Hyatt Regency Kinabalu: A Five-Star Feast in the Heart of Sabah

There are hotel stays. And then there are Hyatt Regency Kinabalu stays—the kind where the food alone could justify the airfare. Forget the idea of hotel cuisine being basic or beige. This five-star icon in the centre of Kota Kinabalu doesn’t just serve food—it curates experiences for your taste buds. From decadent local dishes to elegant Japanese dining, and flaky pastries to rainbow lattes, every bite here tells a story. And spoiler alert: it’s a delicious one.

Tanjung Ria Kitchen: A Culinary Carnival

This is where things get wildly multicultural. Tanjung Ria Kitchen isn’t your average hotel buffet. It’s a vibrant show kitchen experience where chefs sizzle, roast, stir-fry, and steam their way through the best of Malaysia’s diverse culinary traditions.

You’ll find Chinese Peking duck carved with theatrical flair, Indian naan bubbling fresh out of the tandoor (trust us, the cheese naan is non-negotiable), and richly spiced Malay oxtail asam pedas that’ll knock your sandals off.

Highlights? The satay station, where skewers sizzle over open flames. The nasi lemak corner, fragrant with pandan rice and spicy sambal. And of course, the dessert spread: from creamy ice kacang to fried banana fritters (pisang goreng) and refreshing seasonal fruits, it’s a sweet ending you’ll want to linger over.

Oh, and did we mention Tanjung Ria Kitchen is halal-certified and holds top-tier food safety certifications? You can indulge, guilt-free and worry-free.

The Lounge: Afternoon Tea, Elevated

Now, let’s talk tea—specifically, afternoon tea at The Lounge, where elegance meets ease. Nestled in a space rich with Sabahan history and quiet grandeur, The Lounge serves as the hotel’s social heartbeat. Whether you're entertaining business partners or having a mid-day catch-up, this is the spot.

And while the tea is hot and the service is polished, let’s be real: you’re here for the tuna croissants. Light, buttery, and filled with a savoury tuna mix that hits all the right notes, they’re pure magic. Pair them with a slice of cake or a fluffy scone and you’ve officially unlocked the best-kept secret in Kota Kinabalu’s afternoon dining scene.

Mosaic: Coffee, Cakes & Kota Kinabalu’s Famous Rainbow Latte

Right at the street level, Mosaic is a little slice of pastry paradise. Whether you're killing time between tours, catching up on emails, or just craving sugar and caffeine, Mosaic delivers. The baked goods are next-level—from melt-in-your-mouth pizzas and pies to perfectly creamy gelato in 14 unique flavours.

But the true scene-stealer? The Rainbow Latte—the only one of its kind in Sabah. It’s a barista-made masterpiece that’s as Instagrammable as it is delicious. Pair it with a custom cake or some flaky pastry, and your afternoon is sorted.

Poolside Bar: Sips, Sunsets & Sea Breezes

Okay, so the weather didn’t exactly roll out the red carpet when we visited—but the poolside bar still served up serious chill vibes. Situated at what might be the best waterfront location in Kota Kinabalu, it’s your go-to spot for a cocktail with a side of sea breeze.

Once the sky clears up (and you can bet we’ll be back when it does), this will be the place for sundown swims, cocktails under cabanas, and light bites with a view. Bonus: it’s ideal for sharing plates and stories with friends while the city glows behind you.

Room Service: Five-Star Feasting in Your Bathrobe

Sometimes, luxury means never leaving your suite. And Hyatt gets that. Whether it’s a sunrise breakfast with fresh juices and eggs done just right, or a late-night indulgence involving their signature oxtail or a cheese naan delivery (because why not?), room service here isn’t an afterthought—it’s a lifestyle.

Final Thoughts: Come Hungry, Leave Changed

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu doesn’t just feed you—it nourishes your curiosity, your love for local culture, and your desire for unforgettable bites. From the theatricality of teppanyaki to the indulgent calm of afternoon tea, and the street-level energy of Mosaic to the refined local flavours of Tanjung Ria Kitchen—this hotel is a foodie destination in its own right.

So, come with an appetite. Pack stretchy pants. And whatever you do, don’t leave without trying that tuna croissant and Oxtail Assam Pedas. Trust us—it’s the stuff food dreams are made of.