best-places-to-eat-in-Kota Kinabalu (Borneo), Malaysia

Kota Kinabalu Street Food Heaven

Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, is a melting pot of culinary delights. From traditional Malay and Chinese cuisine to modern fusion dishes, KK (as locals call it) has something for every palate. Here are the best places to eat in Kota Kinabalu, with a focus on popular street food:

Must-try Street Food

1. Nasi Lemak at Kampung Air Night Market

  • Location: Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Kampung Air
  • Price: RM5-RM10 (USD1.20-USD2.50) per serving
  • Try the national dish of Malaysia, Nasi Lemak, a fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk, served with fried anchovies, peanuts, and spicy sambal sauce.

2. Roti Canai at Foh Sang Coffee Shop

  • Location: Jalan Gaya, Kota Kinabalu
  • Price: RM1-RM3 (USD0.25-USD0.75) per piece
  • Savor the crispy, flaky roti canai, a popular Indian-influenced flatbread, served with a variety of curries.

3. Char Kway Teow at Lintas Night Market

  • Location: Jalan Lintas, Kota Kinabalu
  • Price: RM5-RM10 (USD1.20-USD2.50) per serving
  • Enjoy this classic Chinese stir-fry dish made with flat rice noodles, prawns, pork, and vegetables.

4. Satay at Night Markets

  • Location: Various night markets around Kota Kinabalu
  • Price: RM5-RM10 (USD1.20-USD2.50) per stick
  • Grilled meat skewers, typically made with chicken, beef, or pork, served with spicy peanut sauce.

5. Tuaran Mee at Tuaran Town

  • Location: Jalan Tun Mustapha, Tuaran (30 minutes from Kota Kinabalu)
  • Price: RM10-RM20 (USD2.50-USD5) per serving
  • Taste the famous Tuaran Mee, a hearty noodle dish made with springy noodles, roasted pork, and vegetables.

Other Recommendations

1. Kedai Kopi Fatt Kee

  • Location: Jalan Gaya, Kota Kinabalu
  • Price: RM5-RM15 (USD1.20-USD3.75) per dish
  • This old-school coffee shop serves a variety of Malaysian dishes, including Nasi Lemak and Roti Canai.

2. Yong Hua Vegetarian

  • Location: Jalan Pantai, Kota Kinabalu
  • Price: RM10-RM20 (USD2.50-USD5) per dish
  • Try this popular vegetarian restaurant offering a range of Asian-style dishes.

Tips and Insights

  • Be prepared for crowds and long queues at night markets.
  • Try to eat at stalls with high turnover rates to ensure food freshness.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask vendors about ingredients or spice levels if you have dietary restrictions.
  • Kota Kinabalu is generally a safe city, but take usual precautions when eating at street stalls.

Get Ready for a Food Adventure!

Kota Kinabalu’s street food scene is a true reflection of the city’s cultural diversity. Be adventurous, and don’t be shy to try new dishes and flavors. Your taste buds will thank you!