Places to Eat in Ipoh

Being a large part of many travellers motivation to go to Ipoh, there is little doubt that you'll soon be wearing a slightly bewildered look, and will be feeling distinctly satisfied after your taste of some of the local delights.

Local Food

There are very few who come to Ipoh and don't know about ngah choy kai – bean sprouts chicken. Crisp, succulent sprouts, tangy and tender chicken, and this distinct sense of culinary adventure you feel while eating it all make this an imperative experience to have in Ipoh. Top places include Onn Kee, or directly opposite it, Lou Wang.

If you fancy being transported to alternate places in time while you eat, then this little stall called Satay is where you need to do. It's in the side alley between the decades old Kong Heng and Thean Chun coffee shops. The satay served here was the best that we had in Ipoh. It was also the only place that we could find that sold pork. So delicious, so fun. Key: a bowl of assam Laksa at Dai Shu Geok. You'd be silly to pass up the chance to indulge in this addictive dish. Tangy, spicy and sour - so very Malaysian.

Breakfast

Early morning sustenance? There are a few options available to you. Take a pass on the usual breakfasts of the western world and feast on either hakka mee or chee cheong fun. The prior is best enjoyed at the iconic Restoran Paris Hakka Mee. Alternatively, should you not love egg or mince, head to Canning Garden for some chee cheong fun. We enjoyed this dish so much that we have made it ourselves since leaving Ipoh. Steamed rice rolls drizzled in soy sauce, fried shallots and green chillies. Get there early, before they're sold out!

Western and International Food

Sometimes when we are away, we just need something familiar. There are plenty of options in this regard. A classic and cosy experience is to be had at Healy Mac's Irish Bar and Restaurant, fantastic beer and grub at a moderately affordable price. Maybe get an easy pizza after a busy day on the streets at Michaelangelo's Pizzeria. Alternatively, get your good shoes on and experience the expertise of two Michelin Chefs at Garvy's French Fine Dining. Lastly, should your budget be able to accommodate RM 150 per person, The Pomelo restaurant at The Banjaran Resort serves up some healthy, international dishes that are of the highest standard.

Cafes and Coffee Houses

Ah, kaya puffs. What an absolute gem. This treat can be attained all over Ipoh, but our experience suggests that Sin Eng Heong would be where to go to get your fill. Flaky, coco nutty goodness. Should you belong to a substring of people who don't enjoy pastries (this boggles my mind), then fear not. The smoothest, creamiest, caramel egg custard is an Ipoh classic. It is available widely and is consumed in mass quantities. We really consumed disturbing quantities.

A prominent activity on the lists of travellers is a trip to the coffee shops of Ipoh. And really, it’s with good reason. The famous white coffee that we drank, in amidst the calming chaos of Old Town White Coffee shop, was, all in all, quite special. Head over here, or to Sin Yoong Loong for a similar kind of vibe. If you're less into lines and more into drinking coffee quietly, perhaps with a good book, Nam Heong is your place.

There really are countless small cafes along the old streets that are run out of people’s homes or abandoned old shops. Some of these vintage and boutique cafes are very charming and make for a great photo backdrop.

Missing Marbles was, for us, among the greatest coffee shops Ipoh. It is located on Jalan Sultan Yussuf road. The cafe´ was converted from an old optical shop, keeping the original facade. The interior is a captivating concoction of childhood toys and pinball machines, menus on the wall and smiles on people’s faces. We would strongly suggest a visit.