If you’re staying in the IJM area of Sandakan, one thing is certain — you’ll never run out of food options. The only question is whether your stomach can keep up.

After trying Empire Seafood on my previous visit, I decided to check out Ocean King Seafood Restaurant this time around. It’s clearly a popular spot, as the restaurant was fully booked when we arrived, and that was always a promising sign for seafood lovers. We sampled a variety of dishes, and a few of them really stood out.

1. Sweet and Sour Fish (Surprising Favourite)

It may sound like a common dish, but the sweet and sour fish here completely stole the show. The balance of flavours was just right; tangy, slightly sweet, and incredibly appetising. It’s not often that such a classic dish becomes the highlight, but this one genuinely impressed us.

2. Honey Garlic Fried Squid

Another strong contender was the honey garlic fried squid. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it had a delicious coating that made it highly addictive. This dish works perfectly as an appetiser or as a pairing with drinks.

3. Fish Maw Soup (A Miss)

Unfortunately, not everything hit the mark. The fish maw soup was a letdown. It tasted watery and lacked the depth of flavour you would typically expect from this dish.

4. Stir-Fried Green Vegetables

To balance out the indulgence, we ordered a plate of green vegetables. Simple yet satisfying, it added a refreshing touch to the meal, and honestly, you can never go wrong with this.

All in all, Ocean King Seafood Restaurant has a lively, bustling atmosphere, especially during peak hours. The full house during our visit reflects its popularity among locals and visitors alike.

Is Ocean King Seafood Restaurant Worth It?

Yes — with the right dishes.

While not every item was a hit, the standout dishes like the sweet and sour fish and fried squid made the visit worthwhile. If you’re in the IJM area and craving seafood, this is definitely one of the places to consider.

Ambient: 3/5

Price: $$$

Food: Chinese food, pork-free

Service: 4/5

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Key Notes

1. Do I need to make a reservation before heading there?  

Strongly encouraged, as the restaurant is rather popular among the locals, too.  

2. Does it offer other seafood dishes? 

Yes, it includes prawns, crabs, and many more. 

Ocean King Seafood Restaurant,

Blok V, Lot 34,35,36 &37 Lorong Avenue 2,

Bandar Utama IJM,

90000 Sandakan, Sabah

Opens from 12.30pm to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 9.00pm

Written by,

FoodiesTravelblog

Ps: This is based on my personal opinion