10 Local Food You Must Eat in Sabah at Least Once in Your Life

Every true blue Malaysian just loves to eat and while food in the Klang Valley, Melaka and Penang are world-famous, how many of you know what’s good to eat in East Malaysia? Bet you don’t know many, do you?

That’s why we decided to introduce to you some delicious food from our wonderful brothers and sisters over in Sabah! Try not to drool too much when reading! 😉

1. Tuaran noodles

Source: vkeong

One of the most popular delicacies in Sabah, it is arguably the best noodles in town and the locals are proud of it. Soft and springy eggy yellow noodles are fried and then topped with a mouth-watering selection of barbecued pork, egg rolls and some vegetables to add a pop of colour. Yummy!

Source: kelly siew cooks

2. Beaufort noodles

Source: my sabah

This noodle dish consists of soft, curly noodles that are stir-fried and covered in a smoky, thick sauce that coats every strand to give it that delicious taste. It is usually paired with plenty of juicy and tender pork slices along with some fresh green vegetables that add crunchiness to the noodles.

Source: the star

3. Ngiu Chap beef noodles

Source: the borneo post

As you progress along this list you may have realised that Sabahans really love their noodles and Ngiu Chap beef noodle is definitely one dish that you must try. Literally translated to mixed beef noodles, this soupy dish is incredibly hearty as it has a really varied mixture of beef and bovine organs such as tendon, liver, heart, tripe, and intestine along with some flavourful broth and noodles, of course. Do you feel like eating a bowl now?

Source: my sabah

4. Seafood

Source: malaysia tour 2u

As Sabah is surrounded by the sea, naturally they would have some of the freshest and cheapest seafood in town and you can really taste the difference. Ask any local there and they would say that your trip to Sabah is incomplete without trying some of their best seafood options.

Source: trip advisor

5. Latok

Source: nikshahana

A traditional dish from Sabah, when you first set eyes on Latok, you may be surprised to discover that it is actually a type of seaweed. That’s because it looks like a bunch of mini grapes! No kidding! The locals here eat it as a type of salad with condiments such as sambal belacan, lime, cili padi and green mangoes.

Source: pictastar

6. Sang Nyuk Mian (pork noodle)

Source: the picta

Although we have our own version of pork noodles in the peninsular, Sabah’s version is different and it is heavily featured in many videos of Sabah as one of its signature food. You can order it in either soup or dry version, where both taste just as good!

Source: the picta

7. Butod (sago worm)

Source: sabah di bawah bayu

We’re heading into the bizarre territory with this but it is undeniably one of the more popular traditional food in Sabah. This is definitely not a dish for the squeamish but it is said to be very nutritious for your body. It can be eaten live (yes, while it is still squirming!) or cooked, depending on how brave you are. Do you dare to try this?

Source: onedio

8. Hinava

Source: exotic sabah food

Another traditional local dish that you should try when you’re in Sabah is the Hinava, which originated from the Kadazan Dusun tribes. This dish consists of raw fish marinated with lime juice, which is mixed together with a variety of seasonings such as salt, red chilli, slice shallot and ginger. Think of it like eating sushi!

Source: hunger hunger

9. Roti cobra

Source: thanis lim

We all know the various types of roti canai available in our mamak stalls, so how come none of them serve this delicious invention known as roti cobra yet? It’s basically roti canai with a sunny side up on top, which is then drowned in meat-based curry of your choice. This actually sounds really yummy to us!

Source: foodspotting

10. Tenom noodle

Source: eatbah

Yes, Sabahans really love their noodles and Tenom noodles is yet another proof of their devotion to these silky strands of flour. Simple yet warm and hearty, these no-frills noodles are fried in some sinful pork lard and then you can add various toppings of your choice such as beef, pork or chicken slices.

Source: open snap

Is your stomach growling yet? Maybe it’s time for us to pay a visit to our lovely brothers and sisters in Sabah to wish them Happy Malaysia Day and stuff ourselves with yummy food!

Also read: 13 Things Every Sabahan and Sarawakian Will Understand