GADERIAN - A HIDDEN GEM

During a recent visit to Kota Kinabalu, some friends invited us to dinner at a rather secluded restaurant, nestled unassumingly deep within a housing estate near the KK International Airport. Although clearly out of the radar of most tourists, Gaderian Restaurant was nevertheless packed with locals when we arrived shortly after 8.00pm that Saturday night.

Gaderian is indeed a refreshing change to our usual seafood hangout in Kota Kinabalu - the very touristy seafood outlets in Seri Selera Kampung Air (SEDCO Square). A rather unique name for a Chinese seafood restaurant, Gaderian is an old English word that means "gather". And I am sure glad that we were invited to gather here that night as the food was lip-smacking delicious.

They have a few signature dishes that are worth a mention. I loved their Kam Heong Brinjal - strips of brinjal that are marinated in curry powder, deep-fried until golden brown and dry stir-fried in curry leaves for added flavour. Their German style Pig's Trotter was fantastic too - crispy on the outside while moist and flavourful on the inside. We were told that due to a mix-up in our order, we had to miss out on their other star attraction, Butter-Milk Crabs cooked in Salted Egg - quite a pity as I do have a fondness for these crustaceans.

I did not have a chance to compare prices as our hosts graciously picked up the tab that night, but judging from the number of locals that filled the restaurant, I am willing to bet my bottom dollar that the food here is very reasonably priced.

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Gaderian Restaurant

Address: N/A
(Directions: Turn left after the Petronas between Lido and airport, and Drive towards the end of the road).
Contact number: 013-8609388
Reservation: Highly Recommended
Opening hours: Dinner only
Cuisine: Chinese (Non Halal)
Must order: Kam Heong Brinjal, German style Pig's Trotter, Butter-Milk Fried Prawns with Salted Egg
Must not order: Herbal Chicken
Budget for 4 pax: RM120
My verdict: 4 stars