Sandakan Malaysian Borneo Sabah, Malaysia Travel Guide
Fresh seafood like prawns, fish, crabs, and squid are plentiful and often grilled, steamed, or prepared in spicy curries. Turmeric, chili, ginger, garlic, lemongrass, and galangal provide aromatic notes.
Coconut milk is extensive in curries and desserts. Fermented shrimp paste (Belacan) adds a deep umami flavor. Noodles and rice are staples, reflecting strong Chinese influence.
Sandakan's coastal location means a strong emphasis on fresh seafood. The quality and variety of seafood here are exceptional.
Unique dishes like "UFO Tart" and "Curry Mee with fish balls" are found here, not common elsewhere.
A strong presence of Hakka and Cantonese culinary styles reflects the area's historical Chinese migration.
Best at Sim-Sim Water Village or Harbour Square. Choose live seafood for grilling, steaming, or curries.
A coastal specialty with exceptional quality.
Chinese herbal soup with tender pork ribs. Sandakan's version has a lighter, peppery broth.
Find it at specialty Bak Kut Teh restaurants.
Unique pastry with sponge base, creamy custard, and fluffy meringue. A distinctive UFO shape.
Available at local bakeries and markets.
Shaved ice dessert with green rice flour jellies, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup.
Shaved ice with various toppings like red beans, corn, jelly, and syrup.
Limited specific fine dining. Restaurants within the Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan present the most upscale experiences, offering refined ambiance and international menus.
Many options in the city center and Harbour Square area. They present a mix of local and some international cuisines.
Excellent for inexpensive and authentic local food. Find them in hawker centers, food courts, and the Central Market.
Limited options compared to larger cities. Hotels present international buffets. A few Japanese, Korean, and Western fast-food chains exist.
Local flavors remain the focus.
Night Markets (Pasar Malam) appear on specific evenings, offering street food, clothes, and household items. A lively place to explore local flavors and culture.
A chance to experience local life.
Increasingly available, but specify "no belacan." Vegan more challenging.
Widely available, especially at Malay restaurants. Look for certification.
Challenging due to common wheat-based sauces. Stick to simple, naturally GF dishes.
Language barriers present difficulty. Carry an allergy card in Malay for severe allergies.
Dine directly over the water, selecting fresh catch from tanks. An authentic local atmosphere.
Quintessential Sandakan dining experience.
Wander through night markets and hawker centers for an array of affordable local delights.
A true taste of daily local life.
Crispy and sweet, a popular street snack for quick energy.
During Ramadan, temporary bazaars feature Malay dishes. Chinese New Year has special treats and reunion dinners.
Famous for fresh, affordable seafood restaurants built on stilts over the water.
Ground floor hosts many food stalls offering cooked food and fresh produce.
Excellent for cheap and authentic local food with a wide variety of dishes.
Shaved ice dessert with green jellies, coconut milk, and palm sugar.
Refreshing and flavorful.
Thick, fluffy pancake with crushed peanuts, corn, and sugar.
A delightful sweet treat.
Traditionally for Malay and Indian food, if not using utensils.
Common practice in Chinese restaurants for a shared experience.
Tipping is not customary; a service charge is often included.
Pointing at menu items is acceptable. English is spoken in most tourist-oriented eateries.
