Eat in Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia)

Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah State in the East Malaysia,  has a huge Chinese population, most of which are Hakka ethnic. So are their foods, most of the Chinese foods there are Hakka-influenced dishes.

I went there twice actually, first in 2009 and the second time in 2012. And here's the compiled list of the local foods that I had there.

1. Sang Nyuk Mian (Pork Noodle) @Kim Hing Lee Restaurant

The most popular noodle in Sabah, it's a must-try. 

2. Ngiu Chap (Beef Noodle) @Kedai Kopi Loi Hin

I love they put all the beef organs including the tendon, liver, heart, tripe and omasum. This is with the extra beef balls!

3. Char Nyuk Mian (Deep Fried Pork Noodle) @Kedai Kopi Hui Chow

The deep fried pork is like a deep fried 'char siew', a little sweet. It's quite nice.

4. Tuaran Mee @Lok Kyun Restaurant

I know this fried noodle looks very normal, but the noodle itself was soo good.. I believe it's a handmade egg noodle. The first picture is the traditional style with 'char siew', the second picture is Tom Yam Tuaran Mee with seafood.

5. Beaufort Mee @Restoran Beaufort

This is also quite a popular noodle in Sabah. It's originated from Beaufort, a provincial town about 90 km south of Kota Kinabalu. I personally did not enjoy the gooey gravy and the flavour so much but the locals like it.

6. Seafood @Salut Seafood Restaurant

We can choose the live seafood to be cooked for us. It is a very satisfying seafood dinner and relatively cheap as well. The bigger group the better.

7. Seafood @Welcome Seafood Restaurant

This is another seafood restaurant that I tried. I prefer the above, Salut Seafood. But I enjoyed their coconut pudding, so refreshing.

8. Supper @Kedai Kopi Chuan Hin

This coffee shop is quite crowded at night. People go there for supper. We had Wo Tie (Pan Fried Dumpling), Grilled Cuttlefish as well as Grilled Beef. The food was good.

9. Roti Kahwin (literally means Marriage Bread) @Kedai Kopi Kuan Ah

Kaya & butter spread on the toasted soft and fluffy Hainanese bread, what a perfect marriage~~

10. Affogato @Santola Bar Cafe

One of the cozy cafe in town, Santola Bar Cafe. This cafe is opened by the local coffee company (Cap Kuda Coffee Company). I tried the Affogato, which was good.

11. Tea @The TeaHouse

The TeaHouse sells many kinds of tea, some are blended tea leaves with florals. We were served by the lady boss herself, so honoured!

12. Coconut & Beer by the Beach

If you have time, go to Tanjung Aru Beach, just 10 minutes drive from the city center. Chill and relax with fresh coconut water and a glass of cold beer. Cheers!