Kalamata’s Cafe KK Lamb Varuval

Looking for Indian food in Kota Kinabalu? Jen and I recently had a good late dinner experience at Kalamata's Cafe KK, conveniently located near the waterfront. We initially tried dining along the waterfront, but found the atmosphere too loud for conversation. Thankfully, we discovered Kalamata's Cafe KK – a much more relaxed and inviting restaurant just across the road!

We were craving something flavorful and settled on the Lamb Varuval with Satti Soru. Served in a traditional claypot, this dish was beautifully spiced with onions, fragrant curry leaves, and a touch of chilli heat. The lamb itself had a lovely texture and that classic, comforting Indian dry masala flavour.

However, the real star of the show was the rice! Served separately from the lamb, we found out later from Mano (the very friendly co-owner) that it had been stir fried to give it an extra bit of wok-he. It was incredibly well-seasoned, buttery, and aromatic – seriously addictive. I found myself going back for more rice than even the delicious lamb.

At RM38.90, the Lamb Varuval a great value meal perfect for two looking for a satisfying end to their evening. If you're searching for tasty and affordable Indian cuisine in Kota Kinabalu, definitely check out Kalamata’s Cafe KK!

Check out their well stocked bar and also how lovely it looks.