5 Food Spots In Kota Kinabalu To Bookmark For Your Next Sabah Trip

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This Spotlight is sponsored by the Sabah Tourism Board.

When travelling, "what to eat?" is always among the top-asked questions, and this is especially true if you head to Kota Kinabalu

To help visitors make sense of Kota Kinabalu's incredible food choices, the Sabah Tourism Board and Sabah Chefs Association have collaborated to create the Kota Kinabalu Food Trail, a map featuring 29 local favourites that you should check out while in the city.

Here are five picks that you shouldn't miss:

1. Get your fried chicken fix at Borenos Fried Chicken

Borenos offers a local take on fried chicken, with crispy, freshly fried pieces, distinctive seasoning, and generous portions. If you're putting together a food itinerary with friends or family, this is one to keep in mind when everyone's in the mood to share.

Make it your fried chicken stop as you work your way through KK's dining scene. There'll be plenty of time for another coffee break later.

2. Enjoy a curry croissant with white coffee at Guan's Kopitiam

Located along Gaya Street in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, this kopitiam serves freshly baked croissants with chicken curry, alongside familiar favourites such as kaya butter toast.

For those leaning towards something sweeter, there's Nutella banana French toast. You can pair your pick with Guan's signature white coffee or any other beverage from the homely menu.

And if toast or a croissant won't quite do the job, nasi lemak and other Malaysian dishes offer something more filling.

It's a useful stop to bookmark for a group with different breakfast cravings.

3. Slow down at Little Sulap's kampung-style hangout

Tucked at the corner of Australian Lane, Little Sulap brings a rustic setting into the middle of the city.

Its wooden surroundings and casual atmosphere give you a reason to pause between outings. Picture a spot for sitting down, ordering a drink, and letting the next activity wait a little.

The menu adds to its character, with playful names such as "kopi bantaton" bringing a cheeky local touch to the experience.

If the rest of your itinerary is packed, leave a little breathing room for a stop like this. A holiday can include an unhurried café break, too.

4. Look out for the pyramid-shaped rice at Wiya Nasi Ayam & Kedai Kopi (non-halal)

At Wiya Nasi Ayam & Kedai Kopi, the rice is served in neat pyramid shapes, making each plate something you feel like featuring on an Instagram Story.

Overall, the offerings include steamed chicken, char siew, and classic kopitiam-style garnishings.

Add this to your shortlist if chicken rice is a comfort food that you can't get enough of

5. Make room for a pork noodle breakfast at Wah Juan Coffee Shop (non-halal)

Wah Juan Coffee Shop is another stop to consider for any meal throughout the day.

Its daytime offerings centre on pork noodles and breakfast bowls, making it an option for starting your food adventures with a proper sit-down meal. At night, the eatery offers Muslim-friendly options such as grilled fish and customisable vegetable dishes.

There's something to keep an eye out for on the drinks side, too: homemade leong fun susu, also known as cincau susu.

Between the noodles and a glass of the grass jelly drink, you have another breakfast combination to add to your KK list.

Ready to plan your own KK food trail?

These five spots are just a starting point. Browse the full Kota Kinabalu Food Trail map to discover more places and pick the stops that suit your appetite!