XOCO City Mall (KK FoodieVenture #270)

I actually wanted to go somewhere else for some coffee (like I actually drink coffee 😆) but me and my hubby stumbled upon this cafe as we were strolling around City Mall KK (their located on the ground floor, the right side outer part of said mall if you entered from the main entrance). We were intrigued so we decided to go in and try out their Signature Chocolate drinks (mine was hot, his was iced) and some Chocolate Chilli Cheesecake. It was my first time trying such cake and I actually I liked it (my hubby not so much as he thought it tasted weird). It tasted more like a chocolate cheesecake but with slight spiciness as an after effect. The drink was also very nice but nothing note worthy I'm afraid. But it is definitely a great place for people to just hangout or if you want to have a quiet me time as the ambience were very chill and the staff were very accommodating. 

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Aishiteru

We have done errands at the Gaya Commercial Centre (that single row of shops at Jalan Guru, near SMK Tawau) multiple times before but had only recently decided to try this place out, out of curiosity. And I must say that me and my hubby were not disappointed. Their menu consists of both your typical local & western cuisine (with plenty of shaved ice selections) and we have tried out their Sweet & Sour Chicken Rice as well as their Chicken Chop Aglio Olio. Both were pretty juicy and tasty. I also had their Chocolate Cheese drink and it was nice. Not really outstanding or anything but still very good. The ambience was also pretty chill & comfortable so it's suitable as a hangout place for both family and friends. 

** Current status - Still in business (as of May 2026) 

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The Great Room @ Holiday Inn Express KK (KK FoodieVenture #261)

Our one night stay at the surprisingly satisfying Holiday Inn Express KK included a free breakfast at their lobby area (linked to their social media promoted cafe, the SignalHill Coffee) so it would be unwise for both of us to skip it. Plus I was kind of curious as to what their spread would be like and both of us were pretty happy with what we'd seen & sampled. There were ample selections of typical breakfast food such as nasi lemak, fried noodles, congee, waffles, breads, pastries, fruits on display, as well as a salad bar & soto station. All in all, me and hubby were very satisfied with what we'd eaten that morning. And it is also good to note that the food were actually pretty appetizing & tasty. It's just a shame that we don't exactly have time to try out their actual cafe. I mean, the brand literally promoted their chain of hotels as a 'coffee & breakfast' type of establishment so it's only fair for us to try them out next time right? 

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ZUS Coffee Tawau

Fine, I'll be the first to admit that I'm not exactly a big fan of ZUS Coffee. Tried their drinks a couple of times and nothing has won me over (thus far). I mean, their drinks were okay but a bit too light tasting and milky for my personal liking. BUT their ever growing variety of food selections were quite good. My personal faves are their Nasser's Nasi Lemak Ayam Rendang (yes, that Airasia meal) and Mushroom Melt Sandwich. 

Currently there are 3 ZUS Coffee outlets here in Tawau (that spawned almost at the same time. Coincidence? Maybe.. maybe not..). The one that my colleagues (whom are almost all ZUS enthusiasts) frequented is their T2 @ Apas outlet due to its prime hangout vibes and ample parking spaces. But I personally prefer the Kubota Sentral outlet since I like walking around the surrounding shops whenever I stayed at one of the hotels nearby (my go to place for some staycation). The least favoured one has got to be the Garden City outlet, mostly because of the impossible parking, as it is a very popular but also very small commercial area. 

** Current status - Still in business (as of Dec 2025) 

T2 @ Apas outlet (front area, on the same row as Starbucks & Richiamo Coffee) 

Kubota Sentral outlet (middle area, in front of a Boost Juice outlet) 

Garden City outlet (backside of the area, right next to Kopi Ping Cafe) 

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