2 Best Restaurants in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Always bustling, this kopitiam—a traditional-style coffee shop found through much of Southeast Asia—is one of the most widely regarded in the region. While often times the service can be lacking, the quality of the budget bites makes up for it. It serves arguably the best fish soto nyonya (noodle soup) in town, and the fried kuey teow (flat rice noodles) are also worth a try.

Located along Gaya Street, this scruffy stall serves what is argued by many to be the best bowl of bak kut teh. Literally translated as "pork bone tea," this Chinese dish is a staple through much of Malaysia. The soup, filled with meaty pork ribs and a long list of herbs and spices, is served with rice and strips of fried dough. For those interested in tasting more than just ribs, the pork liver, pork belly, and various other intestines are available as well. Plastic tables are set up on the street outside and all of the offerings go down well with a large bottle of Tiger beer.