ask you. In the late 1970s, the area around Surau Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong was just a night market. It had makeshift tents and stalls. This market was near the Jame’ Asr Mosque and a beautiful river.
Then in 2016, the Sultan of Brunei ordered a change. He wanted a new open-air complex built. This changed the layout and structure of Surau Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong. By February 2017, the new Surau Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong complex was done. It is quite big at almost 6000 square meters. It has roofs and spacious walkways. Vendors and visitors now have convenient facilities. This makes it easier for everyone to operate.
Today, Surau Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong can hold 150 food stalls. These stalls are in three sections. One area is for grilling meats. Another sells local dishes. The last section has fresh and preserved fruits and vegetables. Every stall has a built-in cabinet. There is also a kitchen hood, wash basin, and power supply. Tables and chairs are around the building for everyone to use.
The food here is also very affordable. Most items range from one to three Brunei dollars. Nasi Campur or mixed rice is a popular choice. You can pick from chicken, beef, fish, and vegetables. They are cooked in many local styles. Do not miss the spicy sambal. Also try the rich creamy broth and both the dry and wet rendang. You can find over 30 types of dishes here.
Another favorite is Nasi Ayam or chicken rice. It includes fragrant oil-infused rice. It also has roasted or steamed chicken. Fresh cucumber slices, tomato, chili paste, soy sauce, and chicken soup complete the dish. Nasi Tomato is another option. The rice has aromatic tomato puree. It comes with sweet and spicy chicken in gravy.
Ayam Penyet is also available. This is smashed fried chicken. It is served with rice, lettuce, curry, and sambal. Nasi Lemak is another choice. It features coconut milk rice with fried groundnuts and anchovies. You also get cucumber slices and spicy sambal.
If you like fish, try the Ikan Bakar or grilled fish. It’s marinated and grilled. Eat it with warm rice and sambal kicap. Also enjoy air asam, a tamarind dipping sauce.
Tongkeng or grilled chicken tails are a local favorite. They are covered in barbeque sauce. The smoky barbeque smell is very inviting. For a spicy kick, try the local sambal. There are many types like Sambal Biasa and Sambal Pedas. You can also find Sambal Pusu and Sambal Tahai.
Don’t forget Kuih Melaya Babu Cantik. It is a peanut pancake from Malaysia. It’s like Apam Balik. It is a fluffy pancake with sugar, peanuts, and sweet corn. There are also Brunei traditional kuih and fritters. These cakes use rice flour and local ingredients. Roti Jala is popular. It is a net-like pancake with durian sauce or chicken curry. Other choices include Kuih Talam, Kuih Cacah, and Kuih Bingka.
Enjoy crispy fried snacks. Try bananas, sweet potatoes, tapioca, and spring rolls. Also sample prawn fritters or Cucur Udang and curry puffs. These are great with coffee or tea. Explore local cakes like Tepung Pasung and Lepat.
To drink, try Air Balang. These are colorful flavored cordial drinks. Popular flavors include lime and grape. Also available are sweetened syrup and young coconut. Local Brunei drinks are also a must. Try air bandung and cendol.
You can also find local seasonal fruits. Look for mangosteen and rambutan. Duku Langsat and pulasan are also good choices. Durians are sold as Durian Longgok or Durian Timbang. Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong is open from 3 pm to 11 pm daily. Remember to bring your appetite.