Local Food and Beverages in Sabah: A Culinary Adventure for Travellers

Local Food and Beverages in Sabah: A Culinary Adventure for Travellers

When visiting Sabah, the rich variety of food and beverages is a must-experience for any traveller. The state offers a diverse culinary landscape, combining influences from its indigenous groups, Malay, Chinese, and Filipino communities. From traditional dishes to fresh seafood, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a guide to some of Sabah’s most unique local foods and beverages that you shouldn’t miss.

1. Nasi Linopot: Traditional Kadazandusun Delight

Nasi Linopot is a staple dish of the Kadazandusun people, where rice is wrapped in a leaf (typically tarap leaf) to keep it fresh and aromatic. It’s usually served with salted fish, sambal, or chicken cooked in bamboo, offering an earthy and natural flavor.

• Where to try: Restaurants in Ranau or Tambunan.
• Experience: Enjoy the natural scent and taste that the leaf wrapping adds to this traditional dish.

2. Hinava: Fresh and Tangy Kadazandusun Dish

Hinava is a raw fish salad, similar to ceviche, made from fresh mackerel mixed with lime juice, ginger, chili, and sometimes grated bambangan seed. This refreshing dish is a testament to Sabah’s coastal bounty.

• Where to try: Popular during festivals like Kaamatan or at restaurants in Kota Kinabalu.
• Experience: Taste the freshness of raw seafood infused with tangy and spicy flavors.

3. Tuaran Mee: Famous Sabahan Noodles

Named after the town of Tuaran, these egg noodles are lightly fried with a unique combination of vegetables, egg, and meat (usually pork or chicken). The noodles are crispy yet tender, offering a texture that’s hard to resist.

• Where to try: Try this dish in Tuaran town or Kota Kinabalu at restaurants like Tuaran Mee Restoran.
• Experience: Enjoy this local noodle specialty paired with a simple stir-fry of vegetables and meat for a filling meal.

4. Bambangan: Exotic Mango

The Bambangan is a wild mango found only in Sabah. Its thick skin and tangy flavor make it a local favorite, often served pickled or mixed into salads like Hinava.

• Where to try: Donggongon Market or any traditional markets in Kota Kinabalu.
• Experience: Taste the distinctively tangy flavor of this wild mango in different dishes.

5. Sinalau Bakas: Smoked Wild Boar

A Kadazandusun specialty, Sinalau Bakas is smoked wild boar meat. It’s commonly sold by roadside stalls and is served hot off the grill, offering a delicious smoky flavor.

• Where to try: Stalls along the road near Kinabalu Park.
• Experience: Pull over at a countryside stall and enjoy this unique dish, often eaten with rice and chili dip.

6. Fresh Seafood

Sabah is renowned for its fresh seafood, and Kota Kinabalu is the best place to indulge in a seafood feast. Whether it’s Tiger Prawns, Lobster, or Red Snapper, visitors can select from a wide variety of fresh catches that are usually prepared on the spot.

• Where to try: Kota Kinabalu Seafood Night Market, Oceanus Waterfront Mall, or renowned restaurants like Welcome Seafood Restaurant.
• Experience: Enjoy seafood that’s cooked to perfection, whether grilled, steamed, or fried. Make sure to pair it with local dipping sauces like Sambal Belacan.

7. Sabah Tea

Sabah Tea, grown in the highlands of Ranau, is known for being organic and rich in flavor. Visitors can tour the plantations and enjoy freshly brewed tea at the Sabah Tea Garden.

• Where to try: Sabah Tea Garden, Ranau.
• Experience: Savor the organic tea while overlooking breathtaking views of Mount Kinabalu.

8. Butod: Sago Worms

An adventurous dish for daring travellers, Butod (sago worms) is a traditional delicacy among the indigenous communities. These worms are either eaten raw or grilled and have a nutty flavor.

• Where to try: Local markets in Kudat or Rungus villages.
• Experience: For those seeking an authentic and adventurous experience, try Butod during a local festival or community gathering.

9. Tapai and Tuak: Traditional Rice Wine

No culinary experience in Sabah is complete without trying the local rice wine, Tapai or Tuak. These are often brewed by local communities and served during special occasions and celebrations.

• Where to try: Kaamatan Festival or visit local villages.
• Experience: Share a drink with locals to celebrate a festival or milestone and enjoy the local hospitality.