Published: 20 March 2020

Last updated: 27 March 2026

If you are visiting Kota Kinabalu, one question always comes up:

What should I eat first?

Kota Kinabalu (KK) may look like a laid-back coastal city, but its food scene is incredibly diverse - from Chinese kopitiams to local Sabahan specialities you won't find elsewhere. On my recent trip, I returned with one goal: to revisit old favourites and discover what's still worth eating today.

Because here's the truth: some of the best food in Kota Kinabalu doesn't last forever. 

Stalls change. Recipes change. People move on.

So, before it's too late, here are 10 must-eat foods in Kota Kinabalu you shouldn't miss. And here's why this food list is different. Because I have personally tried and revisited them based on local favorites and it focuses on dishes you can still find today.

1. Cinnamon Pancake (also known as Ham Xin Piang) @ Kedai Kopi Seng Loong

Breakfast

Ham Xin Piang 

A humble local favorite you will find in morning markets and kopitiams. I tried a few in various places, and somehow, this dedicated pancake sold in Kedai Kopi Seng Loong champed it all. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with a slight cinnamon aroma and a hint of saltiness that makes it addictive. Simple, but surprisingly memorable. 

Kedai Kopi Seng Loong

No. 2, Jalan Teluk Likas,

88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

2. Tuaran Noodles @ Kedai Kopi Seng Hing

Brunch / Lunch

Tuaran Noodles

This is one of Sabah's most iconic dishes. Many eateries actually sell Tuaran noodles (a dish of fried egg noodles), but what makes Tuaran Noodles special at Seng Hing Restaurant is the addition of local rice wine (Huang Jiu), which gives a silky texture and subtle aroma. 

Kedai Kopi Seng Hing,

Block G, Lot 10, Lorong Sinsuran 2,

Sinsuran Complex,

88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

3. Tom Yum Noodles @ Seng Hing Restaurant

Brunch / Lunch

Tom Yum Noodles 

Another specialty in Seng Hing Restaurant is its Tom Yum Noodles. Unlike your typical Thai Tom Yum, this version is slightly sour, yet rice and flavorful, evoking the feeling of a mix between tom yum and laksa. This is pretty unique to Kota Kinabalu, and it's worth trying at least once.

Kedai Kopi Seng Hing,

Block G, Lot 10, Lorong Sinsuran 2,

Sinsuran Complex,

88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

4. Homemade Butter Bun @ Kedai Kopi Jeong Hin

Brunch / Lunch

Butter Bun 

Located in the center of Inanam town, this homemade butter bun is freshly baked and best eaten hot. Soft, fluffy, and slightly nostalgic, just like something your grandma would make. 

Kedai KopiJeong Hin,

Block E, Lot 10, Jalan Tuaran,

Inanam Newtownship,

88450 Inanam, Sabah.

5. Tenom Noodles @ Restaurant Tenom Mee

Brunch / Lunch

Tenom noodles 

Another must-try local favorite. The shop is always packed in the morning, but trust me, it’s worth the wait. Tenom noodles are their signature, and we decided to go all out by adding all sorts of ingredients like char siu and lean meat to this plate of tenom noodles.

When it was brought to our table, voila – this hearty noodle is to die for. The thin homemade noodles carried a rich, savory flavour, and strong wok hei, which had us salivated by just looking at it. This is indeed one of the most satisfying dishes in KK. 

Restaurant Tenom Mee,

Lot 28, Jalan Penampang,

Towering Industry Centre,

88200 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

6. Claypot Seafood and Tofu @ Restaurant Yu Hing

Dinner

Claypot Seafood 

From the appearance of the shop, you might not even want to choose this place as your dining choice. However, you must pay a visit there when locals recommend this dining place. In particular, their seafood claypot. It looks simple, but full of depth. Thick, flavorful broth with fresh seafood and tofu was indeed comforting and hearty.

As we embrace the modern world now, bear in mind that the chef no longer uses claypot to cook it but has opted to use a wok to do the heavy job and then, serve it in the claypot. Though there may be a slight difference when comes to its taste, still, this claypot seafood is a must to have in Kota Kinabalu. 

Restaurant Yu Hing,

1, Jalan Lintas, Kolam Centre,

88200 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

7. Beaufort Fried Noodles @ Restaurant Yu Hing

Dinner

Beaufort Fried Noodles 

One of the local delicacies that you must have in Yu Hing is the Beaufort Fried Noodle. At first glance, it looks like any fried noodle. But one bite changes everything. It was filled with smoky wok hei, with rich toppings of char siew, pork meat, and vegetables. 

By the way, can you see the difference between Beaufort Noodles and Tenom Noodles? Well, somehow, or rather, I find these two noodles are the same, but not what the locals think. The noodle itself is different – tenom noodles are flat in nature, whereas beaufort noodle is likely springy. Plus, the broth is different.

Restaurant YuHing,

1, Jalan Lintas, Kolam Centre,

88200 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

9. Steamed and Pan-fried dumplings @ Kedai Kopi New Mui Vui

Dinner / Supper

Dumplings

Ask any local, and they will point you here. Located at Hilltop, the restaurant serves gyoza, grilled fish, and a selection of different noodles. But one thing that you must order is their dumplings. Juicy filling, handmade skin, and packed with flavour. Whether steamed or pan-fried, both are worth trying. Best to eat it with a dip of vinegar too.

Kedai Kopi New Mui Vui,

No.2, Lorong Gunung Ulu Merak 2,

Taman Far East,

88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

9. Chicken Wings

Dinner / Supper

Chicken wings

One of my favorites! Simple, messy, yet delicious. Squeeze lime on the chicken wings, eat it hot, and enjoy the juicy bite. Sometimes the simplest food hits the hardest. 

10. Chocolate Milk @ Desa Fresh Mart

Anytime

Chocolate Milk 

This is Sabah classic. Instead of travelling to Kundasang, you can enjoy it right in the city. Rich, creamy, and addictive. One of the easiest must-try items in KK. 

Desa Fresh Mart,

At various places in Kota Kinabalu.

In essence, Kota Kinabalu may not be as famous as Penang for food, but it has something unique: a mix of cultures and flavours you won't find anywhere else. If you are visiting, don't just follow Google ratings. But start with this list and explore from here.

Just a final note on what you should know before visiting - some stalls may change or disappear over time so best to check in advance if they open or not. Secondly, prices in KK can be slightly higher than West Malaysia (as locals often mention), and lastly, go early for popular spots as they sell out fast.

FAQ

1. What food is famous in Kota Kinabalu? 

Tuaran noodles, seafood clayout, and local milk products are among the must-try items.

2. Is Kota Kinabalu good for food?

Yes - it offers a mix of Chinese, Malay, and indigenous Sabahan dishes.

3. What should I eat first in KK?

Start with Tuaran noodles or Beaufort noodles for an authentic local experience.

Regards,

Foodiestravel