Kota Kinabalu: A new culinary journey awaits with the launch of the Kota Kinabalu Food Trail (KKFT), featuring 29 restaurants specially selected to showcase the city’s rich flavours, quality dining and vibrant food culture.
Introduced by the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) in collaboration with the Sabah Chefs’ Association (SCA), the trail serves as a guide for visitors and locals to discover eateries that capture the essence of Sabah’s diverse culinary scene.
STB Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai presented plaques of recognition to the participating restaurants during the launch at Hyatt Regency Kinabalu on Monday.
The ceremony was witnessed by Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Seri Sabin Samitah, STB Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit, Tourism Malaysia Sabah Director Haryanty Abu Bakar and SCA President Chef Adrian Chong.
The plaques, now displayed at the selected outlets, mark the restaurants as part of the KKFT and as recommended dining stops for visitors.
Julinus said the initiative is part of STB’s ongoing effort to promote gastronomy tourism and diversify Sabah’s tourism products.
“We’ve long been known for promoting culture, adventure and nature, and now we’re moving forward to highlight food as part of that experience.
“Gastronomy tourism allows us to share Sabah’s story through its flavours, people and local ingredients, giving visitors more ways to connect with the destination through food,” he said.
He said the curated list was designed to help visitors discover places that may otherwise go unnoticed, while giving recognition to local culinary entrepreneurs.
Chong said the 29 restaurants were selected after months of visits, tastings and evaluations by the association’s team.
“These establishments were chosen not only for their food quality and cleanliness but also because they represent emerging eateries that deserve greater recognition,” he said.
He emphasised that the selection covers a mix of halal-certified, no-pork, and non-halal outlets, reflecting the diversity of Sabah’s culinary landscape.
The 29 restaurants make up the first phase of the KKFT, with plans to expand in future phases to Sandakan and Tawau, highlighting the State’s wide-ranging food culture.
