Mai Yai Thai Orchid Restaurant: Discover Authentic Thai Delights in Kota Kinabalu

Welcome to Mai Yai Thai Orchid Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in the vibrant city of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Located at Lot 13, The Waterfront, 13, Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, this delightful Thai establishment offers not only a feast for the palate but also stunning views of the ocean. With the gentle waves as your backdrop, every meal transforms into an unforgettable dining experience.

As you enter, you're greeted by an ambiance that perfectly blends charm and elegance. The reviews speak volumes—customers rave about the impeccable service and the beautiful scenery. It's a place where the dedicated staff, including kind souls like Alain and Arthur, elevate your dining experience with their expertise and warmth. Your meal here isn’t just an order; it’s a journey into the heart of Thai cuisine.

Each dish is a testament to the perfectly balanced flavors that Thai food is known for. Guests have highlighted favorites like the Kaow Ob Sapparod or Pineapple Fried Rice, known for its delightful mix of sweet and savory—a true must-try, especially when customized to your taste. Another standout is the Tom Yam Wun Sen, offering a tangy punch that leaves you craving more with every spoonful. This warm sour soup, often enjoyed with glass noodles and beef, aligns perfectly with the rich culinary traditions of Thailand.

Aside from the dishes, the experience at Mai Yai is amplified during sunset. Reviews mention that this moment is truly magical; watching the sky transition as you sip on a cold beer alongside your meal is something every guest cherishes. A note for visitors: the restaurant includes a service charge of 10% and a SST of 6%, so plan accordingly for a complete experience.

Whether you're a tourist or a local, Mai Yai Thai Orchid Restaurant beckons with promises of delicious food, stunning views, and top-notch service. With every visit, you’re not just enjoying a meal; you’re indulging in the rich tapestry of Thai flavors right by the waterfront. Don’t miss out on this culinary oasis in Kota Kinabalu!

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Thomas Clark

19/10/2025

The flavours in each dish were perfectly balanced. The food was delicious, the service was impeccable, and the ambiance was charming. Be sure to find the leading Alain and Arthur for assistance as they are very kind, helpful and professional to give you a perfect dining experience.

Junhyuk Song

30/09/2025

The key word for this restaurant is good service, beautiful scenery. I enjoyed lunch there with beer and several Thai food. Feeling comfortable with a cozy mood. Enjoying this beautiful view with a pint of beer made me happy. If you love Thai food, I recommend you. By the way, don't forget the bill will be charged for the service charge(10%), SST(6%). Enjoy.

Bridgitte *

09/08/2025

After a stroll along the waterfront, we found this restaurant, the only one open as it was Ramadan, and not many restaurants could be found serving food. The place looked good and overlooked the ocean, so it was a really good place to sit. We already knew we liked Thai food. The waiter was friendly and very helpful. We ordered: ● Kaow Ob Sapparod — 42.80 ● Tom Yam Wun Sen — 43.90 ● Fresh Lemon Juice — RM 15.90 ● Fresh Orange Juice — RM 15.90 Kaow Ob Sapparod is Pineapple Fried Rice, and we had it with chicken. It was so delicious. We specifically asked for them not to add fish sauce to the dish, and they didn't – perhaps they never add fish sauce. I would order that again. The Tom Yam Wun Sen was served with glass noodles and beef, and it was a clear, sour soup rather than the curry one. That's our favourite. We're not sure if that's how it comes every time, or if we got it that way because we requested it.

Andrea Mercado

28/07/2025

Delicious food and great atmosphere. Sunset is a must see! A bit pricey but this is a good tourist spot, with mostly foreign visitors dining. Tom Kha is really good

Jason Chisholm

20/07/2025

Had an amazing night here tonight with our tour group. Great Thai food, cold beer and top service (the waiters spoke English very well). The sunset over the water was a big bonus. Special thanks to Jadz, your service was impeccable

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