Shopping In Brunei: A Budget-Friendly Experience?

Brunei is a shopper's paradise, with a range of options to suit all tastes and budgets. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is the main shopping hub, boasting elegant malls, department stores, and traditional markets. Prices are competitive, and you can find good deals on electronics, furniture, and handicrafts. Silverware and bronze ware are particularly good buys, with local artisans creating quality items at reasonable prices. The Gadong Night Market is a popular spot for street food and produce, while the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex is the biggest shopping mall in the capital, offering a range of upmarket stores. Whether you're looking for high-end boutiques or bustling bazaars, Brunei has something for everyone.

Silverware and bronze ware

One of the top silversmiths in Brunei, Awang Haji Mohin bin POKD Haji Ahmad, learned the craft from his father at a young age. He began by polishing newly crafted silverware and gradually honed his skills to become an expert. Haji Mohin's work can be found in royal regalia and ornamental pieces such as cannon replicas, dinner gongs, and flower vases.

When purchasing silverware and bronze ware in Brunei, it is recommended to visit the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, which offers the best shopping experience. The city boasts wide boulevards, smart buildings, and modern malls. The Tamu night market is also an option, although it is important to be cautious of potential rip-offs in such settings.

In conclusion, silverware and bronze ware are excellent choices for shoppers in Brunei due to the combination of quality craftsmanship, competitive pricing, and the cultural significance of these items. The availability of skilled artisans and the rich history of silver-crafting in the country make Brunei a unique destination for those seeking elegant and affordable silver and bronze pieces.

Night markets

The market is known for its cleanliness, variety, and value for money. It is a great place to interact with locals and experience Brunei's culture and cuisine. The vendors are friendly and honest, and the prices are standard, so there is no need to haggle. The market has ample space and is well-lit, with helpful amenities such as public sinks.

Some popular food options at the Gadong Night Market include:

• Rice and noodle dishes (nasi lemak, mee goreng)
• Soups (soto)
• Stir-fry (beef lungs, or hati buyah)
• Satay (lamb, chicken)
• Grilled fish (ikan bakar)
• Fish sausages (keropok lekor)
• Sambal-covered anchovies (sambal pusu)
• Roti John (a sandwich created during the British imperial era)
• Pulut panggang, cucur pisang (banana fritters), and bakso (Indonesian meatballs)
• Western foods like fries, burgers, and chicken wings

There are also a variety of desserts available, with the top three popular choices being Cendol, Kuih Malaya, and Brunei Donuts. Cendol is a cold, sweet dessert made with coconut milk, palm sugar, adzuki beans, and green rice flour jelly. Kuih Malaya, or "apam balik" in other regions, is a pancake-type dessert made with coconut milk. Brunei donuts have a cinnamon kick to them.

The Gadong Night Market is a must-visit destination for those looking to indulge in local and exotic foods at reasonable prices. It is a vibrant and surprising clean market, with a lively atmosphere.

Shopping malls

Bandar Seri Begawan is the main shopping hub in Brunei. The city boasts wide boulevards, smart buildings, and flashy malls, as well as the bustling night market, Tamu.

The biggest shopping mall in the capital is the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex, a stunning building with many upmarket stores. The mall is made up of two parts, connected by a tunnel. It features a slide, a drop pole, and a variety of food vendors.

Another notable mall in Bandar Seri Begawan is the Hua Ho Manggis Mall, which has a hotel, a well-established supermarket, and a range of restaurants and food outlets. The Mall in nearby Gadong is also a popular shopping destination in the capital.

Outside of the capital, there are several other shopping malls in Brunei, including the Times Square Shopping Centre, which has a hotel, cinema, supermarket, and restaurants, and the Aman Hills Brunei, which offers ice skating, a cinema, bowling, and other entertainment options. The One City Shopping Centre is also a favourite among shoppers, with a supermarket, restaurants, and a food court.

Street food

Brunei is known for its diverse and tasty street food, with the country's legendary night markets offering dishes for as little as BND1. The Gadong Night Market, located on the outskirts of the city, is a buzzing hub of activity, with vendors selling grilled meat skewers, rice topped with chicken and sambal, and other Bruneian favourites. Another popular spot for street food is the Tamu Kianggeh market, which runs daily along the Kianggeh River. This market offers a calm and relaxed atmosphere, with fresh ingredients and homemade delights, as well as occasional live cultural performances.

For a true taste of Bruneian street food, try the Pasarneka Tutong or Tutong Variety Market. This vast marketplace offers a range of local specialities, including tongkeng ayam (grilled chicken tail), grilled lamb, and daging lalap salai (smoky grilled beef jerky). The market also features a variety of handicrafts and homegrown produce.

Brunei's street food reflects the country's rich cultural heritage and strong ties with neighbouring countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, China, and India. Here are some popular street food dishes to try:

• Nasi Katok: This dish includes rice, fried chicken, and sambal (dip), and is one of the cheapest meals in Brunei, typically costing around BND1.
• Ayam penyet: Inspired by Indonesian cuisine, ayam penyet is a delicious and affordable meal consisting of rice, a chicken leg, and chili sambal, priced around BND4.50-6.
• Satay: Barbequed meat on a stick, usually chicken, lamb, beef, or rabbit, served with a classic peanut sauce.
• Roti: A popular breakfast option, with varieties such as roti kuning (yellow bread) and roti canai (Indian-style flatbread) served with a dip of your choice.
• Ais Batu Campur (ABC): A local dessert mirroring those of neighbouring countries, ABC is made with shaved ice, sago pearls, red beans, grass jelly, and corn, and is often drizzled with syrup.
• Kueh: Traditional sweet snacks with various names and variations across Southeast Asia, such as kueh lenggang (crepes filled with grated coconut and sugar) and kueh pancut (little round cakes covered in shredded coconut).
• Ambuyat: Brunei's national dish, ambuyat is a flavourless sago dip served with a variety of accompaniments like ikan goreng (fried fish), pakis or biring (vegetables), and beef rendang. It is eaten using a special utensil called candas, made from bamboo.

High-end stores

Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, is the main shopping base for high-end stores. The city boasts wide boulevards, smart buildings, and flashy malls.

The Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex is the biggest shopping mall in the capital, known for its stunning architecture and plethora of upmarket stores. The mall is located in the heart of the country and is recognised for its exclusive shopping and entertainment offerings, including high-end stores and restaurants.

Another notable department store in Bandar Seri Begawan is Yaohan. This store offers a wide range of products, including imported clothes, books, and electronics. It also has a food store in the basement that stocks imported goods.

For high-end fabrics, Nazmi Trading and the Silk Shoppe Boutique are recommended. These stores offer a range of imported fabrics and local silks. The Silk Shoppe Boutique, in particular, is known for its fabulous and fancy speciality textiles.

Lastly, the Hua Ho Department Store is the leading retail business in Brunei. With a long history in the retail industry since 1947, Hua Ho has brought top international brands in sports, fashion, household, and active lifestyle to the country. The store is located within the Yayasan Shopping Complex, which is known for its high-end offerings.

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