TYH Borneo Cooking Class
TYH Borneo Cooking Class
Blog Article
TYH Borneo Cooking Class
Taste, Learn, and Experience Sabah Through Its Flavours
If there’s one thing that unites Malaysians, it’s our deep love for food. And what better way to understand a culture than to learn how to cook its dishes? At the TYH Borneo Cooking Class, located right in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, you’ll do more than just prepare a meal—you’ll dive into the rich culinary traditions of Sabah’s multi-ethnic communities, one bite at a time.
Designed for tourists and locals alike, this hands-on experience offered by TYH BORNEO TOURS brings you into an open-air kitchen where professional chefs and homegrown cooks guide you through the preparation of authentic Sabahan dishes using locally sourced ingredients. From kampung-style sambal to rice wrapped in daun pisang, every session is packed with flavour, fun, and cultural immersion.
Perfect for families, foodies, and anyone curious about Borneo’s gastronomy, this cooking class is not just a lesson—it’s an edible adventure.
Why the TYH Borneo Cooking Class Is a Crowd Favourite
1. An Authentic Taste of Borneo Cuisine
Sabah’s food culture is a beautiful blend of Malay, Chinese, Kadazan-Dusun, and Bajau influences. During the class, you’ll get hands-on instruction on how to make signature local dishes such as:
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Hinava (Kadazan-style marinated fish salad)
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Nasi kerabu or linopot (rice in leaf parcels)
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Local desserts like kuih cincin or banana fritters
You'll learn not just the cooking method but the cultural background behind each dish, which makes the experience even more meaningful.
2. Fresh Local Ingredients and Market Insights
Before cooking begins, participants may be brought on a guided visit to a nearby local market, where instructors introduce Sabahan herbs, spices, and seasonal produce. You’ll see and smell ingredients like bunga kantan, turmeric leaves, and wild ginger that are essential in East Malaysian cuisine.
It’s a great way to connect with Sabah’s agricultural identity and understand how food is tied to nature and community.
3. Suitable for All Skill Levels and Dietary Needs
Whether you're a complete novice or a seasoned home cook, the class is designed to be inclusive, interactive, and stress-free. Recipes are provided, and instructors guide each step with patience and humour. Halal, vegetarian, and gluten-free adaptations are available upon request.
No fancy cooking degrees required—just an open mind, an eager palate, and a love for learning.
Highlights That Make This Class Worth Booking
1. Learn Cultural Stories Through Food
Each dish comes with a story—why it’s cooked a certain way, when it’s served, and what it represents in local tradition. Instructors often share personal anecdotes, such as how their grandmother taught them the technique or how certain dishes are prepared for harvest festivals or weddings.
It’s this storytelling element that transforms the class from a recipe workshop into a cultural exchange.
2. Fun for Families, Friends, and Solo Travellers
The cooking class is designed to be lively and social. Whether you're travelling solo and want to meet new people, or joining with family or a group of friends, the environment is casual and fun. Kids over 7 years old are welcome, making it a great family bonding activity during your trip.
Many participants say it’s one of their most memorable moments in Sabah!
3. End the Day with a Delicious Meal You Cooked Yourself
After all the slicing, frying, and stirring, you’ll get to enjoy a full Sabahan meal, seated at a communal table. You’ll taste the fruits of your labour alongside others, sharing food, stories, and maybe even a few laughs over sambal that’s “a little too spicy.”
Every guest goes home with a recipe booklet and a TYH Borneo Cooking Class certificate—proof of your culinary achievement!
What to Expect During the Session
The cooking class typically begins at 9:00 AM and ends around 1:00 PM. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with local tea or coffee, followed by a briefing and introduction to the menu. If the package includes a market tour, this will take place first before the cooking begins.
The kitchen is open-air and professionally equipped, with individual cooking stations and shared prep areas. You’ll cook 3 to 4 dishes in total, with breaks in between for tasting and discussions.
The session ends with a communal lunch, where guests relax and enjoy their own home-cooked creations. Transportation can be arranged by TYH BORNEO TOURS from Kota Kinabalu hotels or Jesselton Point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need to bring my own ingredients or tools?
No, all ingredients, cooking utensils, and aprons are provided by TYH Borneo Cooking Class. Just bring your enthusiasm—and maybe a camera!
2. Is the class conducted in English or other languages?
The class is primarily conducted in English, but instructors may also speak Malay or Mandarin depending on group needs.
3. Are vegetarian or halal options available?
Yes! Please inform TYH BORNEO TOURS during registration so we can customise the menu to meet your dietary needs.
4. Can children join the class?
Yes. Children aged 7 and above are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult. We offer simple and fun tasks suitable for young cooks.
5. How many people are in each session?
We typically host 6 to 12 participants per session to ensure a comfortable and interactive experience. Private sessions are available for larger groups or special events.
Flavours You’ll Never Forget, Stories You’ll Always Remember
Cooking may be a daily routine for some, but here in Sabah, it’s a celebration of heritage, identity, and family. With the TYH Borneo Cooking Class, you get the rare chance to step into this world—not just as an observer, but as a participant.
Whether it’s your first time trying belacan or your hundredth time making sambal, this class gives you the tools, confidence, and inspiration to bring a piece of Borneo home with you.
Hungry for an experience that feeds both body and soul?
Register now at www.tyhborneotours.com to book your TYH Borneo Cooking Class and spice up your Sabah holiday with something truly memorable!