Singapore’s first Bornean restaurant, KANTIN at Jewel Changi, offers a bold dive into tribal flavours, jungle-inspired décor, and Sarawakian heritage. From smoky pansuh chicken to vibrant cocktails and rainforest rice, every dish shares a story. Discover a dining experience like no other, where tradition meets creativity in the heart of Singapore.
What happens when you mix centuries-old tribal recipes with a modern dining experience in the heart of Changi? You get KANTIN, Singapore’s first Bornean restaurant, where each plate tells a story from the deep jungles of Borneo. Tucked away on Level 5 of Jewel Changi Airport, this new culinary gem is not just a place to eat. It’s a complete sensory dive into Sarawak’s food, culture, and spirit.
Founded by the creative team behind the award-winning KANTIN at The Granary in Kuching, the Singapore outpost carries the same vision: to preserve and celebrate Borneo’s food heritage through storytelling and inventive cuisine. It has already caught attention, earning a nomination for Asia’s Best New Restaurant 2025 at the World Culinary Awards.
An Immersive Longhouse-Inspired Space
Stepping into KANTIN feels like entering an elevated jungle longhouse. The design is earthy, lush, and dramatic, with red tassels hanging like forest vines and rattan furniture that warms the space. A luminous yellow bar featuring playful tribal prints pulls you into the centre, while a smoky charcoal sculpture and an imposing headhunter mask pay homage to ancestral Bornean traditions.
All around, there are objects that transport you to the heart of Sarawak. Think handmade cow bone necklaces, vibrant Selampai scarves, and even bundles of fragrant Sarawak black pepper sourced straight from the rainforest. Every detail is carefully chosen, turning the restaurant into an interactive cultural gallery.
The Headhunter Pansuh Set and Jungle-Inspired Dishes
If you’re new to Borneo cuisine, the Headhunter Pansuh Set is a great place to start. The centrepiece is chicken slow-cooked in bamboo-style ware with fragrant jungle broth, a nod to the ancestral cooking methods of the Dayak tribe. Accompanying the main are vibrant sides—purple rice wrapped in banana leaf, crunchy keropok lekor, and seasonal Dayak dishes like pickled Pusu Bawang or Paku belachan, a tangy fern dish with wild chilli paste.
For seafood lovers, the Umai Jellyfish is a refreshing choice. It’s a ceviche-style dish inspired by the Melanau people, known for their seafaring lifestyle and light, fresh flavours.
Sarawak Laksa, the Breakfast of the Gods
You can’t talk about Borneo food without mentioning Sarawak Laksa. Once described by Anthony Bourdain as the “Breakfast of the Gods,” this dish is a bowl of comfort, tradition, and bold spice. At KANTIN, it comes with a thick, creamy broth, prawns, poached chicken, and slivers of omelette, accompanied by lime.
Prefer something with a smoky kick? The Superdry Laksa offers a wok-fried interpretation layered with intense wok hei, for a fiery alternative that’s just as satisfying.
Vegetarian? Try the Rainforest Fried Rice
Not to worry if you’re going meat-free. The Rainforest Fried Rice is a vegetarian’s dream, filled with jungle herbs like torch ginger and tapioca leaves, and paired with crispy cauliflower nuggets and shiitake mushrooms. It’s wholesome, flavourful, and unique to KANTIN’s Sarawakian roots.
Sarawak Desserts and Jungle-Inspired Sweets
For dessert, KANTIN turns native ingredients into tropical indulgence. Coconut Dream is one to try—it layers tart calamansi jelly with crushed sago and coconut ice cream for a creamy, zesty ending. The Cempedak Ice Cream, on the other hand, takes you deeper into the forest, pairing bold jackfruit notes with rich vanilla and savoury crumble.
Signature Cocktails You Can’t Get Anywhere Else
What sets KANTIN apart even further? The drinks. The 3 Sour Crush blends lemon, calamansi, and orange peel for a family-friendly refreshment, while the Sarawak Teh C Special features tart Gula Apong syrup from Borneo’s mangroves.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try one of KANTIN’s Singapore-exclusive cocktails. The Borneo Sling gives the classic Singapore Sling a tribal twist, blending Sarawak pineapple and rice wine. The Borneo Elixir mixes rum with rainforest botanicals, resulting in a bold, aromatic sip that lingers long after the last drop.
Why KANTIN Matters
KANTIN is more than a restaurant. It’s a tribute to a culture that values tradition, flavour, and storytelling. Every item from the slow-cooked meats to the smoky squid, from the indigenous décor to the exclusive cocktails, honours the spirit of Borneo while making it accessible to modern Singaporeans and curious travellers alike.
Whether you’re a foodie looking for something fresh or someone craving comfort with a twist, KANTIN delivers a memorable experience grounded in authenticity and imagination.
Conclusion
Singapore’s dining scene just got wilder, and KANTIN leads the way. It’s not just about eating differently—it’s about seeing food through the eyes of a tribe, a forest, and a culture rooted in harmony with nature. So the next time you’re at Jewel Changi, don’t just transit through. Take a moment, sit down at KANTIN, and let the jungles of Borneo come alive on your plate.
Curious enough to taste the rainforest?
