Brunei'sbnd1: What Can You Buy?

The Brunei dollar (also known as the ringgit Brunei) has been the official currency of the country since 1967. $1 BND is currently worth $0.75 USD. With $1 BND, you can buy a Nasi Katok, a popular Bruneian dish consisting of a bowl of rice, a piece of fried chicken, and a dip. Alternatively, you could buy a few pieces of local fruit, such as cucumber or cabbage, or a snack like penyaram, a traditional deep-fried treat.

Nasi Katok, a cheap meal of rice, chicken and sambal

Nasi Katok is a Bruneian fast-food dish that costs as little as BND1, or BND1.50 at some stalls. It is a simple, cheap meal of rice, chicken, and sambal, and is a Bruneian version of fast food. The name, which translates as 'knock rice', comes from the act of knocking on the vendor's door to place an order.

The dish is traditionally composed of steamed rice, ayam goreng (fried chicken), and a spicy sambal dipping sauce. It is often served wrapped in brown paper or in a box. While the fundamental components of Nasi Katok remain consistent, the preparation methods and ingredient choices can vary significantly, adding to the richness and diversity of the dish.

The chicken in Nasi Katok can be prepared in a multitude of ways, each contributing to a unique flavor profile. One popular method involves coating the chicken in flour for enhanced crispiness, while another calls for infusing the chicken with turmeric, adding a vibrant color and aromatic essence. Some versions also marinate the chicken with an assortment of spices, resulting in a more complex taste experience.

Sambal, a condiment made from blended chillies and other spices, can also vary in taste and texture. While it is traditionally spicy, some vendors offer creamy and tangy buttermilk sauce or milder tomato-based options to cater to different preferences.

Nasi Katok is widely available throughout Brunei, from roadside stalls to well-established restaurants and convenience stores. Its popularity surged in the late 2000s, propelled by the emergence of 24-hour dining establishments specialising in this dish. Today, several noteworthy chains have emerged, each dedicated to serving Nasi Katok with their own unique recipes, interpretations, and styles.

Ayam penyet, a delicious and affordable Indonesian-inspired dish

With BND1 in Brunei, you can enjoy a delicious and affordable meal of ayam penyet, a dish inspired by Indonesian cuisine. For context, BND1 is equivalent to approximately USD0.75.

Ayam penyet, also known as Javanese for "squeezed fried chicken," is a flavourful and hearty dish that will leave you satisfied. The chicken is first marinated in a blend of spices and herbs, then boiled or fried, and finally smashed with a pestle to make it softer. This unique preparation technique gives the dish its name, as "penyet" means "squeezed" or "pressed" in Javanese.

The smashed chicken is then served with a generous helping of sambal, a spicy chili sauce that packs a punch. The sambal is made with a mix of chilli, anchovies, tomatoes, shallots, garlic, shrimp paste, tamarind, and lime juice, all blended into a mouth-watering paste. The dish is typically accompanied by slices of cooling cucumbers, as well as fried tofu and tempeh, adding a crispy contrast to the soft chicken.

In Brunei, ayam penyet is a popular choice for lunch or dinner, offering a delicious and affordable meal. It is often served with a bowl of rice and a chicken leg, making it a filling option. The best part? It usually costs around BND4.50 to BND6, making it a great value for your money.

So, if you're looking for a tasty and budget-friendly meal in Brunei, ayam penyet is an excellent choice. With its combination of flavours and textures, it's sure to tantalise your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Satay, a popular Southeast Asian street food

Satay is a popular Southeast Asian street food that you can buy for BND1 in Brunei. It is a Javanese dish of seasoned, skewered, and grilled meat, typically served with a sauce. The meat is usually chicken, but it can also be beef, pork, lamb, mutton, or even tofu. In Brunei, satay is often served with peanut sauce and is a common sight and smell at market stalls.

Satay is believed to have originated in Java, Indonesia, and spread from there to the rest of Southeast Asia and beyond. It is the national dish of Indonesia and is also very popular in Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Suriname, and the Netherlands.

The word "satay" comes from the Malay word "satai" or the Indonesian word "sate," which is derived from the Tamil word "catatai," meaning "flesh." In Malaysia, it is known as "Sate Ayam or Sate Ayam" in the local language.

A typical satay marinade includes ingredients such as lemongrass, shallots, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garlic, chilli powder, salt, and sugar. The meat is marinated overnight to enhance its flavour and tenderness and then grilled over charcoal or wood fire.

Besides being a tasty treat, satay holds symbolic meanings in some parts of Indonesia, such as Bali, where a type of satay called "satay lilit" is considered a symbol of male prowess, unity, and prosperity.

So, if you're in Brunei and have BND1 to spare, why not try this delicious and iconic Southeast Asian street food?

Roti, a fluffy breakfast bun filled with cheese and meat

Roti is a fluffy breakfast bun filled with cheese and meat. It is the perfect way to start your day, and you can get it for just BND1 in Brunei!

This delicious treat is a popular breakfast choice in Brunei and is also known as roti kuning, which translates to "yellow bread". The bun is usually filled with cheese, meat, and a sweet mixture of coconut milk, jam, sugar, and butter. This combination of savoury and sweet flavours makes for a delightful morning treat that will satisfy any craving.

Roti is believed to have been introduced to Borneo through the spice trade, as Brunei was once a centre for spice trading. Over time, it has become a beloved part of Bruneian cuisine and can now be found at any Indian or Pakistani restaurant in the country.

If you're looking for a hearty and tasty breakfast option that won't break the bank, roti is definitely the way to go. For just BND1, you can indulge in this fluffy and flavourful treat that is sure to brighten up your morning. So, if you're ever in Brunei, be sure to give roti a try!

ABC, a traditional dessert with shaved ice, sago pearls, red beans, grass jelly and corn

With BND1 in Brunei, you can buy a delicious bowl of ABC, a traditional dessert that is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. ABC, or Ais Batu Campur, is a local creation inspired by desserts from neighbouring Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It is the perfect treat to cool off during hot and humid weather.

ABC is made with shaved ice, providing a refreshing base for the other ingredients. The ice is traditionally prepared using an ice shaving machine, which was originally hand-cranked but is now more commonly motorised. The shaved ice is then topped with a colourful mix of ingredients, including sago pearls, red beans, grass jelly, and corn. The red beans add sweetness to the dessert, while the grass jelly provides a unique texture.

The dessert is then drizzled with sweet syrup, adding a burst of flavour to each bite. For those who want to indulge even more, condensed milk or a scoop of ice cream can be added on top. The dessert is best served immediately after assembly to enjoy the crispness of the shaved ice.

ABC is a very customizable dessert, and you can find tons of variations of it. It is also known as cucur jawa or cucur gula melaka in Sabah, and as kuih UFO due to its unique appearance. It is a popular dessert in Southeast Asian coffee shops, hawker centres, and food courts.

So, if you're ever in Brunei, be sure to try this delicious and refreshing traditional dessert, especially on a hot summer day!

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