Kota Kinabalu (KK), the bustling capital of Sabah, Malaysia, is more than just the gateway to Mount Kinabalu and the stunning islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. It’s also a paradise for food lovers. If you’re searching for the best place to eat in Kota Kinabalu, you’ll quickly discover that the city is a melting pot of flavors where authentic Sabahan cuisine meets international dining experiences.
Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, comforting street food, halal-friendly meals, or even Western delicacies, Kota Kinabalu has it all. This guide highlights the top restaurants, hawker centers, and hidden gems every traveler should visit for an unforgettable culinary adventure.
Why Kota Kinabalu is a Food Paradise
Kota Kinabalu is uniquely positioned as a food hub because of its cultural diversity and geographical advantages. Home to Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, Malay, and Chinese communities, the city’s food culture is a fusion of traditions. From rustic kampung-style cooking to modern fusion creations, there’s always something new to taste.
Being a coastal city, KK also boasts some of the freshest seafood in Southeast Asia and at far more affordable prices than many other destinations. Imagine feasting on butter prawns, chili crab, and steamed grouper without burning a hole in your wallet.
Another advantage for travelers is the city’s accessibility. Most food spots are just a short drive away, making it easy to hop from one culinary destination to another. Within just a few days, you can sample everything from street-side satay to fine-dining lobster.
Top 15 Best Places to Eat in Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu (KK) is a city where food is more than just a meal it’s a celebration of culture, freshness, and diversity. Whether you’re a seafood lover, a street food hunter, or someone looking for halal-friendly and international options, KK has something to satisfy every craving. Here’s a detailed guide to the top 15 places to eat in Kota Kinabalu, perfect for first-time visitors and food lovers.
1. Welcome Seafood Restaurant
Welcome Seafood is perhaps the most iconic seafood restaurant in Kota Kinabalu. The highlight here is its live seafood tanks, where you can handpick your fish, prawns, crabs, or lobsters, and have them cooked in a style of your choice. It’s a lively, no-frills restaurant where the emphasis is on freshness and taste rather than luxury.
Atmosphere: Casual and bustling with both locals and tourists.
Food Highlights: Butter prawns with a crispy coating, chili crab in a spicy-sweet sauce, and steamed grouper for pure freshness.
Why Visit: Affordable compared to seafood restaurants in many countries, yet world-class in quality.
Traveler Tip: Go early (before 7 pm) to secure a table as it gets crowded daily.
2. Kampung Nelayan Seafood Restaurant
Kampung Nelayan is not just a seafood restaurant it’s an experience. Built on a floating lake setting, this restaurant pairs delicious meals with traditional cultural dance performances in the evening. It’s a place where food meets Sabahan heritage.
Atmosphere: Romantic floating setting with cultural shows.
Food Highlights: Lobster grilled with butter, Sabah vegetable (sayur manis) stir-fried with garlic, and freshly grilled fish.
Why Visit: Ideal for those who want dinner with a show and cultural immersion.
Traveler Tip: Reserve a table near the stage for the best view of the traditional dances.
3. Night Food Market at Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens
The KK Night Market is a must-visit for food adventurers. Located by the waterfront, it transforms into a lively maze of hawker stalls selling everything from grilled seafood to traditional Malay snacks.
Atmosphere: Vibrant, smoky, and full of energy. Perfect for street food lovers.
Food Highlights: Grilled squid brushed with sweet sauce, juicy chicken wings, nasi lemak, and refreshing coconut pudding.
Why Visit: Budget-friendly with authentic Sabahan flavors.
Traveler Tip: Carry small cash notes and be ready to bargain for fresh seafood.
4. Little Italy
For those craving Western food in KK, Little Italy is a long-standing favorite. Known for authentic Italian cuisine, the restaurant serves generous portions that make it popular with both tourists and locals.
Atmosphere: Cozy, family-friendly, and welcoming.
Food Highlights: Wood-fired pizzas with crispy thin crust, creamy pasta carbonara, and tiramisu made fresh daily.
Why Visit: A taste of Europe in the middle of Borneo, perfect for a change of pace.
Traveler Tip: Great spot for families with kids who want familiar flavors.
5. Madam Kwan’s Kota Kinabalu
Located in Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, Madam Kwan’s is a modern Malaysian restaurant offering popular dishes from across the country.
Must-try dishes: Nasi lemak, beef rendang, and char kway teow.
Traveler Tip: Great option for tourists who want to sample multiple Malaysian dishes in one spot.
6. Kedai Kopi Yee Fung
No food trip in KK is complete without visiting Yee Fung, a legendary kopitiam that has been serving locals for decades. Famous for its Sabah-style Laksa, it’s a comfort food stop for breakfast or lunch.
Atmosphere: Classic coffee shop vibe with fast service and crowded tables.
Food Highlights: Yee Fung Laksa with creamy broth, claypot chicken rice, and their strong Teh Tarik.
Why Visit: It’s the taste of local daily life in Sabah.
Traveler Tip: Expect long lines, especially at lunchtime.
7. Tanjung Aru Beach Food Stalls
Eating here is about more than food it’s about dining with the best sunset view in KK. Local hawker stalls line the beach, offering affordable grilled snacks and drinks.
Atmosphere: Outdoor, casual, and family-friendly.
Food Highlights: Chicken satay grilled over charcoal, fried noodles, and refreshing coconut drinks.
Why Visit: The perfect way to enjoy KK’s iconic sunsets.
Traveler Tip: Arrive by 5–6 pm to secure a table before sunset.
8. Todak Waterfront Hawker Centre (Anjung Senja)
This seafood hawker centre is a budget traveler’s dream. Located by the waterfront, it’s popular with backpackers for its cheap yet delicious seafood meals.
Atmosphere: Open-air, lively, with views of fishing boats nearby.
Food Highlights: Grilled stingray, butter prawns, and sotong bakar.
Why Visit: Affordable seafood with an authentic atmosphere.
Traveler Tip: Prices are negotiable if you’re buying whole seafood items.
9. Fatt Kee Seafood Restaurant
Fatt Kee is famous for one thing: its seafood tomato noodle soup, a dish unique to KK. Tourists and locals alike flock here to slurp its flavorful broth.
Atmosphere: Simple and functional, focused on food rather than décor.
Food Highlights: Tomato seafood noodles, fried wontons, and fish balls.
Why Visit: A unique Sabahan comfort food you won’t find elsewhere.
Traveler Tip: Order the large portion if you’re really hungry—it’s worth it.
10. OISO Korean Restaurant
Korean food lovers will find comfort in OISO, one of the few places in KK that offers authentic Korean BBQ and hotpots.
Atmosphere: Cozy, modern, and great for groups.
Food Highlights: Marinated bulgogi beef, spicy kimchi jjigae, and Korean fried chicken.
Why Visit: A fun dining experience, especially if you’re traveling with friends.
Traveler Tip: Share BBQ sets for variety and better value.
11. D’Place Kinabalu
D’Place is one of the few restaurants dedicated to authentic Sabahan cuisine. Here, you can try rare dishes like Butod (sago worms) in a safe and hygienic setting.
Atmosphere: Rustic, cultural, with occasional live performances.
Food Highlights: Hinava (raw fish salad), bambangan (wild mango pickle), and tuhau (wild ginger).
Why Visit: To truly taste Sabah’s heritage cuisine in one place.
Traveler Tip: Be adventurous—try at least one traditional delicacy.
12. Wiya Chicken Rice
Simple yet satisfying, Wiya Chicken Rice is a local favorite for quick meals. The roasted chicken is juicy, and the rice is fragrant and flavorful.
Atmosphere: Modest, clean, and fast-paced.
Food Highlights: Roasted chicken rice, steamed chicken, and garlic chili sauce.
Why Visit: Affordable, delicious, and perfect for a quick lunch stop.
Traveler Tip: Go during off-peak hours for faster service.
13. Upperstar Café & Bar
Upperstar is a popular local dining chain offering a wide variety of dishes from Western to Asian. Known for being affordable and casual, it’s a go-to for locals, students, and tourists alike.
Atmosphere: Casual café-style with a youthful vibe.
Food Highlights: Mixed grill platter, chicken chop, nachos, and mocktails.
Why Visit: Wide menu selection ensures there’s something for everyone.
Traveler Tip: Open late, making it ideal for late-night cravings.
14. Hua Hing Seafood Restaurant (Lok Kawi)
For those willing to travel slightly outside KK, Hua Hing is a local gem offering fresh seafood at cheaper prices than city restaurants.
Atmosphere: Relaxed, local-style, and family-friendly.
Food Highlights: Kam Heong clams, butter crab, and steamed prawns.
Why Visit: Fresh seafood without the city price tag.
Traveler Tip: Combine the trip with a visit to Lok Kawi Wildlife Park nearby.
15. The Chubs Grill
A favorite among meat lovers, The Chubs Grill specializes in Western-style comfort food with hearty servings and flavorful marinades.
Atmosphere: Stylish, modern, and welcoming.
Food Highlights: BBQ ribs, grilled lamb, and crispy chicken wings.
Why Visit: Perfect for those who want a break from seafood and local food.
Traveler Tip: Best enjoyed with friends or family platters are great for sharing.
Signature Sabahan Dishes You Must Try
To make the most of your food adventure, don’t leave KK without tasting:
Hinava – Raw fish marinated in lime juice, chili, and ginger.
Tuaran Mee – Stir-fried noodles unique to Tuaran.
Ngiu Chap – A beef noodle soup with assorted cuts.
Latok (Sea Grapes) – Crunchy seaweed with lime and sambal.
Amplang – Traditional fish crackers.
Butod (Sago Worms) – A rare delicacy eaten raw or fried.
Halal-Friendly Best Places to Eat in Kota Kinabalu
For Muslim travelers, here are some halal-friendly options:
Welcome Seafood Restaurant (Halal options)
Sri Latha Curry House
Kampung Nelayan Seafood Restaurant
Tanjung Aru Beach Stalls
Upperstar Café & Bar
Travel Tips for Food Lovers in KK
Go early: Seafood restaurants get crowded quickly.
Carry cash: Night markets and hawker stalls rarely accept cards.
Mind the spice: Ask for less spicy versions if needed.
Local drinks: Try Teh Tarik, avocado juice, and Sabah Tenom coffee.
Dress light: Hawker centers and night markets can get hot.
Use Grab: Easy and cheap way to get around food spots.
Car Rental in Kota Kinabalu for Food Trips
If you’re planning to explore multiple restaurants and night markets in a single day, renting a car in Kota Kinabalu is highly recommended.
Convenience: Many of the best seafood spots and local eateries are a short drive outside the city. Having a car saves time and allows flexibility.
Affordability: Car rentals in KK are reasonably priced, starting from around RM120 per day.
Flexibility: You can combine food hunting with sightseeing such as visiting Lok Kawi Wildlife Park after dining at Hua Hing Seafood.
FAQs About Food in Kota Kinabalu
1. What food is Kota Kinabalu famous for?
KK is best known for its fresh seafood, Tuaran Mee, Hinava, and Ngiu Chap.
2. Is Kota Kinabalu expensive for food?
Not at all! You can enjoy delicious meals for as low as RM10 at hawker stalls. Seafood restaurants are also much cheaper compared to many other countries.
3. Where can I find halal food in Kota Kinabalu?
Many seafood restaurants, local stalls, and chain eateries like Upperstar and Sri Latha Curry House offer halal-friendly meals.
4. What is the best time to eat seafood in KK?
Evenings are the best, but go early (around 6 pm) to avoid waiting.
5. Do I need a car to explore food in Kota Kinabalu?
Not strictly. However, renting a car gives you more freedom to explore food spots outside the city center.
Conclusion: Finding the Best Place to Eat in Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu is a true culinary gem of Southeast Asia. From bustling seafood restaurants and lively night markets to hidden local gems and international dining spots, the city has something for every traveler.
The best place to eat in Kota Kinabalu depends on your cravings whether it’s seafood, traditional Sabahan dishes, or comforting Western food. No matter what you choose, KK promises a flavorful journey that will make your Sabah trip unforgettable.
So, rent a car, grab some cash, and embark on a food adventure that will not only satisfy your appetite but also give you a deeper appreciation of Sabah’s rich cultural heritage.
0 Comments