Many Peninsular Malaysians often will dismiss the idea of travelling to East Malaysia, especially the home of the country’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu. Aside from its beaches, Sabah is renowned for its coral reefs, rainforest, and a variety of wildlife, much of it found in parks and reserves.
Let’s not forget the variety of coffee shops, each with its own unique design idea in Sabah. Every café in Sabah provides a selection of coffee, non-coffee drinks, and speciality foods, enabling residents and visitors (as well) to try a different kind of cafe every time.
But, don’t worry, we have got you covered if you don’t know where to begin! Here is a list of the top 5 cafés that you must visit when you are in Sabah.
1. Brown Fox
This Kota Kinabalu-based Brown Fox Café is situated on Sutera Avenue. The café offers Japanese staples that are comparable to those found in the Peninsular and has a minimalist interior design that evokes a zen-like atmosphere.
They offered a wide range of cuisine, including Western and Asian fusion dishes. You can order well-known dishes like their famous Miso Ramen and Katsu Curry Rice from their menu. Pastries made by Comma Bakery will also satisfy your sweet tooth.
Operating hours: 9 am to 6 pm (Monday to Saturday)
10 am to 6 pm (Sunday only)
Address: Block B, Lot B-G-06, Sutera Avenue, Lorong Lebuh Raya, Off Coastal Highway, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Official FB page: https://www.facebook.com/brownfoxcafe
2. Solid Ground
Located in Inanam Capital, Solid Ground Cafe & Restaurant is a welcoming neighbourhood café with colourful decor, wooden furniture, and potted plants.
This restaurant serves a variety of Asian fusion cuisine that will appeal to a wide range of palates with a dual menu that serves brunch foods during the day and supper in the evening. Foxy Nanban rice, a large breakfast, and fried chicken with French toast are a few of their most delectable meals. They have also introduced new beverages including matcha lemonade and matcha gula Melaka.
Operating hours: 8 am to 10 pm (Monday to Sunday – Tuesday off)
Address: 2 Lorong Industri Inanam Juta, Kota Kinabalu 88450
Official FB page: https://www.facebook.com/solidgroundkk
3. Cha Cha
Cha Cha is inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Malayan cuisine. The restaurant wishes to create a space where families who come here can experience the traditions of yesteryear combined with the influences of today’s culture.
It means this restaurant serves traditional Malaysian meals that make you nostalgic yet with a contemporary touch to keep you on your toes. They serve their version of Kahanga, sourced locally from Tawau, on papadom along with fish roe and wakame as a perfect illustration of this. Customers have reviewed this beautiful mother-nature creation 10/10 for its food presentation and taste wise again and again.
While you’re there, try one of their 12 distinct varieties of “teh” and 14 varieties of “kopi”. Their menu can be viewed on their official Facebook page.
Operating hours: 8 am to 5 pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
Address: Sutera Avenue, B-G-1, Ground Floor, Jalan Sembulan, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Official FB page: https://www.facebook.com/hellochacha.kk/
4. Ba Lin Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
If you are in Sandakan, this is the place to take in the tranquil coastline vistas of Sandakan. Ba Lin is a hidden gem located on the rooftop of a 46-year-old local landmark, NAK hotel.
They provide a selection of western food and drinks that are ideal for winding down the day as the sun sets over Sabah’s second-largest city. You could get lucky and catch a show while you’re there because live performances are frequently held there.
Operating hours: 12 pm to 12 am (Monday to Friday)
10 am to 12 am (Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday)
Reservations are highly recommended during peak hours
Address: Nak Hotel, Jalan Pelabuhan Lama, Pusat Bandar Sandakan, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah
Official FB page: https://www.facebook.com/Balinrooftop/
5. October Coffee Gaya
This is a must-stop for every aficionado since it offers a wide variety of speciality coffees. Many locals and visitors alike frequent October Coffee Gaya, one of the more well-known and well-liked cafés.
Since the café uses its own house mix of coffee beans, each cup should be strong. Non-coffee drinkers will also discover an intriguing assortment of beverages, ranging from fresh fruit juice to Iced Matcha with Yuzu.
With its hanging tree branch, low ceiling, and wood-themed decor, the café evokes the cosy feeling of a log cabin. It also has camping seats and coffee bean bans hanging around the wooden stairs.
French breakfast, traditional scones, sandwiches, Korean toast, and speciality cakes are just a few of the sweet and savoury options available on the menu at October Coffee Gaya.
Operating hours: 9 am to 11 pm daily
Address: 13, Lorong Dewan, Pusat Bandar, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Official FB page: https://www.facebook.com/octobercoffeegaya/
