Sabah, known as 'The Land Below the Wind,' is Malaysia's easternmost state on the island of Borneo, celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity, towering Mount Kinabalu, and world-class diving at Sipadan Island. The state is home to over 42 ethnic groups, pristine rainforests, and wildlife including orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys.
Sabah's cuisine is a remarkable blend of Malay, Chinese, and indigenous Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, and Murut flavours, shaped by over 40 ethnic groups and exceptional access to fresh seafood. The state's proximity to the sea makes fresh fish, crab, and prawns central to the dining culture, while the interior communities contribute distinctive jungle vegetables, wild ferns, and indigenous fermented flavours. Signature Sabahan dishes — Tuaran mee, hinava ceviche, ngiu chap beef noodle soup, and bosou fermented bambangan — are unique to this state and cannot be found elsewhere in Malaysia.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Sabah.
Hinava
Raw fish cured in lime juice with ginger, shallots, bird's eye chilli, and bitter bambangan seed — Sabah's version of ceviche
Where to try: Kampung Air restaurants, Kadazan-Dusun festivals, Mari Mari Cultural Village
Price: $3-6
Tuaran Mee
Pan-fried hand-pulled egg noodles with char siu pork, eggs, and vegetables — unique to Tuaran town but served throughout Sabah
Where to try: Seng Hing Coffee Shop, Kedai Makan Kampung Nelayan (Tuaran)
Price: $2-4
Ngiu Chap
Sabahan-style beef noodle soup featuring slow-cooked beef brisket, tendons, and offal in a rich spiced broth — hearty and deeply satisfying
Where to try: Kedai Kopi stalls throughout KK and Sandakan
Price: $3-5
Kam Hiong Crab
Crab cooked in a rich, fragrant sauce of dried shrimp paste, lemongrass, chilli, and aromatic herbs — a Sabahan signature
Where to try: Welcome Seafood Restaurant, most Chinese seafood restaurants in KK
Price: $15-25
Bambangan Pickle
Wild jungle mango pickled with salt and fermented fish (bosou) — a tangy, pungent Kadazan-Dusun condiment served with rice
Where to try: Traditional Sabahan restaurants, Gaya Street Sunday Market
Price: $2-4
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Welcome Seafood Restaurant
One of Kota Kinabalu's most beloved seafood institutions with over 8,000 Google reviews, famous for its signature Kam Hiong (fragrant garlic-chilli) crab and wet butter tiger prawns cooked in a rich, creamy sauce. Multiple branches across KK with lively open-air settings.
Known for: Signature Sabahan-style seafood with local spices
Kompleks Asia City, Jalan Asia City, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
OITOM
Sabah's most acclaimed fine dining restaurant and Tatler Dining Award winner, OITOM (pronounced 'EE-tom', meaning black in Kadazan-Dusun) serves a creative tasting menu inspired by Borneo's ingredients — wild ferns, smoked river fish, heirloom rice, and jungle herbs — prepared with Michelin-level technique.
Known for: One of Malaysia's top 100 restaurants — modern Bornean cuisine
Block F, 2nd Floor, Signature Office, KK Times Square Phase 2, Coastal Highway, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Little Italy Restaurant
The oldest Italian restaurant in Sabah, a beloved institution at Hotel Capital with an extensive menu of 20 pasta sauces, authentic wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas, and Italian antipasti. Consistently packed with expats and tourists seeking comfort food quality at reasonable prices.
Known for: Authentic Italian in the heart of Sabah since the 1980s
Hotel Capital, Jalan Haji Saman, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Seng Hing Coffee Shop
A local institution serving traditional Sabahan breakfast and lunch dishes in a classic kopitiam (coffee shop) setting. Famous for its distinctive vermilion laksa and Tuaran mee — hand-pulled egg noodles with char siu pork, a uniquely Sabahan creation not found elsewhere in Malaysia.
Known for: Tuaran mee and Sabahan kopitiam breakfast
Taman Inanam Jaya, Inanam, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Kedai Kopi Yee Fung
A 40-year-old Kota Kinabalu institution beloved for its rich curry laksa, a soul-warming coconut milk and spice broth loaded with tofu puffs, cockles, shrimp, and noodles. Lines form before opening — arrive early to secure a table at this celebrated local breakfast spot.
Known for: KK's best curry laksa — a 40-year institution
Jalan Pantai, Sinsuran, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Fatt Kee Seafood Restaurant
A wallet-friendly local favourite known for its unusual fish noodle soup served in two distinct broths — tangy tomato base and fiery tom yam — with fresh seasonal fish, tofu, and vegetables. A great alternative to the touristy seafood restaurants without compromising on quality.
Known for: Fish noodle soup in dual broths — a local favourite
Jalan Raya, Taman Karamunsing, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Sinsuran Night Market
Kota Kinabalu's most popular evening street food destination, where dozens of stalls line the Sinsuran area grilling fresh lobsters, tiger prawns, squid, stingray, and local fish to order. Extremely lively atmosphere with locals and tourists sharing outdoor tables under the stars.
Known for: Fresh grilled seafood at open-air stalls by the waterfront
Sinsuran Complex, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
New Gaya Seafood Restaurant
Located 15 minutes from the city center in Inanam, New Gaya is where savvy locals go for fresh seafood at prices 30-40% below city center restaurants. The menu changes daily based on market availability, featuring Sabahan specialties like butter river prawns and claypot sea bass.
Known for: Fresh Sabahan seafood at local prices away from tourist areas
Inanam, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Chinese
Luyang Restaurant
A long-standing family-friendly Chinese restaurant in Kota Kinabalu's Luyang district, beloved for consistently fresh seafood, generous portions, and reasonable prices. The claypot yee mee noodles and deep-fried mantis prawn are local favourites.
Known for: Reliable local Chinese seafood at fair prices
Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Upper Star Restaurant
A popular Kota Kinabalu Chinese restaurant spread over multiple floors, known for excellent Cantonese roast meats including char siu, roast duck, and crispy pork belly. Busy at lunchtime with office workers who come for the roast meat rice plates.
Known for: Cantonese roast meats done to perfection
Jalan Pantai, Sinsuran, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Sim Sim Seafood Restaurant
Set over the water in Sandakan's Sim Sim Water Village, this open-air restaurant offers extraordinary freshness — the seafood is sourced from fish farms directly below. Unique dining experience with views over the water village and Sandakan harbour.
Known for: Fresh seafood dining above Sandakan's water village
Sim Sim Water Village, Sandakan, Sabah
Fat Cat Restaurant (Semporna)
Semporna's most popular Chinese restaurant among divers and travelers, serving generous portions of Chinese-Malay fusion dishes at excellent value. The prawn paste pork belly and ginger chicken are consistently praised.
Known for: Best value diners' restaurant in Semporna
Jalan Kastam, Semporna, Sabah
Nam Kee Restaurant
A trusted Chinese restaurant in Tawau serving reliable Cantonese dishes and wonton noodle soup — a speciality of this long-established eatery. Popular with Tawau locals and travelers passing through southeast Sabah.
Known for: Tawau's best wonton noodle soup
Jalan Utama, Tawau, Sabah
Wonton Mee Stall (Gaya Street)
A decades-old street stall on Kota Kinabalu's heritage Gaya Street serving fresh handmade wonton noodles in a clear chicken broth topped with char siu pork. A classic Sunday morning ritual for KK residents after the nearby Sunday Market.
Known for: Sunday-only handmade wonton noodles on heritage Gaya Street
Jalan Gaya, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Sasa Seafood Restaurant
A premium seafood restaurant in Kota Kinabalu's Damai area with a live seafood tank selection of lobsters, crabs, and groupers. Slightly upmarket atmosphere with dedicated service and excellent preparations of Sabah's premium marine produce.
Known for: Premium live seafood in upmarket surroundings
Damai, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Seafood
Restoran Kampung Nelayan Floating Seafood
A unique dining experience on a floating restaurant platform on Likas Bay offering seafood buffet dinners with live traditional dance performances. Popular with tour groups and families for the combination of fresh seafood, cultural shows, and scenic bay views.
Known for: Floating restaurant with cultural performances and seafood buffet
Likas Bay, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Grab-A-Crab
A modern seafood chain restaurant with multiple branches in Kota Kinabalu specialising in 'dirty' messy crab platters served in flavourful sauces including black pepper, salted egg, and Sabahan sambal. Fun casual dining experience with plastic bibs and communal tables.
Known for: Fun messy crab platters in bold Sabahan sauces
Kompleks Asia City, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Balin Restaurant (Sandakan)
A popular Sandakan restaurant serving very fresh local seafood including giant mud crabs, tiger prawns, and local fish prepared Sabahan-style with robust sambal and garlic sauces. Lively atmosphere and competitive prices make this an east coast favourite.
Known for: Fresh Sandakan seafood at fair east coast prices
Jalan Buli Sim Sim, Sandakan, Sabah
Dragon Inn Floating Restaurant (Semporna)
A floating restaurant at the famous Dragon Inn in Semporna serving fresh island seafood with views over the Semporna Archipelago. Popular spot for watching sunset over the limestone karst islands while dining on grilled fish and seafood.
Known for: Seafood dining with Semporna Archipelago sunset views
Dragon Inn Floating Hotel, Semporna, Sabah
Cantonese
Shang Palace
The signature Chinese restaurant at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort, celebrated for its exceptional dim sum brunch on weekends and refined Cantonese dinner menu featuring live seafood, Peking duck, and Hong Kong-style delicacies.
Known for: Finest Cantonese cuisine and dim sum in Sabah
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort, 20 Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Kiat Lee Restaurant
A long-established Cantonese restaurant in Kota Kinabalu serving classic home-style dishes including asam fish head, braised pork belly with yam, and steamed kampung chicken. Beloved by older KK residents and recommended for authentic, unfussy Cantonese home cooking.
Known for: Classic Cantonese home cooking in a no-frills setting
Jalan Pantai, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Teck Kee Restaurant
A multi-generational Cantonese restaurant in Kota Kinabalu serving traditional family-style dishes including sweet and sour pork, steamed tofu with minced prawn, and weekend dim sum. A comforting local dining staple with consistent quality.
Known for: Traditional Cantonese family cooking
Jalan Lintas, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Italian
Laverandah Italian Restaurant
A relaxed and genuinely Italian restaurant on the Sembulan coastal highway with a loyal local following for its handmade pastas, fresh pizza, and excellent wine list. The outdoor terrace is lovely in the evenings with sea breezes.
Known for: Authentic Italian in a relaxed coastal setting
Block A1, 1st Floor, Sutera Avenue, Sembulan, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Gusto Food & Wine
A highly rated Italian-European fine dining restaurant in Kota Kinabalu known for excellent steaks, fresh pasta, and an outstanding wine cellar. The Tiramisu is considered the best in Sabah by regular patrons, and the intimate setting makes it ideal for special occasions.
Known for: Finest steaks and Italian cuisine in Sabah with exceptional wine list
Jalan Haji Saman, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
American
The Chubs Grill
A stylish American-style grill restaurant in Kota Kinabalu with beautifully decorated interiors, creative burgers, excellent steaks, and thick-cut ribs. Popular with expats and locals seeking Western comfort food done exceptionally well.
Known for: Best burgers and grilled meats in Kota Kinabalu
Jalan Lintas, Kepayan, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
British Colonial
English Tea House & Restaurant
A charming colonial-style restaurant in Sandakan set in a heritage building with sweeping views over Sandakan Bay, serving traditional British afternoon teas, scones with clotted cream, and Western mains in an elegant garden setting. A wonderful Sandakan landmark.
Known for: Colonial-era afternoon tea with Sandakan Bay views
2002 Jalan Istana, Sandakan, Sabah
Cantonese Bakery & Dim Sum
Keng Wan Hing
A beloved Kota Kinabalu bakery and dim sum shop on Gaya Street, open since the 1950s, serving freshly steamed bao buns, baked pastries, har gow dumplings, and traditional Cantonese noodles. A true slice of old KK that remains beloved across generations.
Known for: Heritage Cantonese bakery open since the 1950s
Jalan Gaya, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Fusion
Enak KL (Kota Kinabalu Branch)
A popular Malaysian modern dining concept at Sutera Avenue serving refined interpretations of classic Malaysian dishes — nasi kerabu, rendang, and satay lilit — in a stylish, air-conditioned setting. Great for experiencing Malaysian flavours in a comfortable environment.
Known for: Modern Malaysian classics in a relaxed upmarket setting
Sutera Avenue, Sembulan, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Hawker Centre Mixed
1 Borneo Hawker Centre
A large air-conditioned hawker centre at 1 Borneo Hypermall in Kota Kinabalu featuring 30+ stalls serving Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Sabahan dishes under one roof. Great for groups with varied tastes and budget-conscious dining.
Known for: All-in-one hawker centre with Sabah's diverse cuisine
1 Borneo Hypermall, Jalan Sulaman, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Indian
Sri Jaya Tandoori Restaurant
Kota Kinabalu's best Indian restaurant serving authentic North Indian tandoori dishes, biryanis, and rich curries. The butter chicken and garlic naan are particularly praised, and the lunch thali sets offer exceptional value.
Known for: Authentic tandoori and Indian curry in Kota Kinabalu
Jalan Pantai, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Malay
Sri Selera Restaurant
A popular Malay restaurant in Kota Kinabalu serving traditional nasi campur (mixed rice) with a rotating selection of curries, sambal dishes, and vegetable preparations. The Ikan Bakar Kota Belud (charcoal-grilled fish with sambal) is a house speciality.
Known for: Traditional Sabahan Malay home cooking
Jalan Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Malay Nasi Padang
Restoran Minang (Kudat)
A humble but excellent Minangkabau-style Nasi Padang restaurant in Kudat offering fragrant rendang, sambal ikan, and vegetable dishes heaped with coconut rice. Great fuel before or after visiting the Tip of Borneo.
Known for: Authentic Minangkabau rice and curries in Kudat
Jalan Lo Thien Chok, Kudat, Sabah
Malay Street Food
Satay Ikan Api-Api Night Market
A Friday and Saturday night market in the Api-Api area featuring dozens of Malay stalls selling satay, nasi lemak, kuih-muih (traditional sweets), and Sabahan grilled items. Beloved by locals as a social eating destination on weekend evenings.
Known for: Vibrant Malay night market with local street food
Api-Api Centre, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Malaysian Street Burgers
Burger Bakar Abang Burn (KK)
A popular Malaysian-style grilled burger stall in Kota Kinabalu serving charcoal-grilled beef patties stuffed into soft buns with coleslaw, egg, and the signature spicy chilli peanut sauce — a late-night street food institution.
Known for: Malaysian-style charcoal grilled street burgers
Jalan Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Mexican
El Centro
A vibrant Mexican-fusion bar and restaurant in KK's entertainment hub, popular for its creative tacos, nachos, and margaritas. The lively outdoor terrace becomes a social hub on weekend evenings, attracting expats and travelers alike.
Known for: Best Mexican-fusion and margaritas in KK
Jalan Haji Saman, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Sabahan Kopitiam
Kedai Kopi Fajar
An authentic old-school kopitiam in downtown Kota Kinabalu serving hearty Sabahan breakfast classics including roti bakar (toasted bread with kaya butter), half-boiled eggs, and strong Sabah coffee. Beloved by local office workers as the city's best morning fuel stop.
Known for: Classic Sabahan kopitiam breakfast
Jalan Pantai, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Sabahan Local
Kedai Makan Kampung Nelayan (Tuaran)
A rustic open-air restaurant in Tuaran town north of KK serving authentic Tuaran Mee — the birthplace of this iconic Sabahan noodle dish — along with fresh local river fish and traditional Kadazan-Dusun accompaniments.
Known for: Original Tuaran Mee — from the town that invented it
Jalan Tuaran, Tuaran, Sabah
Traditional Sabahan
Restoran Sri Selera Kampung Air
A waterfront restaurant in Kota Kinabalu's water village area serving traditional Sabahan dishes including hinava (raw fish cured in lime with chilli and ginger), ngiu chap (beef noodle soup), and butod (sago worm — for the adventurous). Authentic flavours and local prices.
Known for: Traditional indigenous Sabahan cuisine including exotic delicacies
Kampung Air, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Food tours & tastings in Sabah
Eat your way through Sabah with a guide.
Browse food experiences in SabahWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Satay
Grilled skewers of chicken or beef with peanut sauce and cucumber-onion relish, sold at night markets throughout KK
Find it at: Api-Api Night Market, Sinsuran area
Nasi Lemak
Coconut-steamed rice with sambal, fried anchovies, cucumber, and egg — the Malaysian national dish sold at KK morning stalls
Find it at: All kopitiam and morning markets
Char Kuey Teow
Wok-fried flat rice noodles with cockles, bean sprouts, chives, and soy sauce — often made with generous amounts of seafood in Sabah
Find it at: Night markets and hawker centres
Ambuyat
Sticky sago paste rolled around a bamboo fork and dipped into sour fish soup or sambal — the Murut staple unique to Borneo
Find it at: Mari Mari Cultural Village, traditional Murut restaurants
Pisang Goreng
Crispy battered deep-fried banana fritters served hot — the quintessential Malaysian afternoon snack
Find it at: Street stalls throughout Sabah
Cucur Udang
Crispy prawn fritters with chilli dipping sauce — a popular tea-time street snack in Sabah
Find it at: Night markets and roadside stalls
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Gaya Street Sunday Market
KK's most famous weekly market with food stalls selling fresh produce, local snacks, and indigenous foodstuffs alongside crafts and clothing
Hours: 6:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Sundays only)
Sinsuran Night Market
Evening seafood market with grilled fresh catches; one of KK's must-visit dining experiences
Hours: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Api-Api Night Market
Weekend Malay food market with satay, kuih, and Sabahan specialties
Hours: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM (Fri-Sat)
Kota Belud Tamu
Sunday traditional market with indigenous produce, honey, jungle herbs, and local snacks from 42 ethnic groups
Hours: 6:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Sundays)
Sandakan Central Market
East coast's main fresh produce and fish market — best at dawn when fishing boats unload the day's catch
Hours: 5:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch is the main meal in Sabah — many restaurants offer better value sets at lunchtime
Fresh seafood prices are per 100g — always confirm the total before ordering live seafood
Kopitiam (coffee shops) open early from 6-7 AM and are best for budget breakfasts
Credit cards are accepted at restaurants in hotels and malls; many local eateries are cash-only
Tipping is not customary in Sabah but appreciated for exceptional service (5-10%)
- Vegetarian
- Limited vegetarian options outside Chinese vegetarian restaurants; always specify 'no meat' clearly as dishes may contain hidden seafood or meat stocks
- Halal
- Most Malay and Indian restaurants are halal; Chinese restaurants may serve pork; look for the JAKIM halal certification
- Gluten free
- Rice-based dishes are naturally gluten-free; soy sauce contains gluten — specify allergies when ordering noodle dishes
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $3-6 per meal | Kopitiam, hawker centres, and night market stalls serving local dishes |
| Mid-range | $12-25 per meal | Chinese seafood restaurants and casual international dining |
| Upscale | $50+ per meal | Fine dining at OITOM, Shang Palace, or hotel restaurants |