Surrounded by the cool highlands of Sabah, Kundasang is more than just a mountain retreat it’s a culinary escape for travelers seeking authentic flavors and breathtaking views. Whether you’re craving traditional Dusun cuisine, comforting steamboat dinners, or a cozy café experience overlooking Mount Kinabalu, the variety of food in Kundasang never disappoints. This guide lists 18 of the best places to eat in Kundasang, from rustic local restaurants to scenic hillside cafés. Whether you’re a foodie from Kuala Lumpur, an international traveler, or simply exploring Sabah’s countryside, this list will help you enjoy every bite of your mountain adventure.

1. Best Places to Eat in Kundasang – 89 Station Steamboat

Halal: Yes
Location: Kundasang Town Center
Opening Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Price Range: RM 25–40 per person

When the highland air turns chilly, nothing beats a hot, steaming pot of broth filled with seafood, chicken, and fresh vegetables. 89 Station Steamboat is a top choice for families and groups looking for hearty food in Kundasang. Try their signature seafood steamboat with homemade chili sauce which it’s a local favorite.

2. Liwagu Restaurant – Fine Dining and Local Food

Halal: Yes (by request)
Location: Kinabalu Park Headquarters
Opening Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Price Range: RM 30–70 per person

Located within Kinabalu Park, Liwagu Restaurant offers a refined dining experience with panoramic views of the rainforest. After a refreshing hike or a day of sightseeing, this cozy spot is the perfect place to unwind. Moreover, its signature dishes such as Sabah-style fried rice, wild fern salad (paku-pakis), and hot ginger tea capture the authentic flavors of local cuisine. Truly, it’s a must-visit dining destination for nature lovers and food enthusiasts alike.

3. Nabalu Market Food Court – Authentic Kundasang Street Food

Halal: Mostly (verify per stall)
Location: Nabalu Handicraft Market
Opening Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

If you want to taste the true Kundasang food culture, head to Nabalu Market Food Court. Here, you’ll not only find local vendors serving authentic dishes like hinava (marinated raw fish), tuaran mee, and banana fritters, but you’ll also experience the warmth of local hospitality. Additionally, don’t forget to try the rich local coffee while enjoying the cool mountain breeze and scenic surroundings give a perfect way to complete your Kundasang culinary adventure.

4. Mesilau Nature Café – Highland Café Experience

Halal: Yes
Location: Mesilau Highlands
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Price Range: RM 15–35

Set amid misty highlands, Mesilau Nature Café is a tranquil spot for coffee and cake lovers. Their Sabah Mountain coffee and banana cake pair perfectly with the cool weather. Visit early in the morning for sunrise views of Mount Kinabalu.

5. Puteri Nabalu Restaurant – Where to Eat in Kundasang with a View

Halal: Yes
Location: Jalan Ranau-Tamparuli (near Nabalu Market)
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Price Range: RM 20–50

Offering breathtaking views of Mount Kinabalu, Puteri Nabalu Restaurant serves classic Malaysian dishes like nasi goreng kampung and sweet and sour fish. The open-air seating area is perfect for travelers who love dining with a view.

6. Dream World Resort – Mountain Dining and Local Food in Kundasang

Halal: Yes
Location: Dream World Resort, Kundasang
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Price Range: RM 25–55

Dream World Resort Restaurant offers a comfortable dining experience with wide valley views. Must-try dishes include their black pepper beef and pineapple fried rice. It’s especially popular among couples and sunset lovers.

7. H Benjamin Residence Restaurant – Taste of Local Kundasang Cuisine

Halal: Yes
Location: H Benjamin Residence, Kundasang
Opening Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Price Range: RM 20–40

A cozy eatery featuring fresh, local produce and traditional flavors. Try the Sabah-style sambal chicken and mountain vegetables where both represent the authentic taste of Kundasang food.

8. Warung Nasi Ayam Penyet – Comfort Food in Kundasang Town

Halal: Yes
Location: Near Kundasang Roundabout
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Price Range: RM 15–30

A local favorite serving delicious nasi ayam penyet with spicy sambal. The casual setting and affordable prices make it one of the best halal places to eat in Kundasang for travelers on a budget.

9. Restoran Panataran – Traditional Dusun Food in Kundasang

Halal: Yes
Location: Jalan Ranau
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Price Range: RM 20–40

If you’re eager to explore Dusun traditional food, Restoran Panataran is the place to go. Try the linopot (rice in leaf), hinava, and tuhau which all authentic highland delicacies you won’t find elsewhere.

10. Cloud 9 Café – Best Café Food in Kundasang Highlands

Halal: Yes
Location: Jalan Sinisian, Kundasang
Opening Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Price Range: RM 20–40

Cloud 9 Café offers a chic, modern setting with unmatched views of Mount Kinabalu. Pair your hot latte with homemade brownies or chicken chop for the perfect afternoon meal.

11. Desa Dairy Farm Café – Fresh Local Food in Kundasang

Halal: Yes
Location: Desa Dairy Farm, Mesilau
Opening Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Price Range: RM 10–30

Located inside the iconic Desa Dairy Farm, this café serves fresh milk, soft-serve ice cream, and cheese tarts made from local dairy. The views of green pastures make it one of the most photogenic cafés in Kundasang.

12. Selera Desa Restaurant – Local Food Experience in Kundasang

Halal: Yes
Location: Near Kundasang War Memorial
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Price Range: RM 15–40

Restoran Selera Desa offers comfort food and local favorites such as tom yam soup, salted egg squid, and sambal kangkung. The restaurant’s large seating area makes it ideal for group dining.

13. D’North Star Café – Modern Dining and Food in Kundasang

Halal: Yes
Location: Sinisian, Kundasang
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Price Range: RM 15–35

A stylish café offering Western comfort food like spaghetti aglio olio, chicken chop, and cheesecake. Its cozy interiors and mountain backdrop make it a favorite Instagram spot for young travelers.

14. Kundasang Market Hawkers – Local Street Food in Kundasang

Halal: Mostly (verify)
Location: Kundasang Town Center
Opening Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The Kundasang Market isn’t just for fresh produce, here you’ll find stalls selling grilled corn, fried bananas, and local noodles. It’s the perfect stop for travelers looking for a quick bite or souvenir snacks.

15. Balsam Buffet Restaurant – Classic Dining Inside Kinabalu Park

Halal: Yes
Location: Kinabalu Park Headquarters
Opening Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Price Range: RM 35–70

Part of Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, Balsam Buffet Restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat dining experience. Enjoy international dishes with local flair while surrounded by lush greenery.

16. Wayan Café – Vegetarian-Friendly Food in Kundasang

Halal: Yes (vegetarian menu)
Location: Kundasang Town
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Price Range: RM 15–30

Wayan Café is one of the few places offering vegetarian-friendly dishes in Kundasang, including stir-fried vegetables, tofu curries, and mountain herb salads.

17. Mount Kinabalu Heritage Resort Café – Scenic Food in Kundasang Highlands

Halal: Yes
Location: Mount Kinabalu Heritage Resort & Spa, Kundasang
Opening Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Price Range: RM 25–50

Enjoy elegant dining overlooking the valley. The menu includes Sabah grilled fish, chicken curry, and a variety of Western dishes.

18. Restoran D’Olundus View – Sunset Dining and Local Food in Kundasang

Halal: Yes
Location: Jalan Mesilau, Kundasang
Opening Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Price Range: RM 25–45

A scenic spot for travelers to enjoy dinner while watching the sunset, 89 Station Steamboat offers both great food and breathtaking views. For instance, you can try their flavorful ginger beef, crispy fried tofu, and delicious stir-fried vegetables. Moreover, the open-air deck provides one of the best evening views in Kundasang, making it a perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring.

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Traditional Dishes to Try – The Heart of Kundasang Food Culture

• Hinava – A spicy raw fish salad marinated in lime and ginger.
• Linopot – Sticky rice wrapped in leaves, served with meat or vegetables.
• Tuhau – Wild ginger pickle, fragrant and spicy.
• Sayur Paku – Stir-fried jungle fern.
• Mountain Honey – Locally produced and available at Kundasang Market.

Tips for Enjoying Food in Kundasang

• Arrive early — most restaurants close by 9:00 p.m.
• Bring cash — many small eateries don’t accept cards.
• Try local vegetables and honey from the market.
• Dress warmly because it gets chilly at night, especially outdoors.

CLL Adventure Borneo has provide tour packages to Kundasang to enjoy its beautiful scenery.

This is Why Food in Kundasang Deserves a Spot on Every Traveler’s List

The food in Kundasang reflects Sabah’s diversity, hospitality, and rich mountain culture. Whether you’re dining in a cozy café, enjoying a hearty steamboat meal, or sampling traditional Dusun dishes, every flavor tells the story of this beautiful highland town. For travelers seeking both scenic beauty and unforgettable meals, Kundasang truly stands out as one of the top culinary destinations in Sabah.