Ipoh, the capital of Perak state, is a foodie’s paradise! It’s famous for various delicacies including chicken rice, hor fun, and Ipoh white coffee. Though these foods are available in other parts of Malaysia as well, nothing compares to the authentic taste you find in Ipoh.
Take a trip to this quaint city, visit the attractions, and most importantly, enjoy all the mouthwatering food it has to offer. Here’s a guide on the top 5 delicacies you must try when you’re in Ipoh:
Bean Sprout Chicken Rice
You simply cannot leave Ipoh without trying this dish! Probably one of Ipoh’s most popular dishes, the chicken rice here is served with tender poached chicken, fragrant rice, and a heap of crunchy tauge (bean sprouts). And of course, what’s chicken rice without some flavourful chicken broth and spicy chilli sauce? Mix it all together and you’ll have a symphony of flavours dancing on your taste buds!
One of the go-to places for this local delicacy is Restoran Tauge Ayam Lou Wong which is open for both lunch and dinner. Stop by any time for some authentic chicken rice (and soup) for the soul.
Restoran Tauge Ayam Lou Wong
Address: 49, Jalan Yau Tet Shin, Taman Jubilee, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
Contact Number: 05-254 4199
Operating Hours: 10.30 AM – 12 AM daily
Ipoh White Coffee
This is another must-try Ipoh staple, especially for coffee lovers! Visit a local kopitiam (coffee shop) while you’re here and order a cup of smooth and strong white coffee to satisfy your caffeine cravings.
For an authentic kopitiam experience, head to Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong. Established in the 1930s, this charming retro coffee shop transports you back to a simpler time. Along with your coffee, enjoy some delicious soft-boiled eggs on toast and a nice chat with friends.
Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong
Address: 15A, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
Contact Number: 05-241 4601
Operating Hours: 6 AM – 2.30 PM daily
Chicken Hor Fun
Chicken hor fun is another must-try. When you’re in Ipoh, be sure to enjoy a hearty bowl of hor fun (flat rice noodles) in a steaming hot, flavourful broth topped with shredded chicken, prawns, and scallions. This soothing bowl of noodle soup delivers heaps of flavour and happiness right down to your final slurp!
One of the most popular places for chicken hor fun in Ipoh is Restoran Thean Chun. After you devour a bowl (or two) of hor fun, give their caramel egg custard a try for a nice, sweet finish.
Restoran Thean Chun
Address: 73, Jalan Bandar Timah, 31650 Ipoh, Perak
Contact Number: 05-255 3076
Operating Hours: 8 AM – 4.30 PM (closed on Thursdays)
Tau Fu Fa (soybean pudding)
For those of you with a sweet tooth, you will love the tau fu fa in Ipoh! This silky smooth, light dessert is a great treat to have post-lunch.
To satisfy your tau fu fa cravings, head over to Big Mom Beancurd. Choose between different toppings such as peanut, red bean, grass jelly, and sweet glutinous rice balls. There are also different sweeteners you can try including ginger, chrysanthemum, and brown sugar syrup.
Big Mom Beancurd
Address: 22-24, Jalan Yang Kalsom, Taman Jubilee, 30250 Ipoh, Perak
Contact Number: 016-533 3210
Operating Hours: 12 PM – 5 PM (closed on Thursdays)
Heong Peah (fragrant biscuits)
These round and flaky biscuits filled with a sweet, sticky malt filling is the perfect souvenir to give your family and friends! Buy a few packets for yourself too and bring a piece of Ipoh home with you.
For authentic heong peah, drive down to 362 Heong Peah in Gunung Rapat. These yummy biscuits are made in the traditional way using coconut husks in a kiln.
362 Heong Peah
Address: 362, Jalan Gunung Rapat, Kampung Baharu Gunung Rapat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak
Contact Number: 016-560 9094
Operating Hours: 8 AM – 4 PM (closed on Sundays)
Ready for a foodie getaway? Book a stay at the Lost World Hotel (inclusive of entrance tickets to Lost World of Tambun Theme Park and Hot Springs Night Park) for a complete holiday experience!
Words by Vidhya Sathyamoorthy
Featured image via Cecil Lee on Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
