You don’t have to pay a lot to live a lot in Kota Kinabalu, the capital of the Malaysian state Sabah. Activities, hotels, and transportation are affordable compared to other travel hot spots in the world. We’re talking $40USD a night for an ocean-view two bedroom apartment and $30USD dives folks…
And, of course, there are plenty of epic cheap eats in Kota Kinabalu to be had.
Scoring multi-course meals for under $10USD per person is easy peasy. But here at the frugal foodies, the theme is how low can you go?!
Let’s dive into 5 cheap eats in Kota Kinabalu for less than $4USD.
1. Happy Hour Roti Set from The Chicken Rice Shop
The Chicken Rice Shop is a popular chain in Malaysia that sells halal Hainanese chicken rice. There are over 100 locales across the country, with their secret to success being constant innovation. (Read an interview with the founder HERE!)
Chicken and rice shops are a dime a dozen in Malaysia, but there was a sign that made us do a double take outside The Chicken Rice Shop: 2 pieces of roti canai with curry chicken and a cup of coffee or tea for RM8/ $1.90USD during “tea time” from 3-6pm on weekdays.
“We’ll take two please!”
The roti was what dreams are made of. It was piping hot with drool-worthy layers that had that perfectly soft, pull-apart texture. The chicken curry had one potato and one chunk of chicken, and the spicy sauce was perfect for dipping.
The roti canai is a nice snack, but some might not find it to be a satisfactory meal. Don’t fret! The chicken rice dishes are fairly priced too, ranging from RM11-15/ $3ishUSD.
2. Laksa from Yee Fung Laksa
Laksa is a spicy noodle soup with Malay and Chinese origins that’s popular across southeast Asia. There are over a dozen different types of laksa. I’ve tried very few, and I admittedly don’t even know the types I’ve tried! I do know, however, that the laksa served up at Yee Fung Laksa is incredible.
The broth is warm and comforting with notes of chili, onion, ginger, cinnamon, and lemon grass. Lime and cilantro add pops of freshness. And they certainly don’t skimp on the serving size with plenty of noodles, fried tofu, and a few shrimp. The best part? One big bowl that’ll leave you full and happy will set you back RM 12/ $2.85USD, making it one of the best cheap eats in Kota Kinabalu
While you’re there, you might as well get an order of kaya toast for RM4/$1 USD. Kaya is a coconut jam that’s made from coconut milk, eggs, and sugar. Slather it on toast with butter and you’ll wonder why anyone would choose marmalade when something as delicious as kaya exists.
I first discovered kaya toast in 2020 in Singapore, and it’s one of those items that’s so amazingly delicious that I can’t comprehend why it hasn’t made a splash in NYC.
3. Sushi from Jiro Sushi
Jiro Sushi is a conveyor belt sushi joint with a location in the Suria Sabah Shopping Mall. Their schtick is that each plate is only RM3.98/$.90USD. From aburi salmon nigiri to maki rolls, there are dozens of options you can snag from the train or order a la cart.
Our 8 plates came to $7.86USD, which I think is a stellar deal.
Sushi Jiro is the cheapest sushi train in town, but I wouldn’t say it’s the best. Find out my #1 pick HERE.
4. Nasi Lemak from Guan’s Kopitiam Gaya Street
Nasi Lemak is the national dish of Malaysia. It consists of rice cooked with coconut milk and pandan leaf that’s served with sambal and various garnishes. Peanuts, anchovies, cucumbers, and a boiled egg are common. And you can get various proteins ranging from ayam goreng (fried chicken) to rendang (beef stewed in coconut milk) to go with it.
There are dozens of restaurants serving up nasi lemak, but Guan’s Kopitiam Gaya Street is one of the most popular for young, trendy tourists. There are a handful of options all for under RM17/$3.80USD.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip on the kaya toast here either!
5. Roti from Kedai Makan Islamic Restaurant
If you’re keen for a truly local food experience, head to the basement of Center Point Mall to Kedai Makan Islamic Restaurant. You’ll be hard pressed to find anything for more than RM15, but the rotis are exceptionally frugal and exceptionally delicious.
The roti canai set is a sensible RM2/$.50USD, and it comes with a big piece of beautiful fluffy yet soft roti, a spicy sauce, and another mystery savory sauce. And you’re straight up missing out if you don’t snag a kaya roti for RM 4/ $1 USD. The roti itself is similar to a crepe, and it has a healthy slather of sweet kaya in the inside
