San Da Gen Kopitiam in Sandakan, Sabah

In every city, there will be a coffee shop that stood the test of time and makes a comeback because of its vintage appeal. In Sandakan, it is San Da Gen Kopitiam which combines the best of the classic and the contemporary.

Stepping in the cafe, I sensed a unique character from the tessellated floor and walls. At the corner, the olden trishaw, cushion cover and posters imbued a nostalgic feeling while the white metal racks and lighting gave it a whiff of modernity. It was if a the owner let his grandchildren play with his old-fashioned shop.

Looking at the food menu, new dish creations were slotted between the locals' all time favourites.

Vintage setting in San Da Gen Kopitiam

Located at ground floor of Nak Hotel

The crowd enjoying their meals at the kopitiam

UFO Tart RM2.50

The popular Sabah UFO tart is believed to originate from Sandakan. It is a sweet vanila based cake with a dollop of egg custard that is circled with white soft meringue. UFO tarts are sold all over Sabah but I must say that San Da Gen sets the standard of a good tart. Sip unsweetened coffee or tea while having this sweet cake to balance those glucose.

Savour them with plain coffee or tea

Cincau that has been the people's most popular thirst quencher for 3 generations RM7.90

San Da Gen's cincau has been the thirst quencher of the town for 3 generations. Cincau is topped with shaved ice which is soaked in evaporated milk which gives the cooling drink an indulging creamy texture. 

Beside the condiments, there is always a cup of evaporated milk beside for you to add to your beverage

Salted egg lava french toast RM11.90

Toasted to golden brown, the toast is savoury with butter and sweet with a drizzle of syrup. Inside, you can expect a flow of salted egg yolk lava, a decadence that you cannot reject.

When salted egg cream oozes out 

Durian cream puff RM10 and Avocado cream puff RM9

Their cream puffs are a pleasure to have. The puffs are engorged with whimsically fluffy cream that wont leave you not licking your lips. Cream is not too sweet. Having said that, it would be more enjoyable if the durian and avocado flavours are more distinct. 

Durian puff dissected

Creamy and not too sweet

Which is your favourite tin biscuit?

Menu of San Da Gen

Where contemporary and classic come together

San Da Gen Kopitiam

Lebuh Dua, Pusat Bandar Sandakan, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah

Opening hours: Everyday 8am–5pm

Phone: 089-238 988


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