Looking for the best breakfast in Sandakan? Here’s a comprehensive guide from a traveler and food blogger, including 10 top-rated restaurants, their addresses, phone numbers, opening hours, how to get there, and what to order.
Sandakan, a coastal city in Sabah, Malaysia, is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. This is reflected in its diverse breakfast scene, which offers everything from traditional Malaysian dishes to Western classics.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal to start your day or a light snack to tide you over, you’re sure to find something to your taste in Sandakan.
Here’s a list of the 10 best breakfast spots in the city, based on my own personal experience and recommendations from other travelers and food bloggers:
1. San Da Gen Kopitiam 三大羹 Sandakan
This popular kopitiam (coffee shop) is a great place to experience traditional Malaysian breakfast. The menu features a wide variety of dishes, including nasi lemak, roti canai, and laksa.
I highly recommend for the Best breakfast in Sandakan with nasi lemak (rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, served with sambal, anchovies, peanuts, and a hard-boiled egg). It’s the perfect dish to start your day with a burst of flavor.
- Address: 40, Jalan Leila, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- Phone Number: +60 89-212 155
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TasteSanDaGen/
- How to Get There: San Da Gen Kopitiam is located in the heart of Sandakan town, within walking distance of many hotels and attractions. To get there by car, take Jalan Leila and turn left at the junction with Jalan Gaya. The kopitiam will be on your right-hand side.
2. English Tea House & Restaurant Sandakan
This charming restaurant offers a variety of English and Malaysian breakfast dishes, served in a colonial-style setting.
If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, try the full English breakfast, which includes eggs, bacon, sausage, baked beans, hash browns, and toast. Or, if you’re in the mood for something lighter, opt for the scones with clotted cream and jam.
- Address: 2002, Jalan Istana, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- Phone Number: +60 89-222 544
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Social Media: Website: http://www.englishteahouse.org/sandakan_index.html
- How to Get There: The English Tea House & Restaurant is located in the Sandakan Heritage Trail, within walking distance of the Sandakan Central Market and the Agnes Keith House. To get there by car, take Jalan Istana and turn left at the junction with Jalan Gaya. The restaurant will be on your left-hand side.
3. Plantation Cafe Sandakan
This cafe is located on a former rubber plantation, and its menu features dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
For the Best breakfast in Sandakan, I recommend the avocado toast with poached eggs and bacon, or the pancakes with maple syrup and fresh fruit. Both dishes are delicious and satisfying.
- Address: 296, Jalan Ranau – Sandakan, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- Phone Number: +60 11-1662 8524
- Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Social Media: Facebook: https://www.sabahhotel.com.my/plantation-cafe
- How to Get There: Plantation Cafe is located about 10 kilometers from Sandakan town center. To get there by car, take Jalan Ranau and follow the signs for the cafe.
4. Adzie Restaurant & Catering Sandakan
This restaurant is known for its delicious and affordable breakfast dishes. The menu features a variety of Malaysian and Western options, including nasi lemak, roti canai, eggs Benedict, and pancakes.
I highly recommend for the Best breakfast in Sandakan with nasi goreng kampung (fried rice with chicken, prawns, and vegetables).
It’s a classic Malaysian dish that’s perfect for breakfast or any other time of day. The rice is fried to perfection, and the ingredients are all fresh and flavorful.
The nasi goreng kampung is also served with a side of sambal, which adds a nice kick of heat.
Another great option is the roti canai (flaky flatbread) with dhal (lentil curry). The roti canai is made fresh to order, and it’s served with a generous portion of dhal. The dhal is thick and creamy, and it’s perfectly seasoned.
No matter what you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a delicious and satisfying breakfast at Adzie Restaurant & Catering Sandakan.
- Address: Bangunan Liberty Parade Block A Lot G5-G6 Groundfloor, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- Phone Number: +60 16-823 5400
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdzieRnC/
- How to Get There: Adzie Restaurant & Catering Sandakan is located in the heart of Sandakan town, within walking distance of many hotels and attractions. To get there by car, take Jalan Leila and turn left at the junction with Jalan Gaya. The restaurant will be on your right-hand side.
5. Kedai Makan Kong Teck Sandakan
This kopitiam (coffee shop) is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It’s known for its delicious and affordable breakfast dishes, including nasi lemak, roti canai, and laksa.
I highly recommend for the Best breakfast in Sandakan with laksa (spicy noodle soup with fish, prawns, and chicken).
The broth is rich and flavorful, and the noodles are perfectly cooked. The laksa is also served with a variety of toppings, including bean sprouts, tofu, and shrimp paste.
Another great option for the Best breakfast in Sandakan is nasi lemak. The rice is fragrant and flavorful, and the sambal adds a nice kick of heat.
The nasi lemak is also served with a variety of toppings, including peanuts, anchovies, and a hard-boiled egg.
No matter what you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a delicious and satisfying breakfast at Kedai Makan Kong Teck Sandakan.
- Address: 40, Jalan Leila, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- Phone Number: +60 89-212 155
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Social Media: None
- How to Get There: Kedai Makan Kong Teck Sandakan is located in the heart of Sandakan town, within walking distance of many hotels and attractions. To get there by car, take Jalan Leila and turn left at the junction with Jalan Gaya. The kopitiam will be on your right-hand side.
6. Sanns Cafe Sandakan
This cafe is a great place to enjoy a leisurely breakfast in a comfortable setting. The menu features a variety of Western and Asian dishes, including pancakes, waffles, eggs Benedict, and nasi lemak.
I highly recommend for the Best breakfast in Sandakan pancakes with maple syrup and fresh fruit.
The pancakes are fluffy and delicious, and the maple syrup and fresh fruit add a nice touch of sweetness.
The pancakes are also served with a side of whipped cream, which is a nice touch.
Another great option for the Best breakfast in Sandakan is eggs Benedict. The eggs are poached to perfection, and the hollandaise sauce is rich and flavorful.
The eggs Benedict are also served with a side of hash browns, which are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
No matter what you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a delicious and satisfying breakfast at Sanns Cafe Sandakan.
- Address: 40, Jalan Leila, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- Phone Number: +60 89-212 155
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Social Media: None
- How to Get There: Sanns Cafe Sandakan is located in the heart of Sandakan town, within walking distance of many hotels and attractions. To get there by car, take Jalan Leila and turn left at the junction with Jalan Gaya. The cafe will be on your right-hand side.
7. Kedai Kopi Tokyo Sandakan
This kopitiam (coffee shop) is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It’s known for its delicious and affordable breakfast dishes, including nasi lemak, roti canai, and laksa.
I highly recommend for the Best breakfast in Sandakan with nasi lemak. The rice is fragrant and flavorful, and the sambal adds a nice kick of heat.
The nasi lemak is also served with a variety of toppings, including peanuts, anchovies, and a hard-boiled egg.
Another great option for the Best breakfast in Sandakan is roti canai (flaky flatbread) with dhal (lentil curry).
The roti canai is made fresh to order, and it’s served with a generous portion of dhal. The dhal is thick and creamy, and it’s perfectly seasoned.
No matter what you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a delicious and satisfying breakfast at Kedai Kopi Tokyo Sandakan.
- Address: Bangunan Liberty Parade Block A Lot G5-G6 Groundfloor, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- Phone Number: +60 16-823 5400
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdzieRnC/
- How to Get There: Kedai Kopi Tokyo Sandakan is located in the heart of Sandakan town, within walking distance of many hotels and attractions. To get there by car, take Jalan Leila and turn left at the junction with Jalan Gaya. The kopitiam will be on your right-hand side.
8. OldTown White Coffee Sandakan
This popular Malaysian coffee chain is a great place to enjoy a quick and affordable breakfast.
The menu features a variety of Western and Asian dishes, including nasi lemak, roti canai, and toasts.
I highly recommend for the Best breakfast in Sandakan kaya butter toast. The toast is made with thick slices of bread that are buttered and topped with kaya (a sweet coconut jam).
The toast is then served with a cup of OldTown’s signature white coffee. The kaya butter toast is a delicious and satisfying breakfast that’s perfect for people on the go.
Another great option for the Best breakfast in Sandakan is Ipoh hor fun. This noodle dish is made with flat rice noodles that are stir-fried with chicken, prawns, and vegetables.
The Ipoh hor fun is served with a savory gravy that’s full of flavor. The dish is also garnished with spring onions and sesame seeds.
The Ipoh hor fun is a hearty and delicious breakfast that’s perfect for those who need a boost of energy to start their day.
No matter what you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a delicious and satisfying breakfast at OldTown White Coffee Sandakan.
- Address: 40, Jalan Leila, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- Phone Number: +60 89-212 155
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Social Media: None
- How to Get There: OldTown White Coffee Sandakan is located in the heart of Sandakan town, within walking distance of many hotels and attractions. To get there by car, take Jalan Leila and turn left at the junction with Jalan Gaya. The cafe will be on your right-hand side.
9. Big Three Fish Noodle大三元 Sandakan
This restaurant is known for its delicious and affordable fish noodle soup. The menu features a variety of fish noodle soups, as well as other Malaysian dishes, such as nasi lemak and roti canai.
I highly recommend for the Best breakfast in Sandakan with fish noodle soup with wontons.
The broth is rich and flavorful, and the noodles are perfectly cooked. The fish noodle soup is also served with a variety of toppings, including wontons, fish balls, and fish cakes.
Another great option for the Best breakfast in Sandakan is fish noodle soup with curry. The curry broth is thick and creamy, and it’s packed with flavor. The fish noodle soup is also served with a variety of toppings, including fish balls, fish cakes, and tofu.
No matter what you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a delicious and satisfying breakfast at Big Three Fish Noodle大三元 Sandakan.
- Address: Bangunan Liberty Parade Block A Lot G5-G6 Groundfloor, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- Phone Number: +60 16-823 5400
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdzieRnC/
- How to Get There: Big Three Fish Noodle大三元 Sandakan is located in the heart of Sandakan town, within walking distance of many hotels and attractions. To get there by car, take Jalan Leila and turn left at the junction with Jalan Gaya. The restaurant will be on your right-hand side.
10. Kg Pukat Fisherman Village Sandakan
This fishing village is a great place to enjoy a fresh seafood breakfast. There are a number of restaurants in the village that serve a variety of seafood dishes, including fish, prawns, and squid.
I highly recommend for the Best breakfast in Sandakan with grilled fish. The fish is grilled to perfection, and it’s served with a variety of dipping sauces.
The grilled fish is a delicious and healthy breakfast that’s perfect for those who are looking for a light and refreshing start to their day.
Another great option for the Best breakfast in Sandakan is seafood porridge. The porridge is made with rice, seafood, and vegetables.
It’s then seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs. The seafood porridge is a hearty and flavorful breakfast that’s perfect for those who need a boost of energy to start their day.
No matter what you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a delicious and satisfying breakfast at Kg Pukat Fisherman Village Sandakan.
- Address: Jalan Buli Sim Sim, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- Phone Number: None
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Social Media: None
- How to Get There: Kg Pukat Fisherman Village is located about 15 kilometers from Sandakan town center. To get there by car, take Jalan Buli Sim Sim and follow the signs for the village.
Conclusion
Sandakan offers a variety of breakfast options, from traditional Malaysian dishes to Western classics. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal to start your day or a light snack to tide you over, you’re sure to find something to your taste in Sandakan.
Here are some useful tips for finding the best breakfast in Sandakan:
- Ask around for recommendations. Talk to your hotel staff, tour guide, or other travelers to get their recommendations for the best breakfast spots in Sandakan.
- Read online reviews. There are a number of websites where you can read reviews of restaurants in Sandakan. This can be a great way to get an idea of what other people have thought of the food and service at different restaurants.
- Be adventurous. Don’t be afraid to try new dishes. Sandakan has a lot to offer in terms of breakfast cuisine, so be sure to explore all of your options.
I hope this guide has helped you plan your breakfast in Sandakan. Enjoy your meal!
