25 Best Sabah Food You Should Try

Sabah has a food culture influenced by its diverse communities, including Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, Malay and Chinese. The food includes traditional dishes, seafood and local snacks. This guide covers the best Sabah food to try.

Noodle Dishes

1. Tuaran Mee

Tuaran Mee is a noodle dish from Tuaran, made with egg noodles, char siew and vegetables. It is one of the most famous Sabah dishes. See our places to visit in Sabah guide.

2. Beaufort Mee

Beaufort Mee is a noodle dish from Beaufort, made with yellow noodles and a savoury sauce. It is a popular local dish. See our Sabah road trip guide.

3. Sang Nyuk Mee

Sang Nyuk Mee is a noodle dish, popular in Sabah, made with fresh pork and noodles. It is a popular local dish.

4. Tawau Mee

Tawau Mee is a noodle dish from Tawau. It is a popular local dish.

Traditional Dishes

5. Hinava

Hinava is a traditional Kadazan-Dusun dish, made with raw fish, lime, chilli and ginger. It is a popular local dish and one of the most famous Sabah dishes.

6. Ambuyat

Ambuyat is a traditional dish, made with sago starch. It is eaten with a sauce and side dishes. Note: Ambuyat is shared across multiple Borneo regions, not unique to Sabah.

7. Pinasakan

Pinasakan is a traditional Kadazan-Dusun dish, made with fish, bambangan and spices. It is a popular local dish.

8. Bosou

Bosou is a traditional Kadazan-Dusun dish, made with fermented fish, rice and vegetables. It is a popular local dish.

9. Nonsom

Nonsom is a traditional dish, made with fermented food. It is a popular local dish.

Rice Dishes

10. Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak is a traditional Malaysian dish, made with coconut rice, sambal, peanuts, anchovies and egg. It is a popular breakfast dish in Sabah. Note: Nasi Lemak is a national dish, not unique to Sabah.

11. Nasi Kuning

Nasi Kuning is a yellow rice dish, popular in Sabah. It is usually served with fish and vegetables.

Seafood

12. Sabah Seafood

Sabah has seafood restaurants serving fresh seafood. See our best food places in Kota Kinabalu guide.

13. Grilled Fish

Grilled fish is a popular dish in Sabah. It is usually served with a spicy sauce.

14. Butter Prawns

Butter prawns are a popular seafood dish in Sabah. They are made with prawns, butter and curry leaves.

15. Steamed Fish

Steamed fish is a popular dish in Sabah, usually served with a soy-based sauce.

Snacks

16. Kuih Cincin

Kuih Cincin is a traditional Sabah snack, made with rice flour and palm sugar. It is a popular snack.

17. Kuih Penjaram

Kuih Penjaram is a traditional snack, popular in Sabah. It is a fried snack.

18. Bambangan

Bambangan is a traditional Kadazan-Dusun dish, made with a type of mango. It is a popular side dish.

Desserts

19. Coconut Pudding

Coconut pudding is a popular dessert in Sabah, made with coconut milk and jelly.

20. Cendol

Cendol is a cold dessert, made with coconut milk, green jelly and palm sugar. It is a popular dessert. Note: Cendol is a national dessert, not unique to Sabah.

Other Dishes

21. Roti Canai

Roti Canai is a popular Malaysian flatbread, served with curry. It is a popular breakfast dish in Sabah. Note: Roti Canai is a national dish, not unique to Sabah.

22. Satay

Satay is a popular dish, made with grilled meat on skewers, served with a peanut sauce. It is a popular dish in Sabah. Note: Satay is a national dish, not unique to Sabah.

23. Sayur Campur

Sayur Campur is a mixed vegetable dish, popular in Sabah. It is a popular side dish.

24. Hinava Sashimi

Hinava can be served as a sashimi-style dish, with fresh fish. It is a popular local dish.

25. Local Fruits

Sabah has local fruits, including seasonal tropical fruits. They are popular snacks.

Where to Try Sabah Food

• Kota Kinabalu: The markets and food stalls in Kota Kinabalu are the best places to try Sabah food. See our best food places in Kota Kinabalu guide.
• Tuaran: Tuaran is the home of Tuaran Mee. See our places to visit in Sabah guide.
• Beaufort: Beaufort is the home of Beaufort Mee. See our Sabah road trip guide.
• Tawau: Tawau has food stalls and restaurants serving local food.

Practical Tips

• Spice level: Sabah food can be spicy. Ask about the spice level if you are sensitive to chilli.
• Halal: Most Malay restaurants in Sabah are halal. Chinese restaurants may serve pork.
• Timing: Some dishes are only available at certain times. Ask locally for the best time to try specific dishes.
• Hygiene: Choose busy stalls and restaurants — they usually have a high turnover of food.
• Cash: Bring cash — some stalls may not accept cards.

FAQ

What food is Sabah famous for?

Sabah is famous for Tuaran Mee, Beaufort Mee, hinava and seafood. See our best food places in Kota Kinabalu guide.

Where can I try Sabah food?

Kota Kinabalu is the best place to try Sabah food. See our best food places in Kota Kinabalu guide.

Is Sabah food spicy?

Sabah food can be spicy. Ask about the spice level if you are sensitive to chilli. See our best food in Sabah guide.

Conclusion

Sabah has a food culture influenced by its diverse communities. For more ideas, see our best food places in Kota Kinabalu, places to visit in Kota Kinabalu and places to visit in Sabah guides.