FOOD GUIDE TO IPOH
WHERE TO FIND THE BEST LOCAL FOOD IN IPOH
There are no two ways about it: Ipoh is an inferno. Hotter than a sauna in hell, this small city between KL and Penang is famous for its food. Chicken rice, salted chicken and Ipoh white coffee are among its main attractions, you'll find a thriving Indian food scene along with some scatterings of ramen, dim sum and noodle soups if you look hard.
The city planning is more a squandered spread rather than orderly queue, so you'll spend a lot of time in the back of Grab Taxi's if you want to eat well. The popular downtown area is home to the backpackers and some cheap dinners, but most of the great places to eat are not in the vicinity.
As usual The Mouth took it upon ourselves to sacrifice time and finances in a never ending quest to discover the best places to eat, so you don't have to waste your time.
CLICK ICON ABOVE FOR ALL LOCATIONS
SAM MA
Of all the chicken rice places in Ipoh, this is by far our favourite. If you arrive at peak times you'll be waiting upward of an hour, but it's worth it.
Whilst the locals go for the Kampung Chicken, we prefer the regular since the tough texture isn't for everyone. You do you.
AUD'S CAFE
The OG spot that started serving "Third Wave" coffee in Ipoh, so pay respect where it's due. Achingly hip interiors where you can get a decent breakfast and a solid coffee to start the day. They do espresso style drinks, but their roasts are from Toothless so it's legit.
YEE FATT CURRY NOODLES
Sweet pork, decent noodles, and rich deep curry soup! Whats not to love at this legendary spot thats been banging out bowls for decades.
HOONG THO
If you dine at the table of comfort food and Cantonese style dishes, then pull up a chair and get yourself a plate of steaming hot "hug-in-a-bowl" noodles.
VEGAN LIFE
The plant-based alumni can feast on delectable bowls and plates at this restaurant, a tad away from the main drag, but worth the ride.
WAH LOK
You wouldn't really expect to find solid Thai food in a town like Ipoh, but these Bangkok women bang out some sublime dishes!
ASADA RAMEN YIPIN
This out of the way spot does some fantastic duck noodles with tasty clear broth.
HUNG WANG EATING SHOP
This sort of spot is one of the best places in town for vibes. Porridge, meats and soups in an achingly beautiful old skool canteen. Highlight of Ipoh, these places will be gone in a decade.
ÉTRE PATISSERIE
The carnal souls who miss their home comforts will find refuge and deliverance in the air conditioned bliss of Etre. Ann Lee newly opened their first KL branch, but this is the OG, and the sweets, desserts and pastries are excellent.
P.s. The plain croissant and mushroom quiche are awesome too!
GREENTOWN DIM SUM CAFE
With hankerings for Dim Sum becoming a daily annoyance, thankfully Ipoh had me covered. Expect a line of revellers eyeing your table before you're even done, this place is insanely popular. Not what you'd call exceptional Dim Sum, but completely acceptable.
MAD RAMEN
Solid tonkotsu ramen with well cooked eggs, tender chashu and all the other absolutes. It's amazing how a small town in Malaysia can have 2 world-class Ramen spots and most European cities struggle to have one half-decent one.
JLN THEATRE COFFEE
Specialty coffee shops are few and far between in Ipoh, but if you want one situated in the downtown reach then head to JLN Theater and choose between pour-over options or your regular espresso based drinks made on a La Marzocco.
MAHARAJ
Perhaps the best Indian in town overall, if you consider quality and price. There are other spots that are cheaper but they'll invariably suffer in terms of taste, so hedge your bets on this gaudy palace and you'll be satiated to a satisfactory degree.
FUJIYAMA
Vintage store and vinyl hunting at this little gem in Ipoh. A representation of the flourishing underground scene that is creeping through Malaysia, finally.
COWAN STREET AYAM TAUGE & KOITIAO
Blogged about to within an inch of its life, I still had to track it down and give it a go. On the way there my taxi driver grinned in delight that a tourist was heading to his favourite spot.
To be honest, the chicken and bean sprouts were delicious (if salty). Not as good as Sam Ma, but for being downtown, get yourself a plate, pronto!
DURBAR
A classic joint for your regular dishes like Chicken Chop, etc. Service is friendly and the prices are agreeable.
FUNNY MOUNTAIN SOYA BEANCURD
Not the biggest fan of desserts in Asia, but this is some dank soya bean deliciousness.
