{
  "id": 10813452,
  "title": "A taste of Sabah at Restoran Ikan Bakar Semporna",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/a-taste-of-sabah-at-restoran-ikan-bakar-semporna",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-30T00:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/09/30/a-taste-of-sabah-at-restoran-ikan-bakar-semporna"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "For Sabahans residing in peninsular Malaysia, a visit to Restoran Ikan Bakar Semporna in Kepong serves as a comforting reminder of home. (Bernama photo) KUALA LUMPUR: The succulent flavors of traditional Sabah dishes like latok, hinava, bambangan, ambuyat or grilled fish can evoke memories of family gatherings and hometowns for those who grew up with them. Fatimah Salleh, the 43-year-old owner of the restaurant, appreciates the role her establishment plays in connecting her customers to their heritage. Since opening her doors a decade ago, she has catered to a clientele that includes fellow Sabahans who have relocated to the mainland. \"Our restaurant provides a space where people can enjoy the comforting taste of traditional Sabah food,\" she shared with Bernama. \"Many Sabahans living or working in the peninsular miss the authentic flavors of home.\" Among the most popular dishes are latok, a seaweed often served alongside grilled fish and sambal. Other beloved options include hinava, bambangan, and ambuyat, all of which offer a taste of the diverse culinary traditions found in Sabah. Fatimah emphasizes that around 70% of the ingredients used in her dishes are sourced directly from Sabah, including certain types of fish utilized in grilled preparations. She believes that food embodies the essence of its origin, allowing Sabahans living away from home to retain a piece of their identity. Additionally, sharing these dishes with others can introduce unfamiliar flavors to individuals who may not have grown up with them. Nalwazra Abdullah, a 28-year-old regular at Fatimah's restaurant, was born and raised in the peninsular Malaysia but has family roots in Sabah. \"Since I was young, I grew up eating Sabah dishes like latok and putu,\" she recalled. Putu, a cassava-based dish traditionally eaten in lieu of rice, caught Nalwazra's attention at a young age. To help her peninsular-based friends familiarize themselves with the unique treat, she devised a creative approach. \"I taught them the proper way to eat it – first with condensed milk, then alongside other dishes,\" she explained. For younger Sabahans who have moved away, Nalwazra believes that these traditional foods serve as a means to preserve and strengthen their connection to their family heritage. And for those who already cherish the familiar tastes, a deliciously nostalgic meal can make the distance from home feel remarkably shorter.",
  "summary": "Dishes featuring ingredients such as latok, hinava and ambuyat can help make home feel a little closer at this Kepong eatery.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "A taste of Sabah at Restoran Ikan Bakar Semporna",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/a-taste-of-sabah-at-restoran-ikan-bakar-semporna-10813472",
        "published": "2026-09-30T00:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}