Kota Kinabalu has certainly changed a lot over the past few years, and besides the usual tourist and shopping spots located all over the city, KK also has a pretty booming café culture. So, if you ever find yourself in Sabah’s capital, you should definitely pay a visit to these unique cafés!
1. Biru Biru
Biru Biru (aka Sharikat Biru Biru) is one of KK’s gems. Its building was actually situated in the campsite of the Alliance during World War II in 1945. It was initially a printing press before it was eventually converted into a café and backpacker lodge in recent years.
The interior of Biru Biru is definitely unique and eclectic with mixtures of old and modern furniture decorating the entire café. The backpacker lodge is right upstairs, so don’t be surprised to see crowds of backpackers lounging around the café especially at the end of the day!
The coconut ice cream served with waffles drizzled with Gula Melaka syrup is undoubtedly one of the café’s bestsellers, so if you ever get the chance to check this place out, make sure you don’t give this a miss!
Address: 24, Lorong Dewan, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu
Opening hours: 11am – 12am (Open 7 days a week)
2. Nook Café
If you’re looking for a nice cosy place to relax and have some brunch while taking your own sweet time, Nook Café is one place you should check out if you’re ever in KK. It opens bright and early at 8am too!
Plus, if you’re vegan or vegetarian, this café has plenty of options for you.
We suggest trying their crowd-favourite Scotch Egg along with a cup of any of their coffees on the menu.
Source: Burpple
Address: 19, Jalan Dewan Kota Kinabalu
Opening hours: 8am – 11pm (Thursdays – Tuesdays, closed on Wednesdays)
3. The B Side
The B Side has a wide variety of pretty unique dishes to choose from, so it’s a café that can satisfy any of your cravings!
Its laid-back ambience makes it the go-to café for many locals, especially for weekend brunches, and they do some pretty unique twists on their pasta dishes. We would definitely recommend their creamy soft shell crab pasta for your first visit!
Address: 21, Lido Plaza, Jalan Nosoob Hungab, 88300 Kota Kinabalu
Opening hours: 10am – 11pm (Tuesdays – Sundays, Closed on Mondays)
4. Joe Sun – Food & Coffee Co.
If you’re on the hunt for some unique latte art and some delicious delicacies in KK, look no further than Joe Sun!
This café offers a relaxing dining experience, and if you’re a plant lover, you’d be glad to know that there’s plenty of greenery all over the place!
One dish of theirs you definitely need to try is their signature Chicken and Waffle dish. Trust us, it’s to die for, but make sure you go there with an empty stomach! If you’re a fan of pretty drinks, Joe Sun also serves up some colourful lattes for all you Instagram foodies!
Address: Lot 47 – 0, Ground Floor, Block D, Damai Plaza Phase 4, Lorong Pokok Kayu Manis 2, Luyang Kota Kinabalu
Opening hours: 9am – 9pm (Open 7 days a week)
5. October Coffee House
Looking for a good café that serves the perfect cup of coffee? Definitely check out October Coffee House!
Along with its chill and cosy ambience reminiscent of a winter cabin, this cafe is one of the best spots in KK to get some good quality coffee. If you ask us, we suggest trying a glass of their iced Dutch coffee for the ultimate caffeine fix.
Source: October Coffee House | Facebook
Address: 5-0 Ground floor, Lorong Bunga Raja, Latitude 6 Commercial Center, Kota Kinabalu
Opening hours: 10.30am – 12am (Open 7 days a week)
So, there you have it! Did your favourite KK café make it to this list? Let us know in the comments below!
Also read: 11 Speakeasies in Klang Valley You Need To Try At Least Once!
