Warung Sabah Kampungku: Where Every Bite Feels Like Home

8 February 2025

By EVB

KOTA KINABALU: Amidst the vibrant food scene of Puchong, Selangor, Warung Sabah Kampungku has emerged as a culinary haven, offering an authentic taste of Sabah.

Founded by Norhayani@Nettelie Hama Surian Shah, 39, a native of Kuala Penyu, Sabah, the stall has become a popular spot for the growing Sabahan community in Klang Valley. It offers authentic flavors, warm hospitality, and a welcoming atmosphere that provides a taste of home.

Nettelie’s journey into the food industry began in March 2020, during the Movement Control Order (MCO), when she left her corporate administrative career to pursue entrepreneurship. She turned to her passion for Sabahan cuisine as both a livelihood and a way to preserve her cultural heritage in the face of economic uncertainties.

“I named my business Warung Sabah Kampungku because it evokes memories of the food I enjoyed growing up in my kampung. It’s nostalgic, and I wanted fellow Sabahans to have a place where they could relive those cherished flavors,” Nettelie shared.

Driven by her love for Sabahan cuisine and the lack of authentic offerings in Klang Valley, Nettelie initially launched her venture at ViVi Food Court, Puchong, specializing in traditional Sabahan dishes.

As demand grew, she made the strategic decision to relocate to a larger space at DG Food Court in early 2023, allowing her to better accommodate her expanding customer base and provide a more comfortable dining experience.

Her menu features an array of authentic Sabahan delights, with the Linopot Set being the most sought-after dish.

This traditional leaf-wrapped rice is accompanied by a selection of side dishes such as, Losun (wild garlic), Ikan basung goreng (fried fish), Sambal tuhau (wild ginger relish), Bosou (fermented fish), Mangga belacan (spicy mango sambal)

Other standout dishes include Mihun Sup Kota Marudu, Soto Ayam, and Nasi Goreng Kampung, each showcasing the unique and vibrant flavors of Sabah. For lighter bites, options such as Mee Kokot and Pisang Goreng Sabah are also available.

To maintain authenticity and quality, Nettelie personally prepares each meal and ensures that key ingredients are sourced directly from Sabah.

Essential ingredients such as losun, lada putih, tuhau, and salted fish—unavailable in Klang Valley—are flown in weekly from trusted suppliers in Penampang and Kudat.

Operating Warung Sabah Kampungku comes with challenges, from sourcing authentic Sabahan ingredients to managing costs and minimizing waste, all while ensuring quality, affordability, and sustainability.

Yet, Nettelie remains dedicated to her mission of providing quality food to her customers.

With active social media engagement and strong word-of-mouth referrals, her customer base continues to grow, attracting daily crowds of Sabahans craving a taste of home and locals eager to explore new culinary experiences.

For those eager to experience the flavors of Sabah, Warung Sabah Kampungku is located at DG Food Court, Puchong.

The stall operates daily except on Mondays, welcoming all who wish to indulge in authentic Sabahan cuisine.

Looking ahead, Nettelie plans to open a restaurant in Selangor dedicated to traditional Sabahan cuisine and explore opportunities in the tourism industry to further promote Sabah’s rich culinary heritage.

“More than just serving food, I aim to share Sabah’s vibrant food culture with a wider audience. I hope to one day create a dining experience that truly embodies the heart and soul of Sabahan cuisine,” she expressed passionately.