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PRICE RANGE
RM 22.00 – RM 67.00
CUISINES
European, Asian, British
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
meals, features
Is this restaurant good for lunch?
Details
About
The English Tea House is a colonial style English restaurant. It is situated next to the Agnes Keith House and overlooks Sandakan Bay
PRICE RANGE
RM 22.00 – RM 67.00
CUISINES
European, Asian, British
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Table Service, Non-smoking restaurants
Contribute
4.0
940 reviews
Excellent
348
Very good
377
Average
141
Poor
50
Terrible
24
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Jacquelina Eva Rivera
Kota Kinabalu4 contributions
Feb 2025 • family
On sunday 2 February recently, I had lunch with my family at English Tea House & restaurant without proper planning tho, it's just on whim and I must say, it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish.
From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm hospitality and professionalism before going to vip room for lunch. What I can see is, the restaurant itself was spotless and the direct nature views uphill from the restaurant itself is quite stunning and marvelous. For nature lover like me , this such a feast to the eyes.
One highlight was croquet mini game you could play while waiting for your food get done, my younger sisters having fun playing with the mini game their new friends, a young couple from England. It was breathtaking, a cool experiences for them even me as a spectator enjoy it looking at them having a good time and I can't recommend it enough! I provide one of their picture playing the croquet game but don't mind the stickers on the pic it for their privacy:).
The food was another highlight, whether it was local delicacies or international cuisine, every meal was delicious, fresh, and beautifully presented. Don't miss out on trying the fish and chip , dont mind my food taste it's just my old time favourite dish. Just try it guys, even the portion of food is wonderfully done and I can't even finish the whole plate without my younger sister help as I try to eat the other dishes too like local fried rice and spaghetti carbonara . Both food also are quite delicious !
Last but not least, If you're looking for a place to unwind, explore, and make unforgettable memories, or family vacation I recommend English Tea House & Restaurant Sandakan is the place to be! Then again surely , me and my family can't wait to come back again soon!
Written 6 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FELMI
Paris607 contributions
Feb 2024 • solo
Charming, very British decor, beautiful lawn, view largely obscured by vegetation, very friendly and attentive service. The royal tea time was disappointing: tea bags, scones and cakes very stuffy and difficult to digest. The price-quality ratio remains very good.

Written 15 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
An_adventure_diary
Kuala Belait164 contributions
May 2024 • couples
Beautiful setting, and we enjoyed the romantic colonial feel of the place.
We had a real giggle at ordering an afternoon tea to see if it matched what we have in England.
I want to say… close… but not quite.
Genuine tips-
Don’t put sprinkles on the carrot cake, it’s a cream cheese topping!
The sandwiches were essentially just lettuce with loads of mayonnaise. Not pleasant. Keep it simple, butter and ham, plain egg mayo and some plain cucumber! Also, list on the menu what the sandwiches are, so people have the option of knowing what they are eating.
The scones were genuinely lovely! Really well made! But the attempt at clotted cream was truly awful. Have another go, but if it goes badly, just use whipping cream.. it would be more forgivable than what was served! Or just provide butter. The Jam was also cheap sugary rubbish, and it’s so obvious to see.
We had a really funny afternoon, loved the setting… but I was so frustrated at all the missed potential here! A few tweaks and it would be so lovely.
Written 30 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nisrina N
1 contribution
Sept 2024 • business
NOT RECOMMENDED! what a lame restaurant, I came there for lunch at 12.42 Saturday 21 Sept, and there are already 17 white peoples, the staffs are really rude and racists only want to serves the whites people, especially the cashier woman and the old man with "chef" uniform, they looked down on us. what a poor and silly restaurant. I want to order and the old man call me like his servant, waving his hand to come to him, like c'mon, I'm a customer too.
I ask politely "would that be possible for us to eat here, how long it takes if we order",
she answer rudely "up to you lah, you can see we are busy and lot of people"
there are only 17 person there.
so disappointed!!! we find another restaurant then.
Written 20 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mike00010_11
Aberdeen17 contributions
Dec 2024 • family
Location is beautiful. Buildings well maintained and beautiful seating outside.
Drinks were nice.
Apple crumble was inedible. Appeared to be made with tinned apple pie mix or similar with crumble over.
We choose to go elsewhere for lunch after trying the desserts.
Written 29 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
19Dexter
26 contributions
Nov 2021 • couples
Service was excellent and prompt since there were only 2 other guests at that time. It was 12pm. Unfortunately, their mains selection was terible since something wrong with their chiller and could only provide chicken. Fish and lamb was unavailable.
We ordered bread pudding and chicken chop as we were quite hungry. It was served on time as well. Within 15 minutes.
First the chicken chop, served with dark gravy and with chips and mixed of long beans and carrots as sides. The chicken marinade was great, but it was overpowered by the gravy (I'm guessing beef stock with black pepper).. If only the chicken chop was serve as it was or with some lighter gravy like mushroom sauce. It would be perfect. The chips on the other hand was partially burnt and salty. Vegetables were okay but not appropriate in my opinion.
Secondly the bread pudding. It was good! Not sweet. It was one of the best I ever tasted. Kudos.
Price wise. It was pricey for the mains with the mediacore ingredients used. Should have used lettuce or any leafy salads. The chips should be in good hands so that it would be perfect and not burnt or use mashed potato instead. It makes a better presentation and adds to the plating satisfaction.
Written 6 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan E
Sheffield179 contributions
Nov 2023 • couples
Lovely setting within an easy walk from the Sabah hotel. Very peaceful with great views in a beautiful colonial style building and gardens.
The food was a mixture of traditional British cuisine and local options with afternoon tea available as well. All freshly prepared/cooked and professionally served.
Only open 10-6 but great for a lunchtime meal or early dinner. Please note that it is cash only (or was on the evening when we went).
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julia C
15 contributions
Apr 2024 • friends
Tea house is beautifully situated. It has a real 1940s colonial feel. Yes, it's a bit neglected and run down, but that's all part of the atmosphere.
Our party had fish and chicken. Fish was literally inedible, genuinely rock hard. No one ate it. Chicken was sooo dry. This could be just bad luck caused by an absent chef if the scones weren't so terrible. The scones were rough, heavy and tasteless. The 'cream' was icing sugar mixed with oily margarine. Go for the view and a drink, but don't buy a meal.
Written 25 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maree R
Christchurch1322 contributions
Sept 2023 • couples
Lunch here started with a delicious mushroom soup followed by fish with mash and finished with a scone, tea or coffee. Gorgeous setting, great service and food. They don't serve alcohol but you can byo.
Written 5 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rod D
Geelong25 contributions
Apr 2023 • friends
We had dinner here as part of our Borneo tour.
The menu was limited to fish and chips, seafood pasta and chicken chop.
All of our group was disappointed with the meals which were very ordinary.
There were no alcoholic drinks available.
Very disappointing start to our holiday
Written 14 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
patsychom
Surrey26 contributions
Oct 2022 • none
Loved this tea house. It is right next to the museum so a trip here does double duty. The food was excellent and the scones were the absolute best! Wished we were there longer just to come back again for the scones. Walked around a bit to see what was there and found an old cemetery nearby as well as abandoned government buildings. The view to the water is quite beautiful. A peaceful spot to spend some time reflecting. I think definitely worth a visit and a bite! Staff were excellent - helped us get a taxi, pointed out different historical photos, made suggestions as to other places to visit.
Written 29 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JenDragon
Leicester59 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
We asked our taxi driver to take us here after a visit to the war memorial.
We were immediately asked to take a seat wherever we wished. There was a vacant table under a huge tree overlooking sandakan. It was a lovely hour spent chilling with a spectacular view.
The menu looked very appealing but as it was the middle of the afternoon we chose tea & a bruschetta to share. All delicious & not overpriced.
Written 8 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FarAway21576740530
2 contributions
Apr 2024 • family
Fantastic menu with hot meals and sandwiches and of course, cream tea. Scones were home made and absolutely fantastic!
Excellent environment for 3 year olds to run around in with some friendly cats who took some over affectionate stroking.
Written 2 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luis Trevino
Kuala Selangor19 contributions
Feb 2022 • family
We just enjoyed an exquisite lunch with local and Engkish treats and a splendid view in an English style garden. The Beef Rendang and the Fish ans Chios are just splendid in a serene and good English style ambience. If you are in Sandakan for business or leisure you should come in and treat yourself and family and friends.
Written 1 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ruthandvern
Wilton15880 contributions
Mar 2023 • couples
What an outstanding piece of heaven in Sandakan. Our 1st visit we ordered the wild mushroom soup, bruschetta, a Delight Tea Set. The second visit we added the bread-and-butter pudding. I also had a vanilla shake and Vern had iced tea.
Written 19 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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