Did you know that Sabah is a really special state located in the far north of Borneo island? It is actually famous for a lot of things, such its rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, and jaw-dropping natural scenery, which includes Southeast Asia’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu. The capital city is Kota Kinabalu, and the biggest city is Sandakan.
Sabah’s cuisine is another really interesting aspect of its culture, with a wide range of delicious dishes influenced by different cultural traditions, like Malay, Chinese, and indigenous Bornean. It’s a real treat for the taste buds! But if you’re worried about not being able to experience Sabah’s unique culinary heritage, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Check out these 9 best traditional Sabah foods and get ready to enjoy some truly authentic local cuisine!
What makes Sabahan cuisine unique compared to other regional cuisines in Malaysia?
Sabahan cuisine is a unique regional cuisine in Malaysia that’s influenced by the state’s diverse geography and indigenous cultures. Like other Malaysian cuisines, Sabahan food typically includes rice and a variety of other ingredients prepared using different methods. What’s really cool about Sabah is its multi-ethnic population, which also adds to the variety and uniqueness of their cuisine.
Why should you try traditional food in Sabah?
Sabah has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, which is reflected in its traditional cuisine. Trying traditional food in Sabah can create a memorable and enjoyable dining experience and offer a unique way to immerse yourself in the local culture and understand the local customs and traditions.
9 Best Traditional Foods in Sabah You Must Try 2025
1. Ngiu Chap
The noodle soup known as “Ngiu Chap” is a famous dish from Sabah. “Ngiu Chap ” means “mixed beef,” including beef livers, hearts, and intestines. The broth is savoury and cooked with rice vermicelli noodles. It is typically served with a side of spicy chilli sauce for added flavour.
Operating Hours:
6:30 am – 3:00 pm (Tuesday – Friday)
6:30 am – 2:00 pm (Sunday)
Address: 21 Block C, Lorong Perindustrian, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 016-822 3982
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Check Info On Website2. Sinalau Bakas
Sinalau Bakas is a popular traditional dish in Sabah, Malaysia, that originated with the Kadazandusun people, North Borneo’s largest ethnic group. It is made from smoked wild boar and sold mostly at roadside stalls and markets in areas like Kota Belud, Ranau, Tambunan, Keningau, and Telupid.
Operating Hours:
9:00 am – 10:30 pm (Monday – Saturday)
9:00 am – 11:30 pm (Sunday)
Address: Sinalau Bakas Himbaan Bongol, 89150 Tuaran, Sabah
Phone No: 016-822 3982
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gerai-Sinalau-Bakas-Himbaan-Bonggol/
3. Latok
Latok is a type of green seaweed with grape-like seeds. Scientifically known as Caulerpa lentillifera, it is also called green caviar, ar-arosep, or umi-budō (sea grape) in Japanese. In Sabah, it is a traditional food of the Bajau and Sulu communities. It has a slightly salty taste with a hint of ocean freshness.
Operating Hours: 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 401, Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
4. Sang Nyuk Mian
Sang Nyuk Mian, meaning fresh meat noodle, is the Sabah version of pork noodle. The broth is clear and has a sweet flavour from the thinly sliced meat. The origin of Sang Nyuk Mian is at Sinsuran Sabah, and it remains one of the top destinations for pork noodles today.
Operating Hours: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 21, Lrg Lintas Square, Lintas Plaza, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
5. Tuaran mee
Tuaran Mee, is a beloved local cuisine noodle dish which named after the town of Tuaran in Sabah, Malaysia. This dish features egg noodles that are stir-fried with a combination of savory ingredients like meat, vegetables, and a delectable sauce. It’s typically served with a spicy sauce and can be found in various food establishments throughout Sabah, such as hawker stalls, coffee shops, and restaurants. Tuaran Mee is highly regarded as a staple food in Sabah and is appreciated for its delicious taste and unique texture.
Operating Hours:
7:00 am – 2:30 pm (Tuesday – Sunday)
Closed on Mondays
Address: mile 6, Jalan Tuaran, Inanam, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Jalan Tuaran, Inanam, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
6. Hinava
Hinava is a classic dish hailing from the Kadazan-Dusun community of Sabah, Malaysia. To make this dish, fresh fish (commonly mackerel or sardines) is sliced into thin pieces and mixed with lime juice, chilli, bitter gourd, sliced shallots, and ginger. Hinava can be enjoyed on its own as an appetizer or paired with a bowl of rice for a complete meal.
Operating Hours:
9:30 am – 8:00 pm (Monday – Saturday)
Closed on Sundays
Address: D-0-3, Lorong Capital, Sabah, 88400 Kota Kinabalu
Phone No: 088-447 533
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asiarasacafe
7. Ambuyat
Ambuyat, also known as linut, is a dish derived from the interior trunk of the sago palm. Ambuyat is cooked into a starchy, bland substance, similar to tapioca starch. Ambuyat is served by rolling the starch around the chandas with a bamboo chopstick and dipping it into fermented sour sauce. It is also eaten along with sour sauce and a variety of vegetables.
Operating Hours: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 5, Lorong Dewan, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 016-833 2381
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heylittlesulap/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heylittlesulap/
8. Pinasakan
Pinasakan is a Kadazandusun traditional dish. It is made with seafood, usually basung fish that is cooked in a mixture of chillies, bambangan, asam, and ginger. Pinasakan is typically served with steamed rice, or Ambuyat.
Operating Hours:
11.30am – 8.30pm (Monday – Saturday)
Closed on Sundays
Address: LOT 48, 1ST FLOOR, BLK F, LRG 333-5 PLAZA 333, JLN BYPASS PENAMPANG PENAMPANG, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 016-833 2381
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mynative.sabah/
9. Linopot
Linopot is another popular dish among the Kadazan-Dusun people of Sabah. Linopot is actually rice that has been neatly packed and wrapped in a large leaf. The word “Linopot” means packing in Dusun language. In traditional preparation, hill paddy was mostly used in Linopot, and the rice can be mixed with yam or sweet potato to create different types of rice.
Operating Hours:
11:00 am – 9:00 pm (Saturday,Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday)
1:30 pm – 9:00 pm (Friday)
Closed on Tuesdays
Address: Kg. Cinta Mata, Jalan Kundasang Kauluan, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah
Phone No: 011-2987 7375
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selerakebunsoboroong
Grab Your Complimentary Lazada Voucher 【Here】
Tons of Shopee Cashback Deals 【Here】
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
