Home LifestyleTravelTop 10 Places for Food Stops in Sabah, Malaysia

Top 10 Places for Food Stops in Sabah, Malaysia

by hanahannahooi@gmail.com

Sabah has a small but varied food scene that caters mainly to travellers and nearby communities rather than large-scale dining hubs. Most eating places here are practical stops, serving familiar Malaysian dishes to those moving between attractions, accommodations and neighbouring towns. This list brings together 10 food stops in and around Kundasang that are commonly visited for meals, covering a mix of casual eateries, roadside restaurants and sit-down options across the area.

Table of Contents

  1. Restoran Selera Kebun
  2. Ranau Hakka Food Court
  3. Nasi Ayam Antarabangsa Restaurant
  4. Ngiucap Kunkurad (D’Stella Kitchen)
  5. Restoran Ropuhan D’Gama
  6. Dapur K4WDC Ikan Bakar
  7. Restoran Kelisa
  8. Peng Yu Restaurant
  9. JJ Boy Cafe
  10. Tranquera House

1. Restoran Selera Kebun

    Restoran Selera Kebun is one of the more established dining spots in Kundasang, commonly visited by travellers looking for a full meal while passing through the area. The restaurant serves a range of Malaysian dishes and operates in a casual, family-friendly setting with views of the surrounding highlands. Its location along the main route makes it a convenient stop.

    Best SellerGrilled chicken, ayam masak kunyit, local vegetable dishes, set meals
    Price RangeRM20 – RM40
    Operating HoursDaily, 11am-9pmFri, 1:30pm-9pm(Tue Closed)
    AddressKg. Cinta Mata, Jalan Kundasang Kauluan, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah
    ParkingOn-site parking available
    Peak Time12pm – 2pm6pm – 8pm
    SeatingIndoor seating with open-air sections
    ServiceCounter ordering
    Suitable ForLunch, dinner, group meals

    Highlights

    Source: Rah

    Source: Whiskey Dev

    Source: Wan Shahrul Amri Wan Johari

    2. Ranau Hakka Food Court

      Ranau Hakka Food Court is a multi-stall dining spot commonly visited by locals and travellers passing through Ranau on the way to or from Kundasang. The food court offers a mix of Chinese-style dishes, including roasted meats and cooked-to-order meals, in a straightforward open seating setup. Its location along the main road makes it a practical stop for quick meals rather than a destination restaurant.

      Best SellerRoast pork, char siew, mixed rice, stir-fried vegetables
      Price RangeRM5 – RM20
      Operating HoursDaily, 6am-10pm
      Address0.5km, Jalan Ranau Tambunan, Road, 89308 Ranau, Sabah
      ParkingOn-site parking available
      Peak Time12pm – 2pm6pm – 8pm
      SeatingOpen-air food court seating
      ServiceSelf-service stall ordering
      Suitable ForLunch, dinner, family meals

      Highlights

      Stir Fry Kangkung with Belacan

      Source: sam samuel

      Grilled Stingray

      Source: Wiz Yeo

      Nasi Ayam

      Source: EE’ Athey. JR Channel

      3. Nasi Ayam Antarabangsa Restaurant (Kundasang, Sabah)

        Nasi Ayam Antarabangsa sits near the Kundasang War Memorial and is a common stop for travellers looking for a familiar, dependable meal. The restaurant focuses on classic Malaysian-style chicken rice, served in a simple open setting that suits the pace of the town. Most customers stop by for lunch or dinner while moving between nearby attractions, making it a practical choice during peak hours. Service is quick, portions are straightforward, and the menu stays focused on items people already know and expect. For many visitors, it functions as a convenient meal stop while spending time around Pekan Kundasang.

        Best SellerRoast chicken rice, steamed chicken rice, char siew, chicken soup
        Price RangeRM5 – RM20
        Operating HoursDaily, 8am-9pm
        AddressPekan Kundasang, 89308 Ranau, Sabah
        ParkingStreet parking available nearby
        Peak Time12pm – 2pm6pm – 8pm
        SeatingOpen-air seating
        ServiceCounter ordering
        Suitable ForLunch, dinner, quick meals

        Highlights

        Bihun Sup

        Source: Esther Chuah

        Nasi Ayam

        Source: rebecca che

        Chicken Wings

        Source: Muhammad Ikhwan Tamat

        4. Ngiucap Kunkurad (D’Stella Kitchen)

          Najucap Kunkurad, also known as D’Stella Kitchen, is a small local restaurant along the Ranau–Tambunan route, often visited by those travelling between Kundasang and Kota Belud. The menu focuses on home-style local dishes, served in a relaxed open setting that suits short meal stops along the drive. Visitors usually drop by for a proper sit-down meal before continuing their journey, especially during daytime hours. The pace is chill and portions are filling.

          Best SellerLocal rice dishes, home-style cooked meals, daily specials
          Price RangeRM10 – RM25
          Operating HoursDaily 9:30am-4:30pm(Sun Closed)
          AddressKM24, Jalan Tamparuli – Ranau, 89150 Kota Belud, Sabah
          ParkingOn-site parking available
          Peak Time12pm – 2pm
          SeatingOpen-air dining with covered seating
          ServiceCounter ordering, casual dining
          Suitable ForLunch stops

          Highlights

          Beef Soup

          Source: Ngiucap Kunkurad (D’Stella Kitchen)

          Mee Goreng

          Source: Ngiucap Kunkurad (D’Stella Kitchen)

          Source: Mary Cristie

          5. Restoran Ropuhan D’Gama

            Restoran Ropuhan D’Gama is a roadside restaurant in Ranau that tends to get busier in the evening, especially with families and travellers stopping for dinner. The menu covers familiar local dishes that work well for sharing, and the open dining area suits a relaxed pace after a day on the road. Many visitors come here after sunset, when options nearby are more limited and a sit-down meal is preferred. The atmosphere is casual, service is steady, and most customers treat it as a dependable dinner stop before heading back to their accommodation.

            Best SellerLocal noodle dishes, rice meals, soups, stir-fried dishes
            Price RangeRM10 – RM30
            Operating HoursN/A
            AddressJalqn Kundasang Kauluan Kg. Liwogu Lembah Permai Kundasang, 89300 Ranau, Sabah
            ParkingOn-site parking available
            Peak TimeN/A
            SeatingOpen-air dining with covered seating
            ServiceTable ordering
            Suitable ForGroup meals, food stops

            Highlights

            Source: RESTORAN ROPUHAN D’GAMA

            Source: RESTORAN ROPUHAN D’GAMA

            Source: RESTORAN ROPUHAN D’GAMA

            6. Dapur K4WDC Ikan Bakar

              Dapur K4WDC Ikan Bakar is a roadside seafood restaurant in Ranau that becomes more active in the evening, especially with travellers looking for a proper dinner after a long day. The menu centres on grilled fish and seafood dishes, cooked to order and served in a casual open setting. Many customers arrive in groups, making it a common stop for shared meals and longer dinners. The atmosphere is lively at night, with steady service and a focus on familiar local flavours.

              Best SellerIkan bakar, grilled squid, seafood dishes, rice sets
              Price RangeRM15 – RM40
              Operating HoursDaily, 9am-9pm
              AddressJalan Desa Aman 1, 89300 Kundasang, Sabah
              ParkingOn-site parking available
              Peak Time7pm – 9pm
              SeatingOpen-air dining with covered seating
              ServiceTable ordering
              Suitable ForDinner, group meals, seafood lovers

              Highlights

              Ikan Baulu

              Source: hazleza mohamad

              Source: Chi Zhang

              Source: Aehtoosham Suleman

              7. Restoran Kelisa (Kundasang, Sabah)

                Restoran Kelisa is a long-running local eatery in Kundasang that serves familiar home-style dishes to a steady neighbourhood crowd. It is commonly visited during meal times by residents and travellers looking for a simple, filling lunch. The restaurant operates at a relaxed pace, with customers often staying longer to eat and chat. For many, it functions as a reliable everyday food stop while moving around the Kundasang area.

                Best SellerLocal rice dishes, stir-fried meats, vegetable sides, soups
                Price RangeRM8 – RM20
                Operating HoursDaily, 8am-6pm
                AddressRestoran Kelisa Kedai Sedco Blok B, Pekan Kundasang, 89308 Ranau, Sabah
                ParkingStreet parking available nearby
                Peak Time12pm – 3:30pm
                SeatingIndoor seating with simple table setup
                ServiceTable ordering
                Suitable ForLunch, casual meals, local home-style food

                Highlights

                Source: zarina zamri

                Source: Cikgu EL

                Source: Diana Demiyah

                8. Peng Yu Restaurant

                  Peng Yu Restaurant is a modest Chinese eatery in Ranau that is best known for its bak kut teh, chu kiok and steamboat dishes. The restaurant tends to attract customers who are staying nearby or stopping for dinner after a long drive, especially in the evening. Meals here are usually unhurried, with groups ordering several dishes to share at the table. It is often chosen for warm, soup-based meals that suit the cooler climate around the Ranau area.

                  Best SellerBak kut teh, chu kiok (pork leg vinegar), steamboat, noodle dishes
                  Price RangeRM12 – RM35
                  Operating HoursDaily, 8:30am-8pm(Mon Closed)
                  Address2G2W+2G World Heritage Site, Kinabalu Park, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah
                  ParkingOn-site parking available
                  Peak Time5pm – 7:30pm
                  SeatingIndoor dining with simple table setup
                  ServiceTable ordering
                  Suitable ForBreakfast, lunch, dinner, group meals

                  Highlights

                  Source: Adrik Loh

                  Source: cslum88

                  Fried Cabbage with Dried Shrimp

                  Source: A Y

                  9. JJ Boy Cafe

                    JJ Boy Cafe is a casual café-style stop in Kundasang that draws visitors looking for a slower meal break, especially during cooler afternoons. The space is bright and open, with seating that encourages longer stays over drinks and light meals. Many customers come here to take a break between sightseeing stops, making it a popular pause rather than a quick turnover eatery. The menu stays approachable, focusing on familiar café dishes that suit relaxed dining.

                    Best SellerToast and sandwiches, fried noodles
                    Price RangeRM8 – RM25
                    Operating HoursDaily, 8am-5pm
                    Address36, Jalan Tamparuli – Ranau, Pekan Kundasang, 89308 Ranau, Sabah
                    ParkingOn-site parking available
                    Peak Time12pm – 2pm
                    SeatingIndoor seating with open views
                    ServiceCounter ordering
                    Suitable ForAfternoon breaks, light meals

                    Highlights

                    Chicken Wing

                    Source: Albert L

                    Mee Goreng

                    Sources: Albert L

                    Source: Lee Gin Choi

                    10. Tranquera House (Restaurant)

                      Tranquera House is a resort that has a sit-down restaurant in Kundasang that focuses on Nyonya-style and home-cooked dishes, often attracting diners who plan their meals. The setting is quieter compared to roadside eateries, making it suitable for longer lunches or dinners. Many visitors come in small groups and order multiple dishes to share, especially when spending more time around the Kundasang area. 

                      Best SellerNyonya curry dishes, ayam masak sos tiram, omelette, vegetable sides
                      Price RangeRM20 – RM40
                      Operating HoursDaily, 8am-10:30am, 11:30am-2pm, 6pm-9pm
                      AddressC93, Off, Jalan Access Mesilou Nature Centre, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah
                      ParkingOn-site parking available
                      Peak Time11:30am – 2pm6pm-9pm
                      SeatingIndoor dining with table seating
                      ServiceTable ordering
                      Suitable ForLunch, dinner, group dining

                      Highlights

                      Source: Tranquera House

                      Source: JS

                      Source: JS

                      Disclaimer: Based on thorough research and collective insights, this list was meticulously curated by the GoldenHourMagazine team to provide useful recommendations for everyone. The brands are presented in no specific ranking, so if you know of any other amazing options, we would love to hear from you at hanahannahooi@gmail.com. For more details, please see our copyright, privacy, and disclosure policies.

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