Get ready to embark on a delightful culinary adventure as Pantai Restaurant reopens its doors at The Empire Brunei. Every dish on the menu offers a perfect blend of Southeast Asian flavours, where each bite tells a story of culture, family, and sustainability.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply in search of a memorable dining experience, Pantai promises to take you on an unforgettable journey of taste and tradition.
Under the expert guidance of Chef Sam, Pantai Restaurant’s menu brings together the best of Southeast Asia’s street food culture, traditional favourites, and exciting new twists on well-loved classics. With every dish offering something unique, it’s a celebration of bold flavours and fresh ideas.
But what’s the inspiration behind this mouth-watering menu, and what makes it so irresistible? Let’s take a closer look at what truly sets Pantai apart.
A TASTE OF HOME
At Pantai Restaurant, the menu is a delicious reflection of Chef Sam’s heritage, blending the rich flavours of Southeast Asia with a personal touch. For him, food isn’t just about filling plates – it’s about bringing people together and offering a taste of home. Each dish is a heartfelt invitation to experience the flavours that shaped his culinary journey, with every bite telling its own story.
“Growing up, food was always central to family gatherings, especially during Chinese New Year,” said Chef Sam.
“Our chicken rice was a must-have for the reunion dinner – it symbolises unity and togetherness.”
Traditionally, this dish is served with a whole chicken on the bone, symbolising unity and the joy of sharing. Chef Sam, however, has reimagined this classic with a contemporary twist: tender, boneless chicken, perfectly cooked and served in bite-sized pieces for easy enjoyment.
With the first bite, the chicken practically melts in your mouth, offering an irresistibly tender and succulent experience.
“We’ve opted for boneless chicken to make it more accessible, without losing any of the tenderness,” Chef Sam shared.
Accompanying the chicken is a vibrant yellow rice, inspired by a famous chicken rice restaurant in Ipoh, Malaysia, which has been a local institution since 1957. The rice is infused with a subtle fragrance that enhances the dish’s overall flavour and colour.
The result is a modern, yet nostalgic, take on a beloved classic.
In addition to traditional flavours, Chef Sam is passionate about the blending of cultures.
His laksa is a true representation of this cross-cultural harmony – a delicious fusion of Chinese (rice vermicelli), Malay (herbs like lemongrass and turmeric), and Indian (spices such as curry powder) influences.
“It’s an aromatic, spicy dish that tells the story of Southeast Asia in a single bowl,” he explained.
Another standout on the menu is ikan bakar, a popular street food across Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia. Fresh fish is wrapped in banana leaves and grilled to perfection – a dish that embodies the simplicity and beauty of Southeast Asian street food culture.
SUSTAINABLY SOURCED, DELICIOUSLY SERVED
Pantai Restaurant also places a strong emphasis on sourcing ingredients locally, with a focus on sustainability.
“We strive to reduce our carbon footprint by supporting local farms and markets, and by sourcing fresh seafood from sustainable fisheries,” said Chef Sam. This not only ensures the highest quality ingredients but also helps contribute to the local economy.
By visiting local wet markets and fish farms, Chef Sam ensures that only the freshest ingredients make it to the plate, with optimal flavour and minimal environmental impact.
While Chef Sam’s dishes may appear simple at first glance, there are often unexpected techniques that elevate the flavours to new heights.
Take his laksa, for example. The prawn stock is made from fresh prawn shells, slow-cooked for two hours to extract maximum flavour. On top of that, Chef Sam dehydrates laksa leaves (daun kesum) to create a fine powder, which is sprinkled on the dish to enhance its aromatic qualities.
Finally, a few mint leaves are added to balance the heat from the spices, giving the dish a refreshing, cooling effect.
SUNDOWN AND SAVOUR
At Pantai, the dining experience goes beyond the food with its atmosphere that encourages guests to relax, unwind and enjoy the moment. The restaurant’s cosy ambiance, especially during sunset, sets the perfect mood for a meal.
With a team of knowledgeable and friendly staff, diners are guided through the menu with ease, and there’s always room for customisation. Whether you want your dish spicier or more subtle, the team at Pantai is happy to accommodate special requests.
What really sets the experience apart is the focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
“We aim to create dishes that are hearty and balanced, offering a little something for everyone,” said Chef Sam.
From vegetarian options to meat-lovers’ favourites, the menu is designed to satisfy all tastes.
FLAVOURS ON THE HORIZON
Looking to the future, Chef Sam has exciting plans to expand the menu.
“We’ll be exploring more Southeast Asian cuisines, including dishes from Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia. We want to continue embracing the diversity of flavours from the region,” he revealed. In line with Pantai’s commitment to sustainability, Chef Sam is also determined to increase the use of local ingredients, reduce food waste, and make the restaurant’s packaging more eco-friendly.
“It’s about making small changes that have a big impact,” he says.
Whether you’re enjoying the classic chicken rice or a spicy bowl of laksa, there’s always something new to discover at this cosy corner of Southeast Asia in the heart of the city.
So, if you haven’t yet experienced the magic of Pantai Restaurant, it’s time to book your table – and prepare for a feast like no other.
Follow pantai.restaurant on Instagram and for reservations please call 241 8888 or email restaurants@theempirebrunei.com. – Izah Azahari
