The local food is a highlight. Look for patin bakar (grilled river fish) — the patin catfish from the Kahayan River is excellent. Nasi kuning (yellow rice with coconut milk) is the standard morning dish. Sop rotan, rattan shoot soup, is a Central Kalimantan specialty worth trying. Banjar food from South Kalimantan is widely available: soto Banjar (a fragrant chicken soup) and ketupat kandangan (rice cakes in a thick coconut fish gravy) are both good.
The Pasar Besar and Pasar Kahayan markets are the place to go for fresh produce, street food, and an authentic sense of the city's daily rhythms.