Written by Glory Roslily
In Sabah, North Borneo we have our islands, forests and traditional exotic share of delicacies, but what if we told you that we also have our own local beverages? Yes! Our local beverages have been on the rise for the past couple of years. Supporting in-house businesses and events, you’d pretty much spot these drinks somewhere.
What are some of the local drinks in Sabah can you try, you ask? Well, It ranges from Sabah’s very own water, sodas to nootropics we have it all! Below are some beverages we recommend to kickstart your local drinks hunt in Sabah!
1. 2more
From K2 to Sasa drinking water, Sparkling Soda, Tritonic Carbonated Isotonic Electrolyte Drink & the KitZai Calamansi Fruit Drink, you just name it! With their stunning collection of drinks, 2more have it for everyone. These are pretty popular drinks in Sabah, that you’re bound to stumble upon one of their drinks in almost every convenience store you go to.
It’s always humid here! so you might want to carry around a drink with you. For starters, if you fancy a soda you might want to try the refreshing sweet and citrusy Mango flavoured sparkling soda from 2more! It’s the perfect go-to drink that gives you a little energy boost before starting your day or to keep you going! While doing a little exercise, give their Tritonic Carbonated Isotonic Electrolyte Drink a try. It is sure to give you a satisfying and refreshing after taste!
K2 also heavily prioritises both social and environmental sustainability. They have actively participated in campaigns by eagerly spreading its social messages in training and development programs. Some of their contributions include providing water to citizens during natural disasters, blood donation, drinks for school’s sports day and also reaching out to local rural communities to educate the importance of clean water intake.
Moreover, K2 also looks after the environment by using sustainable packaging, sponsors fundraising for green marathons and even comes up with the initiative of growing trees.
Pic source from: Life Water 生命泉源
2. Eureka
The Eureka Brand, known for its eye-catching design, proudly boasts as the winner of the 2023/4 prestigious Malaysia Good Design Awards. Here’s a fun fact, did you know that Eureka Drinks is the only Malaysian brand known for producing nootropic beverages? Yes! The drink is said to help in boosting one’s cognitive functions that focuses on enhancing memory, focus and mental clarity.
They often incorporate natural ingredients and adaptogens that support brain health and one’s overall well-being. With every crafted design it brings renewed energy, heightened creativity and sharper focus. What’s even better is that it is plant-based and sugar free! Coming in a variety of flavours, it is functional-based catering in any of your daily activities.
Pic source from: Eureka Drinks
3. Uinah
The term ‘Uinah’, a Sabahan slang literally means , “Wow, mind blowing or shockingly amazing. Uinah came to materialize in 2019 when two boy’s dream of creating a local brew to highlight and promote Borneo’s natural products came to life. They see value in using Borneo’s natural products rather than outsourcing products outside of Sabah.
By ensuring a quality drink by fully utilising only natural and organic ingredients harvested in Sabah. Uinah also regards sustainability highly and works closely with farmers while advocating environmentally – friendly farming methods with ginger being its primary source of ingredients. Before trying Uinah for yourself, we recommend you to try the Uinah ginger land followed by the Roselle Paradise and Honey Meadow. With its refreshing taste, you’re guaranteed to exhale a satisfying “Ahh” sound after taking a sip. Want an even better tasting experience? It is best served when chilled!
Pic source from: Uinah Beverages
4. Kombucha
We sabahans love preserving our tea and then moulding it to become a perfect blend of a preserved tea drink. Kombucha is a preserved drink where you can easily brew and make yourself! This one is special because these are pretty rare and a little difficult to find. Since this can be freshly prepared at home, most of these beverages don’t really have an in-store retail shop for purchase. But you can grab a couple of these Kombuchas from It’s Alive kombucha. These drinks are available at Merdeka supermarket or Lido.
Pic source from: It’s Alive Kombucha
5. Kopi Ping Bottled Beverages
Another place where local drinks could be found is the one iconic restaurant, Kopi Ping! Kopi Ping not only features delectable food collections but also a variety of drinks in their menu. One of the most popular would be their bottled beverages. While dining in Kopi Ping, their bottled beverages are definitely a must try! Their collection of bottled beverages include : Kopi Ping , Kopi O Ping, Teh C Ping and their Green Tea Milk.
Pic source from: Kopi Ping Cafe
6. Ez Fizzy Soda Lime
The Ez Fizzy Soda Lime is the ultimate thirst-quencher with a burst of citrusy sparkle in every sip. Its bright lime flavour, balanced by an optimal amount of fizz, is ideal for cooling down on a sunny afternoon or jazzing your evening hang. You can also try this drink while snacking on some local “crunchies” like Kudat nuts! Whether you’re sipping it solo or adding it to your favourite mocktail, this drink adds a zing to any occasion.
Pic source from: Tenom Padas Homestay
Tried any of these local drinking brands yet? If you haven’t, you got to step up your beverage game! Round up a friend (or a few), hit your taste-test quest, and share with your crew and family.
Leave a comment down below – which ones have you had and which is your all-time favourite. Cheers! 🍹
