Yen Ai clinches cleanest coffee shop title in Kota Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU: Apart from being one of the best spots for a refreshing thirst quencher, Yen Ai Dessert and Herbal Tea shop is also the cleanest food outlet in the city after clinching the top award in City Hall’s Cleanest Food Outlet Competition in the coffee shop category.

The charming little tea shop in Bornion Centre, Luyang is known among local foodies for their wide range of herbal teas, sweet soups, dessert and other sugary treats.

In his opening remarks, Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai heaped praise on the winners for their relentless support and showing their commitment throughout the competition in pursuing the title of restaurant in the city.

“It gives me immense pleasure to convey my highest congratulations to all participants of this meaningful programme which aims to uplift and maintain the quality and safety of food sold at premises throughout the city,” he said.

During the prize-presentation ceremony, Yeo also took the opportunity to award top honours to representatives of Yen Ai Dessert and Herbal Tea shop, while second place went to Kedai Kopi Yee Fung, followed by Sinsuran Sang Nyuk Mee II at third place.

Yeo said the district-level competition is divided into two main categories which includes participating restaurants and non-franchise coffee shops.

Continue reading at: Yen Ai clinches cleanest coffee shop title in Kota Kinabalu

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Curios Traveller - Relax Coffee Cafe @ Manggatal Plaza

Hidden somewhere in the abundant shop lots of Manggatal Plaza, Relax Coffee Cafe is making its way to be on par with the other modern or hipster cafes.

Although this cafe is not located in the Kota Kinabalu CBD (Central Business District), foodies and cafe hunters do keep going to this awesome and vibrant cafe.

Initially, it was hard for me and my photographer @joehairie to locate this cafe due to its location.

We know where Manggatal Plaza is but we did not know that a hipster cafe can be found at this ‘so ordinary’ place.

It was about 3 weeks ago that we found out about this cafe through Instagram posts.

To those who have never been to this cafe, this post is meant for you.

Lets take a peek into what this Cafe has to offer to its avid cafe hunters a.k.a foodies.

Relax Coffee Cafe is precisely beside the CKS Supermarket and above Rice King Restaurant.

The cafe is on the 1st floor so up we went until we saw the big signboard “Relax Coffee Cafe”.

The entrance is on the left. I opened the door and was quite surprised by the artsy interior that was actually done the right way.

The sofas are full of colors but maintaining black color as its background. It is more to the contemporary design and has that young and fresh touch.

Indeed it is a hipster cafe. The ambiance itself will make you want to stay for hours.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Curios Traveller - Relax Coffee Cafe @ Manggatal Plaza

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Popular Places in Kota Kinabalu Sabah

Popular Places in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah are created for travelers who want to see the best of KK city in a short time. As you know, Kota Kinabalu or KK as it is commonly called, is a seaside city where there are quite a number of interesting things to do there. I frequently visit KK for work and hence have come up with a list of popular places you can go in KK. It may be subjective but then again, only a guide.

Kota Kinabalu city can be covered by foot in under two days, that is considering visiting the very popular tourist places around KK. Some attractions may require driving there but this can be arranged by any of the local registered tour counters found in the city. They are usually in shop lots or shopping mall kiosks. A general reminder is never to sign up with an unregistered tour guide or company as it can lead to all sorts of complications.

Shopping in KK

From modern shopping malls to bazaar style markets, you get the best of both worlds in one city. For the shopping mall fans, there are about five main malls in KK town which are Suria, Wisma Merdeka, Centerpoint, Warisan Square and KK Plaza and all can be easily accessed by foot.

Just around the vicinity there are bazaars and markets like the KK Handicraft Market (Old Philippines Market), KK Wet Market, Salted Fish Market and Fruit Market. Bazaars are found in the old area of Sinsuran, Segama and Kampung Air. One recommended popular Sunday Market is held at Gaya Street from 6am till about 3pm. Here you will find an interesting variety of local produce and handicraft to all sorts of everyday items including plants, flowers and even natural herbs.

Many other new shopping malls are built outside of the city which can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes drive. Notable ones are 1Borneo Shopping Mall, City Mall KK, Mengalong Mall Penampang and soon to open Oceanus Waterfront Mall at the KK Waterfront.

Eating in KK

As many travelers love to eat or try new foods, Kota Kinabalu city is well known for their Seafood and Chinese food and also a mix of other local and international food. Seafood is mainly popular by the KK Waterfront while Chinese food can be found at numerous places. Gaya Street is one place to start exploring, especially the old coffee shops as this is the main Chinatown of Kota Kinabalu. Most of the restaurants and coffee shops here serve Chinese food and are non-halal. The best time to explore Gaya Street is in the mornings right through lunch. In the night, a number of the popular places sell the famous Sabah Bak Kut Teh.

For your breakfast or tea break, there are a number of Cafes and Coffee Shops to explore around Gaya Street where some notable ones are the Museum Kopitiam Restaurant at Australia Park, try the Kopi Botol or Bottled Coffee. Another two at Gaya Street is called Foong Ip Cafe and also Fook Yuen just next to the Sabah Tourism Board office. Great coffee and decent variety of local food which are pork-free. So Muslims can eat here.

One interesting place to explore is the Grace Point Food Court or Double 6 Food Court which is at Grace Point, Sembulan. This is about 5-10 minutes drive from KK town and the Double 6 Food Center is quite modern with a nice touch of design. It is clean, spacious and the choices vary from local to international. There is a Seafood Restaurant and Japanese Restaurant here as well. Usually, I visit this place to have my fix of local Sabahan Kadazan Food, the Hinava Rice as in the picture above and the place is very recommended by me and many other Sabahans.

For the seafood lovers, check out Welcome Seafood Restaurant at Asia City in KK while another local popular place are the seafood restaurants at Sedco which is like a giant food court in town. At the waterfront, Ocean Seafood seems to be the popular one while the most famous seafood restaurant would be Nelayan Seafood Restaurant which is out of KK town.This is a themed restaurant with cultural performances so if you are up for it, catch the local Sabahan Cultural Shows while having your dinner here.

A 10 minutes drive from the city center will take you to the Tanjung Aru Beach and this is the most popular public beach in the city. Usually frequented by locals for weekend stroll or picnics. There are a number of food stalls and a couple of bars located here. Asia City is another place to explore as there are various coffee shops and restaurants available there. The Fook Yuen Cafe is a recommended place for all day dining. Asia City is located across the road from Center Point Shopping Mall in KK.

There is also an open food area at the KK Waterfront where a myriad of local Muslim stalls sell all kinds of fresh seafood that are either cooked or barbequed. You can find this place behind the Handicraft Market at the Waterfront area. Rows of stalls sell BBQ fish, crabs and huge prawns. Other local dishes are available as well but the seating conditions are outdoor and basic. Avoid if you have a weak stomach.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Popular Places in Kota Kinabalu Sabah

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China tourist influx a boon for Sabah eateries

KOTA KINABALU: The influx of Chinese tourists to the state has brought about roaring business for eateries here, especially shops that serve local food.

Come lunch or dinner time, locals and tourists alike would swarm eateries such as Kedai Kopi Yee Fung, Sin Kee Bah Kut Teh, Yu Kee Bak Kut Teh, and Five Star Hainanese Chicken Rice and BBQ Pork, and feast on bowls of aromatic laksa, devour pork belly, ribs or intestine from fragrant bak kut teh soup, or simply demolish plates of chicken rice.

Some eateries claim that Chinese tourists make up between 30 to 50 per cent of their customer base, a figure that shows the increasing significance of tourists to local businesses.

Preliminary statistics has shown that tourist arrivals from China and Hong Kong has increased by nearly 88 per cent in the first six months of this year, compared to the same period last year, said the Minister of Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun recently.

Cheng Chew Wang, owner of Kedai Kopi Yee Fung on Gaya Street, said his business has gone up by 20 per cent since April this year, a phenomenon that has intrigued him as tourist arrivals usually peaked in July and August.

Cheng said tourists from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong made up almost 50 per cent of his customers. The Chinese tourists have taken a liking for his Kuching laksa, claypot chicken rice and beef noodle soup because the food suit their taste buds, Cheng said.

Meanwhile, Ivan Chia of Sin Kee Bak Kut Teh at Jalan Pantai said, the shop’s customer base comprised of 50 percent locals, 20 percent regular customers and 30 per cent tourists. Western tourists, he said, made up less than 0.5 percent of his customers.

Bah Kut Teh has proven to be a very popular cuisine among Chinese tourists, especially those from China, who make up 80 percent of the Chinese tourists that patronise Sin Kee, followed by 15 to 18 percent Hong Kong Chinese and two percent Taiwanese, he said.

Chia said most of the Chinese tourists were walk-in customers or recommended by websites, adding that Sin Kee did not do any marketing or promotions.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: China tourist influx a boon for Sabah eateries

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Mango Garden Restaurant, Rumah Terbalik, Tamparuli

Alright, let’s talk about food this time!

There’s this question when everyone asked me, even tourists from overseas asked me, “Chloe, where can I find local food in Kota Kinabalu (KK)?” Oh how I wish I could answer them “Try out Hinava, Tuhau, Sayur campur, Paku Pakis …". You will know what I am talking about if you are a Sabahan but if you don’t, Hinava is actually a raw fish which normally is the Tenggiri Fish mixed with lime juices and all and Tuhau is the Wild Ginger stem. Sayur campur (mixed vegetables) is always my favourite one because I learnt to cook this special dish at Walai Tokou Homestay during my pageant few years back. Paku Pakis is the Wild Fern.

In January 2013, here comes the miracle, finally. Remember the last year when I wrote something about an Upside Down House in Borneo in several magazines here in Borneo? It’s a blast! Once again, the owners of Rumah Terbalik contacted and asked me if I am able to make a review for his new restaurant.

A beautifully structured building mainly designed with glass panel windows (I like this kind of buiding, it makes me think of Europe again), the new restaurant is situated alongside of Rumah Terbalik. I was told that it was an old Mango farm that transformed to a Mango Garden Restaurant.

Carefully planned, visitors no need to pay for the parking and entrance. Unless your main reason is to visit the interior of Rumah Terbalik, then you need to pay the entrance fee. Seriously, if any of the local or international travellers who would like to try local native food, you might need to travel all the way to other district of Sabah which is far from Kota Kinabalu town itself. Now, you can enjoy local native food here in Tamparuli (30 mins drive from Kota Kinabalu, if the traffic is good).

Firstly, Mango Smoothies and Mint Tea - Both are great but the Mint Tea is special. For your info, Mint Tea is not on the menu so you may need to have a special request on that. (Both rating: 5/5)

Sayur Kailan Masak Dua Rasa - If you are able to remember, there was a restaurant called the Penang Restaurant in 1Borneo Hypermall which no longer operate that served the same dish. That was the first time ever that I tried deep fried kalian and I get couldn't get it from other restaurants here in Kota Kinabalu. I did mention and interesting story about this dish just came to us that it was the same chef who made this special dish! Well, what a small world. The Kailan is served in two styles of preparation, deep fried and stir-fried with seafood, topped with crispy anchovies. It is a fusion dish between the Bajau Semporna tribe and Chinese method's of cooking. (Rating: 4/5)

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Mango Garden Restaurant, Rumah Terbalik, Tamparuli

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KK Food Festival kicks off with Opening Bazaar

KOTA KINABALU: Food aficionados are in for a sumptuous treat as Kota Kinabalu Food Festival (KKFF) kicked off with the Opening Bazaar yesterday.

The bazaar, which is held until today from 11am to 8pm, is a platform for the festival’s participating restaurants to showcase fine food or sell their products.

“Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun has hoped that the food festival would run for a month instead of last year’s KKFF which lasted for two weeks, so it’s good that it gives an opportunity for everybody,” said project manager Alfred Allan.

He said many people did not know where these restaurants were located, and the Opening Bazaar could showcase all the restaurants, many of which are locally-based and run.

The participating Sabah restaurants include Lucky Bean, Aubergine Bistro, Cristao Café and Grill, Newspaper Café, Yu Café, The Tea House, Silk Garden, The Golden Dew Bistro, The CHUBs Grill, Nagisa Japanese Restaurants, Ferdinand’s, Shang Place, The Chinese Restaurant, 90’s The Restaurant and More, Bintulu Korean Restaurant, Brooklyn Restaurant, Bomber’s Burger, Cherry Restaurant, Bella Restaurant, Brooklyn’s Restaurant, Hungry People, Emperor’s Delight, Malisa’s Flame Grilled Chicken, Kampung Nelayan, Tasty Wok and Red Place.

Visitors would have a chance to try out assorted delicacies from the various restaurants like local favourites, Portugese, Chinese, Japanese, Fusion, Western and many others.

The Opening Bazaar also features programmes for children like a colouring contest as well as a dance performance and games like the ‘Buy and Win’ where visitors who purchase anything above RM20 at any of the participating booths will stand a chance to participate in the Yummy Pick and win that offers attractive prizes.

The KK Food Festival also has its very own magazine, which can be found at one of the participating restaurants.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: KK Food Festival kicks off with Opening Bazaar

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New operator, better deals at Atmosphere Restaurant, Kota Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU: While everyone in the city is looking for great dining spots that serve good food at affordable prices, Atmosphere Revolving Restaurant and Bar has come out with a better deal.

The new management of the only restaurant of its kind in Sabah, at the 18th floor of Yayasan Sabah building in Likas, has changed its menu to attract more local and international food lovers.

With years of experience in hotel line and food industry, its two directors, Fritz J. Klug and Ganeson Suppiah took over Atmosphere Revolving Restaurant and Bar two weeks ago to give customers a better deal.

“We are not renovating the restaurant, but only changing the menu with lower prices and bigger portion for our customers,” Klug said.

“We receive a lot of feedback from our customers in our other restaurants, Windmill Seafood and More and Tasty Restaurant who admitted that they were scared to come to Atmosphere Revolving Restaurant and Bar previously because they were afraid of the prices which might be expensive for them,” said Klug in an interview with The Borneo Post yesterday.

He said the starting price from RM12 will give the opportunity to more customers to enjoy the great ambience and view that the restaurant offers, especially the 360-degree panorama.

With 18 local staff, Klug is optimistic that the restaurant will attract more customers after trying out the food and paying less compared to the higher prices of other exclusive restaurants.

He believes that the advantage of being on the building will also make their customers talk about their food and new price adjustment, hoping that more food lovers will come.

Atmosphere Revolving Restaurant and Bar is targeting the local population to patronize it because it has ample parking space that might attract many food lovers instead of eating elsewhere.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: New operator, better deals at Atmosphere Restaurant, Kota Kinabalu
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English Tea House and Restaurant - Memories of the colonial era

SANDAKAN: Want to get the feel of the 18th century lifestyle? A visit to the English Tea House and Restaurant, perched comfortably on top of Sandakan’s highest hill at Jalan Istana, would provide you with an insight into the colonial era.

As its name suggests, this charming restaurant specialises in colonial English favourites.

However, its chef had incorporated a tantalising selection of local dishes into the main menu so that guests and diners can get a taste of the best of both worlds - the East and the West.

Operations/sales and marketing manager of ETHR Rosemawati Adil said they entertain about 100 guests daily and they are locals and foreigners coming from Australia, England, Germany, Italy and other countries.

Director of Pulford Media Ltd, England, Cedric Pulford and Phyllis Wong of See Hua Marketing Sdn Bhd, Kota Kinabalu, praised the restaurant when they had their afternoon tea on Aug 17.

Sandakan born Tina Wong, an insurance agent and her close friend Irene So said they like to dine at ETHR, enjoying the food and the evening breeze in a quiet environment.

Lahad Datu residents, the Goh family, travelled down here to try the English favourites after their visit to the nearby Agnes Keith house.

A couple from Hertford, England, Charles and Natalie Owen said: “This is a lovely place that is full of history and well-maintained colonial houses and buildings.” George Bethel Mathew and Renuka, Sultanate of Oman said: “This is a quiet, refreshing and a good place for us to refuel and recharge. We will recommend this wonderful place on tripadvisor.com, a website. We’ll sell Sandakan and tell the whole world.” The Oliver family from Melbourne had a lot to share with thesundaypost.

Their youngest son, Liam said he got the scare of his life when a snake fell just inches in front of him when the family visited the Sarawak Cultural Village.

Continue reading at: English Tea House and Restaurant - Memories of the colonial era
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Dining Out in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah: Stone Bridge Galley

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Spice Island - The spice of life

Embark on a culinary adventure that runs the gamut from fine Malay-Indian cuisine to rustic Italian delights in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Many Sutera Harbour Resort guests, especially foreigners are invariably drawn to Spice Island, the resort’s signature Malay restaurant that proudly showcases the Malay Archipelago’s rich culinary heritage.

Staff in traditional apparel welcomed us warmly at the door while soft gamelan music played in the background. Miniature old-fashioned bicycles bearing baskets of local tidbits appeared on our table as we perused the extensive menu.

Chef Jitender Singh Bisht and his team took us on a spice-laden gastronomic adventure of Malay and Indian delicacies. The appetiser of Otak-otak Udang Rangup (RM18-RM42) and Sup Ikan Halia Muda (RM13-RM18) displayed two interesting facets of ginger. In the savoury, lightly spiced custard of minced fish and prawn, the ginger’s pungency and hotness came across stronger and sharper while the tangy fish broth had a bitter aftertaste.

Continue reading (incl. pic) at: Spice Island - The spice of life

Ferdinand's Restaurant - An Italian affair

Ferdinand’s, Sabah Tourism’s Best Western Restaurant in 2007, is the place to live it up with some fine Italian food and wine.

No welcome was warmer than the basket of country breads that appeared once we were comfortably ensconced in the charming outlet’s warmly-lit ambience. The oven-fresh offerings tasted even better thanks to the three scrumptious dips of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar and Grated Parmesan, Brinjal Tapenade (puréed brinjal with olives, capers and olive oil) and Tomato Salsa.

The menu lists a selection of classic Italian delights with the occasional modern accents thrown in.

We found comfort in timeless appetisers such as Smoked Beef Carpaccio with Baby Spinach, Lemon and Garlic Mousseline, and Tomato and Mozzarella Cheese with Pine Nuts but also relished the chef’s newer creation of Smoked Prawn with Salsa. What really captured our imagination was the simple Cream of Wild Mushroom in a Rye Bread Bowl.

Continue reading (incl. pics) at: Ferdinand's Restaurant - An Italian affair

Fox Creek wine dinner at Shangrila’S Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa's Peppino

SHANGRILA’S Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa Kota Kinabalu will be presenting the Fox Creek Wine Dinner at Peppino restaurant today, priced at RM280 plus per person. The event is co-sponsored by Tong Hing’s Wine Shop and Fox Creek Wines Pty Ltd.

During the wine dinner, general manager of Fox Creek Wines, Paul Rogers, will show guests how wines can be paired with food to suit the taste buds of Malaysia’s most discerning wine aficionados.

Fox Creek Wines is a wine company located south of Adelaide, South Australia, where the McLaren Vale wine region lies in a fertile valley between the hills of the Fleurieu Peninsula. It produces wines that have been recognised with both trophies and gold medals from national and regional wine shows.

Continue reading (incl. pic) at: Fox Creek wine dinner at Shangrila’S Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa's Peppino

Rumba’s Fiesta Room party deals at Le Meridien

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu’s hot and happening Rumba Latin Grill & Bar continues to offer prime party packages with new sets designed specifically for social events and parties at Rumba’s Fiesta Room.

Found on the upper floor of Rumba, the Fiesta Room can cater from 20 to 40 people for private parties. It was most recently introduced to the press at a recent appreciation party, where the room was intimately lit with an array of colourful candles to set the mood.

The Fiesta Room lets guests to chill out and party in private, affording anything from close conversation to spurts of post-dinner dancing.

“Since there is more demand of having a private area for parties and special occasions, Rumba is now offering new packages for that limitless all night long party,” said Telcadora James, Marketing Ccommunications Executive of Le Meridien.

Continue reading (incl. pic) at: Rumba’s Fiesta Room party deals at Le Meridien

Eating Out in Sabah: Little Italy - Authentic Italian Cuisine

“Little Italy” is without doubt Sabah’s most famous, and arguably the only true Italian restaurant. It is now well established, and situated right opposite the Wisma Merdeka it is difficult to overlook.

Though many have tried their hand at Italian cuisine here in Sabah only the “Little Italy” has managed to stand out and become enormously popular with locals, Malaysians, and tourists alike. What is their secret? Taste their food and you’ll know!

Italian food is not all about pasta in heavy sauces, or pineapples with tomato sauce on a thick bread layer (some people call that pizza…). I for my part have never eaten such a succulent, perfectly composed pizza, not even in Italy: a crisp, thin layer of dough, with a balanced topping and finished with real mozzarella, baked to perfection – a dream! All this at very reasonable rates, and you might understand why locals come again and again.


And once you have sampled all their pizzas and feel a bit more adventurous a whole new world of Italian foods awaits you: from tasty seafood and cream soups over crispy appetizers (the “Italian Sandwich”, with chicken or salmon comes with the highest recommendations), to perfectly done lamb chops and other meats in deliciously prepared gravies; from fresh salads over home-made ravioli and other pasta in a variety of mouth-watering sauces to lusciously sinful deserts.

The restaurant is well frequented and offers daily lunch and dinner menus at very reasonable rates, while offering the highest quality. Any meal at the Little Italy is a gastronomic journey to Italy, a discovery of its long history of fine cuisine. The owners of the restaurant, an Italian family, achieve their authentic cooking by importing most ingredients from Italy.


And the chef is nobody else than the mother of the Italian owner! More authentic you cannot get here! Staff at the Little Italy restaurant is well trained and your waiter will be able to explain in detail the preparations of the dishes – but they offer also other services: if you need some information or directions they will be ever so happy to help you out, or refer you to someone who can be of help to you.

For its outstanding cuisine and service the Little Italy has won a tourism award for the best restaurant, so maybe on your extended stay in Sabah you just might want to pop in and see for yourself what has been achieved here! An authentic experience and an enrichment to your holidays guaranteed!

Courtesy of: New Sabah Times 'In' Sites - Sabah Travel and Leisure Guide

Eating Out in Sabah: Kampung Nelayan Floating Seafood Restaurant

Nestled in Taman Tun Fuad just 10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu city is the Kampung Nelayan Floating Seafood Restaurant. Since opening its doors ten years ago, the restaurant has earned its reputation as one of the most unique dining experiences in Kota Kinabalu. The restaurant ‘floats’ on a pond and can comfortable seat up to 400 diners at a time.

The restaurant is particularly known for its fresh seafood, cooked to your preference. Among the favourites on the menu are the famous ‘kam heong’ crab (kam heong is a special paste, made of various condiments) and fried garoupa with sliced mango (if you prefer, you can request any other fish to be prepared in this style).

Simply mouthwatering is the shredded egg butter prawns – a delicious dish of prawns cooked to perfection, topped with ‘egg floss’ and creamy sauce. For dessert, you simply have to try the famed ‘coconut pudding’ – best served chilled! The best part is you can enjoy a hearty dinner every night while being entertained by a pulsating cultural performance.

For a more private affair, Kampung Nelayan also offers VIP rooms, ideal for personal functions such as wedding anniversaries, birthdays, engagement and full moon parties. The service here is commendable and the staff are always willing to go out of their way to ensure your dining experience is as flawless as possible. Fantastic ambience with a rustic touch, Kampung Nelayan offers the best of dining and entertainment under one floating roof!

Kampung Nelayan is located at Taman Tun Fuad, Bukit Padang, Kota Kinabalu. It is open daily from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm (lunch) and 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm (dinner). The cultural show takes place from 7:45 pm to 9:00 pm daily. Call 088-231003 / 231005 to make reservations. Visit www.kampungnelayan.com

Courtesy of: Sabah Malaysia Borneo - Sabah Tourism Monthly Tourism Magazine

Eating Out in Sabah: Rainforest Café

A jungle in the city? With good food to boot! The Rainforest Café on Beach Street (Jalan Pantai) in Kota Kinabalu opened its doors in October 2007, offering diners a wide array of local delights and international favourites.

As the name suggests, the restaurant carries a jungle theme, with ‘trees’ greeting you as you step into the eatery. There are several notable must-tries on the menu.

For starters, try the Larb Gai, a Thai appetizer of minced chicken served in crispy lettuce with Thai sauce. On the main course list, the Oxtail Asam Pedas is one of the signature dishes of Rainforest Café.

Want more Malaysian favourites? We recommend the Tiger Prawn Curry served with rice or the Nasi Goreng Kampung (Fried Rice), which comes with satay, a sunny-side-up egg and a chicken drumstick – how about that for a complete meal?

If it’s something hearty you want, you cannot go wrong with the sirloin steak or the mouthwatering Chicken Cordon Bleu, a tender chicken breast stuffed with ham and cheese, served with potato and mushroom volute. The menu also offers a variety of pastas, pizzas and sandwiches. You can even opt to create your own sandwich; just ask the friendly waiter.


For a fine finish, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The chocolate brownie is every chocolate-lovers’ dream or for something local, order the sago gula melaka. And the best part is, nothing on the dessert menu is priced above RM5.00!

Perfect for a quick lunch or a romantic dinner, Rainforest Café adds to the list of Kota Kinabalu’s great dining venues. Call 088-218325. Open daily from 10.00am to 12 midnight.

Courtesy of: Sabah Malaysia Borneo - Sabah Tourism Monthly Tourism Magazine

Scoops Gelato Bar, Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu

What could be better than a refreshing serving of delicious gelato on a sunny Sabah day? For this piece of heaven, visit Scoops Gelato Bar at Warisan Square in Kota Kinabalu. Unlike regular ice-cream, Scoops gelato is freshly made every day in small 4-litre batches, ensuring all around freshness. It is also creamier and has less air content than ice cream, giving it an intense flavour.

Health conscious?

No problem as Scoop Gelato Bar uses natural ingredients without any preservatives or artificial colouring. The weight watchers will also be glad to know that gelato has no more than 8 percent fat. They also serve dairy-free sorbet and sugar-free gelato (vanilla and cappuccino).

Choose from a wide variety of flavours, from the classic chocolate to the more unusually flavoured banana cheese! There are over 60 flavours to choose from and 14 are served each day on rotation. Other flavours include blueberry cream, espresso, marshmallow, green tea, tiramisu, Bailey’s cream, pink guava, pineapple sorbet, mango sorbet and strawberry yoghurt… to name a few! Scoops Gelato Bar also offers a 50 percent discount on selected gelatos so ask your friendly waiter for the picks of the day.

Looking for a snack?

Scoops serves a variety of salads and finger foods, such as fish fingers, sandwiches and French fries. Enjoy these dining delights with any of their beverages – we recommend the mock Sangria, a delicious fizzy fusion of fruits. All this can be enjoyed in a cool and hip ambience, perfect for an after-dinner get together with friends and family.

Did we mention the fantastic and friendly service? See you at Scoops!

Scoops Gelato Bar is located at Unit no. A-G-19, Block A, Ground Floor, Warisan Square (opposite The Island Shop). Opening hours: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm (Monday to Thursday) and 11:00 am to 12:00 midnight (Friday to Sunday and Public Holidays).

For more offers, sign up for the Scoops privilege card.

For more information, contact Raymond at tel. no 088-484 337 or 016 836 2652.

Source: Sabah Tourism

Eating Out in Sabah - Seri Selera

By Anna Vivienne

RECENTLY a friend from West Malaysia called to ask me where he and his family could dine on good and fresh seafood.

I immediately recommended Seri Selera located at Kg Air in Kota Kinabalu, The food there is served in time, it is fresh as to be almost still kicking and the waiters promptly arrive to present the bills upon request. That is the epitome of efficiency, the desires of most diners, be it in posh glitzy restaurants or in backstreet coffee shops. And of course sampling delicious grilled seafood and dumplings, oyster omelets and sushi, all served in one location is the dream of gourmands.

Seri Selera offers a wide selection of seafood from six restaurants, offering Chinese, Malay and other Asian seafood cuisines. This means you can choose your seafood from six shops. The number of shops also ensures that customers get what they want. Since not everyone agrees on one type of food items or cooking, they can opt to order something else besides the main dish.

Customers can choose their food live from the glass tanks located around the shops; fish, lobsters, clams and prawns as well as crabs. Choose your vice and you will get it fresh from the tank onto the wok, literally speaking. This ensures that the crustaceans do not have a chance to start decaying. From the tank to the wok, literally. They could not be fresher.

Besides the six seafood restaurants, there are 21 hawker stalls offering a wide variety of other food. From these stalls you can pick char kway teow, prawn noodles, fried noodles curry laksa, satay, dumbplings barbecued chicken wings, oyster omelets and rice as well as a personal favourite, grilled seafood. And of course there is the veritable sushi.

While dining, patrons can enjoy music and cultural performances. From Monday to Saturday starting fr5om 7.30pm, there are live cultural performances held on the stage situated in the middle of the centre. And every Wednesday the Bamboo Orchestra will serenade diners.

The other feature of the whole set up is the central cashier system. This means that you don’t have to wave or call the waiters from the respective restaurants for the bill. You will pay your bill in one area and this ensures efficiency and speed.

The most irritating thing to occur after having a good meal is the lackadaisical attitude of waiters who seem not to see you waving, nor hear you calling to ‘kira!’. Personally I think these types of waiters should be trained intensively and if they are un-trainable give them something else to do, like wash the dishes. They give the food outlet a bad name.

Anyway, in Seri Selera they solved this problem with the central cashier system.

The other irritating feature of some eateries is the clusters of tables. They are so close together that you cannot help but jostle your neighbors as you dine. And of course the waiters have to keep on saying ‘panas-panas’ (hot hot) when they pass you for fear of you jostling them and upsetting whatever it is they are carrying.

There is no fear of this happening at the centre, as it is quite spacious and therefore comfortable to dine in. It is able to accommodate 1200 diners at any one time. It can also be turned into an open air dining area as a retractable roof has been installed. On good clear nights, you will actually dine under the stars.

Some diners may like to watch television while eating. They will not be disappointed as the centre has a perfectly good Astro service. No chances of it being interrupted through power disruption either as there is a stand by generator available.

By the way, the security there is excellent. You will not be bugged by peddlers selling watches, sun-shades and the likes.

Getting interrupted in mid chew by these salespeople can disrupt one’s appetite, especially when even vigorous shakes of the head are not a deterrent.

Overall the centre is a fabulous place to dine as almost all the needs of patrons have been taken into considerations. It is a commendable place to bring tourists who love seafood, as they will not only enjoy the food and the ambience but also the cultural performances.

The director of the centre’s management, Sebumi Magnetik Sdn Bhd, Alex Yong stated that this centre is the largest live seafood venue in Kota Kinabalu and he may well be right.

So if you are at the vicinity at the moment, drop by for food; bring your guests, family and friends there.

Courtesy of: New Sabah Times 'In' Sites - Sabah Travel and Leisure Guide

Bent on Bento at Hyatt Regency Kinabalu Hotel

Few places in Kota Kinabalu are truly worthy of calling themselves Japanese restaurants, but the Hyatt Regency Kinabalu’s Nagisa is certainly the genuine article.

Known for its high tea promotions in conjunction with the Tanjung Ria Café and its Sunday buffets, Nagisa is one of the best places to come to for great beef teppanyaki and tempura.

The restaurant spices up its selection this month by introducing a few new items to its already well-rounded Bento menu.

Bento basically involves lacquered wooden boxes that hold complete meals in their compartments, much like a sophisticated Japanese lunchbox.

Nagisa offers an excellent variety of bento sets that combine meat, fish and vegetable dishes in convenient and filling portions, all served with white rice, miso soup and chawan mushi (a silky soft bean curd which contains seafood).

Continue reading (Incl. pic) at: Bent on Bento at Hyatt Regency Kinabalu Hotel

Anjappar in Sabah: Exquisitely satisfying South & North Indian food

KOTA KINABALU: Getting authentic Indian food in Sabah is like looking for the proverbial needle in the haystack. So, when someone mentioned a Chettinad restaurant the other day, my taste buds went a-tingling, and signals from my stomach sent a smile to my face.

For the uninitiated, Chettinad food is one of the spiciest and most aromatic in India, and a whole range of spices – coriander, cumin, pepper, fenugreek, star anise and cinnamon – are used in distinctive blends in Chettinad cooking.

This is the distinctive Southern Indian cuisine that one can find at the newly-opened Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant located in Asia City Complex, in Asia City here. Step into the warm ambience of this elegantly designed restaurant and order away from the list of peculiarly named dishes found on the menu. Don’t let the unfamiliar names discourage you — you’re bound to go for more after you’ve tried the food.

Continue reading (incl. pic) at: Anjappar in Sabah: Exquisitely satisfying South & North Indian food