Soto is a traditional dish well-loved by Bruneians, made up of mainly broth, meat, noodles, and vegetable toppings of your choice. It’s said to have come from Indonesia, and soto is one of their national dishes, with creative variations based on the region. The most well-known is the Soto Ayam, which is similar to chicken noodle soup in the West.
Indonesia’s Soto Ayam is made with chicken broth infused in spices, coconut milk and turmeric – which gives the soup its distinct yellow colour. It’s served with rice vermicelli noodles, bean sprouts, shredded chicken and garnished with chopped scallions and fried shallots.
How does Soto Brunei differ?
There’s no right way to prepare soto, considering its many variations across our neighbouring countries, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Soto Brunei, on the other hand, is typically made up of a rich beef-based broth, meat (mostly chicken, beef, urat daging or hati buyah), and noodles (yellow noodles, rice vermicelli / bihun, or a combination of both—soto kawin). Top it off with the usual toppings of a boiled egg, beansprouts, fried shallots, and finely chopped scallions. Also, don’t forget to throw in as much lada rindu as you want in the broth!
Where do you go for Soto Brunei?
In Brunei, you can find Soto in most restaurants and cafes, ranging from affordable street-side hawker stalls to luxury hotel restaurants. To experience Soto the way the locals prefer it, some restaurants come recommended more than others. Unsurprisingly, the best places are entirely family-owned and the dish recipes are handed down from generation to generation.
1. Soto Pabo
Situated by the riverside, Soto Pabo offers heart-warming Soto and other traditional dishes with a scenic view of Kampong Ayer.
🌐 Visit their Instagram @sotopabo
2. Soto Haji Tuah
Soto Hj Tuah has been a household name in Tutong since 1964. His children have carried on his legacy by opening a shop front in Sengkurong, a unit in Gadong Properties, and another unit at Jerudong Park Food Court.
🌐 Visit their Instagram @soto.hjtuah
3. Soto Rosmini
Another family-run joint, Soto Rosmini was established in 1984 and has expanded their business through the years. You can find their specialty Claypot Soto at their restaurants in Menglait, Lumapas & Masin.
More Soto places on our TikTok
@apasajabrunei Replying to @Anddythe69ers remember when we had the Kolomee from Gerai Sarubing? This time we got their soto and its just as good 😍 dimana lagi bisai makan soto? #fyp #fypbrunei #brunei #bruneiiklan #bruneitiktok #foodtok #food #tiktokbrunei #kolomee #noodles ♬ Tolong – all
If you like our recommendations, follow us on TikTok!