January 18, 2019

[Restaurant] Sandakan Year End Trip 2.3 Good Taste Bak Kut Teh + Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar

Sandakan 3D2N Year End Trip


December 22, 2018 (Saturday)

Good Taste Bak Kut Teh

Hyeon's Travel Journal; Good Taste Bak Kut Teh


- Address: Lorong Bandar Nam Tung 2, Pusat Bandar Sandakan, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah
- Operating Hours : 8AM - 2PM; 6-9PM
- Phone : 089-615 899




When people ask you about Kajang, you will relate to Bak Kut Teh, because they are famous for that in Peninsular Malaysia. But do you know, Sandakan is also famous for their local taste of Bak Kut Teh too? Have you heard of Sea (short for "seafood") Kut Teh?


Hyeon's Travel Journal; Good Taste Bak Kut Teh


Little did we know that the shops in Sandakan (generally) closes early, even before the stated operating hours. They will close the shop once they have sold out for the day. It is more like a small family business, rather than commercial. So go early to save the spot.


Hyeon's Travel Journal; Good Taste Bak Kut Teh


Instead of having Sea Kut Teh, we ordered Bak Kut Teh with only the pork ribs (as below).


Hyeon's Travel Journal; Good Taste Bak Kut Teh


The pork ribs are beautifully cooked that the meat just fall apart once you bite it. Voila. To mention, the Bak Kut Teh soup base in Sandakan is mostly very peppery, so be prepared that it will taste spicy. From this we can tell the creativity in cooking variation is no limit.


Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar

Hyeon's Travel Journal; Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar


- Address : Nak Hotel, Jalan Pelabuhan Lama, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah.
- Visiting Hours : 9AM - 12AM
- Phone : 089-272 988
- Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Balinrooftop/


Sandakan is a rather a peaceful and slow-pace town. Nothing much happening actually. My foodie friend, Justine once told me that "it's all about food in Sandakan", and I can truly understand where it comes from.

She recommended me to check out Balin Roofgarden and I took in her advise.

Remember I shared on San Da Gen Kopitiam in the earlier post? Balin Roofgarden is located at the same building, on the 9th floor.

It's a bit tricky in order to reach the bistro. First, you have to enter Nak Hotel's lobby, take elevator to the 8th floor (maximum it can reach), walk 1 level up by stairs.


Hyeon's Travel Journal; Nak HotelHyeon's Travel Journal; Nak Hotel


You will see a wooden door and that's the entrance to the bistro (as below).


Hyeon's Travel Journal; Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar


Come, follow my camera lens as we enter the bistro.

First, there is a wall full of Polaroids photos featuring its happy customers.


Hyeon's Travel Journal; Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar


Since it is three days to Christmas, the whole premise was romantically decorated with hanging snowflakes.


Hyeon's Travel Journal; Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar


Hyeon's Travel Journal; Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar


Hyeon's Travel Journal; Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar


Hyeon's Travel Journal; Balin Roofgarden Bistro & BarHyeon's Travel Journal; Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar


They even grow their own herbs? Cool.


Hyeon's Travel Journal; Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar


Although there are limited tables indoor, there are plenty at the balcony and rooftop, where you need to take another stairs to reach.


Hyeon's Travel Journal; Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar


On the rooftop, you can enjoy a good view of Sandakan town. Be it sunset, or night view. Just chill.


Hyeon's Travel Journal; Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar


Hyeon's Travel Journal; Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar


Hyeon's Travel Journal; Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar; Night View


Of course, we are here for their food. Western cuisine is their signature and we're going for it. (I love Western food!)


Hyeon's Travel Journal; Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar; MenuHyeon's Travel Journal; Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar; MenuHyeon's Travel Journal; Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar; MenuHyeon's Travel Journal; Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar; Menu


The staff who took our order is very polite and professional. However, food serving took up some time, but we are okay as long as good food. Food is here. Let's eat! :9


Hyeon's Travel Journal; Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar



- Real Deal Carbonara RM24 -

Hyeon's Travel Journal; Balin Roofgarden Bistro & BarHyeon's Travel Journal; Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar


It has the right taste - cheesy but not too salty. The dish I enjoyed the most. (I'm definitely bias because I love carbonara slurrppp)


- NZ Sticky Lamb Racks RM45 -

Hyeon's Travel Journal; Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar


I didn't quite enjoy this dish, because it's slightly burned and there really isn't much meat to eat. :') The potato mashed with the meat sauce is probably my favourite part of this dish.


- Guinness Lamb Shank served with Cripsy Pastry and Fresh Salad RM45 -

Hyeon's Travel Journal; Balin Roofgarden Bistro & BarHyeon's Travel Journal; Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar


Hearty dish from inside out! That's for sure. Something new for me to try as they cooked the lamb using Guinness beer, making this dish slightly sweeter than I expected.


- Elderflower Honey Lemon Yoghurt Shake RM12 -

Hyeon's Travel Journal; Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar


Never had I tried Elderflower drink before. It was sour and sweet all at the same time. I'm confused, in a good way. :)

I heard their lemon tarts are good. Unfortunately it was not available the time we visit.


Hyeon's Travel Journal; Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar


Overall, I enjoyed the dining experience here, and I can totally understand why people recommend this place - probably the best spot you can find in town to eat, drink, chill and enjoy the breeze at the roofgarden.

So definitely check out this place if you are in town! ;)

That's all for tonight. Santa Claus says "bye and sleep tight"!


Hyeon's Travel Journal; Balin Roofgarden Bistro & Bar


Make sure you follow my footsteps in Sandakan by clicking the next post! ;)

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