Hidden beneath the glass canopy of JEWEL Changi, KANTIN invites diners into the lush, untamed world of Borneo—through food. As Singapore’s first Bornean restaurant, KANTIN delivers an immersive culinary experience rooted in the ancient traditions of over 300 indigenous tribes, reimagined for today’s palate.

Brought to life by Sarawak Eye (the media team behind Kuching’s acclaimed KANTIN at The Granary), the restaurant fuses tribal authenticity with modern sensibilities. Their Changi outlet—just nominated for Asia’s Best New Restaurant 2025—is a love letter to Borneo’s rainforest, flavours, and fierce culinary identity.

A Jungle-Inspired Atmosphere

Step into a rainforest longhouse come alive—straw umbrellas, rattan furniture, bold tribal motifs, and even a dramatic headhunter mask sculpture make KANTIN more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. Tropical herbs, textiles, jewellery, and Borneo’s famed black pepper are scattered throughout, turning the space into a curated cultural encounter.

Dishes That Tell Stories

At the heart of the menu is the Headhunter Pansuh Set—tender chicken slow-cooked in bamboo-style ware, paired with purple rice wrapped in banana leaf, crispy keropok lekor, and rotating rainforest-inspired sides like:

• Pusu Bawang: Pickled onions with crispy anchovies

• Paku: Tangy Bornean fiddlehead fern

• Umai Jellyfish: A ceviche-style homage to Melanau sea tribes

(Left to right) Sarawak Laksa and Rainforest Fried Rice

The Smokehouse Menu takes a fiery approach with dishes like:

• Sotong Bakar: Grilled whole squid in aromatic Dayak-style marinade

• Sarawak Laksa: A spicy, rich noodle soup lauded by Anthony Bourdain

• Superdry Laksa: A wok-tossed, umami-packed version with smoky wok hei

Vegetarians will love the Rainforest Fried Rice, tossed with torch ginger, tapioca leaves, and served with crispy shiitake and cauliflower nuggets.

Desserts & Drinks: Jungle Meets Modern Indulgence

Desserts channel the tropics with:

• Coconut Dream: Calamansi jelly, coconut ice cream, and sago

• Cempedak Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla with a punch of cempedak and savoury crumble

Drinks go beyond the ordinary with family-friendly creations like the 3 Sour Crush and Sarawak Teh C Special, made with smoky-sweet Gula Apong syrup.

(Left to right) Borneo Elixir and Borneo Sling

Alcohol lovers can sip on one of seven Singapore-exclusive cocktails, like:

• Borneo Sling: A Sarawak-style twist on the Singapore Sling

• Borneo Elixir: A rainforest-spiced rum Negroni

“Every dish is meant to bring a piece of the rainforest to life,” says founder Carmen Toh. And with KANTIN’s blend of heritage and innovation, it truly does.

📍 Find them at Level 5, JEWEL Changi Airport

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Images: KANTIN