Sandakan food Trip 2016 – Rediscover old foods and new cafes

We always make it a point to visit Sandakan once a year. One of the main purposes is to update our list of  “Must eat foods in Sandakan“ and of course to taste the tasty foods at Sandakan.

Changes do not come to Sandakan yet as most of the tourists prefer visiting Sepilok or Kinabatangan area and skip the town area. We found few cafes recommend by our friends at IJM area (new area) and amazed by the quality of the foods offered.

Make sure you check out our list of Must eat foods when in Sandakan !

We prefer to fly to Sandakan as its only 45 minutes away by flight. We always take the 7am Air Asia flight as we can enjoy the wonderful scenery from the plane.

Our Sandakan food trip video. Don’t forget to subscribe Sabaheats youtube channel for more video!

Wonderful view of Mount Kinabalu at the morning. Always choose a left window seating (A) if you want to get the best view

We reach Sandakan at 7.30am. 20 minutes earlier than scheduled.

 

Taxi coupons counter is available outside the gate. It cost us RM30 for the fare from Airport to Sandakan Town.

We check into Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan. Perfect choice for business or leisure

 

Overlooking Sandakan’s azure scenic bay at the heart of Sandakan Town, Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan is the best place for food hunting. Nice modern hotel at great central location with great amenities

our Executive club room come with bath tub and 2 double bed.

Wonderful view from our room

The infinity pool overlooking Sandakan Town at the 13th floor of Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan. One of the best spots for sunset and chill out.

 

If you prefer to have some drinks, the Best Brew on the 2nd floor is a great place to  relax with a pint of cold beer or your favorite cocktails. For me, I prefer a glass of wine.

 

Enjoy my wine with wonderful scenery.

The Eatery on the 13th floor offers wonderful selection of foods for sungkai since its ramadhan month. They also have a mouth-watering roasted lamb.

 

Location Map of the food place we visit on this trip

 

Sandakan Town area

Sandakan Town is dominated by old buildings. It’s easy to walk around the town as its compact and there are enough food places to explore within the town area. You can also discover the Sandakan Heritage Trail by foot – http://ilovesabah.info/exploring-sandakan-heritage-trail/

Sandakan Central market it located next to Four Points Sandakan. You can find lots of fresh produce and foods here.

Saw the sign board at Sandakan Central market and around the town area Apparently, the ok sign mean turtle egg another are still many people illegally selling turtle eggs around the town area. Remember to say no to the illegal turtle eggs seller!

 

Visited my favorite food in Sandakan on the 2nd floor of Sandakan Central Market,  kueh Teow with deep fried pork. They recently open a new branch at IJM area but I still prefer to eat at the stalls at Central Market

Fishing boat docking at the Central Market. Love to see the activities around the market

 

The old Sandakan Town. Its known as little Hong Kong because of the building built during the 70s which resembling old Hong Kong.

 

Kedai Kopi Syn Ming Hing

UFO tart is a must when in Sandakan. One of the places serving UFO tart around the Town area is at Kedai Kopi Syn Ming Hing. UFO tart is also known as cow dung tart.

Opening hours: 8am to 4pm

 

Tam Kopitam 

Tam Kopitiam alongside Jalan Leila serves porridge and noodle for the locals. Good place for some comfort food.

Operating hours: 7am to 2pm

Address : Jalan Leila, Sandakan Town

Tam Kopitiam is also famous for their curry noodle.

 

 

Kedai Kopi Sate Tradisi

Address: Jalan Buli Sim Sim, Sandakan Town Centre

Looking for sate around the town, head to Kedai Kopi Sate Tradisi. They serve one of the best satays in town

 

Persatuan Perikanan Sandakan

A restaurant without menu and the chef decide what to serve, If its sound good for you, then a trip to Persatuan Perikanan Sandakan (Sandakan Fishing Association) for one of the best seafood in town. The restaurant is actually operated by the fishing association and the chef is the chairman of the association. There are only 4 tables available so make sure you make a booking before visiting.

Address: Lebuh Empat, Sandakan Town

Operating hours: 6pm to 10pm

Contact no. : 012-8646186

BALIN ROOFGARDEN Bistro & Bar 

Located on the top floor of Nak Hotel, Balin roofgarden offer a great view of Sandakan town. A good place to chill and relax during the night. More information about Balin at http://sabaheats.com/balin-roofgarden-coolest-rooftop-garden-bar-bistro-sandakan/

Address: Nak Hotel, Jalan Pelabuhan Lama

Bandar Nam Tung

Nam Chai Bah Kut Teh

No trip to Sandakan is complete without a visit to the famous Seafood Bah kut teh. There are 2 restaurant at Bandar Nam Tung serving bah kut teh and I like Nam Chai Restaurant.

More information about Nam Chai Restaurant Bah Kut teh at http://sabaheats.com/nam-chai-seafood-bak-kut-teh-南财肉骨茶/

 

Bandar Tyng

Kim Fah 2 京华II, Taman Tyng

Famous for their roasted duck, pork, and chicken. Cantonese style roast specialist. Apparently, their main branch is located at Inanam, Kota Kinabalu but we think the roasted duck here is so much more delicious than the one in KK. Service is slow but the food is worth the wait.

Address: No 1-42, Bandar Tyng, Mile 6, North Road,

Contact no: 60 16-818 7588

 

Bandar Prima Square

良记鱼旦。Leong Kee Fish Ball. 

Serve one of the best fish balls in Sandakan. Their fish ball is fresh with the hints of the mandarin orange peel. The fish ball century off dumpling is also a must!

 

Lots of fish balls. Fresh and delicious!

a simple yet delicious fish ball noodle

 

Pin Xiang coffee shop

Located next to Leong Kee fish ball, Pin Xiang coffee shop serve fruit ABC

Bandar Kim Fung

Pasar Kim Fung at Bandar Kim Fung is the best place for food hunting. Food stall operates from the market from morning till late night. We visiting the market for the tau fu fah and apam balik for this trip. For more information about Kim Fung market, visit http://sabaheats.com/kim-fung-market-best-place-experience-sandakan-flavour/

 

Bandar Utama (IJM)

Bandar utama is the latest township in Sandakan developed by IJM. The town is well-planned and integrated mixed development township in Sandakan strategically located right in the heart of fast-growing community, spanning over a 395 acres of prime land. The township is conveniently located within 5 minutes drive from the airport.

Local usually call the area as IJM area. Here you can find many new cafes and eateries

Urban Cafe

Famous for their fruit based cake. We tried their avocado cake which is in season now and the taste is heavenly. Creamy with avocado taste.

address: Lot 151, ground floor, Block G, Lorong Avenue 5, Bandar Utama IJM

Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/urbancafesandakan

 

Chokolatte

A Korean concept cafe serving a variety of delicate dessert and cake. Nice cafe with great ambience.

Address: Lot 43-GF, Jalan Dataran B.U. 4, Utama Zone 3 Commercial, Jalan Bandar Utama, Mile 6, North Road,

 

Crowd 99

A cafe serving yogurt, ice cream, coffee, juice, cake and pasta. The soft serve ice cream is delicious and they serve different flavour every week.

Address: Lot 52, Ground Floor, Lorong Avenue 2

 

Kampung Pukat

located across Bandar Nam Tung. Most of the resident at Kampung Pukat are involved in the fishing business. The family here make their own dried salted fish and dried sea produce. Walk around the village and shop for souvenirs.