Kota Kinabalu or KK is one of the most popular destinations in east Malaysia. Not only is it known for its beautiful attractions like Mount Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah is also a favorite among foodies looking for unique and cheap eats (especially the sweets). Check out these top five cafés to visit in Kota Kinabalu if you’re a cake lover:
- Bits & Bites
For those who’d like to savor local baked goods, Bits & Bites offers plenty of traditional Malaysian kuih-muih (bite-sized desserts or snacks) as well as classic cakes like sponge cakes and moist chocolate cakes. Must-tries include onde-onde, kuih pelita, and lepat. Find them at Wisma Merdeka Shopping Center.
- Omma’s Oven
If you’re a vegan, head on down to this family-friendly bakery/café. They make fresh bread and pastries on a daily basis and cakes in different flavors, in addition to noodles and rice dishes. Must-tries include banana cakes and any of their vegan lunch menu of the day. Find them at Lot 19-0, Lorong Lintas Plaza 3.
- Kak Kiah Cake House
Diehard fans of cheesecakes and homemade cakes should pay this family-run café a visit. The quaint cake house offers affordable sliced cakes in 11 different flavors, with the most popular one being their juicy cheesecakes. Try the cheesecakes with the café’s signature banana milk. Find them at Lot 41, Jalan Chan Fook.
- Strawberry Cake House
Another café worth visiting if you love cheesecakes, the lovely Strawberry Cake House offers a variety of desserts and cakes with regular deals and promotions. Must-tries include shaved cheese as topping with any sliced cake, paired with the café’s signature drink of the day. Find them at Lot 33, Block E, Damai Plaza III, Jalan Damai.
- Café de Vie
One of the only few cafés/bakeries in the city to offer mille crepe cakes on its menu, Café de Vie specializes in fruity-flavored mille crepes like mango (which is a must-try) as well as the traditional flavors like tiramisu. They also have a variety of desserts and hot food on the menu. Find them at Lot No.15-0, LLP No.4, Lintas Plaza Phase 2B.
Please note that all of the cafés mentioned are pork-free and wine-free, with the exception of Café de Vie. The typical opening hours for cafés in KK are from 9am to 10pm daily. There are plenty of other cafés worth visiting if you’re wondering .