Eating at the Kota Kinabalu Night Market
How the waterfront night market works, what to order from the grills, and how to avoid overpaying for seafood.
Every evening, the stretch of waterfront next to the handicraft market in central Kota Kinabalu fills with grills, fruit stalls and shared tables. It is the city's cheapest seafood dinner and one of its liveliest.
How it works
Stalls display fish, squid, prawns and chicken on ice. Point at what you want, agree the price, and it is grilled while you wait. Rice, sambal and drinks are sold separately.
What to order
- Grilled squid with sweet-spicy glaze
- Whole grilled fish with sambal
- Chicken wings
- Fresh coconut or fruit juice
The market is busy, smoky and casual, which is the appeal. Bring cash and expect to share tables.
Updated
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