10 Must-Eat Foods in Sandakan
Sandakan was once the capital of British North Borneo, and its food reflects a rich history of Hakka Chinese, Malay, Filipino, and indigenous influences. Seafood dominates here — the city sits right on the Sulu Sea.
"Muslim-friendly" means a dish is usually made halal or sold by Muslim-run stalls. It does not mean a stall is certified. Look for a JAKIM halal certificate if it matters to you.
UFO Tart
🟢 Muslim-friendlyDome-shaped pastry with caramelized custard top — said to have been created in Sandakan in 1955 by Hainanese baker Fu Ah Oh (Malay Mail, checked 7 October 2026). Iconic local snack.
Fish Ball Noodles
🟢 Muslim-friendlyHandmade bouncy fish balls in clear broth with fresh fish slices and rice noodles. Sandakan's best comfort bowl.
Kam Heong Crab
🟢 Muslim-friendlyLive crab stir-fried with curry leaves, dried shrimp, chillies, and aromatic spices. Fragrant and messy.
Lokan Bakar
🟢 Muslim-friendlyFresh mangrove clams grilled over charcoal until shells pop open. Simple, smoky, and incredibly sweet.
Sang Nyuk Mee
🔴 Non-HalalSandakan-style pork noodles with crispy deep-fried pork belly slices. Richer than KK version.
Salted Fish Fried Rice
🟢 Muslim-friendlyWok-fried rice with smoky dried salted fish, egg, and spring onions. Simple but addictive umami bomb.
Chilli Crab
🟢 Muslim-friendlyFresh crab in spicy sweet chilli-tomato sauce. Served with mantou (fried buns) to mop up the sauce.
Century Egg Dumplings
🟡 Pork-FreeDumplings filled with century egg and fish paste in thick dark gravy. Found in Sandakan kopitiams.
Steamed Grouper
🟢 Muslim-friendlyWhole fresh grouper steamed with ginger, spring onions, and light soy. Clean, elegant, and perfectly fresh.
Grilled Stingray
🟢 Muslim-friendlyStingray wrapped in banana leaf with spicy sambal, grilled over charcoal. Tender and smoky.
📸 All food photos are AI-generated illustrations for reference only. Actual dishes may vary in appearance.