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The Best Coffee Shops in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

Coffee in a cafe
Coffee in a cafe | © pxhere

Brunei’s capital has some of Asia’s finest Islamic architecture, a sprawling stilted village, hardly any tourists, and some amazing coffee. Discover the best coffee shops in Bandar Seri Begawan, from local Kopitiam-style cafés and famous chains to the best places to go on a rainy day.

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Piccolo Café

Cafe, Asian, Dessert, $
This classy café sits on the Waterfront overlooking Kampong Ayer. With a proboscis monkey on their logo and cowboy-style swing doors, Piccolo is easy to find on Jalan McArthur. Expect a combination of light food, drinks and lots of cakes. Our favourites include the Lavender Latte and Iced Onde Onde Latte (a shot of espresso mixed with chendol). Come here for a cold drink in the late morning after sightseeing to cool down. This café is also a favourite spot for those with 48 hours in Bander Seri Begawan.

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Brunei

Cafe, Pastries, Dessert, $

A popular franchise known for serving good coffee

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in central Bandar Seri Begawan has a prime location within walking distance of the capital’s main attractions. Popular with tourists, you can order a variety of coffee and teas, including their signature iced blended drinks. This is one of our recommended coffee shops in Bandar Seri Begawan to chill out in the late afternoon and the chance to mingle with other travellers.

Mei Kong Coffee Shop

Cafe, Coffee Shop, Asian

Enjoy some local teh tarik at much cheaper prices

For a traditional Kopitiam experience, head to Mei Kong Coffee Shop located a few blocks north of the Waterfront. Not only is this a local’s top café in Bandar Seri Begawan, but it also offers more of a cultural experience. Malays and Bruneians like to sit and chitchat over a Nescafé ice or teh tarik (milk tea poured at height between two glasses to give a creamy texture). Drink prices are lower than the bigger name coffee shops too. If you’re feeling hungry and want a drink with lunch, we suggest heading to Mei Kong (try the kue teow goreng).

Gong Cha

Bubble Tea Shop, Cafe, Asian
While Gong Cha isn’t technically a coffee shop, it is one of the best places in Bandar Seri Begawan for tea lovers. The tea house near Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque offers the biggest selection of milk and bubble tea in the capital. Stop by for half an hour to enjoy the Taiwanese speciality after visiting Brunei’s largest mosque.

The Krema Café

Cafe, Dessert, European

Relax in their cosy ambience and enjoy some aromatic coffee

What started off as an Instagram delivery service has transformed into one of the top speciality coffee shops in Bandar Seri Begawan. Walk up the steps and follow the strong aroma of roasting coffee beans into Krema Café’s classy interior. Dark wooden tables and exposed brick walls create a cosy ambience with a slight European flair. This is a favourite spot with the younger generation and hipsters in Brunei who want the very best coffee.

Peppermint Café

Cafe, Restaurant, Asian, Fusion
Peppermint combines a coffee shop with a fusion-style restaurant. With a variety of drinks and both Asian and Western food, the café bursts with locals at all times of the day. The quirky interior uses exposed brick walls with wooden decorations to resemble a European garden. Despite sitting a few kilometres from the city centre, we think it’s worth the effort for a meal and drink. This is one of our top coffee shops in Bandar Seri Begawan for families looking to combine a drink with a meal.

Infinitea

Bubble Tea Shop, Asian, Dessert

Another great place to enjoy a variety of Bubble Tea

If you’re planning to visit Gadong Night Market, walk a few blocks to nearby Infinitea. The bubble tea shop serves a variety of iced drinks to enjoy inside or takeaway. Check out their signature Gula Melaka, which comes as a milk tea blended with ice and bits of jelly. Nothing can be more refreshing on a steamy Bruneian evening than a cold cup of bubble tea.

Games & Lattes

Cafe, Dessert, European, Asian

Play with boardgames instead of your phone at Games and Lattes

Games & Lattes allures customers with a refreshing concept: play with our board games rather than on your phone. Instead of the more conventional coffee shops in Bandar Seri Begawan, where customers order a drink and become immersed in their own world, this one encourages interaction. Staff wander around explaining how to play the board games. This is a cosy place to unwind on a rainy afternoon for families or anyone looking for a new experience. It’s easy to strike a conversation with the chatty staff or other customers. Order a latte and their signature chocolate gelato and enjoy!

About the author

Sam is a self-confessed travel addict who loves exploring the places most tourists don’t covering just over a third of the world's countries to date. When he’s not travelling, he’s writing. When he’s not writing, Sam follows his other passions in life: long distance running and reading.

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