Kedai Kopi Kinabalu

The décor is nothing to shout about with its stacked chairs and greasy walls. Like most coffee shops, Kedai Kopi Kinabalu shows signs of wear and tear but their food remains a breakfast and lunch pit stop for many locals who work in the busy area of downtown Gaya Street. Bankers and executives brave the heat for a bowl of delicious laksa and local beef noodles known as ngiu chap (beef, tripe, meatballs and noodles served in beef broth). They also serve char kuey teow (fried flat rice noodles) and kon lau mein (you guessed it – more noodles tossed in a special sauce, topped with pork).

The Kuching laksa at this coffee shop (from the first stall) is perhaps one of the best in the city. The spicy broth with coconut milk combined with vermicelli, prawns, shredded chicken and eggs is a popular meal for breakfast or lunch. If you prefer something milder, they also serve ngui chap (beef noodles soup) and fish head noodle soup.