LOCATED in the vibrant heart of Kuching, Busang Jelini Long Panai is quickly becoming a food lover’s haven, offering an irresistible taste of authentic Orang Ulu cuisine.
For anyone yearning to savour the rich, bold flavours of Sarawak’s culinary traditions, this charming spot is a must-visit destination.
John Ngo, the cafe manager and a passionate local from Long Panai village, managed this cosy cafe when it opened in April 2024 to offer a taste of traditional Kayan dishes that are both affordable and bursting with flavour.
According to John, ‘Busang Jelini Long Panai’ means having a picnic with wonderful dishes of Long Panai on a pebble beach by a river — in the Kayan language — which also points out having a meal in a beautiful or nice place.
The cafe lives up to its name, bringing the rustic flavours of Long Panai to Kuching’s urban landscape.
John said the family-owned business was established in Miri over 10 years ago and decided to expand its business in April this year.
He explained that the concept behind Busang Jelini is centred around offering authentic Orang Ulu dishes, specifically the Kayan community.
“We wanted to share the food from our village with the people of Kuching. Dishes like ‘kasam babi’ (fermented pork) and ‘babi kicap’ (braised pork in sweet soy sauce), along with the flavourful ‘daun ubi’ (tapioca leaves), ‘sayur daun timun’ (cucumber leaf dish), and other traditional meals that we grew up with, and now we’re bringing them to the city,” said John.
daun ubi, pork leg, and steamed sultan fish
The cafe’s menu is a celebration of Kayan cuisine, offering a variety of traditional dishes that showcase the rich, bold flavours of Orang Ulu food.
Prices are carefully adjusted based on portion sizes, ensuring customers only pay for what they take.
“While our prices are modest, the food is anything but ordinary. The feedback we’ve received so far has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Our customers love the taste and the portion sizes, and many of them became our regulars,” John told Sarawak Tribune in an interview recently.
Overcoming challenges in the kitchen
Busang Jelini has quickly become a beloved dining spot in Kuching as it brings the rich and unique flavours of the village to the heart of the city.
But running the cafe hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles, according to John, is preparing the ‘kasam babi’ — a fermented pork dish that’s a favourite among locals.
‘itun uvek’)
“It’s a bit tricky to get it just right, but we’re dedicated to perfecting it. Every dish has a story, and we’re committed to offering the authentic flavours of our heritage,” he explained.
Despite these challenges, Busang Jelini has seen an incredible response from customers.
(left) pose for a photo
With a steady stream of patrons from morning until closing, the cafe’s small space is often packed. On weekends, lines of hungry diners can be seen waiting outside, eager to experience the unique flavours that have made the cafe so popular.
“We wake up early to prepare and cook the meals. We have suppliers for the raw ingredients to ensure we have fresh supplies daily,” he said.
With the cafe’s success, John has set his sights on business expansion.
“We’re looking to possibly open a larger location in the MJC area, which will allow us to serve more customers and offer a more comfortable dining experience,” he shared.
The new location is expected to accommodate more diners, allowing for a broader audience to try out and enjoy traditional Orang Ulu dishes.
A gem for food lovers
Busang Jelini Long Panai, situated at Jalan Abell, operates from 11 am to 8 pm, Monday to Saturday.
Although customers may sometimes have to wait for a table due to the cafe’s small size, the wait is well worth it.
with hot coffee together.
“We appreciate our customers’ patience. They understand that good food takes time and we’re grateful for their support,” John added.
“At Busang Jelini, the focus is not just on great food but on building a community.
“We want our customers to feel like they’re part of the family. We’re serving food just like we would back in Long Panai — with love and a sense of tradition,” John said warmly.
For those looking to experience something different in Kuching’s food scene, Busang Jelini is the place to go. From the earthy flavours of traditional Orang Ulu dishes to the warm hospitality, this cafe is a gem for anyone seeking an authentic, homegrown dining experience.
“We invite everyone to come and enjoy our food. We’re here to share the flavours of our village with you,” John said with a smile.
A taste of Long Panai in the heart of Kuching
Regular customers, like 28-year-old Winnie Tingau, have praised the food as being perfectly tailored to local tastes.
“The best, really delicious according to local tastes,” she said, giving the cafe a perfect 10 rating. As an Iban lady, Winnie’s endorsement speaks volumes about how well the dishes resonate with people familiar with traditional Orang Ulu food.
Easthereena Miloh, 24, another loyal customer, also gave the cafe a perfect 10 out of 10 rating, showcasing just how satisfied patrons are with the flavours and quality of the food at the cafe.
One of John’s staff, Dexter, fondly known as Loy by the team, also shared his experiences working at Busang Jelini.
Loy, a Bidayuh from Tebedu, helps with cooking as well as serving drinks to customers.
“I started working here in April this year. It’s been very enjoyable working here. Yes, John does address issues for us to improve, but it has been a fun journey so far,” he said, praising the cafe’s positive working environment.
Busang Jelini promises a unique, flavourful journey into the heart of Kuching, offering a taste of Long Panai’s best dishes, made with care and served with pride.
Don’t miss out — your next foodie adventure awaits!
