Welcome to Sandakan—a charming coastal town in Sabah, Borneo, where every street corner tells a story and every plate reveals a legacy. Known for its stunning wildlife and historical significance, Sandakan is quietly becoming a hotspot for food lovers seeking something real, raw, and rooted in tradition. With a driving time of about 6 to 8.5 hours from Kota Kinabalu or 1 hour by flight, your taste buds are just journey away from savoring local delights.
Unlike commercial food destinations that cater to Instagram more than the palate, Sandakan serves heritage on a plate. From floating seafood restaurants perched over the sea to night markets bursting with the aroma of sambal and sizzling satay, this town offers more than just meals—it offers culinary memories. Known for its rich culinary heritage, Sandakan food offers a unique blend of Malaysian, Chinese, and indigenous flavors
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler with a curious appetite, this food guide will help you uncover the flavors, places, and experiences that make Sandakan a must-visit for foodies in 2025 and beyond. So, pack your things and prepare your stomach- let’s explore the top best foods in Sandakan!
Top 10 Must-Try Dishes in Sandakan (And Where to Find Them)
In Sandakan, food is more than a necessity—it’s a living archive of culture, migration, and local pride. With each bite, you’re not just eating—you’re learning, connecting, and celebrating Sabah’s unique identity. Below are 10 dishes you absolutely must try, along with the best places to enjoy them like a local.
1. Seafood Bak Kut Teh
Traditionally a pork bone broth slow-cooked with Chinese medicinal herbs, Sandakan’s version takes a bold coastal twist. Instead of pork, it stars fresh tiger prawns, clams, fish slices, and sometimes soft-shell crab. The broth is still dark and herbal, infused with wolfberries, angelica root, and star anise—but the briny sweetness of seafood adds a whole new depth of flavor. It’s warming, nourishing, and deeply comforting—especially on a rainy day.
Why try it: This is Sandakan’s proud reimagination of a beloved classic, honoring its Chinese heritage while embracing its coastal abundance.
📍 Where to try: Nam Chai Restaurant is legendary for its seafood Bak Kut Teh. The portions are generous, and the broth? Absolutely soul-soothing. Have a look at Nam Chai Restaurant on Google Map.
Photo Credit: Chirstopher C
2. UFO Tart
Only in Sandakan will you find a pastry named after a flying saucer—and with good reason. The UFO tart features a fluffy sponge cake base topped with a custard dome and a ring of golden-brown caramel. Biting into one is a surprise: soft on the bottom, creamy in the center, and crackly on top. It’s sweet but not cloying, and it melts in your mouth. No Sandakan food trip is complete without tasting this iconic UFO tart.
Why try it: This quirky dessert originated in Sandakan in the 1950s and is still made using the same family recipes. It’s nostalgic for locals and novel for visitors.
📍 Where to try: San Da Gen Kopitiam, located in the heritage quarter of Sandakan, is the go-to spot. Enjoy your tart with a hot Kopi ‘O’ for a classic local breakfast. Visit Google Map for its location.
Photo Credit: Franz Thomas Martin
3. Coconut Pudding – Sandakan’s Tropical Hidden Gem
Among Sandakan’s must-try desserts, the coconut pudding stands out as a refreshing tropical delight. Served chilled in a young coconut, this creamy pudding boasts a smooth texture and a light, naturally sweet flavor that’s perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
Why try it: This Sandakan food is a match made in heaven- the pudding is smooth, silky and creamy. And the coconut after-taste complements its custardy texture.
📍 Where to try: Kedai Makan Ngee Lee is a hidden-gem in the Sandakan food scene. Known by food lovers for its delicious homemade coconut pudding made fresh daily. Here’s Kedai Makan Ngee Lee location on Google Map.
Photo Credit: Mitchell Chong (KP PGRS Bahagian Kapayan)
4. Century Egg Dumplings
A flavor bomb for the adventurous palate. These dumplings combine minced pork seasoned with garlic and sesame oil, chopped scallions, and bits of creamy, pungent century egg. The dumpling skin is silky and thin- can either be steamed to glossy perfection, boiled with a flavorful broth or pan-fried for crispy edges.
Why try it: It’s an umami explosion with contrasting textures: crunchy, smooth, savory, and mildly funky—all in one bite. Never ever miss this spot if you want to fulfill your Sandakan food experience.
📍 Where to try: Syn Kau Kee Restaurant is one of the places where Sandakan locals go for this delicacy. Its Dim Sum is heavenly, so don’t be surprised when you find out one bowl of the dish is not enough. Here’s Syn Kau Kee in Google Map.
Photo Credit: I Hungry La
5. Grilled Stingray with Sambal
A night market staple, this dish takes fresh stingray fillets and grills them over hot coals, often in banana leaves. It’s then generously topped with Sambal Belacan—a fiery, pungent chili paste made with fermented shrimp, garlic, lime, and bird’s eye chilies. The meat is smoky, tender, and infused with heat and citrus.
Why try it: It’s the essence of Bornean street food—unapologetically bold, spicy, and grilled over open flames, just the way locals love it.
📍 Where to try: A staple in every Sandakan food itinerary, this seafood restaurant is famous for its fresh seafood and stringray dishes: SS2 Prima Restaurant is the place to go. Filled with sizzling sounds, smoking grills, and a line of locals ordering up plates of seafood. Check SS2 Prima Restaurant on Google Map for direction now.
6. Banana Fritters or Pisang Goreng ( with Toppings)
This sweet street snack turns heads with its indulgent toppings. Fresh bananas are battered and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Then comes the twist: they’re topped with shredded cheddar cheese, condensed milk, and sometimes even Milo powder or chocolate syrup. The mix of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy makes this a beloved guilty pleasure.
Why try it: It’s a Malaysian dessert gone wild—strange at first, but instantly addictive once you get your first bite.
📍 Where to try: Stall #7 at Harbour Mall Night Market. They’re known for their generous toppings and perfectly fried fritters with a crispy shell and soft center. Here’s the mall location on Google Map.
7. Soto Banjar
A dish with roots in the Banjarese community of Kalimantan, Soto Banjar is a fragrant chicken noodle soup infused with cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, lemongrass, and turmeric. It’s topped with shredded chicken, hard-boiled egg, crispy shallots, and served with rice or vermicelli. A dash of lime and a spoonful of sambal complete the experience.
Why try it: It’s a comforting, spice-forward bowl that tells the story of Sandakan’s multicultural population—particularly its Indonesian heritage.
📍 Where to try: You’ll find many places to try Soto Banjar in Sandakan. But the one served in Haji Tamrin Restaurant is the best place for authentic Soto Banjar. Locals crave for this deeply satisfying dish. Check out the restaurant’s location on Google Map so you won’t get lost.
8. Salted Fish Fried Rice
A humble but powerfully flavorful dish. Jasmine rice is stir-fried with garlic, egg, and tiny bits of crispy salted fish that pack a salty, umami-rich punch. It’s often served with sambal or pickled vegetables to cut through the richness.
Why try it: It’s simple, comforting, and reminds you that good food doesn’t need to be fancy. One bite and you’ll understand why it’s a staple in many Sandakan homes.
📍 Where to try: Restoran Sim Sim 88 inside Sim Sim Water Village. Enjoy this dish with sea views, the occasional seabird swooping by, and a refreshing lime juice. You can find Restoran Sim Sim 88 on Google Map.
9. Sabahan Ngiu Chap (Beef Noodle Soup)
This hearty bowl features tender beef slices, chewy tendon, spongy tripe, and savory beef balls, all simmered in a dark, herbaceous broth. It’s served over yellow noodles or rice noodles, and usually comes with chili vinegar sauce for dipping.
Why try it: It’s rich, meaty, and deeply comforting—a dish that locals swear cures hangovers, bad days, and rainy mornings.
📍 Where to try: Kah Hiong Ngiu Chap— a no-frills eatery where the focus is all on the food. Their slow-brewed broth and homemade sambal are unmatched. Look for it on Google Map for directions.
Photo Credit: Sandakan Kah Hiong Ngiu Chap
10. Latok (Sea Grapes)
Latok, also known as green caviar, is a type of seaweed that grows in Sabah’s coastal waters. It’s served raw and cold, with a dipping sauce of calamansi, chili, soy sauce, and a sprinkle of sugar. The pearls pop gently in your mouth and taste like the sea itself—clean, briny, and refreshing.
Why try it: It’s one of the most unique textures you’ll find in Southeast Asian cuisine—and incredibly healthy, too!
📍 Where to try: Pasar Tamu Sandakan (Weekend Market). Arrive early to grab it fresh. It’s often sold out by late morning, especially on Sundays. Take a look on the market’s location on Google Map.
Photo Credit: New Straits Times
Best Places to Eat in Sandakan
Sandakan is a town where the best meals often come without fancy decor or price tags. Its food culture thrives in open-air markets, waterfront villages, and humble Kopitiams passed down through generations. From sunrise breakfasts to late-night bites, here’s your essential guide to where to eat in Sandakan—each place handpicked for its flavor, story, and local charm.
Sim Sim Water Village – The Quintessential Seaside Feast
Sim Sim is more than a fishing village—it’s a living, breathing food destination. Built entirely on stilts over the Sulu Sea, it’s home to dozens of family-run eateries serving seafood straight from the ocean to your plate. The vibe here is unbeatable: sea breeze, lapping waves beneath your feet, and the smell of garlic and chilies wafting through the air.
Don’t Miss:
- Butter prawns and sweet & sour crab
- Salted egg squid and steamed grouper
Why Go: It’s not just about the food—it’s the experience. Watching the sunset as you crack into fresh crabs is one of Sandakan’s most iconic dining moments.
San Da Gen Kopitiam – A Heritage Café with Modern Flavor
Located in the beautifully restored Heritage Building, San Da Gen is where tradition meets modern flair. It’s stylish yet nostalgic, known for reimagining classic dishes while still paying homage to their roots. It’s also the birthplace (and guardian) of the famous UFO tart.
Don’t Miss:
- UFO Tart with a cup of strong kopi ‘O’
- Laksa Nyonya-style or their sambal Tuna toast
Why Go: A perfect breakfast or teatime stop, especially for foodies who want Instagram-worthy ambiance without sacrificing authenticity.
My Harbour Restaurant – Halal Seafood Done Right
This spacious, Muslim-friendly restaurant is a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike who want to enjoy seafood with peace of mind. Located near the waterfront, My Harbour serves big, bold dishes perfect for sharing. In case you haven’t seen yet, here’s its location on Google Map.
Don’t Miss:
- Signature chili crab with steamed Mantou buns
- Giant grilled prawns with garlic butter
- Sotong Goreng Tepung (deep-fried squid)
Why Go: It’s family-friendly, group-friendly, and the portions are big enough to satisfy even the hungriest travelers.
Kim Fung Night Market – Street Food Heaven After Sundown
Every evening, the area around Bandar Kim Fung transforms into a bustling night market. With open grills, sizzling woks, and flashing neon signs, this is where you go for street food overload. Whether you want a quick snack or a full meal, this market offers variety and value. The market can be looked up on Google Map for directions.
Don’t Miss:
- Grilled stingray with sambal
- Satay chicken skewers
- UFO tarts and Apam Balik
Why Go: You’ll find a bit of everything here—from Chinese stir-fry to Malay kuih and even Thai-style bubble tea. It’s where Sandakan locals wind down after work, and visitors soak up real Sabah flavor.
Empire Seafood Restaurant – Sandakan’s Seafood Haven
If you’re after fresh catches and bold flavors, Empire Seafood Restaurant is where Sandakan locals and visitors gather to indulge.
Known for its spacious, family-friendly setting and generous portions, this spot serves up everything from traditional Chinese seafood dishes to modern Asian twists—always with ocean-fresh ingredients. Visit its location on Google Map now.
Don’t Miss:
- Signature roasted duck noodles with homemade sauce
- Steamed Groupa with ginger and soy
- Wok-fried beef kway teow with spicy sambal kick
Why Go: It’s ideal for families or groups with different seafood preferences. Bonus: it’s clean, cool and the workers are very friendly.
Restoran Sri Mawar – A Taste of Local Malay Cuisine
For a cozy sit-down meal that feels like home, head to Restoran Sri Mawar. This hidden gem is known for its rich, comforting Malay dishes like nasi lemak, ayam masak merah, and ulam (fresh herbs with sambal dip). Looking for its location? Take a look on Google Map.
Don’t Miss:
- Nasi Campur with a side of Sambal Belacan
- Rendang Daging with Turmeric rice
- Fried Tempeh and anchovies
Why Go: It’s a favorite among office workers, students, and families for a reason—it’s hearty, affordable, and made with love.
Budget-Friendly Food Spots
- Kim Fung Night Market – Try the grilled chicken wings and UFO tarts for under RM10.
- Sandakan Central Market – A great place for local delicacies like Kuih Cincin and Kelupis.
- Sim Sim Water Village Street Stalls – Seafood on skewers, fried noodles, and coconut drinks—all budget-friendly.
Their Highlights:
- Great food under RM15
- Street food options nightly
- Local snacks & desserts available in bulk
Halal Food Options for Muslim Travelers
One of Sandakan’s many strengths is its wide availability of halal food. Whether you’re dining at restaurants, markets, or food courts, Muslim travelers can confidently enjoy meals that are both delicious and halal-compliant.
- My Harbour Restaurant serves up fresh seafood dishes that are Halal, ideal for families and larger groups.
- Restoran Sri Mawar is a favorite among locals for its Malay-style lunches, nasi lemak, and rich curries.
- Santai Pantai Pasir Putih Sandakan- Fresh seafood? Checked. Delicious? You bet. Reasonably priced? Yes. Halal dishes? Oh, Yes! Take a look at the restaurant on Google Map if you haven’t yet.
Most eateries are family-run and happy to answer questions about ingredients and preparation. For added convenience, look out for signage or use Halal locator apps during your trip.
Planning a Sandakan Food Tour
If you’re short on time but big on appetite, here’s how to plan a full-day Sandakan food tour:
Morning: Start with UFO tarts & coffee at San Da Gen Kopitiam
Lunch: Sim Sim Water Village for seafood
Afternoon: Visit Central Market for light or heavy bites and fruit juices
Dinner: Grilled seafood and noodles at Kim Fung Night Market
Dessert: Pisang Goreng Cheese and Cendol at Harbour Square
3-Day Foodie Itinerary in Sandakan
Day 1
- Breakfast: UFO tart + kopi
- Lunch: Ngiu Chap noodles
- Dinner: Night Market seafood BBQ
Day 2
- Morning market visit & street snacks
- Lunch at Sim Sim 88 floating restaurant
- Sunset drinks & dinner at a Seafront café
Day 3
- Halal buffet breakfast
- Market tour & food souvenirs
- Street food lunch before departure
Tips for Food Lovers Visiting Sandakan
- Bring cash! Many stalls don’t accept cards or QR payments
- Most food stalls open from 7AM to 11PM
- Try unfamiliar dishes—you might discover your next favorite
- Avoid peak hours (7–8PM) if you’re short on time
What to Bring for a Food Trip
- Wet wipes or tissues (trust us)
- A reusable shopping bag for takeaways
- Water bottle (stay hydrated)
- Antacids or charcoal pills (if you’re adventurous)
Final Thoughts: Savor the Flavors of Sandakan
From street eats to seafood feasts, Sandakan food offers something unforgettable for every palate. It may be known for its wildlife and history, but its culinary scene is what leaves the longest-lasting memory. Here, every dish tells a story—of migration, of community, of tradition. You’re not just tasting ingredients; you’re tasting identity. .
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, the Sandakan food experience will leave you craving more. It’s unpretentious. It’s soulful. And most importantly, it’s real.
So take your time. Eat slowly. Ask locals what their favorite dishes are. And remember—sometimes, the most memorable meals aren’t found in five-star restaurants, but in the laughter-filled alleys and steaming market stalls of a place like Sandakan.
FAQs ( The Top Best Foods in Sandakan and Where to Find Them)
What are The Top Best Foods in Sandakan ?
Sandakan is best known for its seafood, UFO tarts, coconut pudding, Pisang Goreng, Soto Banjar, Latok and local noodle dishes.
Is Sandakan a good destination for Muslim foodies?
Yes, many restaurants are Halal-certified and cater to Muslim travelers. Sandakan Halal food options are both diverse and delicious.
How much should I budget for a foodie trip?
RM30–RM50/day covers a full day of meals including snacks and drinks.
