Food

A Guide to Sabahan Delicacies & Iconic Dishes Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, is a food lover’s paradise. Known for its fresh seafood, rich local flavors, and unique fusion of Malay, Chinese, and indigenous cuisine, the city offers an incredible gastronomic experience. Whether you’re looking for street food, local delicacies, or high-end dining, this guide will take you through the must-try dishes and where to find them. 1. Tuaran Mee – The Famous Egg Noodles 🍜Originating from Tuaran, this dish features springy egg noodles stir-fried with eggs, barbecued pork (non-halal), seafood, and vegetables. 📍Where to Try: Tuaran Mee Restaurant, Kedai Kopi Yee Fung. 2. Sabah Seafood – Fresh from the Ocean 🦐Kota Kinabalu is famous for its fresh seafood, including butter prawns, salted egg crabs, and grilled fish. 📍Where to Try: Welcome Seafood Restaurant, Gayang Seafood Restaurant. 3. Hinava – Traditional Kadazan-Dusun Dish 🐟A refreshing raw fish salad mixed with lime, ginger, and chili, similar to ceviche. 📍Where to Try: D’Place Kinabalu, Kampung Nelayan Seafood Restaurant. 4. Seafood Bak Kut Teh – A Unique Sabahan Twist  (NON HALAL) 🍲Unlike the traditional pork version, this dish uses fresh seafood in a flavorful herbal broth.📍Where to Try: Sinsuran Sang Nyuk Mee, Yu Kee Bak Kut Teh. 5. Latok – Sea Grapes (Sabahan Superfood) 🥗A type of seaweed often served fresh with sambal and lime. 📍Where to Try: Filipino Market, Welcome Seafood Restaurant. 6. Sinalau Bakas – Smoked Wild Boar (NON-HALAL) 🐖A traditional Kadazan-Dusun delicacy, usually marinated and smoked over wood fire. 📍Where to Try: Roadside stalls along Jalan Tamparuli-Kundasang. 7. Coconut Pudding – A Refreshing Dessert 🥥A silky, smooth coconut pudding served in a coconut shell. 📍Where to Try: Anjung Senja Food Court, Mango Garden Restaurant. 8. Pinasakan – Traditional Braised Fish 🐟Braised fish cooked with takob-akob (fermented fruit) and turmeric. 📍Where to Try: D’Place Kinabalu, local kampung eateries. 9.  Ulat Mulong (Sago Worms) For adventurous eaters! These protein-rich larvae are traditionally eaten raw or deep-fried and are a popular indigenous dish among the locals. 📍Where to Try: ✔️ D’Place Kinabalu – One of the best places in Kota Kinabalu to try Butod, served raw or fried as part of their traditional Kadazandusun buffet.✔️ Gayang Seafood Restaurant – Occasionally serves Butod upon request, fried for a crispy and flavorful experience.✔️ Tamu Markets (Donggongon or Gaya Street Sunday Market) – If you’re lucky, you can find fresh Butod sold by local vendors for an authentic experience. 10. Kuih CincinA popular Sabahan snack made from rice flour and palm sugar, shaped like rings and deep-fried to crispy perfection. It has a delightful caramelized sweetness and is often enjoyed with coffee or tea.📍 Where to Try: Tamu (local markets) like Gaya Street Sunday Market or Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market Kota Kinabalu is a food lover’s dream destination, offering a mix of traditional Sabahan flavors and fresh seafood. Whether you’re exploring bustling night markets or dining at top seafood restaurants, your taste buds are in for a treat! 🌍 Ready to embark on your food adventure in KK? Share your favorite food experiences in the comments below! 🍽️✨ TEMPAH PAKEJ ISLAND HOPPING & SUNSET WATERSPORTS WITH US!​ Read more Package A – Island Hopping Rated 0 out of 5 RM55.00/guest Read more Package K – Sunset Watersport Parasailing + Jetski Rated 0 out of 5 RM170.00/guest Read more Package J – Sunset Watersport Banana Boat + Parasailing + Jetski Rated 0 out of 5 RM200.00/guest Read more Package I – Sunset Watersport Banana Boat + Jetski Rated 0 out of 5 RM130.00/guest Q&A 1. Where can I find the best seafood in Kota Kinabalu? Kota Kinabalu is famous for its fresh seafood! The best places to enjoy seafood include:✔ Welcome Seafood Restaurant – One of the most popular seafood spots with live tanks.✔ Gayang Seafood Restaurant – Known for fresh crabs, prawns, and sea grapes (Latok).✔ Kampung Nelayan Floating Seafood Restaurant – Offers delicious seafood with a cultural performance. 2. Is street food safe to eat in Kota Kinabalu? Yes! Street food in Kota Kinabalu is generally safe, but to ensure the best experience:✔ Choose stalls with high customer turnover (fresher food).✔ Avoid seafood stalls if the food doesn’t look fresh.✔ Drink bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues. 3. What is the best time to visit food markets in Kota Kinabalu? The best times to visit food markets are: ✔ Gaya Street Friday & Saturday Night Market– Open in the evening (6PM – 12 AM) for fresh local snacks and delicacies, and live street singing & arts performances✔ Gaya Street Sunday Market – Early morning (6 AM – 10 AM) for fresh local snacks and delicacies.✔ Filipino Night Market – After 6 PM for grilled seafood and barbecued delights.✔ Sinsuran Night Market – Ideal for dinner, seafood feasts, and local desserts. 4. Are there any vegetarian-friendly options in Kota Kinabalu? While Kota Kinabalu is known for its seafood and meat dishes, there are still great vegetarian options:✔ Vegetarian Tuaran Mee – Some places offer a meat-free version of this dish.✔ Ulam-Ulam (Local Herbs & Greens) – Served with sambal for a fresh, healthy meal.✔ Vegetarian Buffets – Found at places like Beyond Veggie and ZenQ Desserts. 5. Is it easy to find halal food in Kota Kinabalu? Yes! Kota Kinabalu has a large Muslim population, making it very easy to find halal food. Some of the best halal-friendly places include:✔ Sri Lido Seafood Restaurant – A great spot for fresh halal seafood.✔ Restoran D’Place Kinabalu – Serves traditional Sabahan halal dishes like hinava (without alcohol) and bambangan pickles.✔ Naan-Flavours of India – Perfect for those craving authentic halal Indian cuisine.✔ Kak Nong Restaurant – Famous for Malay and Thai fusion dishes.✔ Night Markets (Pasar Malam) – Many vendors serve halal grilled seafood, satay, and traditional kuih. Kota Kinabalu is famous for its fresh seafood! The best places to enjoy seafood include:✔ Welcome Seafood Restaurant – One of the most popular seafood spots with live tanks.✔ Gayang Seafood Restaurant – Known for fresh crabs,