Fun fact: did you know that Borneo—the third largest island in the world—is home to over 200 Dayak ethnic groups, each with their own rich culture and cuisine? That means there’s a lot to see and even more to eat there, but if hopping on a flight on your cards, don’t worry: KANTIN is serving up a literal taste of Borneo here on our own little island, no passport needed!
Nestled within the iconic glass dome of JEWEL Changi Airport, KANTIN is Singapore’s first and only Bornean restaurant. This outlet is also the brand’s very first outside of Malaysia—but just like its Sarawakian flagship, it stays true to its roots, offering a diverse spread of authentic Borneo dishes, all meticulously prepared to honour the enduring traditions of Borneo.
Interior
The food isn’t the only thing that’s authentic though. The earthy, longhouse-inspired space of KANTIN is designed to channel the primal feel of Borneo’s rainforests, and through bold red tassels above and textured tiles below, the eye is immediately guided towards the restaurant’s interior.
Here, among the lush greenery and Sarawak rattan furnishings that add warm, tactile charm, a luminous bar steals the spotlight with vivid tribal motifs, smouldering charcoal, and a towering headhunter mask sculpture—anchoring the restaurant with the spirit of the island’s indigenous heritage.
Meanwhile, treasures of Borneo lie all around, whispering stories of its land and people. Just know that, whether it’s the famed Sarawak black pepper, intricate cow bone necklaces, or flowing traditional scarves, every item here is lovingly handmade by the communities who call Borneo home!
Authentic Bornean Bites
Once you’re seated, kick off your grand feast with some headhunter hors d’oeuvres from the aptly named Headhunter Pansuh Set—a deep dive into the island’s most well-kept culinary secrets. Traditionally cooked in bamboo over a fire, this centuries-old classic combines tender chicken, a platter of wild vegetables, and most importantly, nutritious purple rice!
The Borneo Bamboo Chicken was quite literally Chicken Soup for the Soul with its aromatic stew and soft, shredded meat. And while the side dishes may vary from day to day, I was lucky enough to get a flavourful trio of crunchy, umami Belachan Bamboo Shoots; grassy and fresh Paku ferns; and the salty yet savoury Pusu Bawang with fried ikan bilis.
And if you’re still craving more authentic Borneo bites, don’t miss the Borneo Smokehouse menu—a tribute to the distinctive barbecue traditions of its people. Highlights include the popular Sotong Bakar, a whole squid marinated with aromatic spices Dayak-style, along with the meaty Gula Apong Chicken Satay, glazed in the Sarawakian cousin of gula melaka.
KANTIN Signatures
Do also make sure to order the KANTIN Signatures too, especially the dish that not only won TasteAtlas’s Best Asian Food 2021 award, but was also hailed by Anthony Bourdain as a whole to be the “Breakfast of the Gods,” the Sarawak Laksa.
Known for its rich and aromatic broth crafted from over 30 kinds of spices and coconut milk, each bowl of laksa here is also generously topped with bouncy succulent prawns, tender poached chicken chunks, and slices of egg and lime. Alternatively, this classic can be enjoyed wok-fried style through the Superdry Laksa—but really, the soup version clears it by a mile.
But if you want to dine on a truly original KANTIN creation, go for the Rainforest Fried Rice, featuring Bornean wild herbs like tapioca leaves and torch ginger flowers. It also comes with a side of fried cauliflowers that are hands down the best I’ve ever eaten. Somehow, they’ve managed to get them to taste just like juicy prawns wrapped up in a crispy shell!
Drinks
Moving from beyond the plates and into the glasses, KANTIN’s adventurous spirit continues in a vibrant selection of both caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks, including my top three.
First up is the Kantin Kaffeine, which, surprisingly, doesn’t taste much like coffee at all. In fact, it isn’t overtly bitter or sweet either, but rather leans into a smooth, nuanced creaminess that’s unexpectedly satisfying. I presume that’s because there’s a lot of milk used. While your guess is as good as mine, it’s probably not too far off considering the next caffeinated creation you’ll see soon.
Before that, though, I have to introduce the Three Sour Crush: an invigorating ice-blended beverage of lemon, calamansi, and orange peel. Once again, despite the name, this drink wasn’t as lip-puckeringly sour as I had expected. Truth be told, it was a little sweet too, and I greatly enjoyed the pieces of pulp inside that added extra bursts of zest!
Finally—and perhaps most famously—it’s the Sarawak Teh C Special, KANTIN’s own take on the iconic three-layer tea made with gula apong, syrup, milk, and tea. For those who haven’t tried this Malaysian treat before, think of it as an elevated teh tarik—and I mean that as a compliment. Each layer brings a unique flavour and texture to the cup, and together? They just work.
Cocktails
But if you’re starting to think you’ll find everything here in Malaysia, think again! As part of the exclusivities only available in KANTIN’s JEWEL Changi Airport outlet, the restaurant is serving up seven cocktails that artfully marry the bold flavours of Sarawak and the spirit of Lion City.
Among them, the Borneo Sling offers a tribal twist on the classic Singapore Sling, blending tart pineapple with tuak, a traditional Bornean rice wine, for a malty yet punchy edge. Yes, this cocktail still carries that familiar citrusy gin kick, but compared to its local counterpart, it has a wilder, fuller tropical finish—perfect for a refreshing beachside escape.
Don’t just stop at the coast, though: venture deep into the jungle with the Cloud Forest as well! Crafted with rum and tuak, this hazy concoction truly lives up to its name in both look and taste. Plus, with its infusion of botanical herbs, it also offers a serene sip for those adventurous spirits craving a wilder escape, making it a favourite of mine.
Now, if none of that sounds strong enough, then the Borneo Elixir might just be up your alley. Comprising KANTIN’s own negroni of motherwort and jungle wart, one sip will surely have the wisdom of the wild coursing through you. And hey, if all else fails, there are four other cocktails to try along with a solid selection of craft beers to help you unwind and let loose!
Ready to dine with the headhunters yet? Well, now’s the perfect time—KANTIN has just been nominated for Asia’s Best New Restaurant 2025 at the upcoming World Culinary Awards! So if you enjoyed your meal, don’t forget to show some love and cast your nomination!
📍Location: 78 Airport Boulevard, #05-206/207 JEWEL, Singapore Changi Airport, 819666
⏰Opening Hours: 11am to 10pm
Besides that, all the latest updates on KANTIN at JEWEL Changi Airport can be found on their Facebook and Instagram pages. Have a grand Bornean feast, sampai ketemu!
Visuals courtesy of KANTIN.
