1. What are some must-try local dishes in Sandakan?
1. Ngiu Chap (Beef Noodle Soup) – a popular dish in Sandakan made with sliced beef, beef balls, and noodles in a flavorful broth.
2. Udang Galah Masak Lemak Cili Padi (Giant Freshwater Prawn in Spicy Coconut Milk) – a rich and spicy curry dish made with giant freshwater prawns, coconut milk, and chili paste.
3. Tam Kung Pui (Stir-fried Wild Boar Meat) – a specialty dish of the Kadazandusun tribe, made with stir-fried wild boar meat, herbs, and spices.
4. Tuaran Mee (Pan-fried Noodles) – a local noodle dish from Tuaran town made with egg noodles, vegetables, and your choice of protein cooked in dark soy sauce.
5. Ambuyat (Sago Starch Porridge) – a staple food for the Borneo ethnic groups made from sago palm starch mixed with water to form a starchy porridge.
6. Hinava (Raw Fish Salad) – a traditional Sabahan appetizer made with thinly sliced raw fish marinated in lime juice, chili peppers, ginger, shallots, and salt.
7. Tahai Makassar (Grilled Fish Stew) – a popular seafood dish in Sandakan made with fresh fish cooked in a spicy broth of turmeric and coconut milk.
8.Braisik (Grilled Pork Belly) – pork belly seasoned with local spices and grilled to perfection on an open flame.
9.Kuih Ku Teow Basar – A stir fried wide flat rice noodle dish which has its origins from Indonesia but is very popular among locals as well.
10.Yong Tau Foo – Tofu that is filled various types of fillings such as ground pork or fish paste that is then served alone or put into soup.
2. Are there any vegetarian or vegan dining options available in Sandakan?
Yes, there are a variety of vegetarian and vegan dining options available in Sandakan. Some popular options include:– The Vegan Table: A cozy and casual restaurant serving a mix of Western and Asian vegan dishes.
– Buddha’s Kitchen: A vegetarian cafe with a large menu offering Chinese, Thai, and Western dishes.
– Greenlife Eco Cafe: A health food cafe offering vegetarian and vegan options.
– Veggie Planet: A vegetarian restaurant specializing in Indian cuisine.
– The Vegetarian House: A vegetarian restaurant serving Chinese dishes.
3. What are some traditional dishes to try in Sandakan?
Some traditional dishes to try in Sandakan include:
– Tenom noodles: A popular dish made with thick noodles stir-fried in soy sauce, bean sprouts, and your choice of meat or seafood.
– Sambal udang galah (Giant freshwater prawns cooked in chili paste): This dish features freshwater prawns caught from the Kinabatangan river cooked in a spicy chili paste.
– Tuhau Soup: Made from the stem of the wild ginger plant, this soup is commonly served with fish or pork.
– Hinava (Raw fish salad): This traditional Kadazandusun dish consists of fish marinated in lime juice, sliced onions, chilies, and grated ginger.
4. Are there any halal dining options available in Sandakan?
Yes, there are many halal dining options available in Sandakan. This includes restaurants that serve halal-certified food as well as local eateries that do not serve alcohol or non-halal meat. Some recommended halal restaurants include:
– Goldfish Café & Restaurant
– Lemak Food Station
– Kolibri Restaurant
– Fatimah yong tau foo
– Ebizou Uptown
5. Can I find seafood restaurants in Sandakan?
Yes, there are plenty of seafood restaurants to choose from in Sandakan due to its coastal location. Some popular seafood restaurants include:
– Ocean King Seafood Restaurant
– North Borneo Seafood Restaurant
– Kampung Nelayan Floating Seafood Market
– Bali Kesuma Seafood Restaurant
– Ocean Palace Seafood Restaurant
Be sure to try some local specialties like sambal udang galah (Giant freshwater prawns cooked in chili paste) and grilled fish at these restaurants.
3. Can you recommend a good seafood restaurant in the city?
One highly rated seafood restaurant in the city is Pier 39 Seafood &Grill. They offer a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including crab, shrimp, and fish, as well as a waterfront view. Other notable options include Waterbar, Tadich Grill, and Farallon.
4. Is there a popular street food market or night market in Sandakan?
The most popular street food market in Sandakan is the Central Market, also known as Pasar Umum. It is situated by the waterfront and offers a wide variety of local street food such as grilled seafood, satay, noodles, and traditional dishes like hinava (a type of raw fish salad). There are also numerous fruit stalls selling fresh and tropical fruits.Another popular night market in Sandakan is the Sim-Sim Water Village Night Market, located at the fishing village of Kampung Sim-Sim. Here, you can find a wide range of Malay and Chinese street food such as BBQ stingray, otak-otak (grilled fish paste), seafood porridge, and more.
Other notable markets with street food options include the Tamu Muhibbah Market and Tanjung Aru Sunday Market.
5. How far is the nearest traditional village or ethnic village from Sandakan?
The nearest traditional or ethnic village from Sandakan is Kampung Jawa, which is located approximately 6 kilometers away.
6. Is there a particular neighborhood known for its food scene in Sandakan?
One neighborhood in Sandakan known for its food scene is the waterfront area, which includes several popular seafood restaurants and street food stalls. Other notable neighborhoods include Bandar Tyng and Little Hong Kong, which offer a mix of Chinese, Malay, and western cuisine options.
7. Can you suggest a reasonably priced, authentic Thai restaurant near the city center?
Yes, I would recommend Baan Thai on Soi Convent in downtown Bangkok. It offers a variety of traditional Thai dishes at affordable prices, and has received positive reviews for its authentic flavors and friendly service. It is conveniently located near the city center and can be easily reached by public transportation.
8. What are some unique food experiences that can be found in Sandakan?
1. Seafood Feast: Sandakan is known for its fresh and delicious seafood, particularly prawns, crabs, and fish. Visitors can enjoy a unique dining experience by feasting on a variety of seafood dishes at local restaurants and hawker stalls.
2. Kampung-style Home-Cooked Meal: A must-try food experience in Sandakan is a traditional kampung-style meal cooked in an authentic stilt house. Visitors can enjoy various local dishes made with fresh ingredients while learning about the customs and traditions of the village.
3. Mangrove Swamp Dinner Cruise: Take an evening cruise through the mangrove swamp area of Sandakan, spotting wildlife and enjoying a BBQ dinner on the boat. This unique dining experience offers a peaceful and scenic setting to enjoy a meal.
4. Agop Batu Tulug Culinary Experience: The Agop Batu Tulug Cultural Village offers visitors a chance to learn about the customs and cuisine of the local Murut people. Visitors can participate in cooking classes, preparing traditional dishes using indigenous herbs and spices.
5. Tamu Market Street Food: The Tamu market in Sandakan is a popular spot for locals to buy fresh produce and local delicacies. Visitors can sample traditional street food such as “tuhau” (wild ginger), sago worms, grilled chicken feet, and more.
6. Sepilok Tropical Wildlife Buffet Dinner: For a unique dinner experience surrounded by nature, visitors can attend the Tropical Wildlife Buffet Dinner at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Enjoy delicious local cuisine while watching orangutans roam freely in their natural habitat.
7. Borneo Cooking Class: Join an authentic cooking class led by local chefs who will teach visitors how to prepare Malaysian dishes using traditional methods and ingredients such as coconut milk, pandan leaves, and turmeric.
8. Chinese Cuisine at Little Hong Kong Wet Market: Head to the Little Hong Kong Wet Market in Sandakan for a truly authentic Chinese food experience. Visitors can sample delicious and affordable dishes such as dumplings, stir-fried seafood, and traditional hot pot.
9. Are there any cooking classes or culinary tours available in Sandakan?
Yes, there are several cooking classes and culinary tours available in Sandakan. Some options include:1. Kilek Kitchen – a popular cooking school offering classes on traditional Sabahan dishes
2. Spring Garden Cooking Class – offers classes on Chinese, Malay, and international cuisines
3. Sukau Rainforest Lodge Culinary Experience – a tour that includes learning to cook traditional Malaysian dishes with local women in their homes
4. Temple Street Food Tour – a walking tour that focuses on exploring and tasting the diverse street food in Sandakan’s Chinatown
5. Sandakan Food Heritage Tour by Borneo Royal Tours – a half-day tour that showcases the city’s unique blend of Malaysian, Chinese, and Indian cuisines.
It is recommended to research and book these activities in advance to secure a spot and check for any updates or changes to the schedule.
10. Where is the best place to try local fruits and produce in Sandakan?
The best place to try local fruits and produce in Sandakan is at the Central Market (or Pasar Besar) in the town center. This market offers a wide variety of fresh produce, including tropical fruits from the surrounding areas such as durian, rambutan, mangosteen, and pomelo. You can also find other local specialties like chili sauce, dried seafood, and traditional snacks at this bustling market.
11. Is it safe to drink tap water and eat street food in Sandakan?
It is generally safe to drink tap water in Sandakan, although it is recommended to drink bottled or boiled water for safety reasons. As with any destination, it is important to be cautious when eating street food and make sure the vendor has good hygiene practices.
12. What are the most popular drinks and cocktails served in bars and pubs around Sandakan?
1. Tiger beer
2. Carlsberg beer
3. Heineken beer
4. Gin and tonic
5. Whisky Sour
6. Mojito
7. Long Island Iced Tea
8. Margarita
9. Martini
10. Tequila Sunrise
11. Pina Colada
12. Cosmopolitan
13. Are there any exotic meats commonly served at restaurants in Sandakan?
Some restaurants in Sandakan may offer exotic meats such as crocodile, wild boar, and deer. However, these are not commonly found on the regular menus of most restaurants and are more likely to be served at specialty or traditional food establishments. It is always best to inquire directly with the restaurant about their menu options before ordering.
14. Which restaurants offer the best view while dining?
That really depends on your personal taste and location. Some popular restaurants with great views include The Cliff Restaurant in Barbados, The Signature Room at the 95th in Chicago, Opaque in Los Angeles (a dining experience in total darkness), La View Restaurant in Bali, and El Farallon at Capella Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas. However, there are countless other restaurants around the world that offer beautiful views while dining – it’s worth doing some research to find the perfect spot for you!
15. Can you recommend a good coffee shop or café for a quick bite and free wifi access?
One great option for a quick bite and free wifi access is Starbucks. They have locations all over the world and offer complimentary wifi to their customers. Another popular choice is Panera Bread, which also offers free wifi and has a variety of delicious food options to choose from. Other coffee shops or cafés with wifi include Dunkin Donuts, Peet’s Coffee, and local independent coffee shops in your area.
16. Do any restaurants cater to specific dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free or halal options?
Yes, many restaurants cater to specific dietary restrictions. Some examples include:
– Restaurants that offer gluten-free options: P.F. Chang’s, The Cheesecake Factory, Outback Steakhouse, Olive Garden
– Restaurants that offer halal options: Nando’s, Zankou Chicken, TGI Fridays, Chipotle Mexican Grill
– Vegan and vegetarian restaurants: Veggie Grill, Native Foods Cafe, Loving Hut
– Kosher restaurants: Deli King of Lindenholme (New York City), Mizlala (Los Angeles), Esti’s Besty’s Vegetarian Restaurant (Chicago)
17. How easy is it to find Western-style food in Sandakan for those who may not enjoy Thai cuisine?
It is generally fairly easy to find Western-style food in Sandakan. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes that offer a variety of cuisines, including Western dishes such as burgers, pasta, and pizza. Additionally, many hotels and resorts cater to international tourists and have restaurants with Western options on their menus.
18. Where is the best place to get budget-friendly meals without compromising on taste and quality?
This answer may vary depending on location, but some possible options include:
1. Local street food vendors or food trucks: These often offer delicious and affordable options, such as tacos, kebabs, noodles, and more.
2. Family-owned or small local restaurants: These establishments may have lower prices compared to chain restaurants and often offer homemade and flavorful dishes.
3. Ethnic or cultural neighborhoods: Areas with a high concentration of certain cultures may have inexpensive restaurants that offer authentic cuisine.
4. Cafeterias or buffet-style restaurants: These types of restaurants typically offer a wide variety of dishes at a set price, making it a cost-effective option.
5. Grocery store delis or hot bars: Many grocery stores have hot bar sections where customers can fill up a plate with food for a lower cost than eating at a restaurant.
6. Food co-ops: These community-owned markets often source food from local farmers and producers, offering fresh and affordable meals.
7. Meal delivery services: Some meal delivery companies specialize in budget-friendly options for customers on a tight budget.
8. College campuses: If near a college campus, explore the dining options available on campus as they may have affordable meal plans or student discounts.
9. Happy hour specials: Many bars and restaurants offer discounted prices during their happy hours, making it an ideal time to grab a bite to eat.
10. Coupons and deals apps: Utilize apps like Groupon or Restaurant.com to find deals on dining out at local restaurants.
19.Is tipping customary at restaurants and if so, what is an appropriate amount?
Tipping at restaurants is customary in the United States. The general rule for tipping at a sit-down restaurant is to leave 15-20% of the total bill, before taxes. This amount may vary depending on the level of service provided and the overall quality of the dining experience. Some restaurants may include an automatic gratuity for large parties or during busy times, in which case it is important to check your bill before tipping additionally. Additionally, some establishments may have suggested tip amounts listed on their menus or payment slips. It is considered polite to leave a small tip, around $1-2, for counter-service or quick-service restaurants where you order and pay at the counter.
20.Can you suggest some locally owned and operated eateries that support sustainable and ethical practices around Sandakan?
1. Ba Lin Cafe & Restaurant
2. Naan’s Bistro
3. Ocean Seafood Restaurant
4. Timbang Mata Cafe & Gallery
5. Grassroots Kitchen & Artisanal Cafe
6. San Da Gen Kopitiam & Restaurant
7. Uncle Tan’s Seafood Market & Restaurant
8. Borneo Street Food Cafe & Grill House
9. Warung Kopi Sandakan
10. Kedai Kopi New Mijie (organic and vegetarian options available)
11. The Foodist Borneo (organic and sustainable ingredients)
12. Kafe Old Place Seafood (fresh, locally sourced seafood)
13. Chop Chung Hwa Seafood Restaurant (supports responsible fishing practices)
14. Restoran Penang Cheong Kee (use of sustainable palm oil for cooking)
15. Jin Hiong Roast Coffee Stall (serves local organic coffee).