Ipoh, the capital of Perak, Malaysia, is a charming city steeped in history and blessed with a thriving culinary scene. While its limestone caves and colonial architecture draw their fair share of admirers, it’s the food that truly captivates. From hawker stalls to traditional coffee shops, Ipoh offers a symphony of flavours that will tantalise your taste buds.

So, loosen your belt, grab your chopsticks, and get ready to discover the best foods Ipoh offers – trust me, you won’t want to miss these!

Remember to Bring

Before you embark on your Ipoh food adventure, here are a few essentials to pack:

• Small change: Many street food vendors and smaller establishments prefer cash, and they might not have change for large notes. Contactless payment may not be universally accepted, so having cash on hand is always good.
• SIM Card or eSIM: Stay connected and easily navigate the city using a Malaysia eSIM.
• Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking to explore different food spots to eat at, so comfortable footwear is a must.
• An adventurous appetite: Prepare to try new things and step outside your culinary comfort zone. Ipoh has so much to offer, so come hungry and ready to explore!

1. Nga Choi Kai (Bean Sprouts Chicken)

Nga Choi Kai, or bean sprouts chicken, is an Ipoh classic. This seemingly simple dish features poached chicken with blanched bean sprouts and fragrant rice. The magic lies in the plump, juicy bean sprouts, grown in the mineral-rich waters of Ipoh, and the tender, flavourful chicken.

One place that always draws a crowd is Restoran Tauge Ayam Lou Wong. They don’t skimp on the portions and serve a seriously flavourful broth.

Restoran Tauge Ayam Lou Wong

• Address: 49, Jalan Yau Tet Shin, Taman Jubilee, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

2. Old Town White Coffee

No trip to Ipoh is complete without savouring a cup of famed white coffee. Old Town White Coffee, a local chain, has perfected the art of roasting coffee beans with margarine to create a smooth, aromatic brew with a distinctive caramel flavour. Frankly, it blows any Singaporean “white coffee” out of the water!

With numerous outlets across the city, it’s easy to find a place to enjoy this Ipoh staple.

3. Chee Cheong Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls)

While Chee Cheong Fun can be found throughout Malaysia and Singapore, the Ipoh version has a unique charm.

Unlike the Singaporean style, which is often served with a sweet sauce and chilli, Ipoh Chee Cheong Fun is typically dressed with a savoury mushroom gravy and sprinkled with fried shallots. The result is a moreish combination of textures and flavours that will leave you wanting more.

Craving that unique Ipoh-style Chee Cheong Fun? Then you’ve got to check out Red Mountain Sin Yin Loong. Their mushroom gravy is out of this world, and the fried shallots add an amazing crunch. You’ll be hooked after one bite.

Red Mountain Sin Yin Loong

• Address: 32, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
• Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM (Closed on Thursdays)

4. Ipoh Curry Mee

Curry Mee is a beloved dish across Malaysia, but the Ipoh version has a distinct personality. Unlike the Singaporean style, which often features a lighter broth and a mix of seafood, Ipoh Curry Mee boasts a richer, more robust curry broth with a generous helping of cockles, cuttlefish, and tofu puffs. The noodles are typically a combination of yellow mee and rice vermicelli, offering a delightful contrast in textures.

Looking for a Curry Mee that’ll blow your mind? Xin Guan Fan Restaurant is a local haunt, and their Curry Mee is the real deal.  The broth is thick and rich, packed with cockles and cuttlefish, and just the right amount of spice.

Xin Guan Fan Restaurant

• Address: 174, Jalan Sultan Iskandar, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)

5. Nasi Ganja Ipoh (Nasi Kandar)

Don’t let the name fool you: Nasi Ganja isn’t infused with illicit substances! It’s a popular Ipoh dish, also known as Nasi Kandar, consisting of steamed rice served with a variety of curries, side dishes, and a generous drizzle of flavourful gravy. The combination of fragrant rice, spicy curries, and savoury accompaniments is so addictive that it’s been dubbed “Nasi Ganja” (ganja rice).

If you want your Nasi Ganja fix, head straight to Kedai Kopi Yong Suan. The rice, the curries, and the gravy all come together in a symphony of flavours.

Kedai Kopi Yong Suan

• Address: 2, Jalan Yang Kalsom, 30250 Ipoh, Perak
• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

6. Cendol

On a hot Ipoh day, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing bowl of cendol. This icy dessert features shaved ice drenched in coconut milk, topped with green jelly noodles, red beans, and a generous drizzle of gula Melaka (palm sugar syrup). In Ipoh, you can customise your cendol with additional toppings like sweet corn, durian, or grass jelly.

Deen CT Corner Cendol is a classic spot to grab this icy treat. They’ve got that perfect balance of shaved ice, coconut milk, and gula Melaka. Plus, you can customise it with all sorts of toppings. It’s the perfect way to beat the Ipoh heat.

Deen CT Corner Cendol

• Address: 93, Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil, 30450 Ipoh, Perak
• Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM

7. Dim Sum

For a taste of traditional Cantonese cuisine, Ipoh’s dim sum scene won’t disappoint. Start your day with a steaming basket of har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork dumplings), or char siu bao (barbecue pork buns).  Many dim sum restaurants in Ipoh also offer Portuguese egg tarts, a delightful legacy of the city’s colonial past. These flaky pastries with their creamy custard filling are a perfect way to end your dim sum feast.

Foh San Restaurant has all the usual suspects – har gow, siu mai, char siu bao – plus some amazing Portuguese egg tarts. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely breakfast or brunch.

Foh San Restaurant

• Address: 51, Jalan Leong Sin Nam, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
• Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 2:30 PM 

8. Yong Tau Foo

Yong Tau Foo, a dish of stuffed tofu and vegetables, is a common sight in both Singapore and Malaysia. But in Ipoh, you’ll find a unique twist. Ipoh-style Yong Tau Foo often features a wider variety of ingredients, including fish balls, meat rolls, and fried items. The stuffed tofu and vegetables are typically served in a clear, flavourful broth, and you can choose to have it dry with a side of dipping sauce. 

Dai Shu Geok (aka Big Tree Foot) is an Ipoh legend.  Their Yong Tau Foo is not only delicious, but it’s also super affordable. They’ve got a huge selection of ingredients, and the broth is so flavourful. Definitely worth checking out.

Dai Shu Geok (Big Tree Foot) Yong Tau Foo Restaurant

• Address: 652, Jalan Pasir Puteh, 31650 Ipoh, Perak
• Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Closed on Wednesdays)

So there you have it – a whirlwind tour of Ipoh’s must-try culinary delights! From fragrant Nga Choi Kai and addictive Nasi Ganja to refreshing cendol and unique Yong Tau Foo, Ipoh’s food scene is a melting pot of flavours and traditions.

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking for a delicious adventure, Ipoh is sure to satisfy your cravings.

So book your trip, pack your appetite, and get ready to experience the best that Ipoh has to offer!