7 Tuak To Try This Gawai If You Wanna Celebrate Like A True Bornean

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Traditionally homemade and brewed from fermented glutinous rice, tuak has evolved beyond the kampung kitchen into something truly artisanal.

In recent years, a wave of passionate brewers has taken tuak to the next level, crafting everything from sweet classic blends to bold, fruity infusions, all while honouring Dayak heritage.

Ruai Rico specialises in flavour-packed, small-batch brews that are easy to drink but pack a cheeky punch. Their bottles are a popular pick at festivals and pop-ups across Malaysia, often selling out during Gawai — so jangan lambat if you spot them online or at markets.

P.S. Their wild honey flavour goes down so smoothly and is seriously delicious!

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As the name suggests, this one's all about refinement. Alus means gentle or smooth in several Bornean dialects, and that's exactly what this tuak delivers.

Tuak Alus takes pride in elegant, well-balanced brews that go down easy, whether you're sipping slowly or going full-on nyamai mode. They've also been known to experiment with fruit infusions, so keep an eye out for seasonal flavours!

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Named after the Bidayuh word for "drink", Ngirupp doesn't take itself too seriously, but their brews are the real deal. 

This indie brand often collaborates with artists and creators, bringing tuak into modern spaces like art markets and urban bars. 

Their small-batch blends often feature cheeky labels and funky infusions, making them a fun gift or party-starter this Gawai.

Think of this as the fine wine of tuak. Tuak Atelier approaches each brew like a curated project. Using traditional rice varieties and controlled fermentation techniques, they offer a more refined drinking experience that still pays homage to ancestral know-how. 

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"Ooh-haa!" — that's how the Iban say cheers, and with Ooh-Haa! Tuak, you'll have every reason to raise your glass. This brand is all about capturing the joyful, high-energy spirit of Gawai. 

Expect bold, sweet flavours and a taste that'll have your aunts and uncles asking for a second glass. They often sell fun flavours, such as pandan gula Melaka, cinnamon, and roasted oolong tea, among others. Great for gifting, even better for sipping (or let's be honest, guzzling).

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Endu means "woman" in Iban, and this female-led tuak brand isn't just breaking stereotypes — they're bottling boldness.

Endu Borneo blends traditional brewing methods with modern branding, creating tuak that's rich in flavour and heritage. Whether you prefer classic dry or sweetened variants, their lineup is a heartfelt nod to the strength and spirit of Dayak women.

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The name alone sounds like a ceremony, and the drink lives up to it. Spirits of the Harvest leans into the spiritual and cultural roots of tuak with rustic-style brews, thoughtfully aged and rich with earthy notes.

Perfect for slow-drinking and storytelling, while bonding with your family.

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