Flavours of Sabah: A Cooking Class

Flavours of Sabah: A Cooking Class offers a delightful taste of Sabah’s culinary traditions, all wrapped into a hands-on experience in a local village setting. While many tour options focus on sightseeing, this class emphasizes the importance of food as a cultural connector, giving travelers a chance to learn, cook, and enjoy authentic dishes like Hinava and Linopot. Hosted by the friendly D’Joy & Jacob’s Cafe team, this experience is as much about stories and local life as it is about delicious food.

What immediately appeals about this tour is the warm hospitality and the authentic, home-based setting in Kampung Kibabaig, Penampang. The small group size, knowledgeable guides, and fresh ingredients make it feel more like cooking with friends than a typical tourist activity. The price—$64 per person—offers good value for a comprehensive, 3-hour culinary journey that leaves you with recipes and memories.

One thing to keep in mind is that this experience is not suitable for babies under 1 year, and others looking for a more leisurely or sightseeing-focused tour may want to consider other options. But if you’re genuinely interested in Sabah’s food culture and want a meaningful, interactive activity, this class is a perfect pick.

Who will love this? Food lovers, curious travelers, solo explorers, couples, and small groups looking for an authentic cultural activity in Sabah. It’s ideal if you enjoy hands-on experiences and want to take home more than just photos—like skills and recipes.

Good To Know

• Authentic Cultural Experience: Learn traditional Sabah dishes from a local host in a village setting.
• All-Inclusive: Fresh ingredients, cooking tools, recipes, and transportation within Kota Kinabalu and Penampang are covered.
• Hands-On Learning: Guided preparation from ingredients to plating, suitable even for beginners.
• Shared Meal: Enjoy the dishes you prepare, providing a true communal experience.
• Local Hospitality: Experience genuine Sabah warmth and storytelling from your hosts.
• Flexible Booking: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction to the Experience

Trying local cuisine is one of the best ways to understand a culture, and Flavours of Sabah does exactly that in a way that’s welcoming and authentic. We haven’t personally cooked here, but the descriptions and reviews paint a picture of a genuinely enriching activity that offers more than just recipes.

What we love about this class is the chance to explore Sabah through its traditional dishes, like Hinava—a fresh fish salad that captures the region’s love for vibrant flavors. We also appreciate the inclusion of dishes like Linopot, rice wrapped in leaves, which offers insight into the local food presentation and preparation methods. The experience’s small group size means you get plenty of personalized attention, and the local storytelling adds context that turns cooking into a cultural lesson.

A minor consideration is that since the class takes place in a home setting, travelers seeking a more polished, commercial experience might find it unexpectedly rustic or informal. But for those wanting a genuine, behind-the-scenes look at Sabah’s food, this setting is perfect. It’s especially suited for travelers who value interactive activities that leave you with tangible skills and an authentic connection to local life.

The Itinerary and What You Can Expect

Pickup & Location: From Kota Kinabalu and Penampang

The tour begins with roundtrip transportation within these areas, making it hassle-free for travelers staying nearby. The pickup process is straightforward, and knowing transportation is included adds peace of mind.

The Village Setting

Arriving in Kampung Kibabaig, you’ll immediately sense the warm, welcoming atmosphere typical of Sabah’s local villages. This open, home-based environment allows for a laid-back yet educational atmosphere, as you watch and participate in traditional cooking methods.

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Learning About Sabah Ingredients

Your guide, Didie—owner of D’Joy & Jacob’s Cafe—will introduce you to the local ingredients, many of which are sourced fresh from the region. The focus on fresh, local ingredients means no need to bring anything; everything is prepared for you, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and regionally based produce.

Cooking the Dishes

The class lasts around 2.5 hours and offers a hands-on experience. You’ll learn to prepare iconic Sabah dishes like Hinava, with its tangy, spicy flavors, and Linopot, showcasing the local rice-wrapping technique. Other dishes like Pinasakan Sada (braised fish with takob-akob) might also feature, providing a well-rounded taste of regional cuisine.

Guided Instruction and Cultural Insights

Throughout the session, Didie and her team share stories behind each dish, giving you insight into local culinary traditions. This storytelling enhances the cooking process, turning it into a cultural exchange. Reviewers mention that Didie takes ample time to explain everything, making it accessible for beginners while still interesting for seasoned cooks.

The Meal & Reflection

Once the cooking is complete, everyone sits down to enjoy what they’ve made. Sharing a meal together in the village setting creates a genuine sense of community, not just a typical restaurant experience. The dishes taste as good as they look, with reviews praising the delicious flavors and authentic seasoning.

Photo Opportunities & Souvenirs

The hosts are friendly and accommodating, encouraging photos of the dishes, the village, and the cooking process. The recipes are also provided to take home, so you can replicate Sabah’s flavors back home or impress friends with your new skills.

The Value of the Experience

At $64 per person, this class offers great value for a multi-hour, highly interactive experience. Compared to cooking classes in major cities worldwide, Sabah’s emphasis on local ingredients and cultural storytelling makes this a more authentic and enriching activity. The inclusion of transportation, ingredients, tools, recipes, and a shared meal all contribute to a comprehensive and stress-free experience.

The reviews reinforce this value: one traveler mentions that Didie “took a lot of time to explain everything” and that “the dishes tasted really good,” indicating both quality and attention to detail. The small group size enhances the learning, ensuring everyone gets personalized guidance.

Why It’s Worth It

• You walk away with new cooking skills rooted in Sabah traditions
• You experience local hospitality firsthand
• The shared meal offers genuine social interaction
• The use of fresh, local ingredients guarantees authentic flavors
• The flexible booking policy and cancellation options add peace of mind

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for foodies eager to learn regional recipes, culture seekers interested in Sabah’s traditions, and travelers who love hands-on activities. It’s especially suitable for solo travelers, couples, and small groups wanting a meaningful, educational activity.

If you prefer structured sightseeing or have limited time, this might not be your best fit. Also, if you’re traveling with very young children or babies under 1 year, you’ll need to consider if the village setting and duration are suitable.

The Sum Up

Flavours of Sabah: A Cooking Class offers an engaging, authentic taste of Sabah’s culinary heritage. With friendly guides, fresh ingredients, and a warm village atmosphere, this experience provides a memorable way to connect with local culture through food. It’s well-suited for anyone curious about regional dishes and eager to learn practical skills that extend beyond the trip.

The value for money is solid, given the duration, inclusions, and hands-on nature of the class. The recipes, stories, and shared meal create a well-rounded cultural moment that’s both fun and educational. Whether you’re a solo traveler or part of a small group, you’ll come away with more than just photos—plus, those new Sabahan cooking techniques!

If you’re after a genuine, interactive experience that explores local tastes in a friendly setting, this class is a delightful choice that won’t disappoint.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, roundtrip transport within Kota Kinabalu and Penampang is included, making it easy to join without extra hassle.

Can I cancel the reservation? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, offering flexibility if plans change.

Is this experience suitable for beginners? Absolutely. The class is described as suitable for beginners, with guided instruction to help everyone learn regardless of prior cooking experience.

What dishes will I learn to cook? You’ll learn to prepare traditional Sabah dishes such as Hinava, Linopot, and Pinasakan Sada, among others.

Are ingredients provided? Yes, all ingredients are fresh and locally sourced, ensuring authentic flavors and removing the need to bring anything.

Can I take the recipes home? Yes, traditional recipes are provided so you can recreate Sabah’s flavors at home.

Is alcohol allowed during the class? No, alcohol and drugs are not permitted, ensuring a respectful and safe environment for everyone.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby