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makan

Don't Know Where To Eat In Sabah? Here Are 8 Must-Visit Cafés

If you're heading east for your next trip, keep an eye out for these spots!

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1. Brown Fox

Image via Brown Fox (Facebook)

Image via Brown Fox (Facebook)

Image via Brown Fox (Facebook)

With a minimal interior design that evokes a feeling of zen, this café serves Japanese staples that would rival those found in the Peninsular.

On their menu, you will find familiar dishes, such as their signature Miso Ramen and Katsu Curry Rice.

You can also satisfy your sweet tooth with pastries prepared by Comma Bakery.

Address:

Lot B-G-06, Level G, Lorong Sutera, Sutera Avenue,
88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Opening hours:
9am to 6pm (Monday to Saturday)
10am to 6pm (Sunday)

2. October Coffee Gaya

Image via @octobercoffeegaya (Instagram)

Image via @octobercoffeegaya (Instagram)

Image via @octobercoffeegaya (Instagram)

This café incorporates a heavy use of wood in its aesthetic, giving off a very rustic feel and looking somewhat like an old tavern at first glance.

Boasting an extensive array of specialty coffees, this is a must-stop for any connoisseur.

For those of you who don't fancy coffee, there are plenty of light bites available, such as their Beef Bruschetta and Korean Street Sandwich.
 
Address:

13, Lorong Dewan, Pusat Bandar,
88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Opening hours:
9am to 11pm (Sunday to Friday)
9am to 10pm (Saturday)

3. Solid Ground

Image via Solid Ground (Facebook)

Image via Solid Ground (Facebook)

Image via Solid Ground (Facebook)

With a dual menu serving brunch foods during the day and dinner in the evening, this spot dishes out a selection of Asian fusion items catering to a variety of taste buds.

Some of their most mouth-watering dishes include fried chicken with French toast, big breakfast, and foxy nanban rice!

Address:

2, Lorong Industri Inanam Juta, Inanam,
88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Opening hours:
8am to 10pm (Wednesday to Monday)
Closed on Tuesday.

4. Cha Cha

Image via Cha Cha (Facebook)

Image via Cha Cha (Facebook)

Image via Cha Cha (Facebook)

This café serves classic Malaysian dishes that spark a sense of nostalgia but with a modern twist to keep you guessing.

A prime example of this is their version of Kahanga, paired with fish roe and wakame, served on papadom.

Be sure to sample one of their 12 different kinds of 'teh' (they have a whole page just for this) while you're there!

Address:

Sutera Avenue, B-G-1, Ground Floor, Jalan Sembulan,
88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Opening hours:
9am to 10pm (Daily)

5. Anteiku

Image via Anteiku Café (Facebook)

Image via Anteiku Café (Facebook)

Image via Anteiku Café (Facebook)

Now this café is unlike any other on this list, with its unique anime-themed concept that will dazzle any die-hard fan.

From Dragon Ball to Jujutsu Kaisen, this place is filled with beautiful murals of some of Japan’s most iconic characters!

After you’ve devoured some of their aptly named dishes (such as the Sukuna Finger Rice), you can also equip yourself with cool merchandise like figurines, trading cards and many more.

Address:

Lot No 78, 1st Floor, Block I, Lorong Plaza 333-3A, Plaza 333,
89500 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Opening hours:
12pm to 9pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
Closed on Monday.

6. San Da Gen Kopitiam

Image via San Da Gen Kopitiam (Facebook)

Image via San Da Gen Kopitiam (Facebook)

Image via San Da Gen Kopitiam (Facebook)

While the previous entries are perfect for a trip to Kota Kinabalu, check out this place if you're planning to make a pit-stop in Sandakan!

Get transported back to the 60s and bask in the retro feel of this cute kopitiam while you enjoy their traditional Malaysian dishes like the Nasi Kerabu with Ayam Goreng Berempah.

Leave some room for their famous egg tart and cream puffs!

Address:

Lebuh Dua, Pusat Bandar Sandakan,
90000 Sandakan, Sabah

Opening hours:
8.30am to 5.30pm (Daily)

7. Ba Lin Rooftop Bar & Restaurant

Image via @balinrooftop (Instagram)

Image via @balinrooftop (Instagram)

Image via @balinrooftop (Instagram)

This is your go-to spot in Sandakan to enjoy the serene coastal views of the city.

You can find them on the rooftop of the landmark NAK hotel. They serve a variety of western dishes & cocktails that are perfect to end the day with as the sun sets on the second biggest city in Sabah.

Live performances are a regular occurrence at this joint, so you may just be lucky enough to catch a show while you’re there!

Address:
Nak Hotel, Jalan Pelabuhan Lama, Pusat Bandar Sandakan
90000 Sandakan, Sabah

Opening hours:
12pm to 12am (Monday to Friday)
10am to 12am (Saturday and Sunday)

8. Mess Kantin

Image via Mess Kantin (Facebook)

Image via Mess Kantin (Facebook)

Image via Mess Kantin (Facebook)

Should you find yourself in Sabah's other most well-known city of Tawau, then this place should definitely be on your list.

This café is nestled within the lush greenery that make up this part of the city. The abundance of greenery here will convert any city folk into a full-blown nature lover.

Address:

2112, Jalan Sin Onn,
91000 Tawau, Sabah

Opening hours:
10am to 6pm (Daily)

Planning a road trip within the Peninsular instead? Check out our other lists of cafés you can find on the mainland:

All these lists making you hungry? Here are our latest food-related stories:

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