Sabah’s food is a combination of many flavours and exciting palettes because it shares borders with Indonesia, Vietnam, and even the Philippines. While larger towns, such as Kota Kinabalu, have numerous restaurants and food stalls to visit, including diverse food from different countries, such as Japan.
In Kota Kinabalu, there are several Japanese restaurants that are definitely worth a visit. If you need recommendations for the Japanese restaurants in Kota Kinabalu. Check out these Japanese restaurants that you can visit with your friends and family!
What is the cooking technique used for Japanese cuisine?
Gomi (the Five Tastes), Gokan (the Five Senses), Goshiki (the Five Colors), and Goho (the Five cooking methods) are said to be important in Japanese cooking. There are five basic cooking techniques (Goho) in Japanese cuisine. There are four of them: “Nama” (cutting), “Niru” (simmering), “Yaku” (grilling), “Musu” (steaming), and “Ageru” (deep-frying). In traditional Japanese cooking style, these 5 techniques are incorporated for making dishes.
Is seafood an important ingredient in Japanese cuisine?
Yes, seafood is an important ingredient in Japanese cuisine. Fish has been a core element of Japanese cuisine for centuries. Since Japan Island is surrounded by water, natural fish remain the island’s primary source of protein. Sushi and sashimi, as well as grilled fish and seafood stews, are popular seafood dishes in Japanese cuisine.
10 Best Japanese Restaurants in Kota Kinabalu 2023
1. Sushi Zanmai
Sushi Zanmai located in Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, is one of the best Japanese restaurants in the town. They provide some VIP rooms for customers’ private parties. At an affordable price, there is a fairly large selection of meals, including sushi, soups, and bentos.
Operating Hours: 10:30 am – 10:00 pm (Daily)
Address: B-78 & B-79, Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 088-485 118
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sushizanmaikk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sushizanmaikk/
Check Info On Website2. Nishiki Restaurant
Nishiki Restaurant is the oldest Japanese restaurant in town. They serve a wide variety of authentic Japanese foods. The environment is homey, with very clean and nostalgic interior design. All of the dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients, and the waitress is friendly.
Operating Hours: 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 608, Jln Lintas, Taman Iramanis, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 088-230 582
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nishikirestaurant/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nishikirestaurant/
3. Wojamama Japanese Restaurant
Wojamama Japanese Restaurant is highly recommended if you’re in the mood for sushi. They provide excellent Japanese food at a reasonable price with excellent service. For first-timers, the salmon valcano roll is recommended because the salmon is superb. You can order your sushi if it is not available on the conveyor belt.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 1, Lrg Lintas Square, Taman Southern, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 088-266 757
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wojamamajapaneserestaurant/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wojamamajapaneserestaurant/
4. Nagasaki Japanese Restaurant
Nagasaki Japanese Restaurant offers authentic Japanese cuisine at an affordable price. All the foods they served were above average. The sashimi is fresh, with a generous portion. The Japanese-style design and soft lights offer a relaxing dining experience. Make a reservation as soon as possible because it is extremely popular.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 2:15 pm, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Lot 3A, DBKK No. 0-3A, Ground Floor Latitude 6, Jalan Lintas By-pass, Taman Bunga Raja (Phase 3 & 4), 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 016-831 6623
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nagasakijapanese/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nagasakiisushi/
5. Azuma Sushi Gaya Street K.K.
Azuma Sushi Gaya Street K.K. is a conveyor belt sushi restaurant. Their sushi is a must-order dish because it is served in generous portions. The staff are friendly and efficient, they never take too long to serve the food. It is a great choice to spend time with your friends and family.
Operating Hours:
11:30 am – 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm (Monday – Friday)
11:30 am – 10:00 pm (Saturday – Sunday)
Address: Ground Floor, 69, Jalan Gaya, Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 088-384 229
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azumasushigayastreet/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azumasushimalaysia/
6. Roku Zen Sushi
This Japanese restaurant has very clean and spacious dining areas. They have a Japanese style for their indoor furniture and a garden style for their outdoor design. Their menu offers a wide selection of Japanese cuisine, and the foods are delicious and, surprisingly, the price is reasonable.
Operating Hours: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Lot 3 & 4, Block D, Lorong Sri Kepayan, Commercial Centre, 88200 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 017-282 3405
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rokuzensushi/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rokuzensushi/
7. Sakagura Japanese Restaurant
Sakagura Japanese Restaurant is an authentic Japanese restaurant from Hokkaido. The restaurant is managed by a Japanese owner, and they serve authentic sushi, tempura, teppanyaki, and grilled chicken (yakitori). The staff is friendly and responsive to customer requests. Food tastes extremely umami-licious and satisfying.
Operating Hours: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Daily)
Address: G-23A & G-25, Oceanus Waterfront Mall, Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 088-273 604
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sakagurakk/
8. Enso Teppanyaki
Enso Teppanyaki is an all-day Japanese restaurant located in Jesselton Mall. The restaurant’s menu includes live cooking teppanyaki, sushi, sashimi, and bentos. This restaurant is known for the combination of good food and a fun atmosphere. To have the best experience, you need to make a reservation for a seat at the teppan!
Operating Hours: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 3, Jln Haji Saman, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 088-218 370
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnsoTeppanyaki.JesseltonMall/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enso.kk/
View website9. Ochaking Malaysia (Damai)
If you love Japanese onigiri, Ochaking Malaysia is an excellent choice for you. Their Japanese onigiri is undeniable, and there are numerous types to choose from. They serve not only traditional onigiri but fusion onigiri such as nasi lemak onigiri. You can also order a bubble milk tea to pair with your onigiri.
Operating Hours: 9:30 am – 10:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Lot 25, Ground Floor, Block C, Damai Plaza, Lorong Pokok Kayu Manis 2, Luyang Commercial Centre, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 017-834 5117
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ochakingmalaysia/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ochaking/
View website10. Recipes House
Recipes House is a combination of Japanese restaurants and a grocery store. Recipes House sells high-quality Japanese import foods at reasonable prices. The place has greatly improved after their renovation! The dining room is quite elegant, and the attitude of the staff is fantastic; they are extremely helpful in recommending foods and products.
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 9:30 pm (Daily)
Address: Floor, Block C, Lot, Ground, 22–23, Jalan Damai, Luyang Commercial Centre, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 088-242 181
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recipeshousekk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recipes.house/
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Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us [email protected]. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
