Finally, internet speed is "decent" enough again (but very slow again in the evening when everyone is back in their hotel rooms). Have moved on to a few more places after leaving the capital where internet was painfully slow so I did not bother doing much online. And then I went to some place in the middle of the jungle without internet but that's behind me now, just today. Keep in mind that Sabah is still largely primitive. Even immediately outside the main touristy centre it's just like any developing country, really. As soon as you enter the expressway towards the countryside you see the real/authentic Sabah. So, wanna know if you like a person long-term? Just let them use slow internet! (Before internet it used to be "travel".)
The capital's central market is pretty lively. There are many (interesting) things I've never seen before. They are normal ingredients in Malay/Sabahan cuisine.
Sour green mangoes for various salads.
Almost bought the big reddish mangoes but after checking out other stalls and talking with some vendors I learn those were imported from Thailand. I went back to buying small yellow mangoes from people's gardens here in Sabah.
They even modify pineapples now. The crown won't grow so big.
Besides bananas, which are always "in season", it seems watermelons and papayas are peaking.
Sabah-grown avocados. Forgot to ask which variety. I have bought one (seen here in the photo is mine) and eaten it on the spot to test. Too bad it was watery and very mild. Must be the low fat variety, whatever it's called. When it comes to avocados I like "butter from the forest". Still eating it regularly because I need the good fat.
Candlenuts
Tofu stalls also sell tempeh
Beautiful rolls of banana leaves.
Sabah is a coffe producer. These days Tenom is the biggest growing area. That's where I hope to visit someday but for the agricultural park.
Lots of chillies, also some dried ones. Huge cinnamon bark, probably 1 metre/40" long each.
Tiny calamansi
Pretty sure it's galangal. At home I get just a small piece for the same price, meanwhile here you get a whole kilo.
Big jicama. I like eating young/small ones with chilli salt. We can thank Mexico for this refreshing root.
Huge root vegetable
Not a big tomato-eating island. So far I've seen these 2 types. This stall had the nicest looking tomatoes. They are usually bruised and not so good looking.
A vegetable
Pandan
Probably a herb
Beautiful fresh turmeric leaves (without the root).
The herb on far left looks like parsley but tastes like celery. I'm thankful green onions (ruin everything they touch) are not prevalent here. Unlike in some countries where it's the zenith of the cuisine.
