Tawau Foodie Guide: Complete Culinary Experience
Explore the best restaurants, food tours, local cuisine, street food, and culinary experiences in Tawau. Your complete guide to dining in Tawau.
Welcome to the ultimate foodie guide for Tawau! Whether you're a local food enthusiast or a visiting gourmand, this comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best culinary experiences that Tawau has to offer. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden street food gems, authentic local specialties to innovative fusion cuisine, we've curated the essential dining experiences that showcase Tawau's vibrant food scene. Our carefully selected recommendations include insider tips, must-try dishes, and everything you need to eat your way through Tawau like a true food lover.
Key Takeaways
- Tawau offers diverse culinary experiences from fine dining to street food
- Local specialties and regional dishes are must-tries for authentic flavors
- Food tours and cooking classes provide immersive culinary experiences
- Reservations recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- Markets and food halls offer great variety and local atmosphere
Must-Try Restaurants
From hidden gems to acclaimed establishments, these restaurants showcase the best of local and international cuisine in Tawau.
Thai Spoon Kitchen & Cafe
Highly rated Thai in Tawau with 4.9 stars from 1277 reviews.
๐ Lot No.10, Kuhara Industrial, Jalan Air Panas, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธHighly rated by customers
- ๐ฝ๏ธPopular with locals and visitors
- ๐ฝ๏ธAuthentic Thai cuisine
Cottage Garden
Highly rated Thai in Tawau with 4.4 stars from 321 reviews.
๐ 17976, Unipark, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธWell-reviewed establishment
- ๐ฝ๏ธEstablished local favorite
- ๐ฝ๏ธAuthentic Thai cuisine
Pate Grill House
Highly rated Restaurant in Tawau with 4.7 stars from 584 reviews.
๐ Fajar Complex, Lot 26, Jalan Haji Karim, Bandar Tawau, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธHighly rated by customers
- ๐ฝ๏ธEstablished local favorite
- ๐ฝ๏ธKnowledgeable staff
Nasi Lemak House by Raizu
Highly rated Restaurant in Tawau with 4.8 stars from 1632 reviews.
๐ Lot1, Lot 25, CL105389339 Jalan Baru, Off, Jalan Haji Karim, Bandar Tawau, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธHighly rated by customers
- ๐ฝ๏ธPopular with locals and visitors
- ๐ฝ๏ธKnowledgeable staff
DOJO UTARA
Highly rated Restaurant in Tawau with 4.9 stars from 1018 reviews.
๐ Lot A8, Km 6, Utara Business Hub, Jalan Utara, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธHighly rated by customers
- ๐ฝ๏ธPopular with locals and visitors
- ๐ฝ๏ธKnowledgeable staff
LFC Sabah
Highly rated Restaurant in Tawau with 4.8 stars from 184 reviews.
๐ TB 16289 LOT A1, TKT BWH PERDANA JAYA, Jalan Chong Thien Vun, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธHighly rated by customers
- ๐ฝ๏ธEstablished local favorite
- ๐ฝ๏ธKnowledgeable staff
Dojo โข Nanyang Kopihouse โข Fajar
Highly rated Cafe in Tawau with 4.7 stars from 1678 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
๐ TB 528, Jalan Haji Karim, Bandar Tawau, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธHighly rated by customers
- ๐ฝ๏ธPopular with locals and visitors
- ๐ฝ๏ธAuthentic Cafe cuisine
Good View Seafood Restaurant
Highly rated Seafood in Tawau with 4.1 stars from 583 reviews.
๐ Jalan Chen Fook, Taman Sabindo, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธWell-reviewed establishment
- ๐ฝ๏ธEstablished local favorite
- ๐ฝ๏ธAuthentic Seafood cuisine
Sri Titingan Seafood Restaurant
Highly rated Restaurant in Tawau with 4 stars from 775 reviews.
๐ Tb 3638 wisma jin ho, Jln. St Patrick, Bandar Tawau, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธWell-reviewed establishment
- ๐ฝ๏ธEstablished local favorite
- ๐ฝ๏ธKnowledgeable staff
Kam Ling Seafood Restaurant ้้ตๆตท้ฎฎๆจ
Highly rated Seafood in Tawau with 4.1 stars from 1204 reviews.
๐ Jalan Kubota, Jalan Kubota Square, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธWell-reviewed establishment
- ๐ฝ๏ธPopular with locals and visitors
- ๐ฝ๏ธAuthentic Seafood cuisine
Stack Tawau
Highly rated Restaurant in Tawau with 4.5 stars from 50 reviews.
๐ 18-0, Jalan Kubota Sentral, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธHighly rated by customers
- ๐ฝ๏ธWelcoming atmosphere
- ๐ฝ๏ธKnowledgeable staff
Olive Bistro
Highly rated Italian in Tawau with 4.2 stars from 418 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
๐ TB2540,TAMAN, Jalan Chong Thien Vun, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธWell-reviewed establishment
- ๐ฝ๏ธEstablished local favorite
- ๐ฝ๏ธAuthentic Italian cuisine
Street Food & Food Markets
Authentic street food vendors, bustling food markets, and local favorites where you'll find the most flavorful and affordable bites in Tawau.
Tawau Tanjung Market
Highly rated International in Tawau with 4.2 stars from 4133 reviews.
๐ Bandar Tawau, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธWell-reviewed establishment
- ๐ฝ๏ธPopular with locals and visitors
- ๐ฝ๏ธKnowledgeable staff
Tai Yang Supermarket Sdn. Bhd.
Highly rated Bakery in Tawau with 4.3 stars from 708 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
๐ TB 352-354, Block B, Lot 8-10, Warehouse Locked Bag No. 23, Bandar Sabindo Commercial, Bandar Tawau, 91009 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธWell-reviewed establishment
- ๐ฝ๏ธEstablished local favorite
- ๐ฝ๏ธAuthentic Bakery cuisine
Pasar Sin On
Highly rated International in Tawau with 4 stars from 705 reviews.
๐ Jalan Sin On, Jalan Sin Onn, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธWell-reviewed establishment
- ๐ฝ๏ธEstablished local favorite
- ๐ฝ๏ธKnowledgeable staff
Tawau Central Market (Pasar Gantung)
Highly rated International in Tawau with 4.2 stars from 602 reviews.
๐ Pasar Gantung, Jalan Ho Hwang Kim, Bandar Tawau, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธWell-reviewed establishment
- ๐ฝ๏ธEstablished local favorite
- ๐ฝ๏ธKnowledgeable staff
Pasar Ikan Tawau
Highly rated International in Tawau with 4 stars from 821 reviews.
๐ Bandar Tawau, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธWell-reviewed establishment
- ๐ฝ๏ธEstablished local favorite
- ๐ฝ๏ธKnowledgeable staff
Jin Hua Cold storage
Highly rated International in Tawau with 4.3 stars from 424 reviews.
๐ TB2542,2543,2544, Lot6,7,8, Taman Tawau, Jalan Chong Thien Vun,, Tawau, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธWell-reviewed establishment
- ๐ฝ๏ธEstablished local favorite
- ๐ฝ๏ธKnowledgeable staff
Sthamin Supermarket, Jalan Kuhara
Highly rated International in Tawau with 4.5 stars from 418 reviews.
๐ 6835, Lorong May Flower, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธHighly rated by customers
- ๐ฝ๏ธEstablished local favorite
- ๐ฝ๏ธKnowledgeable staff
Bataras Hypermarket Tawau
Highly rated International in Tawau with 4.3 stars from 1229 reviews.
๐ 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธWell-reviewed establishment
- ๐ฝ๏ธPopular with locals and visitors
- ๐ฝ๏ธKnowledgeable staff
Food Tours & Culinary Experiences
Guided food tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, and immersive culinary experiences led by local experts in Tawau.
Teck Guan Cocoa Village & Tawau Cocoa Cafe
Highly rated Cafe in Tawau with 4.3 stars from 372 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
- โขBook in advance, especially during peak season
- โขArrive 10-15 minutes early
- โขWear comfortable walking shoes
- โขBring a camera for memorable moments
- โขAsk your guide for local recommendations
1StopBorneo Wildlife
Highly rated International in Tawau with 4.8 stars from 32 reviews.
- โขBook in advance, especially during peak season
- โขArrive 10-15 minutes early
- โขWear comfortable walking shoes
- โขBring a camera for memorable moments
- โขAsk your guide for local recommendations
Andalusia Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd ( Cawangan Tawau )
Highly rated International in Tawau with 4.9 stars from 29 reviews.
- โขBook in advance, especially during peak season
- โขArrive 10-15 minutes early
- โขWear comfortable walking shoes
- โขBring a camera for memorable moments
- โขAsk your guide for local recommendations
Teck Guan Cocoa Museum
Highly rated International in Tawau with 4.1 stars from 312 reviews.
- โขBook in advance, especially during peak season
- โขArrive 10-15 minutes early
- โขWear comfortable walking shoes
- โขBring a camera for memorable moments
- โขAsk your guide for local recommendations
Tawau Tanjung Market
Highly rated International in Tawau with 4.2 stars from 4133 reviews.
- โขBook in advance, especially during peak season
- โขArrive 10-15 minutes early
- โขWear comfortable walking shoes
- โขBring a camera for memorable moments
- โขAsk your guide for local recommendations
Sipadan Mangrove Resort
Highly rated International in Tawau with 4 stars from 162 reviews.
- โขBook in advance, especially during peak season
- โขArrive 10-15 minutes early
- โขWear comfortable walking shoes
- โขBring a camera for memorable moments
- โขAsk your guide for local recommendations
Cafes & Bakeries
Artisanal coffee shops, charming cafes, and bakeries serving fresh pastries, breads, and sweet treats in Tawau.
Daily Coffee T2 Apas (Tawau)
Highly rated Cafe in Tawau with 4.7 stars from 470 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
๐ No.36, Lot 18, T2, Mile, T2@Apas Jalan, 1, Jalan Apas, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธHighly rated by customers
- ๐ฝ๏ธEstablished local favorite
- ๐ฝ๏ธAuthentic Cafe cuisine
The Peaky Barista
Highly rated Cafe in Tawau with 4.9 stars from 25 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
๐ TB4208, Lot 34 Block C Bandar Baru, Bandar Tawau, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธHighly rated by customers
- ๐ฝ๏ธAuthentic Cafe cuisine
- ๐ฝ๏ธKnowledgeable staff
Koffie Press
Highly rated Cafe in Tawau with 4.8 stars from 71 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
๐ Jalan Haji Karim, Bandar Tawau, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธHighly rated by customers
- ๐ฝ๏ธAuthentic Cafe cuisine
- ๐ฝ๏ธKnowledgeable staff
Signature by The Licious Beverage's
Highly rated Cafe in Tawau with 4.5 stars from 323 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
๐ Jalan Chong Thien Vun, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธHighly rated by customers
- ๐ฝ๏ธEstablished local favorite
- ๐ฝ๏ธAuthentic Cafe cuisine
Dojo โข Nanyang Kopihouse โข Fajar
Highly rated Cafe in Tawau with 4.7 stars from 1678 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
๐ TB 528, Jalan Haji Karim, Bandar Tawau, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธHighly rated by customers
- ๐ฝ๏ธPopular with locals and visitors
- ๐ฝ๏ธAuthentic Cafe cuisine
Space Coffee Roasters
Highly rated Cafe in Tawau with 5 stars from 12 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
๐ No.88, 1st Floor, Lot S1, Block S, Kubota Sentral, Jalan Chong Thien Vun, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธHighly rated by customers
- ๐ฝ๏ธAuthentic Cafe cuisine
- ๐ฝ๏ธKnowledgeable staff
Owhanis Cafe
Highly rated Cafe in Tawau with 5 stars from 47 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
๐ Lorong Sentral 2, Jalan Kubota Sentral, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธHighly rated by customers
- ๐ฝ๏ธAuthentic Cafe cuisine
- ๐ฝ๏ธKnowledgeable staff
OTTO
Highly rated Cafe in Tawau with 4.8 stars from 15 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
๐ No 9, Lot B3, Block B Lorong Kubota Sentral, 2, Jalan Chong Thien Vun, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธHighly rated by customers
- ๐ฝ๏ธAuthentic Cafe cuisine
- ๐ฝ๏ธKnowledgeable staff
Local Specialties & Signature Dishes
Regional dishes, local delicacies, and signature foods you absolutely must try during your visit to Tawau.
Signature Dish
A must-try Tawau specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- โขAsk locals for their favorite spots to try this
- โขBest enjoyed fresh and in season
- โขDon't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- โขTry it at multiple places to compare
- โขPair with local beverages for the full experience
Local Delicacy
This beloved Tawau dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- โขAsk locals for their favorite spots to try this
- โขBest enjoyed fresh and in season
- โขDon't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- โขTry it at multiple places to compare
- โขPair with local beverages for the full experience
Traditional Recipe
Experience the authentic taste of Tawau with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- โขAsk locals for their favorite spots to try this
- โขBest enjoyed fresh and in season
- โขDon't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- โขTry it at multiple places to compare
- โขPair with local beverages for the full experience
Street Food Favorite
Discover why this Tawau specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- โขAsk locals for their favorite spots to try this
- โขBest enjoyed fresh and in season
- โขDon't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- โขTry it at multiple places to compare
- โขPair with local beverages for the full experience
Regional Specialty
This iconic Tawau creation perfectly captures the essence of the local food culture.
- โขAsk locals for their favorite spots to try this
- โขBest enjoyed fresh and in season
- โขDon't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- โขTry it at multiple places to compare
- โขPair with local beverages for the full experience
Seasonal Treat
A Tawau classic that combines traditional techniques with fresh, quality ingredients.
- โขAsk locals for their favorite spots to try this
- โขBest enjoyed fresh and in season
- โขDon't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- โขTry it at multiple places to compare
- โขPair with local beverages for the full experience
Classic Comfort Food
A must-try Tawau specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- โขAsk locals for their favorite spots to try this
- โขBest enjoyed fresh and in season
- โขDon't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- โขTry it at multiple places to compare
- โขPair with local beverages for the full experience
Modern Fusion
This beloved Tawau dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- โขAsk locals for their favorite spots to try this
- โขBest enjoyed fresh and in season
- โขDon't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- โขTry it at multiple places to compare
- โขPair with local beverages for the full experience
Artisanal Product
Experience the authentic taste of Tawau with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- โขAsk locals for their favorite spots to try this
- โขBest enjoyed fresh and in season
- โขDon't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- โขTry it at multiple places to compare
- โขPair with local beverages for the full experience
Heritage Recipe
Discover why this Tawau specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- โขAsk locals for their favorite spots to try this
- โขBest enjoyed fresh and in season
- โขDon't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- โขTry it at multiple places to compare
- โขPair with local beverages for the full experience
Bars & Nightlife
Craft cocktail bars, wine bars, breweries, and unique drinking establishments with character and quality in Tawau.
Titans
Highly rated Bar in Tawau with 4.6 stars from 9 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
๐ LOT C1 & C2, NO 11 & 12 BLOCK C, FF SHOP, Jalan Chong Thien Vun, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธHighly rated by customers
- ๐ฝ๏ธAuthentic Bar cuisine
- ๐ฝ๏ธKnowledgeable staff
Tawau city club
Highly rated Cafe in Tawau with 4 stars from 68 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
๐ TB 1101, Jalan Abaca, Bandar Tawau, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธWell-reviewed establishment
- ๐ฝ๏ธAuthentic Cafe cuisine
- ๐ฝ๏ธKnowledgeable staff
Happy D Bar
Highly rated Bar in Tawau with 4.6 stars from 5 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
๐ Lot A, 4-1, Jalan Chong Thien Vun, Kubota Sentral, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธHighly rated by customers
- ๐ฝ๏ธAuthentic Bar cuisine
- ๐ฝ๏ธKnowledgeable staff
Lamborghini KTV
Highly rated Bar in Tawau with 4.1 stars from 66 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
๐ Jalan Haji Karim, Bandar Tawau, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธWell-reviewed establishment
- ๐ฝ๏ธAuthentic Bar cuisine
- ๐ฝ๏ธKnowledgeable staff
Cottage Garden
Highly rated Thai in Tawau with 4.4 stars from 321 reviews.
๐ 17976, Unipark, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธWell-reviewed establishment
- ๐ฝ๏ธEstablished local favorite
- ๐ฝ๏ธAuthentic Thai cuisine
Olive Bistro
Highly rated Italian in Tawau with 4.2 stars from 418 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
๐ TB2540,TAMAN, Jalan Chong Thien Vun, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
- ๐ฝ๏ธWell-reviewed establishment
- ๐ฝ๏ธEstablished local favorite
- ๐ฝ๏ธAuthentic Italian cuisine
Essential Tips
- ๐ฝ๏ธMake reservations at popular restaurants well in advance
- ๐ฝ๏ธTry local specialties and regional dishes unique to the area
- ๐ฝ๏ธAsk locals and hotel staff for their favorite food spots
- ๐ฝ๏ธVisit food markets early in the morning for the freshest selection
- ๐ฝ๏ธDon't be afraid to try street food from busy, popular vendors
- ๐ฝ๏ธTake a food tour early in your visit to discover hidden gems
- ๐ฝ๏ธCheck restaurant hours as they can vary by day and season
- ๐ฝ๏ธBring cash for street food vendors and small local eateries
- ๐ฝ๏ธPace yourself - save room to try multiple dishes and restaurants
- ๐ฝ๏ธDocument your culinary journey with photos and notes
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Tawau's food scene thrives year-round, though each season brings unique culinary experiences. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor dining and food festivals. Summer features fresh seasonal produce and lively food markets. Winter brings comfort food specialties and cozy indoor dining. Check local food festival calendars for special events.
Average Price
Dining costs in Tawau vary widely. Street food and casual eateries: $5-15 per person. Mid-range restaurants: $20-50 per person. Fine dining: $75-150+ per person. Food tours typically range from $50-150. Cooking classes: $75-200. Markets offer budget-friendly options for self-catering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tawau is known for its diverse culinary offerings. Be sure to try the local specialties and regional dishes that showcase the area's unique flavors and traditions. Ask locals for their recommendations, and don't miss the signature dishes at acclaimed restaurants.
For popular and fine dining restaurants, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Many sought-after spots book up weeks in advance. Casual eateries and street food vendors typically don't require reservations.
Consider taking a food tour early in your visit to get oriented and discover hidden gems. Visit local markets to see fresh ingredients and try samples. Mix fine dining with casual spots and street food for a complete experience. Don't be afraid to venture beyond tourist areas.
Most restaurants in Tawau offer vegetarian options, and vegan choices are increasingly common. Many establishments can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Check menus online or call ahead to confirm options that meet your needs.
Tipping customs vary by location. In the US, 15-20% is standard for table service. In Europe, service is often included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated. In Asia, tipping is less common. Check local customs for Tawau specifically.
Lunch is typically served 11:30am-2pm, dinner 6pm-10pm, though hours vary by establishment and culture. For popular restaurants, consider dining earlier (before 7pm) or later (after 9pm) to avoid peak crowds. Weekend brunch is popular at many spots.
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