STB Launches Kota Kinabalu Food Trail Showcasing 29 Culinary Gems

13 October 2025

KOTA KINABALU: A new culinary adventure has been unveiled with the launch of the Kota Kinabalu Food Trail, featuring 29 handpicked restaurants that highlight the city’s vibrant flavours, quality dining experiences, and rich food culture.

The trail, introduced by the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) in collaboration with the Sabah Chefs Association, serves as a guide for visitors and locals alike to explore eateries that best capture the essence of Sabah’s diverse gastronomy.

During the launch event held at Hyatt Regency Kinabalu on Monday (13 October), STB Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai presented distinctive plaques to representatives of the 29 selected restaurants, symbolising their inclusion in the official Kota Kinabalu Food Trail.

Also present were Mayor of Kota Kinabalu City Datuk Seri Sabin Samirah, STB Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit, Tourism Malaysia Sabah Director Haryanty Abu Bakar, and Sabah Chefs Association President Adrian Chong.

The plaque serves as an official mark of recognition, indicating that each establishment is a recommended dining destination for both visitors and locals seeking authentic culinary experiences in Kota Kinabalu.

Julinus said the initiative is part of the Sabah Tourism Board’s ongoing effort to promote gastronomy tourism and diversify the state’s tourism offerings.

“Sabah has long been recognised for its culture, adventure, and nature. Now, we are shining the spotlight on food as an integral part of that experience,” he said.

“Through gastronomy tourism, we tell Sabah’s story — its people, ingredients, and flavours — allowing visitors to connect with our destination in a more meaningful way. By curating a list of recommended restaurants, we aim to help travellers discover hidden gems that might otherwise go unnoticed.”

The selection of the 29 restaurants followed months of visits, tastings, and evaluations by the Sabah Chefs Association, covering a range of categories including halal-certified, no-pork, and non-halal establishments.

Chong said the chosen eateries were selected not only for their food quality and hygiene but also for their potential as rising culinary destinations deserving of greater recognition.

“We hope that inclusion in the Kota Kinabalu Food Trail will provide these restaurants with the visibility they deserve, encouraging more locals and visitors to experience their unique offerings,” he added.

The 29 restaurants represent the first phase of the Kota Kinabalu Food Trail. The Sabah Tourism Board and the Sabah Chefs Association plan to expand the initiative in future phases, adding more eateries and extending the trail to Sandakan and Tawau, ultimately showcasing the full spectrum of Sabah’s culinary diversity across the state.