restaurant review

from Breeze #169 - The Higher Education Issue

SOY SAUCE BEEF Food

Let’s Cha Cha Into The New Year

From the makers of Biru Biru, is the all new Cha Cha cafe & bar at Sutera Avenue, Kota Kinabalu. If you’re looking for a new spot to try out food & drinks in 2023, this is it.

As my team and I entered Cha Cha, we noticed the lovely interior which is definitely different from most other eateries in Kota Kinabalu. I love the fact that the place has its own unique sections, each with its own vibe. The kind of interior that invites you back to try sitting at a different section or simply have a favourite. With that said, each one of them is very Instagrammable. What is for sure, this is definitely a place that is designed for customers to chill out and enjoy good conversations as well.

But of course, let’s get straight to the food and drinks. Rest assured, our first impression is really good! When it comes to food, they have an impressive array of western & asian menu items. We were served with Kahanga (sea snail) & Egg, Smoked Duck Bao, Tom Yum Spaghetti, Black Pepper Beef Rice and their Signature ABC. No joke... All of them hit the sweet spot when it comes to taste.

If you want to be more adventurous, try the Kahanga which I haven’t seen at other eateries. I love duck and the Smoked Duck Bao didn’t disappoint. A tasty classic done right at Cha Cha. I love beef too and although the Black Pepper Beef Rice might be something you easily find elsewhere, Cha Cha’s version is really delicious and served with a generous portion of tender beef. The same can be said about their Signature ABC, which is great for dessert. And not to forget the Tom Yum Spaghetti, is also recommended for you pasta lovers who are into and want to try a fusion version. The Tom Yum bit is not overpowering and taste just nice with the spaghetti.

For drinks we had Hot Latte with Jungle Bird and Asam Boi cocktails. Latte was good and the cocktails were refreshing. Go for Asam Boi if you want a cocktail with a local touch (infused with lihing).

Overall, the food and drinks are great. My team and I are excited to come back here again for the rest of the menu items. Again and for that, we really recommend you to come here. Especially since it’s a new spot, which I’m not surprised if it becomes a favourite spot as well. It is definitely a favourite for me now.

I also have to emphasise though as mentioned before, Cha Cha is also great to chill out and enjoy good conversations. Something that the founders are really passionate about for the customers. The atmosphere of the place suits very well for such a reason whether over coffee or tea during daytime or cocktails after dinner.

Nuff said. Let’s Cha Cha into the new year!

Location: Ground floor (opposite Kopi Ping), Sutera Avenue, KK City