Sabah is a beautiful state to travel to and enjoy luscious scenery. In fact, it’s also one of the top tourist spots in Malaysia because of the prestigious Mountain Kota Kinabalu. But, did you know that there is also excellent Sabah food to enjoy?
Time to equip your food-hunting gear because we’re about to uncover Sabah’s hidden gems that are hardly found elsewhere.
1. Dim Sum @Wong Kok
If you miss having an excellent dim sum breakfast, Wong Kok has you covered! Wong Kok was established in 2000 as a Chinese restaurant that specialises in making handmade dim sum and other Chinese cuisines. You can find dim sum ranging from prawn dumplings to chicken feet. Wong Kok also only has 3 outlets, but locals and tourists are always willing to travel great distances just to eat their hot and fresh dim sum off the cart.
Address: Lot 4, 5, 6 Wisma HCS, Jalan Kolam, Taman Luyang Phase 1, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Operating Hours:
Monday – 6:30am to 8:30pm
Tuesday – 6:30am to 8:30pm
Wednesday – 6:30am to 8:30pm
Thursday – 6:30am to 8:30pm
Friday – 6:30am to 8:30pm
Saturday – 6:30am to 8:30pm
Sunday – 6:30am to 8:30pm
Contact Information: 088-217 278
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WsXxA69sQTVpDXLA6
2. Seafood @Welcome Seafood
Welcome Seafood is one of the most popular tourist spots for seafood. Before the pandemic hit, Welcome Seafood would always be packed to the brim, even in the afternoons! They also claim that they’re the best seafood restaurant in Kota Kinabalu, and it isn’t a sham either. Their wide varieties of high-quality seafood, such as crabs, clams, prawns, cockles and even sea snails, perfectly represent Sabah’s natural affinity with fresh seafood.
Address: Lot G18, Komplek Jalan Asia City Phase 2A, Asia City, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Operating Hours:
Monday – 12:00pm to 11:00pm
Tuesday – 12:00pm to 11:00pm
Wednesday – 12:00pm to 11:00pm
Thursday – 12:00pm to 11:00pm
Friday – 12:00pm to 11:00pm
Saturday – 12:00pm to 11:00pm
Sunday – 12:00pm to 11:00pm
Contact Information: 088-447 866
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/5ysRJovyZrRMayq67
3. Italian food @Little Italy
Little Italy is one of Sabah’s national treasures because they’re one of the oldest and best restaurants in Kota Kinabalu. When you entire Little Italy, you’ll see that they stay true to their name with rustic brick interiors that temporarily transport you into Kota Kinabalu’s own Italy. This establishment stemmed from a warm Italian couple, and their passion for Italian food had brought them great success. Try their customisable options because their wide range of sauces and pasta types will open your mind to new combinations!
Address: Ground Floor, Hotel Capital, Jln Haji Saman, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Operating Hours:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Wednesday – 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Thursday – 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Friday – 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Saturday – 12:00pm to 10:00pm
Sunday – 12:00pm to 10:00pm
Contact Information: 088-232 231
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/S2m6qhGsYQYfDhdD9
4. Jothy’s Fish Head Curry Banana Leaf Restaurant
Jothy’s Fish Head Curry is one of the go-to places for authentic Indian cuisine in Kota Kinabalu. This Indian restaurant has been serving Indian cooking for more than 20 years, and they remain a favourite of the locals and the tourists. Many travellers praise Jothy’s Fish Head Curry for its deliciousness and become returning customers every time they travel to Kota Kinabalu! A must-have at Jothy’s Fish Head Curry is their Banana Leaf rice. It goes perfectly with their fried chicken and mutton!
Address: Block 1, Lot G1-0, 9, Api-api Centre, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Operating Hours:
Monday – 11:00am to 8:30pm
Tuesday – 11:00am to 8:30pm
Wednesday – 11:00am to 8:30pm
Thursday – 11:00am to 8:30pm
Friday – 11:00am to 8:30pm
Saturday – 11:00am to 8:30pm
Sunday – 11:00am to 8:30pm
Contact Information: 088-261 595
Location:https://goo.gl/maps/PLSrmGoAiyyzqTcD8
5. Western food @Shoney’s
Shoney’s has a signature quote: “Delicious starts here!” and they are never wrong. Locals love to frequent Shoney’s whenever they’re hungry for a slab of steak or something Western. Shoney’s is also within walking distance from Kota Kinabalu’s prestigious Gaya Street, which takes place every Sunday. The quality of Shoney’s food is also certified delicious despite being an American franchise operating in humble Kota Kinabalu. They’re always crowded with diners at night, so you’ll have to come early for a taste of their Western delicacies!
Address: Lot 52, Jalan Gaya, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Operating Hours:
Monday – 11:00am to 10:00pm
Tuesday – 11:00am to 10:00pm
Wednesday – 11:00am to 10:00pm
Thursday – 11:00am to 10:00pm
Friday – 11:00am to 10:00pm
Saturday – 11:00am to 10:00pm
Sunday – 11:00am to 10:00pm
Contact Information: 088-297 228
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/aduABBycDV6DGE1UA
6. Soya Bean Bun @Beanalicious
Lintas is home to many delicious eateries, and Beanelicious is one of them. At Beanelicious, you’ll be able to find the best Tau Fu Fah at one of Kota Kinabalu’s hidden gems. This humble shop is owned by a dedicated sibling duo, despite the fierce competition from many veteran competitors. However, their insights give them an advantage by introducing refreshing and innovative twists to their desserts. We recommend their Soya Bean bun because it’s the fluffiest bread we’ve ever tasted. They also come in various flavours, such as cheese and red velvet!
Address: 2, Jln Lintas, Lintas Plaza, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Operating Hours:
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – 8:00am to 4:00pm
Wednesday – 8:00am to 4:00pm
Thursday – 8:00am to 4:00pm
Friday – 8:00am to 4:00pm
Saturday – 8:00am to 4:00pm
Sunday – 8:00am to 4:00pm
Contact Information: 010-215 1501
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Vv3YMYnFy7UE48F46
7. Fried Chicken @Borenos
Established in 2015, Borenos Fried Chicken is Kota Kinabalu’s pride for being a local-grown fast-food chain. Although Borenos had to compete with international brands such as KFC and McDonald’s, they’ve met a lot of success through their fried chicken recipe that is not found elsewhere. What is their secret, you may ask? Their fried chicken has a distinct juiciness and crust that isn’t overdone. You’ll never find a fried chicken that is as juicy and perfect elsewhere in Kota Kinabalu!
Address: Kompleks, Lot G23, Ground Floor, Jalan Asia City, Asia City, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Operating Hours:
Monday – 9:00am to 10:00pm
Tuesday – 9:00am to 10:00pm
Wednesday – 9:00am to 10:00pm
Thursday – 9:00am to 10:00pm
Friday – 9:00am to 10:00pm
Saturday – 9:00am to 10:00pm
Sunday – 9:00am to 10:00pm
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/swd1PuziVvEN2TDs9
8. Coffee @October Coffee
October Coffee is one of the must-visit places in Kota Kinabalu because they make brilliant coffee and desserts. They’re also popular amongst the tourists and locals because they’re conveniently close to Kota Kinabalu’s Gaya Street. October Coffee is one of the best places to drop by after a good shop at Gaya Street, and they’re always jam-packed with people. We highly recommend their Green Tea Latte or a bite out of their Lemon Tarts; they’re absolutely delicious!
Address: 13, Lorong Dewan, Pusat Bandar, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Operating Hours:
Monday – 9:00am to 10:00pm
Tuesday – 9:00am to 10:00pm
Wednesday – 9:00am to 10:00pm
Thursday – 9:00am to 10:00pm
Friday – 9:00am to 10:00pm
Saturday – 9:00am to 10:00pm
Sunday – 9:00am to 10:00pm
Contact Information: 088-277 396
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/iyDmuLm5uCgtsNpk7
9. Bubble Milk Tea @Yoyo Cafe
Yoyo Cafe is another of Kota Kinabalu’s pride. Before they operated as a cafe, they were once a bubble tea shop, and there was only one outlet in the entirety of Kota Kinabalu. One can also consider them as the pioneers of bubble milk tea drinks in Kota Kinabalu because the arrival of prestigious brands such as Tealive, Chatime, Gongcha and many more only operated much later. Now that they’re a cafe, they’ve created more local favourites, such as their iconic mini croissants. It goes perfectly with a cup of milk tea with Yoyo cafe’s signature mini pearls!
Address: Lot 92-GF & 92-FF, Lorong Lintas Plaza, Phase 2C Lintas, Plaza, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Operating Hours:
Monday – 10:30am to 9:00pm
Tuesday – 10:30am to 9:00pm
Wednesday – 10:30am to 9:00pm
Thursday – 10:30am to 9:00pm
Friday – 10:30am to 9:00pm
Saturday – 10:30am to 9:00pm
Sunday – 10:30am to 9:00pm
Contact Information: 088-317 166
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/wombEsWhfZMy1EvT9
10. Ngiu Chap @Yii Siang Hainan Ngiu Chap
Established in 1993, Yii Siang Jainan Ngiu Chap has always been an iconic spot for some beloved ngiu chap. This restaurant had humble beginnings because they started as a stall before they upgraded into the restaurant they are today. The secret to their success can be attributed to the restaurant’s secret ngiu chap recipe, and they never disappoint. In addition, they’re famous for a unique innovation called “Laksa Ngiu Chap”, which marries the world of laksa and ngiu chap in perfect harmony.
Address: 21 Block C, Lorong Perindustrian, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Operating Hours:
Monday – 6:00am to 2:30pm
Tuesday – 6:00am to 2:30pm
Wednesday – 6:00am to 2:30pm
Thursday – 6:00am to 2:30pm
Friday – 6:00am to 2:30pm
Saturday – 6:00am to 2:30pm
Sunday – 6:00am to 2:30pm
Contact Information: 016-822 3982
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/gF5po5PdxFubzFDQ9
With our detailed guide, you won’t feel lost about Kota Kinabalu’s best eats! What are you waiting for? Kota Kinabalu is only a plane ticket away for you to enjoy their many restaurants!
