Padungan Street, just a short walk from Kuching’s popular Waterfront, is known as the city’s premier food street — a bustling strip loved by locals and visitors alike. With everything from hearty local eateries to cozy cafés lining both sides, the hardest part is choosing where to eat. Here are three of our top picks, all well-loved by the people who live here.
Look for the gate Look for the gate by a cat statue—it marks the entrance to Padungan Street.
Little Hainan (小海南鶏飯館)
First up is Little Hainan, home to one of Malaysia’s most beloved comfort foods: Hainanese Chicken Rice.
The interior has a stylish yet nostalgic feel — think retro charm with a modern touch. Since opening in 2009, the restaurant has built a loyal following among both locals and tourists, and it’s not uncommon to wait for a table during peak hours.
Now, the star of the show: their signature Chicken Rice. The restaurant opens at 7:30 AM, but chicken rice is only served from 11:15 AM, so plan accordingly.
The chicken is tender and carefully prepared, with the rice soaking up every bit of that rich, savory flavor. Simple on the surface, deeply satisfying underneath — the kind of dish that stays with you. The lightly pickled cucumber on the side adds a refreshing crunch that ties it all together.
This is primarily a chicken rice restaurant, but BBQ Pork Rice (Char Siu) becomes available from noon.
That said, the pork may still be finishing up right at 12:00, so we’d recommend arriving around 12:30 if char siu is your goal. There’s also a combination plate with both chicken and BBQ pork for those who can’t choose.
The wall is lined with medals and certificates — a fitting display for a kitchen that backs its reputation with results. Definitely worth a visit.
Little Hainan
Address: Lot 53, Sec 50, KTLD, 207, Jln Padungan, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak
Hours: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
Hup Ho (合和)
Next is Hup Ho, a spot that’s only been open since 2024 yet has already earned a devoted following.
Step inside and you might do a double take — the space has the unmistakable feel of a workshop or garage. That’s because it used to be an auto parts shop, and the owners leaned into it: nuts, bolts, and industrial hardware are displayed as décor throughout the space. It’s unlike any café you’ve been to before.
Head further in and the atmosphere shifts again — a different vibe in the back section makes it feel like two venues in one.
The standout dish is their fried bihun (rice vermicelli) made with Money Chye (马尼菜, also known as Mani Cai) — a leafy vegetable native to Southeast Asia that’s closely associated with the Kuching region.
The mani cai brings a crisp-tender, and the bihun is packed with savory depth. A simple dish that’s quietly addictive.
The prawn fried rice is generously loaded with large prawns, and the braised pork noodle — finished with fragrant scallion oil — is the kind of dish that keeps you coming back.
Don’t skip dessert!
The tofu pudding topped with sweet red bean is lightly sweetened and comforting, while the passionfruit jelly is as pretty as it is refreshing.
The drinks menu is equally solid, so even if you’re just after a coffee break, Hup Ho is worth stopping by.
Hup Ho
Address: Lot 6, Section 52, KTLD, 164, Jln Padungan, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak
Hours: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM (Sun–Thu) / 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM (Fri & Sat)
Hong Kong Noodle House (香港麺粥家)
Our third pick is Hong Kong Noodle House — a place I had walked past many times before finally working up the nerve to go in. And, the polished interior gave off an impression of a fancy sit-down restaurant, and I had assumed the prices would match.
I was completely wrong. Inside, the elegant décor belies a menu that’s remarkably affordable.
Most noodle and rice dishes come in at around RM10 — a genuine surprise given the setting. The dish I order without fail every single visit is the Prawn Noodle Soup.
Plump, juicy prawns fill the bowl, and the careful preparation — including properly deveined shrimp — shows real attention to detail.
The broth is gentle and warming, but with a kick of garlic that gives it an edge. Just note: this dish is typically served as a dry noodle by default. If you’d like it with soup, make sure to specify “Prawn Noodle in Soup” when you order.
And if you’re looking for sheer value, the BBQ Pork Noodle at just RM7 is hard to beat — a generous serving of char siu over noodles at a price that feels almost too good.
Beyond individual bowls, the menu also features a good range of sharing dishes — great for groups looking to spread things out.
Solid food, honest prices, no fuss. This one’s a keeper.
Hong Kong Noodle House
Address: 93, Jln Padungan, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak
Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Note: Prices listed are as of the time of writing and may have changed. Please confirm with each restaurant when you visit.
