Singapore, 10 June 2025: Singapore’s bustling culinary landscape has a bold new contender, and it’s taking diners deep into the heart of one of the world’s oldest rainforests. Meet KANTIN, Singapore’s first and only Bornean restaurant — a brand-new escape nestled within the iconic glass dome of Jewel Changi Airport.
Brought to life by the acclaimed media house Sarawak Eye, the team behind the award-winning KANTIN at The Granary in Kuching, this new outpost on Jewel’s Level 5 is more than just a restaurant: it’s an immersive cultural voyage. Guests are transported into the tribal traditions, rich biodiversity, and untamed flavours of Borneo, a land home to over 300 indigenous headhunter tribes and ancient rainforests older than the Amazon.
And KANTIN’s arrival has not gone unnoticed. It has already been nominated for Asia’s Best New Restaurant 2025 at the prestigious World Culinary Awards — one of just two restaurants in Singapore to receive this honour, a testament to its unique blend of culinary authenticity and innovative storytelling.
An Enclave of the Rainforest
Step inside KANTIN and you’re instantly enveloped in an earthy, primal embrace reminiscent of Borneo’s dense jungles. The interior channels a traditional longhouse — rattan chairs, hand-carved wooden accents, and gentle straw umbrellas offer a rustic warmth. Overhead, bold red tassels and an arresting headhunter mask sculpture stand guard, connecting guests to Borneo’s powerful tribal heritage.
A luminous bar commands the centre of the space, adorned with bright yellow and white tribal patterns and crowned with a smoky charcoal-like sculpture — a dramatic nod to the mystique of ancient forest rituals.
Wander further and you’ll find hidden treasures: Sarawak’s prized black pepper, delicate cow bone necklaces echoing tribal warriors, and handwoven Selampai scarves that once danced on the shoulders of Sarawak’s women. These curated mementos invite curious diners to take home a piece of Borneo’s soul.
An Untamed Feast
At KANTIN, the culinary narrative is as evocative as the decor. Start your adventure with the signature Headhunter Pansuh Set, a deep dive into Dayak culinary tradition: succulent chicken simmered gently in a bamboo-style vessel, infused with rainforest herbs until melt-in-the-mouth tender. The set comes with purple Bario rice wrapped in banana leaf — a tribute to the Kelabit people of the highlands — alongside crisp keropok lekor and a rotating selection of piquant sides like Pusu Bawang (pickled onions and crispy anchovies) and Paku (wild jungle fern tossed with tangy belachan).
Seafood lovers shouldn’t miss the Umai Jellyfish, a ceviche-style dish inspired by the coastal Melanau tribe, or the Sotong Bakar from the Smokehouse menu: a whole squid marinated Dayak-style, chargrilled, and served with a punchy lepa sauce.
And then there’s the icon: the Sarawak Laksa, famously dubbed the “Breakfast of the Gods” by Anthony Bourdain. Here, it’s a masterclass in depth — creamy, aromatic broth crowned with prawns, tender chicken, and fresh herbs. Feeling adventurous? Try the wok-fired Superdry Laksa, where wok hei infuses every bite.
Vegetarians are in for a treat too. The Rainforest Fried Rice, fragrant with native herbs and torch ginger, is paired with crispy shiitake, cauliflower nuggets, and extra tapioca leaves for an earthy twist.
Sweet Endings, Wild Sips
KANTIN’s desserts are as tropical and inventive as its mains. The Coconut Dream layers tangy calamansi jelly, luscious coconut ice cream, and chewy crushed sago pearls — a beloved staple for the Melanau people. For something bolder, the Cempedak Ice Cream pairs creamy vanilla with rich cempedak sauce and savoury crumble.
Thirsty? KANTIN’s bar turns out a line-up of family-friendly drinks and Singapore-exclusive craft cocktails. The 3 Sour Crush, blending lemon, calamansi, and orange peel, is a zesty refresher, while the signature Sarawak Teh C Special surprises with the caramel depth of Gula Apong syrup, tapped from Borneo’s coastal Nipah palms.
For the spirited, seven bespoke cocktails await. Try the Borneo Sling, a tribal riff on the classic Singapore Sling featuring juicy Sarawak pineapple and Borneo rice wine. Or sip the Borneo Elixir, a rainforest-inspired rum negroni brimming with wild botanicals.
A Living Tribute to Borneo
Founder Carmen Toh sums it up best: “We want people to experience Borneo not just as a cuisine, but as a story. Every herb, every ancestral method — from bamboo cooking to smoky flame grilling — is our tribute to a way of life deeply entwined with nature.”
As Singapore continues to grow as Asia’s culinary hub, KANTIN stands apart: part restaurant, part time capsule, part living tribute to the age-old rainforests of Borneo. For travellers and locals alike, it’s not just another meal, but a journey into the jungle — no passport required.
KANTIN
Level 5, JEWEL Changi Airport
Open daily: 11 AM – 10 PM
