Malaysia Munchies: 10 Most instagrammable cafes in Sabah

1/10
Kopi Ping Cafe
Staying true to its name, Kopi Ping Cafe certainly knows how to brew some solid coffee. Aromatic and full-bodied, their coffee will leave you in caffeine bliss throughout the day. If you can't get enough of their incredible brew, you'll be glad to know that they sell their coffee in handy bottles for you to take home. Drinks aside, this place serves up some hearty local cuisine as well. For a buttery decadence, let their Buttermilk Chicken Chop Rice pamper your tastebuds silly with its perfect matrimony of crispy and creamy textures. If you're looking for something less sinful, their Crayfish Wat Tan Hor will exceed all your expectations.

Block E, Ground Floor, Lot 37, No.40-0, Damai Plaza 4, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Photo: Kopi Ping Cafe Facebook
2/10
Mad Ben Cafe
If their minimalistic cosy atmosphere isn't enough to impress you, their grub and drinks just might. With a diverse menu that boasts of burgers, risottos, salads and burritos, you'll be absolutely torn while deciding to eat. To help ease your dilemma, we recommend you try their succulent Flame Grilled Lamb Shoulder paired with mint sauce or their cheesy Beef Lasagne. For the ultimate dining experience, why not pair your main with one of their refreshing milkshakes? They've got a wide variety, from Almond Caramel to good ol' Matcha.

121, Jalan Gaya, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Photo: Mad Ben Cafe Facebook
3/10
The B Side
The interior of this cafe is a feast in itself, replete with white-bricked walls and dangling spidery lamps. But, let's get to the real reason we're here - the B Side Cafe dishes out delicious nosh from all kinds of cuisines. Their smashing new menu features astounding creations such as creamy Soft Shell Crab Pasta and pan-seared Tilapia with Mango Tomato Salsa. With such versatile flavours and textures, your tastebuds will never be yawning at this place.

21, Lido Plaza, Jalan Nosoob Hungab, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Photo: The B Side Facebook
4/10
INCH Coffee Bar
If coffee didn't exist, INCH Coffee Bar probably wouldn't have either. This cafe takes utmost pride in their specialty coffee brewed from top-notch coffee beans by skilled baristas. Their beverage offerings promise the classics such as Long Black and Americano, amongst unconventional ones like Rose Macchiato and Houjicha Tea Latte. We don't know about you but we're always up for dessert. Thankfully, INCH Coffee Bar is ready to cater to your sweet tooth with its selection of luxuriant treats. Take in the seducing aroma of their Banana Waffle topped with caramelised bananas and double chocolate gelato or stuff your face with any of their luscious cakes.

Taman Perdana, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Photo: INCH Coffee Bar Facebook
5/10
Sailors’ Cafe
We wouldn't be surprised if Popeyes had dined here before. As you enter Sailors' Cafe, you'll be greeted by mini life buoys and anchors etched to the wall that pay tribute to their nautical theme. Expect to see dishes that are a tad fancier than those at your regular cafes. I mean, Herb Dusted Sole Meunière and Lamb Shank Ossobucco? Those are certainly game-changers. With such outlandish creations gracing their menu, you probably wouldn't expect to see any local mains on their menu, much less traditional desserts. But, they do! Complete your meal with a saccharine treat with their rotational Malay kuehs and cakes.

Lot 36 1st Floor Plaza Grand Millennium, Jalan Penampang Bypass, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Photo: Sailors' Cafe Facebook
6/10
Chiu’s – The Modern Local
Just looking at the breathtaking food from Chiu's - The Modern Local is making us salivate. We're overwhelmed by the diversity and innovation of their dishes, all made from fresh, top-quality ingredients. Dig into their signature rice bowls which span across impressive renditions, such as their Signature Beef and Soft Shell Crab. If you're not in the mood for rice, relish in the mix of spicy and savoury flavours in their Seafood Aglio Olio and Beef Rendang Ravioli. Don't forget to leave some space for dessert! This place serves up a mean ice cream waffle ensemble.

Block D, Ground Floor, Lot 8, Lorong Pusat Komersil 88/2, 88 Marketplace, Kampung Kepayan, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Photo: Chiu's - The Modern Local Facebook
7/10
Relax Coffee Cafe
As its name suggests, Relax Coffee Cafe is truly the best place to snuggle up in on a lazy afternoon. Armed with soft lighting and plush sofa chairs, you will fall right into the embrace of their warm cosy vibes. But, let's not forget about your stomachs. Their homely grub will put your appetite at ease from the first bite. Tuck into their robust donburi bowls for a hearty lunch or succulent Ayam Penyet with Nasi Kuning for a filling dinner.

G-1-12, Menggatal Plaza, Lorong Permai, Manggatal, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Photo: Relax Coffee Cafe Facebook
8/10
Adelphi & Co.
Self-proclaiming to be a casual dining cafe, this certainly bears no implication onto their food. Fusing together Modern European and Asian flavours into their menu, they certainly have no problem dishing up stunning-looking food that could easily pass off as fine dining cuisine. The man behind this establishment, Chef Jimmy, firmly believes in starting out with simple ingredients and elevating them into something extraordinary. At Adelphi & Co., you'll find gems such as Catalan Grilled Cuttlefish on a bed of quinoa and Cured Salmon Pappardelle.

Block C No 24, Lot 23, Jalan Damai, Phase 1, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Photo: Adelphi & Co. Facebook
9/10
Nook Cafe
Nook Cafe will snag your attention with their eclectically patterned floor spread across their doorstep. Set foot into their space of earthy colours which alluringly exude nostalgic vibes. Dive into their full-bodied American breakfast that will satiate your ravenous appetite or try their sublime Scotch Egg with mustard and mash for a lip-smacking chowdown. It would be illegal to leave this place without getting a taste of their Sticky Date Pudding paired with dreamy butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice cream.

19, Lorong Dewan, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Photo: @26homestaykk
10/10
Laundroluxe
Need to do the laundry? Why not grab a bite at the same time? At Laundroluxe, you'll be able to do just that. This 2-in-1 laundry shop cum classy cafe is every homemaker's dream come true. Get your clothes cleaned and your mouth dirty at this one-of-a-kind establishment. Succumb to the temptation of their Roasted Duck Breast paired with baby potatoes or their Eggs Benedict dripping with creamy decadence. Did we mention that all their pasta dishes are made from fresh daily-made pasta?

3, Lorong Api - Api 1, Api-api Centre, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Photo: @azeanzea

Pining for a short getaway but can’t travel too far out? Give Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur a miss for a change and set your sights on Sabah. Seated on the northern part of Borneo island, this Malaysian state is hailed for its scenic beaches, lush rainforests and exotic wildlife. You’re bound to be gasping in awe at every turn of the head. Almost synonymous with Sabah is Mount Kinabalu, the tallest mountain in Malaysia. Why not scale the granite heights of this majestic mountain and get a birds’ eye view of the stunning landscape of Malaysia?

But, before you can get your fill of scenic landscapes, you’ve got to fill your tummy first. Other than being an adventurer’s haven, Sabah is also a cafehopper’s paradise. Teeming with quaint cafes armed with charming interior and impeccable food, this place will win over the hearts of every Instagrammer.

Up for some luxuriant desserts and specialty coffees? INCH Coffee Bar will quell your cravings with their impressive selection of waffles and cakes. For a fancier dining experience, Adelphi & Co. will sweep you off your feet with how they transform humble ingredients into gastronomical masterpieces.

Have we got your stomachs growling yet? Wait till you see our gallery where we’ve put together a compilation of 10 of the most instagrammable cafes in Sabah!

Lim Han

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