There’s something about Ipoh that draws me (and I’m sure many Malaysians) back again and again — not just for the laid-back vibe or the pre-war shophouses, but for the food. Ipoh food may not be as famous as Penang’s char kuey teow or Melaka’s nyonya laksa, but it wins you over with old recipes, humble coffee shops, and meals that taste like someone’s grandmother has been making them the same way for fifty years.
So if you’re planning a trip to Ipoh and wondering what to eat, this list is a good place to start. I’ve included some of my personal favorites, along with the places locals swear by — and in a city like Ipoh, that makes all the difference.
A friendly reminder for my Muslim readers:
Not all restaurants mentioned in this post are halal. Please do your own due diligence before dining.
1. Ipoh hor fun
Ipoh hor fun (also known as kai si hor fun) is a deceptively simple dish that is actually rich in flavor. At first glance, it’s just a bowl of flat rice noodles floating in a clear broth, topped with strips of poached chicken and a few pink prawns. But that delicate-looking soup is where all the magic lies. Made by simmering prawn shells and chicken bones for hours, the broth is light in texture but deeply umami, with a subtle sweetness from the prawns.
The rice noodles, soft and silky, soak up the flavors beautifully, while the fresh toppings add texture and protein without overwhelming the balance of the dish. It’s gentle on the palate, making it a popular breakfast among locals.
Top-rated hor fun in Ipoh
- Restoran Moon De Moon — Serves one of Ipoh’s best kai si hor fun, often considered richer and more balanced than its Old Town counterparts. (Wed – Sun, 7:30am – 1pm; closed on Mon & Tue)
- Thean Chun Coffee Shop – Located in Ipoh Old Town, this legendary kopitiam serves one of the best versions. The broth is rich but clean, and the prawns are fresh. (Fri – Tue, 8am – 4:30pm; closed on Wed & Thu)
- Loke Wooi Kee – Another old-school joint with multiple noodle stalls. The kai si hor fun here is generous with toppings and slightly heartier in flavor. (Mon – Wed; Fri, 8am – 2pm; Sat & Sun, 8am – 3pm; closed on Thu)
2. Bean sprout chicken (nga choy kai)
This is arguably Ipoh’s most iconic dish: tender, succulent chicken, either poached or steamed to preserve its natural juices, arranged neatly beside or under a generous heap of bean sprouts. But these aren’t just any bean sprouts — they’re short, thick, and incredibly crisp, a result many locals attribute to Ipoh’s mineral-rich spring water. Grown in the Kinta Valley, these sprouts are a local treasure in their own right, prized for their freshness and bite.
The chicken, often served at room temperature, is lightly coated in soy sauce and a drizzle of fragrant sesame oil, accompanied by a garlic and chili dip on the side.
Top-rated bean sprout chicken in Ipoh
- Lou Wong Bean Sprout Chicken – Probably the most well-known, this restaurant attracts long queues, especially at dinner time. An essential stop for first-timers. (Mon – Sun, 11am – 9pm)
- Restoran Tauge Ayam Ong Kee – A staple in Ipoh for decades, just a short walk from the famous Lou Wong. Their chicken is tender and generously doused in sauce. (Mon – Sun, 10am – 9pm)
- Cowan Street Ayam Tauge & Koitiau – A favorite among long-time locals. They only open a few days a week and usually sell out fast, but if you manage to catch them, their chicken is incredibly juicy, and the broth for the koitiau (rice noodles) is full-bodied and aromatic. (Thu – Sun, 6pm – 9pm; closed Mon – Wed)
3. Ipoh white coffee
Ipoh white coffee is not about the color — it’s actually about the roast. Unlike traditional black coffee, the beans used for white coffee are roasted with margarine at a lower temperature, giving them a lighter color and a smoother, more aromatic profile. Once brewed, the coffee is typically served with condensed milk, which adds a rich sweetness and creamy body without overpowering the beans’ unique roasted fragrance.
What you get is a cup of coffee that’s robust yet mellow, and less acidic than its darker counterparts. Many locals enjoy it alongside soft-boiled eggs and toast, making it a full kopitiam-style breakfast experience. It’s not hard to find a good cup in Ipoh, but a few legendary names stand out.
Top-rated white coffee in Ipoh
- Sin Yoon Loong – One of the oldest and most respected names in town, this kopitiam has been serving its signature brew since the 1930s. Expect strong, aromatic coffee with a slightly nutty edge. (Mon – Sun, 6:30am – 4:30pm)
- Nam Heong White Coffee – Another heritage spot, Nam Heong is a bit more modern but still deeply rooted in old-school techniques. Their coffee is smooth, less bitter, and a bit creamier. (Mon – Sun, 6:30am – 4:30pm)
- Chang Jiang White Coffee – A more recent favorite compared to the old kopitiams, Chang Jiang has nevertheless built a loyal following for its consistently smooth and full-bodied brew. (Mon – Sun, 8am – 6pm)
4. Hainanese chicken rice
Often confused with Ipoh’s bean sprout chicken, Hainanese chicken rice is a dish with its own identity. In Ipoh, you can find excellent versions of it, often served in old-school coffee shops or quiet family-run stalls where recipes have been passed down over generations.
The chicken is gently poached in a seasoned broth until the meat is just cooked through, keeping it tender and moist without turning stringy or bland. It’s then plunged into cold water to lock in its natural juices and give the skin a smooth, almost jelly-like texture. The rice is equally important, never an afterthought. Cooked in chicken stock with ginger, garlic, and pandan leaves, it’s fluffy, aromatic, and flavorful enough to eat on its own.
What ties it all together are the condiments: a fiery red chili sauce, thick dark soy, and sometimes a ginger-scallion paste.
Top-rated Hainanese chicken rice in Ipoh
- Ipoh Hainan Chicken Rice – Popular among locals for its Hainan-style steamed chicken with incredibly flavorful rice and slightly sweet chili. (Mon – Thu, 11am – 10pm; Fri – Sun, 10am – 10pm)
- Sam Ma Chicken Rice Restaurant – A local gem with a loyal lunchtime crowd. Their roasted and steamed chicken options are both excellent, and the rice is fragrant without being greasy. It’s less crowded than the tourist hotspots. (Thu – Tue, 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 9pm; closed on Wed)
- Restoran Pak Kong – Located near the old town area, this shop is often packed during lunch. Their chicken is served warm with just the right amount of sesame oil and soy sauce, and their rice is well-seasoned. (Sun – Fri, 11am – 4pm; Sat 11am – 3pm)
5. Dim sum
In Ipoh, dim sum isn’t just breakfast — it’s a weekend ritual and a social affair, where the joy of sharing food is as important as the food itself.
Many of the recipes in Ipoh have been passed down for generations. You’ll find a wide selection: har gow (steamed prawn dumplings), siew mai (minced pork dumplings), lo mai kai (sticky rice with chicken), wu kok (deep-fried yam puff), and egg tarts with silky custard. Most places also offer congee, chee cheong fun, and fried items like radish cake with bean sprouts. It’s common to over-order and then linger over pots of hot tea, chatting between bites.
Top-rated dim sum in Ipoh
- Yum Cha House Dim Sum – This place is a hit among locals for their handmade dim sum and welcoming atmosphere. Their prawn dumplings and pork ribs are among the most recommended items. Prices are fair, and the service is quick even when it’s busy. (Wed – Mon, 6:30am – 2:30pm; closed on Tue)
- Hibiscus Cuisine Ipoh Dim Sum (halal) – This spot is slightly more modern but still very much grounded in traditional dim sum flavors. (Wed – Sun, 10am – 10pm; Tue 10am – 9pm; closed on Mon)
- Canning Dim Sum (halal) – For Muslim visitors or those looking for pork-free options, Canning Dim Sum offers a full halal menu without sacrificing taste. (Thu – Tue, 7:30am – 3:30pm; closed on Wed)
6. Yong tau foo
Yong Tau Foo consists of a variety of vegetables and tofu that are stuffed with fish paste and either fried or boiled. You usually get a choice of items like stuffed chili, tofu, brinjal, bitter gourd, and tofu skin rolls. Most places let you choose your items à la carte and will serve them in soup or dry with noodles or sauce on the side.
The texture of the fish paste is key. It should be bouncy, fresh, and not overly salty. The soup is clear and mild, meant to let the natural flavors of the fillings shine.
Top-rated yong tau foo in Ipoh
- Dai Shu Geok Yong Tau Foo (Big Tree Foot) – Located under a giant tree in Pasir Pinji, this place is legendary. It’s informal, self-service, and always packed. Grab a tray, pick what you want, and the staff will prepare it for you. (Mon – Sun, 8am – 5pm)
- Let’s Rock Restaurant – Their Yong Tau Foo comes with a rather limited variety, but they still have a loyal local following due to the traditional homemade taste. (Wed – Mon, 1pm – 9pm; closed on Tue)
- Restaurant New Holly Wood (halal) – Located in Canning Garden, this popular halal kopitiam-style spot offers yong tau foo alongside roti bakar, nasi lemak, and chee cheong fun. It’s a top pick for a halal-friendly food crawl in Ipoh. (Mon – Sun, 7am – 6pm)
7. Tau fu fa (soy pudding)
This delicate dessert may look simple, but it’s one of the most iconic desserts in Ipoh. Tau fu fah is made from ultra-smooth soy milk that’s coagulated to form a silken pudding, typically served warm with a drizzle of sugar syrup, either clear or infused with ginger. It’s light, subtly sweet, and offers a clean, beany finish that soy lovers will appreciate. In Ipoh, the quality of the water is said to enhance the smoothness and flavor of the soy, making this treat extra special.
While the classic preparation remains a crowd favorite, some modern shops also offer black sugar syrup, grass jelly toppings, and chilled versions. That said, purists still prefer the traditional warm version.
Top-rated tau fu fa in Ipoh
- Funny Mountain Soya Beancurd – Easily the most famous spot in Ipoh for tau fu fah. They also offer drive-through service, which is part of the charm. (Wed – Mon, 10:30am – 7:30pm; closed on Tue)
- Woong Kee Bean Curd – A strong contender that’s popular with locals. They offer several different types of toppings and sugar, such as osmanthus sugar and chrysanthemum sugar. (Thu – Tue, 11:30am – 6pm; closed on Wed)
- Big Mom Beancurd (Dai Ma Tau Foo Fa) – A newer player in the scene, but fast gaining a following for their consistently fresh beancurd, customizable toppings, and refreshing soy milk drinks. (Fri – Wed, 12pm – 6pm; closed on Thu)
8. Hakka mee
Hakka Mee is a comforting noodle dish that’s become a staple of Ipoh breakfasts. It features firm egg noodles tossed in light soy sauce and lard oil, topped with seasoned minced pork or chicken. Like most Ipoh specialties, it’s a simple dish, but the texture of the noodles and the balance of the topping make all the difference.
This is often served dry with a separate bowl of clear soup, though some places let you add yong tau foo or other extras. Locals often pair it with a cup of kopi or teh to make a classic morning combo.
Top-rated hakka mee in Ipoh
- Paris Restaurant – An old-school shop near Jalan Sultan Iskandar (Hugh Low Street), loved for its springy noodles and fragrant pork topping. The crowd here speaks for itself. (Tue – Sun, 7am – 11:30am; closed on Mon)
- Restaurant Hakka Mee – Despite the name, this local favorite also serves excellent Yong Tau Foo with a wide selection of handmade items. (Fri – Wed, 8am – 11:30am; closed on Thu)
- Hakka Restaurant – A dependable spot in town for simple Hakka-style food, including Hakka mee and yong tau fu. (Thu – Tue, 8am – 12pm; closed on Wed)
9. Curry mee
Curry mee is one of Ipoh’s best-loved noodle dishes, and you’ll find two distinct styles in the city: the wet version, served in a steaming bowl of curry soup, and the dry version, where yellow noodles are tossed in thick curry gravy.
You’ll typically get toppings like poached chicken, prawns, bean sprouts, tofu puffs, and sometimes cockles. Most shops will let you choose between yellow mee, bee hoon, or a combination of both.
Top-rated curry mee in Ipoh
- Xin Quan Fang – A local institution, always packed in the mornings. Their curry mee comes with roast pork, char siew, and silky poached chicken. (Mon – Sun, 7:30am – 12:30pm)
- Yee Fatt Dry Curry Mee – A cornerstone of Ipoh’s curry mee scene. Yee Fatt has been around for over 60 years and is especially famous for their dry version. (Tue – Sun, 7:30am – 2pm; closed on Mon)
- Nam Chau Coffee Shop – This place does both versions well, and you can also add soft-boiled egg, sambal, or roast pork depending on your preference. (Thu – Tue, 7:30am – 3:30pm; closed on Wed)
10. Chee cheong fun
Chee cheong fun is silky steamed rice noodle rolls that are either plain or with a simple filling, topped with a choice of sauces, typically a sweet red sauce, soy sauce, mushroom gravy, or curry. Or for those who like to keep it simple, just a dash of sesame oil and soy sauce.
Some stalls also add pickled green chilies, fried shallots, or toasted sesame seeds for texture and extra zing.
Top-rated chee cheong fun in Ipoh
- Canning Garden Chee Cheong Fun – One of the most beloved in Ipoh. Their chee cheong fun is super smooth, generously topped with crispy fried shallots and toasted sesame seeds. (Thu – Tu, 9:30am – 2:30pm; closed on Wed)
- Pasir Pinji Chee Cheong Fun (near Big Tree Foot) – A small stall with long queues, known for their house-made sauces and hand-cut noodles topped with fried shallots and dried shrimps. (Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri, 10am – 3pm; closed on Wed, Sat & Sun)
- Ipoh Traditional Style Chee Cheong Fun – A small corner lot selling authentic chee cheong fun with a variety of sauce choices. You can also top it up with fish cakes and crispy beancurd skin. (Wed – Mon, 10am – 3:45pm; closed on Tue)
11. Salt-baked chicken
Salt-baked chicken is another one of Ipoh’s signature dishes. It’s chicken marinated with Chinese herbs like angelica root and wolfberries, then wrapped in parchment paper and baked in a bed of hot rock salt. The dish is ready when the meat is fall-off-the-bone tender and carries a subtle herbal aroma.
Salt-baked chicken is often sold whole, making it great for sharing. It’s also a popular edible souvenir. Many shops offer vacuum-sealed versions you can bring home. But if you’re in town, it’s worth sitting down to enjoy it fresh while the juices are still warm.
Top-rated salt-baked chicken in Ipoh
- Ayam Garam Aun Kheng Lim – Probably the best-known name for salt-baked chicken in Ipoh. It’s a takeaway-only shop. You can either get it frozen, or fresh if you’d like to eat it immediately. (Mon – Sun, 9am – 6pm)
- Wan Li Xiang Salted Chicken & Salted Duck – Another takeaway-only store, known for their herb-forward, generously portioned salted poultry that is reportedly bigger than other shops. (Thu – Tue, 9am – 8pm; closed on Wed)
- Ipoh Kheng Lim Salted Chicken – Another trusted name for salt-baked chicken, but not to be confused with the legendary Aun Kheng Lim. Also takeaway only. (Mon – Sun, 9:30am – 5pm)
12. Dry fried prawns (kon chin har look)
This dish is all about bold flavors. Large freshwater prawns are pan-fried in their shells with soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and sometimes Shaoxing wine until they develop a caramelized crust. The result is a sticky, savory-sweet dish where the shells are slightly crispy, and the meat inside is juicy and fragrant. It’s typically served with steamed rice and is a popular order in seafood restaurants, especially for family dinners or celebratory meals.
Top-rated dry fried prawns in Ipoh
- Pusing Public Seafood Restaurant – This well-known banquet-style restaurant is famous for their huge freshwater prawns, which they fry to a perfect golden stickiness. (Mon – Sun, 12pm – 2:30pm, 6pm – 9:30pm)
- East Ocean Seafood Restaurant Menglembu – A reliable place for local Chinese seafood dishes. Their prawns are consistently large, fresh, and juicy. (Mon – Sun, 11:30pm – 2:30am, 5pm – 10:30pm)
- Sun Marpoh Restaurant – Offers a wide variety of Chinese dishes. The fried prawns and Indonesian-style curry prawns are among customers’ favorites. (Tue – Thu, 11:30 – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 10pm)
13. Egg tarts
Egg tarts in Ipoh are small, golden pastries with a light and flaky crust that crumbles slightly as you bite into it, and a smooth, rich filling like a lightly sweetened custard. It’s a popular snack, often enjoyed with a cup of white coffee or as a takeaway treat to bring home in boxes.
The best ones are made fresh throughout the day, served warm with a gentle wobble in the center. Some bakeries have been perfecting their recipe for decades, turning this humble pastry into a local pride.
Top-rated egg tarts in Ipoh
- Nam Heong White Coffee – Aside from their coffee, Nam Heong is famous for their freshly baked egg tarts with a glossy top and creamy center. (Mon – Sun, 6:30am – 4:30pm)
- Hong Kee Confectionery Trading – A true old-school bakery with a wide array of traditional Chinese pastries. You’ll find trays disappearing quickly during peak hours. (Mon – Sun, 7am – 5pm)
- Yee Thye Cake House & Confectionery – Known for their traditional biscuits and festive snacks, Yee Thye also produces solid egg tarts with a dense but creamy center. (Mon – Sun, 9am – 10pm)
14. Kaya puffs
This nostalgic pastry features a flaky outer crust filled with fragrant kaya (a sweet spread made from coconut milk, egg, and sugar). Ipoh’s kaya puffs are prized for their balance: a buttery, slightly crisp pastry shell and a kaya filling that’s not too sweet, with a soft, custardy texture.
Many bakeries here use traditional wood-fired ovens and time-tested recipes, and some people buy them by the dozen to take home as gifts. They’re best eaten warm, but still delicious at room temperature.
Top-rated kaya puffs in Ipoh
- Sin Eng Heong – Possibly the most famous kaya puff bakery in Ipoh. The queue can be long, but the kaya puffs are always fresh, warm, and deeply satisfying. (Wed – Mon, 9:30am – 6pm, closed on Tue)
- Ming Yue Confectionery – A popular alternative to Sin Eng Heong for kaya puffs, mooncakes, Tambun biscuits, and other popular Chinese pastries. (Mon – Sun, 9:30am – 6:30pm)
- Yee Thye Cake House & Confectionery – Offers both regular kaya and pandan kaya puffs. Goes well with their white coffee. (Mon – Sun, 9am – 10pm)
15. Heong peng
Heong peng or heong peah — literally meaning “fragrant biscuits” — are a traditional Chinese pastry filled with a sticky maltose-sugar filling and baked until the crust is crisp and slightly charred. The outer shell is flaky and crackly, while the inside is sweet, chewy, and aromatic. You’ll often catch a whiff of toasted sesame and burnt sugar just from walking past a heong peng bakery.
These biscuits are a popular Ipoh souvenir and are best enjoyed fresh, when the crust is still crisp and the filling hasn’t hardened. Locals often eat them with tea, as the sweetness pairs well with something bitter or roasted.
Top-rated heong peng in Ipoh
- 362 Heong Peah – Located in Gunung Rapat, a place widely considered to be the go-to for authentic heong peng. They still bake their biscuits over coconut husk fires, giving them that signature smoky taste. (Mon – Sun, 8am – 5pm)
- Sin Eng Heong – Apart from egg tarts and kaya puffs, they’re also famous for their heong peng. (Wed – Mon, 9:30am – 6pm; closed on Tue)
- Guan Heong Biscuit Shop – Established in 1918, they have a slightly more innovative take on heong peng — with fillings like chicken floss and dried grilled meat. (Mon – Sun, 9am – 6:30pm)
16. Pomelo
Ipoh’s pomelo is legendary. Grown in Tambun, just outside the city center, the fruit is large, round, and packed with juicy, slightly tart-sweet pulp. Compared to pomelos from other regions, Tambun’s are less bitter and have a thinner rind, making them easier to eat and more enjoyable. It’s a fruit that Malaysians often associate with Chinese New Year, but in Ipoh, it’s a year-round snack and souvenir.
The locals swear by the unique soil and mineral-rich water in the Tambun Valley, which supposedly gives the pomelos their signature sweetness. Sellers will often help you pick the best one based on your preference — sweeter or more tart.
Top-rated places for pomelo in Ipoh
- Tambun Pomelo GoChin Agro Farm – A well-known family-established pomelo farm that you can tour for free and buy local fruits from. They even offer samples so you know exactly what you’re getting. (Mon – Sun, 9am – 5:30pm)
- Raymond Khoo Fruit Trading – Reliable place selling reasonably priced pomelo and other local souvenirs. The sellers here are friendly and happy to answer questions. (Tue – Sun, 10:30am – 6:30pm; closed on Mon)
17. Menglembu groundnuts
Named after the small town of Menglembu near Ipoh, these groundnuts (peanuts) are one of the most iconic snacks to come out of Perak. The shells often come lightly seasoned, making it a fun snack to crack open and eat by hand.
They’re sold all over Malaysia now and make a great beer snack, a crunchy munch for the drive home or a popcorn substitute in your home theater. Famous brands include Thumbs (Ngan Yin), Pagoda, and Cap Pemancing.
Additional tips
- Go early for breakfast dishes like chicken rice, dim sum, Hakka mee, and tau fu fah. Many places sell out midday.
- Bring cash, especially for small dessert shops and hawker stalls.
- Expect queues. Popular spots often have long lines, especially on weekends.
- Share dishes like the locals do. Portions are usually generous, so if you’re traveling with more people, sharing allows everyone to try more without overstuffing.
- Ask locals. Don’t be shy to ask for recommendations — Malaysian folks love talking about food!
- Avoid peak weekends. Public holidays and school breaks bring big crowds from KL and Penang.
- Pack some home – Kaya puffs, salted chicken, and biscuits make great souvenirs (and can last a few days).
Final thoughts
Every time I visit Ipoh, I’m reminded that good food doesn’t always need to be fancy or complicated. Sometimes, it’s not about the presentation or long ingredient lists, but more about care, heritage, and that unexplainable local touch you just can’t replicate elsewhere. Whether it’s Chinese Hakka traditions, local Malay flavors, or decades-old kopitiam culture, what makes it extra special is how locals take pride in doing simple things really well.
If you’re planning a trip to this charming little city, check out my complete travel guide to Ipoh for must-see spots, itinerary ideas, and of course, more food tips. And while you’re here, feel free to explore the rest of the blog for more destination guides, restaurant recommendations, and honest travel advice from a local who’s always on the road (with an empty stomach and an open heart).
