Step Into The Jungles Of Borneo With KANTIN Singapore

Deep within the gleaming glass dome of Jewel Changi Airport, a different kind of journey begins. At KANTIN Singapore, the nation’s first and only Bornean restaurant, dining becomes a cultural expedition through the ancient rainforests of Borneo, guided by flavours, stories, and tribal traditions. This award-winning culinary concept from Sarawak now finds a second home in Singapore, bringing with it a deeply immersive experience that’s part rainforest ritual, part culinary revelation.

A Feast Rooted in Rainforest Heritage

Founded by creative collective Sarawak Eye, KANTIN first made waves in Malaysia with its flagship at The Granary in Kuching. Now, the Singapore outlet carries forward its mission to introduce ‘jungle food’ to a global audience, blending ancestral knowledge with modern culinary expression. This bold vision has earned KANTIN a nomination for Asia’s Best New Restaurant 2025 by the World Culinary Awards—one of only two restaurants in Singapore to receive this prestigious nod.

KANTIN’s menu pays homage to the ancestral foodways of more than 300 indigenous tribes from Borneo. Every dish is a tribute to traditions that have thrived in harmony with nature for generations. At the centre of this culinary celebration is the Headhunter Pansuh Set—tender bamboo-cooked chicken served with purple rice wrapped in banana leaves, crispy keropok lekor, and rotating sides like Pusu Bawang (pickled onions with anchovies) and Paku (wild fern with tangy belachan).

Seafood lovers can savour the Umai Jellyfish, a ceviche-style dish rooted in the traditions of the Melanau sea-faring tribe. From the smokehouse, the Sotong Bakar offers a Dayak-inspired whole grilled squid marinated with rainforest spices and paired with house-made lepa sauce. And for those seeking comfort in spice, the Sarawak Laksa delivers a rich, herb-laden broth layered with prawns, poached chicken, and lime—a dish so iconic, even Anthony Bourdain dubbed it “the breakfast of the gods.”

Jungle Ingredients, Modern Flair

KANTIN doesn’t shy away from celebrating the wild. The Rainforest Fried Rice is a vegetarian showcase of Borneo’s bounty—stir-fried with native herbs, torch ginger flower, tapioca leaves, and paired with cauliflower nuggets and crispy shiitake. The Superdry Laksa puts a wok-fried spin on the classic, smoky with wok hei and irresistibly moreish.

End the meal with tropical-inspired desserts like the Coconut Dream, a layered cup of calamansi jelly, coconut ice cream and crushed sago, or the indulgent Cempedak Ice Cream with savoury crumble and house-made sauce.

Sips with a Tribal Twist

KANTIN’s beverage menu is just as adventurous. Sip on non-alcoholic creations like the zesty 3 Sour Crush or the beloved Sarawak Teh C Special, sweetened with Gula Apong from mangrove palms. Coffee lovers can enjoy the bold, rich KANTIN Kaffeine.

For something stronger, KANTIN introduces seven Singapore-exclusive cocktails that fuse rainforest botanicals and Southeast Asian spirits. Try the Borneo Sling, a reimagining of Singapore’s iconic cocktail featuring Sarawak pineapple and Borneo rice wine. Or go bold with the Borneo Elixir, a rum negroni with a jungle soul.

A Space That Speaks of Origins

Designed as an earth-toned Bornean longhouse, KANTIN’s interiors are as transportive as its menu. Red tassels sway above tribal-motif tiles, while a sculptural headhunter mask anchors the space. Wooden furniture, straw umbrellas, and curated artefacts—like bone necklaces and handwoven Selampai scarves—add layers of texture and story. A luminous central bar and smoky charcoal centrepiece give the space a ritualistic energy, drawing you deeper into the dining experience.

Plan Your Culinary Journey

KANTIN is located on Level 5 of Jewel Changi Airport. Step in and you’re stepping into Borneo—its tastes, stories, and soul. Follow @kantinjewel on Instagram for the latest updates, and discover why this rainforest-inspired restaurant is one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting culinary destinations.

As founder Carmen Toh puts it, “We want people to experience Borneo, not just as a cuisine, but as a story.” And at KANTIN, every dish does just that—one fragrant herb, charred squid, and smoky cocktail at a time.