Sri Titingan Seafood Restaurant

House of Nasi Kuning Restoran Haji Tamrin

🍚 Nasi Lemak · Bandar Tawau, Tawau, Sabah

☪︎ Muslim-friendlyRM6–RM15Since 1979

breakfastTawau signatureMuslim-run

Order: Nasi kuning with sambal tuna or rendang ayam, roti kahwin

The name Tawau gives for nasi kuning, the turmeric coconut rice from the Indonesian side of the town's family tree. It has been serving since 1979; locals order the tuna sambal set with kopi for breakfast.

Kedai Kopi Hing Lee

🐖 Sang Nyuk Mee · Fajar Complex, Tawau, Sabah

🐖 Non-halalRM6–RM10

Order: Tawau-style sang nyuk mee dressed in soy and lard

Tawau is where many say sang nyuk mee was born, and Hing Lee is the town's long-running standard-bearer. Noodles slicked with soy and lard, a side bowl of pork, meatballs and innards — small portions, big flavour.

Kedai Kopi Foo Lee

🐖 Sang Nyuk Mee · Kuhara Commercial Centre, Tawau, Sabah

🐖 Non-halalRM10–RM18

second generationbreakfast

Order: Sang nyuk mee, mixed-pork deluxe with kidney, intestine, tendon and meatballs

Tawau is where sang nyuk mee started, and this second-generation shop does a properly loaded mixed-pork version, prepped fresh each morning. Ask for it dry with the broth on the side.