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1) BBQ Pork Rice 2) Tom Yam Noodles 3) Beaufort Noodles 4) Fish Head Noodles 5) Fish Head Noodles 6) Claypot Noodles and Pan Mee 7) Chicken Chop Noodles 8 ) Creamy Buttered Crab 9) Golden Aroma Chili Crab 10) Deep Fried Pork Noodles 11) Coconut Pudding 12) Tom Yam Noodles 13) Roti Kahwin 14) Pork Dumpling 15) Sesame Snap 16) Tuaran Noodles 17) Roasted Duck Noodles 18) Seafood Noodles 19) Tenom Noodles 20) Tom Yam Fried Rice 21) Golden Egg Yolk Coated Prawn 22) Spicy Chicken Rice 23) Beef Brisket Noodles 24) Sheng Rou Mian 25) BBQ Chicken Wing 26) Grilled Sting Ray 27) Bak Kut Teh 28) Fish Paste Noodles 29) Chun Gain 30) Polo Bun 31) BBQ Pork Rice 32) Tom Yam Noodles 33) Fish Noodles 34) Kuay Chap 35) Baked Norwegian Salmon 36) Zuppa Di Mare 37) Chicken Rice 38) Laksa Noodles 39) Ais Kacang 40) Pork Steamed Bun 41) Prawn Noodles 42) Baked Cheese Crab 43) Custard Bun
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BBQ Pork Rice 叉烧饭 (RM5.00)
Photo credit: varf
Available during: Lunch only
Description: Also known as “Char Siu”, which means “fork burn/roast” (Char being fork and siu being burn/roast) after the traditional cooking method for the dish: long strips of seasoned boneless pork are skewered with long forks and placed in a covered oven or over a fire.
The pork is BBQ’ed with mixture of honey, five-spice powder, fermented tofu (red), dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce until slightly charred, Served with a bowl of fragrant rice with extra sauce added on char siu to make it even tastier.
You can also try the roast pork 烧肉.
There are many similar restaurants that serve BBQ pork and roast pork – this is definitely one of the top choices.
Address:
Kedai Kopi Gunung Emas
Foh Sang, behind Milimewa Supermarket.
Golden Aroma Chili Crab 金香蟹 (RM28 per kilo)
Photo credit: flickr
Available during: Dinner only
Description: Also known as Kam Hiong Hai. Fresh crabs prepared with curry spices in a hot wok. The spices are heated in order to release all the potential flavour, curry leaves are added, and stir fried with crabs to perfection.
The crab voluntarily died for this dish because it is happy to be covered by the awesome spices.
When mentioned “best place to have crab”, local people usually only mention one restaurant – New Luyang restaurant. My most favourite way to prepare a fresh crab dish is definitely kam hiong.
Address:
(Next to BP petrol station. Same row with Luyang Police station.)
New Luyang Restaurant
Shop No.1, Luyang Phase 1, Jalan Kolam.
88300 Kota Kinabalu,
Sabah.
Contact: 088-252431
Roti Kahwin (RM1.20)
Available during: Whole day
Description: Incredibly soft and fresh white bread that is served with slices of cold butter and kaya (coconut and egg). The bread, cold butter and kaya melts with every bite. You can’t get enough of these.
One of the legends in Kota Kinabalu – the restaurant revolutionised the whole street into a “food street”. Stalls and restaurants were setup in order to cater to the demands of the attracted crowds.
Must try: Teh C Ping. The awesomest milk tea in Kota Kinabalu.
Address:
Kedai Kopi Fu Yuan
(Beside Sabah88 Lottery)
Block A, Lorong Ruang Pokok Kayu Manis 1,
Damai Plaza, 88300, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Beef Brisket Noodles (RM6.00)
Available during: Breakfast and lunch
Description: Also known as “Ngiu Chap” by the locals. The beef noodles consists of noodles, beef and broth, also cilantros for extra tang.
The quality of beef noodles is mainly determined by tenderness of the beef and also the richness of the beef broth. If both are in high quality, you’ll get a perfect bowl of beefy noodles soup that makes you crave for more.
Address:
Kah Hiong Ngiu Chap 家乡牛什
2-0-10, Block A, Ground Floor, Kolam Centre Phase 2, Jalan Lintas, Hilltop,
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact: 019-8700080
Laksa Noodles (RM5.00)
Available during: Breakfast and lunch
Description: Different mix of spices are grounded to paste, then sauté the spices until fragrant. Add in coconut milk and rest of the ingredients. Serve with vermicelli or yellow noodles.
There are many versions of laksa in Malaysia – assam laksa, curry laksa, or simply ‘laksa’. This is curry laksa.
Address:
Yee Fung Restaurant
Jalan Gaya, 88000, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
(opposite Bata shoe shop)
Ais Kacang (RM3.50)
Available during: 11am to 6pm daily except Sunday.
Description: Also known as air batu campur or just ABC. Sweet corn, red beans and cincau (grass jelly) topped with shaved ice, flavoured syrups and condensed milk.
I strongly recommend that you try “buah atap”, which is the milky white fruit you see on the photo. Tastes amazing!
Also try “Yau Zha Kwai”, a Cantonese doughnut, usually served during breakfast. Here, they add in butter and kaya, also known as “kahwin” in certain places. MUST TRY. Banana fritters, cempedak fritters.. all must try.
Address:
Car park of Tun Fuad Stephen Park.
Bukit Padang.
Tom Yam Noodles (RM6.00)
Available during: 6:30am to 3pm
Description: Thick tom yam broth with coconut milk, with noodles of your choice. Topped in heaps of prawns and seafood. Mild spicy-ness that won’t burn your tongue, acceptable by crowds.
This tom yam is spicy (mild), creamy and slightly sour. Unlike Tom yam from Thailand, which is usually spicy and sour.
The tom yam broth is addictive.
Address：
Kedai Kopi Janggut
Lot 5, Ground Floor,
Hilltop Kolam Plaza,
88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
(Behind Prudential Insurance Building)
Contact: 088-264203 / 012-8297770 / 016-8305966
Beaufort Noodles (RM6.00)
Photo credit: http://hungerhunger.blogspot.com/
Available during: Lunch and dinner
Description: Dishes here originate from Beaufort. The noodles is prepared with sliced pork, fresh vegetables and yellow noodles. The gravy… holy… no need further explanation. You go try.
From what I know, the dishes are prepared with pork lard instead of vegetable oil, that makes the taste freaking amazing – one bowl of noodles is never enough.
Also try their stir-fried vegetable 炒菜心 and cha-sao omelette 叉烧煎蛋.
Address:
Yu Hing Restaurant
City Mall (left corner of mall, outdoor)
S-0-20, Block D, City Mall.
88300 Kota Kinabalu.
Sabah
Contact: 088-484747
Sheng Rou Mian 生肉面 (RM5.00)
Available during: Breakfast and lunch
Description: Thin slices of fresh pork is lightly boiled in hot broth, served with dark soy sauce and pork lard noodles. This is THE Holy Grail of noodles lovers.
Sarawak has kolo mee, Sabah has Sheng Rou Mian! (and also Tuaran noodles, Tenom noodles, Beaufort noodles…)
This is another local dish that you must try if you’re at Kota Kinabalu. “What’s the single food you miss the most in KK?” I asked my friends who are working overseas.
“What else? SHENG ROU MIAN!”
Address:
Lintas Sheng Rou Mian
21-1, Ground Floor, Lorong Lintas Plaza,
88300, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Custard Bun (RM1.50)
Available during: Breakfast and lunch
Description: Homemade buns that have different kind of fillings – custard, red bean paste (tausa), peanut and etc.
My personal favourite is definitely custard bun. All I know is that it’s made of milk, sugar, and.. ? I don’t know and I don’t care. It’s delicious. This is one of the buns I grew up eating.
This coffee shop has been serving the old school style buns before Michael Jackson was born. Ok maybe not, maybe when he was still a teenager
You can also try their bottled coffee and different types of buns and pastries.
Address:
Kedai Kopi Jeong Hin
Lot 8, Ground Floor,
Block E, Lorong Inanam,
Inanam New Township Ph.2,
Kota Kinabalu.
Contact: +6088 423 337
Fish Head Noodles(RM5.00)
Available during: Breakfast and lunch
Description: Fish head noodles prepared with different kind of soups, main 3 types: 1) tofu, tomato and salted vegetables soup. 2)tom yam soup and 3) bitter gourd soup.
You can choose to replace fish head with fish meat – fresh or deep fried. I prefer deep fried fish because it is more flavourful.
Compare to KK standard, their serving size is huge. Satisfaction 100%
Address:
Kedai Kopi Dat Seng
Next to Kin Hwa Restaurant
Block C, Ground Floor,
Inanam Business Centre, 88450,
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Fish Head Noodles (RM5.00)
Photo credit: Everydayfoodilove
Available during: Breakfast and lunch
Description: Similar to the noodles mentioned above, this restaurant serves fish head noodles too. The broth is slightly thicker and full of flavour. What stands out is the dry noodles (干捞面) that comes with the fish head noodles soup, the taste of soy sauce and fried shallots is incredible.
Another thing that makes this restaurant stand out, is the chilli paste – the pickled garlic marinated with chilli oil. Add lime juice and soy sauce.. you’re probably tasting the best chilli sauce ever.
Address:
Houng Kee Restaurant 鴻記茶餐室
No.15 Ground Floor, Block B, Damai Plaza Phase 4,
Lorong Pokok Kayu Manis 2, Luyang.
88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Contact: 088-267159
Claypot Noodles and Pan Mee (RM5.00)
Photo credit: MelTheFoodAddict.com
Available during: Breakfast and lunch
Description: First photo is deep fried egg noodles cooked in flavourful pork broth. Minced meat, deep fried anchovies and fresh egg is added into the noodles soup to enhance the flavour. If you love pork broth, you’ll love this.
Second photo is Pan Mee, the local version of Japanese Ramen. Hand-made flat noodles served with vegetables, minced meat, sliced mushrooms and an egg in an ikan bilis-based soup
Address:
Kedai Kopi Xing Wan
(Damai – opposite Houng Kee Restaurant)
Lorong Ruang Pokok Kayu Manis 1,
Damai Plaza, 88300, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Chicken Chop Noodles (RM5.00)
Available during: Breakfast and lunch
Description: Deep fried chicken chop with crispy batter, on top of egg noodles, covered with thick sweet soy sauce. The sweetness of fried chicken and saltiness of egg noodles is awesome.
I was told this is Taiwanese style noodles, and I could not find any similar restaurants around Kota Kinabalu area.
You can also try the Pork Rib Noodles 排骨面, which is also a crowds’ favourite.
Address:
Near Penampang Survey Hypermarket (burnt building)
Opposite corner of A1 stationary store.
Creamy Buttered Crab (RM30+ per kilo)
Photo credit: http://www.foodstreet.com.my/
Available during: Dinner only
Description: Fresh huge crabs cooked in butter and spices. Butter is dangerously fragrant when cooked, the smell ascends to another level when spices are added, it mixes perfectly with seafood, especially crabs.
This is a must order whenever I come to this seafood restaurant. I can finish 1 kilogram of fresh crabs alone in one seating, usually takes 2-3 hours to finish. Awesome combination with beer.
You can choose dry butter or creamy butter. My favourite is creamy butter. You can try butter prawns too.
Address:
Dai Kar Lok Seafood restaurant
(Bundusan – behind Supertanker)
Jalan Bundusan, Phase 2, Grand Industrial,
88300, Penampang, Sabah
Deep Fried Pork Noodles 炸肉面 (RM6.00)
Available during: Breakfast and lunch
Description: Deep fried pork in bread crumbs, then added on top of tasty pork broth and noodles. Simple and nice.
This is one of our family’s favourite restaurant during weekend. I guess this is the only restaurant that serves this kind of noodles in Kota Kinabalu. Definitely worth a try.
You can try stewed chicken feet (鸡脚, also known as 凤爪) too.
Address:
Kedai Kopi Hui Chow
Taman Fortuna Phase 2 Shop lots
Coconut Pudding (RM10.00)
Available during: Dinner
Description: Fresh coconut juice is extracted from the shell, cooked with condensed milk and agar-agar, and put back into coconut. The pudding is formed when cooled.
This dessert brings a whole new level of freshness in a form of pudding. People always asks for more because it’s that refreshing and tasty.
Address:
Restaurant Makanan Sedap 蝦中蝦 (seafood restaurant)
1-0-1, Block B, Lot 20, Kolam Centre, Fasa 2,
Jalan Lintas, Luyang, 88300
Kota Kinabalu.
Contact: 088-247459
Pork Dumpling 锅贴 (RM0.60 ea.)
Photo credit: MelTheFoodAddict.com
Available during: Dinner and supper
Description: Also known as“Guo tie”, which directly translates to “stick on pan”, this is the best way to describe how this dish is prepared.
Minced pork, vegetables and spices are wrapped in a thin slice of flour dough and pan fried to perfection. The meat juice remains in the wrapping throughout the cooking process.. and when you take your first bite – the tasty meat juice flows…
You must try Guo Tie in KK because you will never find a similar dish around Malaysia.
KK people has perfected this dish.
Address:
Kedai Kopi New Mui Vui 永建成茶餐室
Lots 2, Ground Floor,
Hilltop Kolam Plaza,
88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
(Behind Prudential Insurance Building)
Contact: 013-8705781
Sesame Snap (RM12.00)
Available during: Lunch and dinner
Description: Sesame seeds are prepared with sugar and flour, served with whipped cream and fresh berries.
The crunchiness of sesame snaps goes so well with whipped cream! Best served while the sesame roll is still hot, and the cream is always served cold. Must try for dessert lovers.
When you’re at this restaurant, you can also try the Chocolate Fondant with milk ice cream (second picture)
Address:
Party Play Lifestyle Cafe
Lot 21-0
Lorong Lintas Plaza 3,
Lintas Plaza, 88300,
Kota Kinabalu. Sabah
Contact: +6088 218210 (Dominic)
Tuaran NoodlesTuaran Noodles (RM5.00)
Available during: Breakfast and lunch
Description: The noodles itself is the star of this dish. Extra eggs were added into the flour, thus the yellowish hue and fragrance that comes with the noodles. Originates from a district near Kota Kinabalu, called Tuaran. Thus the name of the noodles.
Usually this dish is prepared stir-fried with even more eggs, also char siew and vegetables are added to give the dish more texture.
You can only find this dish here in Kota Kinabalu, our local specialty! A must try for noodles lover.
Address:
Tuaran Mee Restaurant
Shop lot next to Inanam Bus Terminal, easy to find.
Block B, Ground Floor,
Inanam Business Centre, 88450,
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Roasted Duck Noodles (RM6.00)
Available during: Breakfast and lunch
Description: Whole duck is dipped into sauce and roasted over charcoal. Repeat this a few times until the skin is crispy outside and the meat is tender and juicy inside.
The best part of eating roasted duck is definitely the crispy skin and the thin layer of fats underneath. Enjoy roast duck meat with pickled chilli. Awesome x 100.
You can also try roast pork 烧肉 too.
Address:
Restaurant Kin Hwa
DBKK No.7-0, Block C, Ground Floor,
Inanam Business Centre, 88450,
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact: +6013 8562265 (Lo Chee Chung)
Seafood Noodles (RM9.00)
Available during: Breakfast and lunch
Description: The seafood broth tastes amazing, includes fresh seafood such as fish slice, fishballs, fish cakes.
There are many variations of seafood noodles in Kota Kinabalu, and this is one of my favourites. Mainly because the noodles they serve is special – the noodles is prepared with awesomesauce
They only serve 4 kinds of dishes in this restaurant.. which means they really specialize in what they sell.
Address:
Apiwon Restaurant
Ground Floor Lot No.1 Wisma HCS, Jalam Kolam
88300 Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Tenom Noodles 丹南乾撈面 (RM5.00)
Available during: Dinner and supper
Description: Egg noodles is prepare with pork lard and seasonings, and fresh pork slices are added on top. The pork slices are amazingly tasty and soft in texture.
This dish originates from Tenom, a further district of Sabah.
The other photo is boar meat – they no longer serve this exotic noodles due to local regulation.. but you can try your luck, no harm asking right!
Address:
How Lee Restaurant
S-26, Lorong Mawas 1, Jalan Kolam,
Taman Foh Sang, Luyang, 88300,
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact: +6016-8391938 (Chong Kui Chin @ Hoon Fatt)
Tom Yam Fried Rice (RM7.00)
Available during: Lunch and dinner
Description: Fried rice prepare in Tom Yam style. Includes ingredients such as squid, lemongrass, tomato and typical ingredients found in Tom Yam Soup.
I like this dish because of the “wok hei” and fresh ingredients, also the “heavier taste” in the fried rice, also it strikes a perfect balance between spiciness and sourness. I believe it’s prepared to suit the local taste.
You can also try other a la carte dishes in the restaurant, especially Tom Yam Soup (clear).
Address:
Hang Li Po – Chinese Muslim and Thai Seafood Restaurant
B-0-3 & B-0-3A
Ground Floor, Karamunsing Capital
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Golden Egg Yolk Coated Prawn 金砂蝦 (RM18 ea.)
Available during: Dinner
Description: Deep fried HUGE tiger prawns, stir-fried with salty egg yolk with butter and curry leaves.
Kota Kinabalu is famous for its sea-produce. But it’s rare to find a restaurant that serves these kind of prawns because it’s too expensive. I told myself, “someday when I earn lots of money, I’m going to order 10 of these prawns and eat them while watching a movie”
You can refer to my blog post here.
Address:
Popular Cuisine (聚友風味小廚)
Lot 9, Ground Floor,
Light Industry Shop Lot,
Towering Industrial Centre, 88300 Penampang,
Sabah.
Contact: +6013 8783188 (Chef Kong)
Spicy Chicken Rice 怪味雞飯 (RM7.00)
Available during: Lunch and dinner
Description: Marinated chicken thigh deep fried into perfection. It’s the local version of KFC, but it’s served with rice instead of mashed potato and gravy.
This dish brings out the best of KFC and chicken rice and combines them together. You get the delicious fried chicken and also the fragrant chicken rice. Served with a special sauce that you’ll savour every single drop.
Blog entry here
Address:
Peppermint Vietnamese Restaurant
Ground Floor, Karamunsing Capital
88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
(Beside Ipoh Town Café)
BBQ Chicken Wing (RM1.80 ea.)
Available during: Dinner and supper
Description: Chicken wings marinated in a secret recipe sauce, then BBQ’ed over slow fire. Drizzled with freshly squeezed lime, one chicken wing is never enough.. trust me.
Look for chicken wing stall that has yellow signboard, written MELVIC SAYAP PANGGANG (meaning: Chicken Wings).
Address:
EVERYWHERE (Lido Food court, Shuang Tian Food court, Taman Dah Yeh, Damai, Beverly Hills Apartment)
Suang Tian Food Court
Block A, 9-12, Jalan Laiman Diki, Sedco Complex, Kampung Air,
88300, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact: 088-233080 (Suang Tian)
Contact: 014-2000883 (Chicken Wing owner)
Grilled Sting Ray (RM15-RM20)
Photo credit: MelTheFoodAddict.com
Available during: Dinner and supper
Description: Sting ray grilled with sambal sauce. Served with fresh lime and chillies.
There’s no other better way to prepare a sting ray other than grill it! The sambal mixture is excellent with this boneless fish. The mild chilli sambal suits whole family.
To heighten the savoury taste, fresh lime is squeeze on top of the fish.
PS: You can try grill squids too (left photo), usually prepared on banana leaves.
Address:
Kedai Kopi New Mui Vui 永建成茶餐室
Lots 2, Ground Floor,
Hilltop Kolam Plaza,
88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
(same restaurant that serve Guo Tie)
Contact: 013-8705781
Bak Kut Teh 肉骨茶 (RM5.00 per bowl)
Photo credit: Withinmeitzeu
Available during: Dinner only
Description: Loosely translated as “Meat Bone Tea”, this pork stew consists of meaty pork ribs simmered in a complex broth of Chinese herbs and spices for hours. You can opt for internal organs too.
In KK, bak kut teh is served with rice, tofu puffs, light and dark soy sauce, also served with minced garlics and chopped chilli if preferred.
Chinese tea is served in belief that it dilutes the amount of fat consumed in this pork-laden dish.
Address:
Yu Kee Bak Kut Teh
74, Jalan Gaya, 88000, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact: 088-221192
Fish Paste Noodles (RM7.50)
Available during: Breakfast and lunch
Description: Homemade noodles that made its way into the local food show. The noodles is made with bread flour and eggs, which gives its the bouncy and chewy texture.
Special noodles alone would not stand out among competitors, the choice of dish that comes with the noodles plays a major part too. You can choose between chicken, beef, fish slices or smooth fish paste.
Crowds usually order “fish slice and fish paste combined”
Also try the home-made chili.
Address:
Kuo Man Restaurant
Lot 5, Jalan Tuaran, Batu 1 1/2,
88450, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact: 088-221189
Chun Gain 春卷 (RM8.00)
Available during: Dinner and supper
Description: Pork sausage the Sabah style! Also known as ‘Chun Gain’ in local. Minced pork made into a roll similar to the western meatloaf, with an layer of egg wrapped around it.
This is not the typical Chinese sausage where lots of preservatives are added. This sausage has shelf life of normal meat. Normally eaten by itself or served as toppings on noodles.
This is a Hakka dish. Majority of Chinese population in KK are Hakka descendants, just so you know
Address:
How Lee Restaurant
S-26, Lorong Mawas 1, Jalan Kolam,
Taman Foh Sang, Luyang, 88300,
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact: +6016-8391938 (Chong Kui Chin @ Hoon Fatt)
Fish Noodles (RM7.00)
Photo credit: MelTheFoodAddict.com
Available during: Breakfast and lunch
Description: Fresh seafood prepared with tasty broth! My favourite is the kolo mee (dry noodles) where minced chicken is added as part of the toppings.
My personal favourite is the clear broth.. and I order a tom yam broth at the side if I’m really greedy.
The restaurant has moved several times. each time moved to bigger restaurant to accommodate the huge numbers of customers.
Address:
Wan Wan restaurant
Bundusan (next to Damai Point Club, nearby SuperTanker restaurant)
Jalan Duta 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Polo Bun 菠萝包 (RM1.20)
Photo credit: Travelingape.com
Available during: Lunch and late afternoon
Description: Also known as “Pineapple bun” in certain places. The soft-cottony texture inside and sweet-crunchy exterior is what makes these polo buns so tasty and addictive to eat.
Although the pastry is known as “pineapple bun”, the traditional version contains no pineapple. The name “pineapple bun” actually originated from the fact that its sugary top crust is cooked to a golden-brown color, and because its checkered top resembles the epicarp of a pineapple.
Best served fresh from oven.
You can also try Char Siew Bun.
Address:
Kedai Kopi 33 麵包專門店
Shoplot 9, Ground floor, Lorong Bernam 3,
Taman Soon Kiong Phase 2
88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Contact: 088-236236
Kuay Chap (RM5.00)
Photo credit: http://genevievebaby.onsugar.com/
Available during: Breakfast and lunch
Description: Teochew dish of flat, broad rice sheets in a soup made with dark soy sauce, served with pig offal, braised duck meat, various kinds of beancurd, preserved salted vegetables, and braised hard-boiled eggs.
Address:
Kolombong Industrial area,
from Inanam Terminal bus stop to Hap Seng (Mercedes Benz service centre) direction, on left hand shop lots.
(refer to map)
Baked Norwegian Salmon (RM26.00)
Available during: Dinner only
Description: Salmon that is baked to perfection. Served with baked potato and vegetables.
I’ve chose this dish because I know how difficult it is to prepare a good salmon dish. It melts in your mouth.. unbelievable.
Address:
LAVA Resto Bar
G-0-7 and G-0-8
Ground floor, Block G, Karamunsing Capital
88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Contact: 088-487990
Zuppa Di Mare (RM23.00)
Photo credit: Everydayfoodilove
Available during: 10am until 11pm
Description: All sorts of different seafood is cooked with olive oil, white wine, tomatoes and etc. This is an Italian style seafood soup.. spaghetti is optional.
Serve immediately or the seafood will toughen. This soup is delicious when served with toasted garlic bread.
Address:
Little Italy
(Close to Gaya Street, opposite Wisma Merdeka.)
Jalan Haji Saman, Capitol Hotel,
88000, Sabah
Contact: 088-232231
Chicken Rice (RM6.00)
Available during: Lunch only
Description: Flavorful steamed chicken served with rice cooked in chicken stock. Normally eaten with chilli sauce, dark soy sauce, and ginger paste.
A common variation is using roast chicken instead.
Address:
Wiya Coffee Restaurant
Block F, Lot 4, Segama Complex,
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Contact: 088-214378
Pork Steamed Bun 豬肉包 (RM1.50)
Available during: Morning and lunch
Description: Also known as bao, is a steamed bun made of wheat flour, with various types of meat filling. It is usually a menu item found in Dim Sum places, although these days it can be seen in most coffee stalls.
Best tasting ones are usually pork, tausa (red bean paste) and char siew (BBQ pork). However it differs in every location. I recommended the pork ones in this coffee shop.
Address:
Kedai Kopi Hing Seng 興盛茶室
Block A, No. 16, Kolombong Industrial Centre, Jalan Kolombong.
88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Contact: 088 423638
Prawn Noodles (RM7.00)
Available during: 5pm – 4:30am
Description: Yellow egg noodles in a rich broth made from prawns, topped with whole or sliced fresh boiled prawns, boiled eggs and fried shallots.
This destination is frequented mostly by clubbers after a night of fun. Usually jam-packed on weekends.
You can also try their char kuey tiaw and deep-fried food.. tastes good after you’re intoxicated 
Address:
Helang Emas Kedai Kopi
Lot 11, Rumah Kedai Taman Foh Sang
Jalan Mawas, Luyang
88300 Kota Kinabalu
Contact: 012-8288581 (Tony)
Baked Cheese Crab (RM26.00)
Available during: Dinner only
Description: Flaked crab meat mixed with seasoning, cheese and lots of other ingredients (which I do not care to identify, hahha!), stuff everything back into the crab shell and bake with a layer of mozzarella cheese topping.
This restaurant also serves Wagyu steak – many customers order this dish whenever I visit this restaurant. Maybe you can try too.
Address:
Brass Monkey Cafe & Bar
Lot No. 1-0, Lorong Lintas Plaza 4,
Lintas Plaza, Kota Kinabalu
88300 Malaysia
Contact: 088-261543
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Credits:
Thank you, Chan Hin Ching (hinching.com) for custom CSS.
Thank you, Benny Liew, for providing awesome logo for upcoming ‘Kota Kinabalu Guide’ project. Go to http://www.SabahGuide.com. Contact Benny at [email protected] if you’re looking for graphic designer.
Thank you, Alicia, for suggesting better food name, instead of “pork sausage”.. I give lousy food names. Also the grammar corrections!
Also very huge thanks to friends who have contributed photos, companied me for food reviews, and shared great time together.
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I should print this, and tick the ones I go…
Hngggg….so hungry…
reading this the top part only already make me hungry…
When I edit this post.. I scroll up… scroll down… scroll up… scroll down..
AND I AM NOT IMMUNE TO THE PHOTOS YET. T_T
Make sure you print it in high-def.. hahahahaha.
anyone tried Thien-thien chicken rice near the milimewa? It’s next to Pantai Inn..i heard the boss say that its Hainanese chicken rice, his grandmother’s recipe..quite nice also and price reasonable. The rice is extremely fragrant..just a suggestion, but nice list you put together here.
Added into food list, will try someday. Thanks Kevin… oh, you want to go together?
ahaha. i’m in kl right now, working. seldom balik kampung already. i dunno if the food is still nice or not there but i suggest you give it a shot!
oops, i started to drool while looking at the char siew pic.
so hard to concentrate now! mind full of these food~
Imagine yourself chewing that sweet char siew.. slightly charred..
Awesome post Jian Bing! Makes me miss kk liao~ All the best and keep up with your awesome post~
Bila balik KK ohh Alan! and is your wife pregnant yet? I want to play with little Alan… I mean the baby, not yours..
Nice Job man! I see lotsa improvements!
Anyway, You should remember still owe me yumcha-ing ya!
Little idea here. I think you should do some ranking for the food too. Maybe your own ranking, maybe the KK-rian people’s ranking in general.
Definitely. Yum-cha with Billy Lee is a must!
Great idea.. I thought of that before also but the data is difficult to gather. THere’s one ranking in TripAdvisor but it’s mainly gwai lou votes.
Good job. I am looking forward to the food places that I’ve never been to. Wonder if you wanted to add this to your menu? A newly opened “satay celup” shop as recommended by this guy: http://ifublog.com/tomatotree/719 Keep it up. Cheers.
Every time I publish these posts, I will get “why you didn’t go that that that place?”…. this is when I write it down and put into next food list. Now, your food list in added! Want to come out makan together? PM me in FB. We go try this food.
nice food~~~
i wanna recommand a shop to u ooo…
pls hav a try to this shop call “老友记” at menggatal new shop lot, next to cosway.
nice food and a vert special dish can found at this shop. for example, the latest dish i ate salted egg fried pork~~!!
Oh you mean Taipan there? I haven’t explore any of the food there – I heard some good reviews though. What other special dishes are there? we go there makan together laa.. haven’t catch up with you for 10 years or more liao.
ooook… really hav lot of special diches eg. 干奶油椰菜花..
hahaha~~ it is at inanam new shop lot bah~~
we go to eat together la~~
Wow Ah Bing you killed it on this post and update! It may not be Mount Kinabalu or the other amazing places in Sabah that brings me to KK again, but the food! Even though I have no plans to visit KK right now, I’m already masterminding the meal plans!
Great job!
Supposedly published this post 1 month ago but it took longer than I thought! And you’re doing these consistently on your blog.. kudos to you too Mark! Keep on writing!
Thanks for sharing too, I reallly appreciate that
no more diet plan. o.O
zomok so fast give up o.O? these food won’t run away… and this blog entry will stay online for many years to come. Probably new list in few years too .. and we both fatter..
For tuaran mee, I think the place at Inanam pasar 1st floor still the best.
http://yongjk.blogspot.com/2010/05/tuaran-mee.html
Yeah, my father loves to bring us there to have “Kon Lao Mian” and Tuaran mee. The kon lao mian there is quite good, the price is quite resonable too.
Never try here before. Thanks for the suggestion. Wanna go together some day?
Good stuff. Keep it up. Makes me hungry heh.
I wrote this post for whole month and it consistently makes me hungry… WHOLE MONTH OOHHH WEIIII
I actually very annoyed with u because the food pictures are making me Hungry and miss home! and i wanna go HOME!!!!
Zon loi lo.. zon loi lo… KK food hau hau sit oo…
(a bit expensive only la)
yummy!!!!!!!
also the curry puff and “kaya” puff at menggatal town is a great choice.
another shop there selling chicken pau, is a must choice too!!!!!
Can you give me mroe details please? I am not a Menggatal person.. probably only pass by there few times a year only ^^;
Please do a review on Little Italy’s beef lasagne, it’s the best in town!!
Will do! if you say so!
Nyum nyum~~ It’s make me hungry la!
This list made me hungry for whole month straight… you only hungry one night, don’t complain complain
Eaten all of it before but I’m not fat! (I do eat a lot).
That’s good, because I can keep on eating these delicious local food.
I really agreed with the restaurant you reviewed, they are the best in these different food.
Ui. don’t bai fon.. lol. I eat a lot too.. but I absorb every single calorie in the food. hahaha
Got the PDF version, thanks!
Great work! Definitely will see this post in some newspaper/magazine. Tell us quick if that happen so I can search and read it
Newspaper/magazine?! o.O I was expecting to be international celebrity, my name will appear beside Justin Bieber after publishing this post
Ya la..international nwsppr/magz b4 TV or anything else, haha..
Great selection…..=p…..
I WANNA GO HOME!!!!!….. 6months to go………
kk food, here i come….
cheers…..
Make sure you bookmarked this site!
I love KK … this makes me want to go back now, grrr!!
Borneo was one of the big pleasant surprises on my five-month journey through SE Asia, and this article is a big reason why, om nom nom
You’ve been to many places too, James! What makes you to come over Borneo in first place? I know the pretty girls is definitely one of the reason.. lol.
I’m sobbing in front of the laptop…. So near yet so far.
I know how you feel… I KNOW!!! (hug and cry)
Bing, useful information here… great job!!
by the way, why i can’t download your pdf version T_T
Why you can’t get the PDF? Give me your email and I’ll send over a copy.
Jianping I’ll be back in kk in December, so you and hinching will have to take me to all 43 places in the 2 weeks I’m back! Hahaha…. Sometimes I hate living in Australia.
Wow you’re pre-booking us 7 months in advance ha!!
awesome Bing!
You’re awesome too, May Ai!
AHHHH!! Scrolling through the photos = pure torture for those who are overseas!!!
… more torturing for local who has no transportation. hahaahahah.
AHHHH!! Scrolling through the photos = pure torture for those who are overseas!!!
Hi,
Do you have any interesting halal restaurant?
All the best,
Regards,
FV
Yes there are plenty of halal restaurant in KK, only that I hang out in non-halal restaurants most of the time, hence the lists. However good ones are limited, in what know so far.. probably there are some hidden ones waiting to get discovered.
have u tried jj western food at damai?
Yes I tried before
how was it? is it ok?
The food is reasonable, you get what you pay
you go try!
JIan Bing, u make me miss KK sooooo much~!! Great Post!!!
Thank you lalat! Where are you now oh?
Very nice. Have you ever tried the Penampang Towering Syn Lee Tenom fried mee? & Lido Tian Wang Keow Tiao Soup (Morning)?
Tenom fried mee? that’s new to me! Tian Wang.. I never try that before. Can I have more details please? or we goooo eat together
When I go Lido, it’s usually 5am-7am…. or 3am when i’m drunk. hahaha
thx for the information… plan to print it out, then go to have a try when i go KK this june… =)
Food trip?
don’t forget to print out the map too.. it’s going to be useful.
this is awesome
u must have stayed in kk for some time 
Heh.. I grew up here
Next time drop by to tawau. There are so much food i think u haven’t try there. It’s heaven and price are cheaper than KK. By the way , im coming back to KK on august 12-15 , any seafood makan place can reckon to me ?
If you come from Tawau, I don’t think you’re really into the seafood in KK. I heard friends say it’s unfair to compete at all – in terms of price and freshness.
Reckon food to you? you have 43 food to tackle!
Well done.. salivating. xD
Same here. Past WHOLE freaking month while writing this post.
well done, at least ppl can easy access d location n whr can find a best food in town!!!! But why d fish paste(fishballs noodles) Kuo Man Restaurant hv no list on d Google Map, please check it out, thx!!!!!
well done, at least ppl can easy access d location n whr to find d best food in town!! But why d ish paste(fishball noodles) at kuo Man restaurant) hv no list on d Goggle map, pls check it out, thx!!!
Oh crap I forgot to change the name! Previously it was another name and I forgot to update to newest one. the map will refresh in 24 hours. thanks for spotting the mistake, Ken.
No problem bro, Just keep it up d good work!!!! By the way, we hv other branches in Suria Sabah food court!!! N we hv a few new items that can’t have it in Sunny Garden, (e.g) Pan fried fish cake, Tom yam fishball n Beef, chicken,n prawn teriyaki rice!!! ITCHIBAN:))) thx!!
Yo man! Most awesomest posting! I’m dying of hunger here in KL, just waiting 4 my next trip to KK, will make it ASAP!!!! You’re killing me man!
“WHY YOU WRITE THIS POST?! I HATE YOUUUUUU” is the most common reply I get after publishing this post hahahahahahhaha
Pan Mien for me would definately be the pan mien shop in Damai. If i recall correctly its called siang siang pan mien? forget.
Roasted duck will always be Kwong Tung Chai outlets (dunno spelling)
Beijing Duck is a MUST TRY dish that is found in Tanjung Aru. Also, forget the shop name.
Xiang xiang pan mien would be in my list if I wrote this 3-4 years ago but not anymore
Same with Kwong Tung Chai at Iramanis.. one of my favourite during high school. Beijing duck is good! probably will be in the list next round. 43 food almost took my life 
ahbing, do you know where to find the guy selling sotong in kicap? Long ago this thin guy was selling it on a bicycle stall near the old cinema in KK but has now vanish. Do you happen to know?
I have no idea. I have friends who are looking for that guy too! Hope he’s in good health.
Wait till you try The German Pork Knuckle RM$38, moist and tender!
BBQ quail … Top Rock restaurant opposite KK JPJ, inside the taman.
Damai ,4 season restaurant, Auss Beef pie and crepes.
Bundusan , East Ocean Restaurant, Honey Baby Lamb.
Awesome list! Now I have another 20 food added to the list… lol. Thanks!
Hey i seriously think u r GREAT for creating this to the WORLD abt KK food…. Thanks for your endless effort in preparing it! KK is proud of uuu….
Thank you very much Joanna. Anyone can write this, no big deal
bumped into ur post. Nice!!! Yu Kee Bah Kut Teh not in d list?
It is in the list
Oops, just saw it.. guess too many food pics, missed that one out.
Another suggestion: try the noodles at kedai kopi chuan hin, luyang.
Thanks for posting this. I never knew some of the food in your list is just around the corner! lol
So do I! most of the food are recommended by friends. I tasted once – yummy! then add to list.
u should try go to kolombong ” restaurant friendly “
Can I have more details please? e.g. what food to try and agak-agak where’s the restaurant.
Hello ah bing, what about Tanjung Aru’s Zhu Cap ? Mixed pork organs
to be honest – I forgot to put into list. Then 43 sounded like a good number… so I left it out. hahahha.
Good one. Cant wait to go back and eat ALL OF THEM !
Mee & Cake House << should try their chicken pie, curry puff, etc
Where is Mee and Cake House?
IM NOW AT KK AND JUST HAVING DINNER YU JI BAK KUT TEH TAT AH BING RECOMMEND, IT’S REALLY NICE.. & ALSO D CHICKEN WING….YUMMY, YUMMY!
It’s good righttttttttttttttttttttt
Interesting website. Family holiday coming up but planning to stay at Le Meridien area. Can u recommend delicious food (but reasonably priced) around that area? Thanks!
There are abundance of food around that area! (it’s in middle of city) first one is the Filipino market opposite Le Meridien, also plenty of choices around Gaya Street (morning-afternoon) and Bak Kut Teh and Little Italy (evening). If you want variety of food in one spot, go “shuang tian”.. your concierge will show you the way
I’m planning to bring my family 6-8 persons visiting KK and our trip mainly for island hopping. Anyone of you what the price is charter a boat @ TAR Marine Park or do have any contact? Really appreciate for the reply. Thanks.
Hey Georgina, did my partner get back to you? I am sure he knows the pricing and have most of the contacts. I will give him a nudge, probably the mail went to spam box (it happens).
oppsss….just empty my junk mail…can you ask your partner re-forward it again? Thanks a lot.
By the way, do you have any idea what the address is for Mari mari cultural village?
Your web site really interesting, I’ve recommended it to my friends and family, they cannot stand on the food, plan to wipe it all, if time allow….hahahaha…….thank you so much..
Okay will ask my partner to send you the mail again. Cheers
Glad that my food guide helps!
Thumbs up..! Appreciate for ur kind sharing..!
Mei you wen ti!!
OMG..
What a post! I can read and read and see the pics over and over again. Looks like our trip in August (with smelly sister) gonna be hunting-for-food typo. Gonna make sure we bring pants for all sizes ^o^ Thank you AhBing for the guidance! Gonna try most of ‘em! Keep writing!!
I am glad to hear that! have fun food hunting k!
let me know if there’s anything I can help.
Bing.. You make me feel hungry each and every time i saw this post..
We go makan when i’m back ok? Try all these dishes one shot !! Muahahaha !! I miss KK !!
ni chee sin ahh… eat all food in one day. you spend?
omg thank you for posting this! i’m currently studying overseas and totally miss KK foods!! btw you are right, esp lintas sang nyuk mian!!
Haven’t come back?
Hi, your food recommendations are really inviting. I have tried some
of them and found them very yummy indeed. However, I wonder
if you have come across any cafes that sells both Roti Kaya and Yau Char Kuey in the same premises.
y i cannot download into pdf… i want go to eat when go back KK ..
Did you get the .zip file? email me at [email protected] if you didn’t, I’ll send a copy to you.
Cheers.
Hi Bing, went to try the Jeong Hin buns- it just came out of the oven when we arrive – OMG, the smell is so good, I though i died and went to heaven. Also tried the Inanam business centre’s fish noodle – but wasn’t impressed. The salted vegetable soup is diluted and doesn’t have much taste. I personally like the on at 6th Floor wsma merdeka better
) Wishing you a great week ahead- whatever you are up to 
)
6th floor in Wisma Merdeka.. I’m guessing the little shop at corner that serves 2 types of broth am I right?
@anyinn “Died and went to heaven” HAHAHAHAH. I am sure the owner’s grand daughter will be soooooooooo delighted! (she’s my school mate btw). Going to forward this comment to her!
ahbing,i am your new fans,thanks for introducing delicious food in Kota kinabalu.i am a sarawakian but working in kk for almost 10 years,i really enjoy sabah food.There is one coffee shop call ninety nine homemade cafe in lintas has three colour pan mee,its quite new to me but i really like the kon lou three colour pan mee.i was also try sarawak style kon lou mee with chu chap and i really like it.i am highly recommend the food in this shop.
pan mee with sam zak ngan set?! (read:hakka)
Coffee shop called 99 home made cafe? New restaurant issit? Come we go eat together!
shoot me an email me at ahbing dot com
@rich88 Is this shop an individual stall, sharing same restaurant with bread stalls?
eh? where is the seafood mee hoon tomyam??? famous in KK…
The one in Segama?
@Cathj You mean the laksa tomyam in Sinsuran?
@ahbing @Cathj
@ahbing that 1 of it.. Another 1.. At san sui baru restaurant at tmn milinium kepayan. Near kkairport..
@Cathj Ohhh that one! it’s at the corner of shoplot kan?
@ahbing ya.. That’s the 1..
wahhh bestest… wan to fly to kk and eat all these food xD
说到做到哦！！
@zhiqing Ouh where are you frrom?
@zhiqing Ohhhh now I remember you’re from Sunway! I am around this area these few days too
@ahbing
) for holiday?
@zhiqing Nola I come here for training. Come ZenQ Sunway when you’re free. Must say hi to me when you come over!!
hehe ok… mayb i’ll drop by today xD if cannot recognise which 1 is u hw ah? hehe
Come pay us a visit too: We are new at Penampang, Lot No.12 Ground Floor, Damas 118 Plaza, Jalan Pintas, restaurant “KL Style BBQ & Steamboat Buffet
吉隆坡风味烧烤自助火窝
@ChanLoongHoong I will wear a cap and “hak chiu” when I arrive!
mysterious customer.. hehe.
Ah bing,rich88 here,the shop that i recommend is homemade cafe,same roll with orange 24hour shop and just beside doctor pang clinic.three colour pan mee and kueh chap.
Ohh!!! I went there on the first day of opening (accidentally), then they say the noodle is not ready yet. Gotta go back try again since you recommend it
Ah bing, my friends and i would like to know go Helang Emas Kedai Kopi for Prawns noode, then go to Kedai Kopi Fu Yuen for Kaya bread. Are these 2 distance is near?? also, any taxi is avaiable around those area around 11pm to 01:00am??
Hey Flora! Kedai Kopi Helang Emas usually open late, close to midnight. I would suggest you to have some light food at Fu Yuan first.. then only go for prawn noodle. It’s within walking distance.. and I don’t think you have any chance to get taxi there unfortunately. I believe you can arrange this with hotel concierge.
Me friend and I (from Penang) went to try the Fish Head Noodles at the Kedai Kopi Dat Seng at Inanam (as mentioned above) on last Sunday . Food was just OK. It could have been better if not for the bad service given by the shop (the tauke if we’re not mistaken). We only wanted to ask what are the choices of the soup of this dish as we couldn’t remember all of it, but instead of answering our questions, he repeatedly answered with “What do you want??” “You tell me first what you want”. “Just tell me what you do want” in a rude and impatient manner -___-
@stdenise Yerr.. why that tauke like that one ^^; maybe he getting famous -or- maybe he is having a bad day. Sorry to hear you have such a bad experience. Have you tried other food around KK?
hi. we are coming to kk on 1.12 – 3.12. need tour guide + van for 5 adults and 7 children
Hello Siuyung7611,
We’ve received your enquiry, my agent will get back to you promptly! Cheers.
Best Regards,
Daniel
hahhah….good intro with a shop, price n pic oso map that we can try there…thanks so much,,,
@Ester You are very welcome!
hi just came back from tawau sabah, Had this fantasting coconut pudding … i think its is what mentioned in ur blog but looking for the complete receipe … anywhere i can get it please ,,,
tnx
@moneyminds08 http://www.grouprecipes.com/coconut-pudding plenty of resources here
hai im newbie, where delicious dim sum in kk?? do you know where good food arround tamparuli??
@Vivi So far the best dim sum I had is at Foh Sang “hai wai tian” and “Foo Phin”, which both are both famous in it’s own niche. Now got “Wong Kwok” at Luyang, which serves big portion.
You have any good food introduction from Tamparuli?
have, berungis cafee, near tuaran.. not bad at all actualy, but not delicious enough
Hi ahbing, any good food to scout out for in Kundasang?? gonna b there on 10th.. wondering wat to hav there for lunch.. Hope u can help.. =)
@sh33poh Apologize for the late reply. What food did you have at Kundasang? that area is out from my “turf”… sorry I can’t recommend you any food there heh
Good post ahbing. You make me craving for food now. I can plan for KK trip again, and again =D
@curryegg You coming anytime soon? would like to meet you
halooo…where serve good nasi lemak in kk?
@AmyYong So far, there are not nomination for nasi lemak yet unfortunately. You have any good ones to recommend? lol
Thanks for the tips! Tried Beef Brisket Noodles this morning at Kah Hiong Ngiu Chap 家乡牛什. True to your recommendation, it is as good as it was in the good olde days. Been away for 20 years and that is the taste I’ve been longing for. As for my dinner selection however, Baked Cheese Crab at Brass Monkey Cafe & Bar; was not as good as expected. Everything from the appetizers, to salads, to entrees were either too sweet or too salty and spaghetti sauce was poorly made. Tasted like seasoned tomato kechup. YUK!! Definitely not worth the price tag and not up to standard. Wagyu steak was priced at RM145 per serving and from the look of it, (looked at neighbour’s order), it was overdone and over seasoned. Such a waste of good quality beef. Perhaps they slid downwards on the quality scale since your visit?
@juli3tt3 I feel the same too! Felt like there’s a “jinx” after I posted the food reviews here, the food tends to fluctuates in qualities. However there are many new food in KK food scene past few months and I’m excited to publish the next “ultimate” food post. You back for good?
hi ….i really love roti chanai and murtabak …and all the curries …how about some info on that please …..you where right about the tissue box …great work
Thank you for your good recommendation!!! I hunt for those food of my choice and they really really taste so good!!! You changed my mind that Sabah food is not good! I take back my words!HAHAHA!!
SABAH FOOD IS AWESOME!!! Especially the roasted duck noodle, BETTER THAN PENANG ONES!!!
Blog post I made for the food I’ve hunted it down(3 of your 43 dish, but more to come!!): http://alisonous.blogspot.com/2013/01/food-hunt-sabah-2013-part-2.html
Thanks for the good recommendations!! Love it!!!
best place to eat tuaran noodle is actually at tuaran..a restaurant call lok kyunbest place to eat tenom noodle is actually at towering..that shop is full of ppl everyday…and the restaurant got very big gut…they open until 3PM only
Hihi any idea if your recommended food stalls are opened during the Chinese new year hols? Thanks!
I am not sure anybody posted about the coconut pudding or not , actually there is cheaper place to have it, It is at the sulaiman place, after the politeknik there, the coconut pudding there selling Rm5 only, twice cheaper than the mentioned one
Thanks for sharing … Loving the mee tenom the most.
You are very welcome, Billy!
OMG, hungry liao. Haha. Send to me the food list ya. =]
Gonna eat some of it before back to Selangor. XD