By now, you would probably know that I frequently visit Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. While I hesitated to share my favorite spot for fresh and delicious seafood, I decided it's time to let you in on my secret. It's not the Welcome Seafood Restaurant though I have been there a couple of times, but the experiences were disappointing. The seafood quality was just mediocre; imagine being served prawns that weren't fresh at all. The only dishes I somewhat enjoyed were the stir-fried vegetables and steamed fish.

Ask any locals, and they will tell you that Welcome Seafood Restaurant is just for tourists. So, I decided to follow the locals to a new place called New Gaya Restaurant. Man, I should have discovered this place earlier. The seafood is incredibly fresh, and every dish exceeded my expectations.

Here are some of my favorites:

1. Garlic Fried Rice

Fragrant and generously portioned for one.

2. Spring Onion Ginger with Fish Slices

The freshness of the fish shines through, making it crisp and delicious.

3. Salted Egg Pumpkin

A delightful dish to pair with rice, and it even makes a great snack for drinking.

4. Superior Clam Soup

Perfect for a rainy day, warming your tummy despite the cold.

5. Salad Crispy Glass Prawn

The hero of the day. Fresh peeled prawns complemented by cucumbers and watermelon.

Will I go there again?

Absolutely yes. The ambiance is perfect for casual chats and meeting with friends. Plus, the food is served fresh and filled with wok hei!

If you are curious about other must-try dishes in Kota Kinabalu, I recommend exploring further here. 

Ambiance: 8/10

Price: $$$$

Food: Chinese

Service: Good

New Gaya Seafood Restaurant,

L01-02, 1st Floor, Plaza Shell,

29, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman,

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Opens daily

10.30am - 2.30pm, 5-10pm

Written by,

FoodiesTravel

Ps: This is based on my personal opinion