Famous Food in Sandakan: 5 Dishes to Try

What to eat in Sandakan, and what each dish is.

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Quick answer

The food to try in Sandakan includes Seafood BBQ, Hinava, Sabah Laksa and 2 more.

Best time to visit Sandakan: March – October.

Seafood BBQ

Fresh Sabahan seafood — tiger prawns, barramundi, and squid — grilled over charcoal at the night market.

Hinava

Traditional Kadazan-Dusun raw fish salad marinated in lime juice, ginger, and bird's eye chilli.

Sabah Laksa

Lighter than Sarawak Laksa — a clear broth version with fresh seafood and sago noodles.

Butod

Sago worm — a local delicacy eaten raw or fried, rich in protein and considered a prized forest food.

Tuaran Mee

Hand-pulled fried noodles from Tuaran town, tossed with egg, vegetables, and local seasonings.

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Sandakan food questions

What is the most famous food in Sandakan?

Seafood BBQ is the dish most travellers start with. Fresh Sabahan seafood — tiger prawns, barramundi, and squid — grilled over charcoal at the night market.

What should I eat in Sandakan?

Try Seafood BBQ, Hinava, Sabah Laksa, Butod, Tuaran Mee.

Is it easy to find vegetarian food in Sandakan?

Tell us about dietary needs when you book. Trripah plans meals and restaurant stops around vegetarian, Jain and other requirements.

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