Save this Ipoh food guide: 15 spots to dine at from kopitiams to cafes

1. Kedai Makanan Nam Heong

Why visit? You haven’t experienced Ipoh food culture until you’ve dined at the iconic Kedai Makanan Nam Heong or Nam Heong Ipoh Restaurant. A third-generation kopitiam established in the 1930s, this is where Ipoh white coffee first shot to popularity and became a staple local drink throughout Malaysia. Today, the brand has 11 outlets across Malaysia, with this one being the OG one you mustn’t miss. 

This outlet has preserved its original look and feel, and oozes rustic charm and nostalgia. Beyond its preserved aesthetics, the flavours and recipes here are just as timeless, and pay homage to Ipoh’s traditional culinary heritage. Apart from coffee, you can also expect to enjoy dim sum, kaya toast, eggs, and a variety of noodles here. 

Crowd favourites: The Ipoh white coffee (from RM2.20 or S$0.66) is what you’re there for — the beans are roasted with margarine, giving it a smooth and creamy profile, and the milk has a hint of sweetness that complements the roast and bitterness of the coffee beautifully. 

Another must-try is the traditional egg tart (RM2.70) for a soft and jiggly egg custard that sits in a freshly baked pastry shell. 

2. Yee Fatt Tea Shop

Why visit? Yee Fatt Tea Shop is a third-generation Chinese kopitiam located along Jalan Kampar in Ipoh. Unassuming from the outside, it looks like just another kopitiam, selling a variety of standard rice and noodle dishes, but what stands out in this particular stall is its dry curry mee, another iconic dish, that’s easily one of Ipoh’s best foods. 

A restaurant that has stood this long (from the 1950s, if you’re counting) would have perfected more than one dish, of course. All the stalls offer a variety of dishes to choose from, each made lovingly with recipes perfected across generations. 

You know it’s good because the crowd mainly consists of local regulars and is especially crowded on the weekend. Take note that it closes by 2pm, so if you’re gunning for a bowl of curry mee goodness, make your way there earlier in the day. 

Crowd favourites: Unlike traditional curry mee, the dry curry mee (RM9.50) has a thicker, richer curry paste beautifully mixed with your choice of noodles. The flavours come through so beautifully, that it doesn’t need anything on the side. 

Each plate serves gravy-rich noodles, char siew or barbecued pork, shredded chicken, and local bean sprouts also known as taugeh. 

3. Kin Loong Valley Chang Jiang White Coffee

 Why visit? If you find yourself planning a trip to Ipoh’s tourist highlight Tasik Cermin, or mirror lake, you should also stop by Kin Loong Valley Chang Jiang White Coffee which is walking distance from the entrance of the attraction. For one, it serves up the popular Ipoh white coffee, and secondly, it sits in the middle of many limestone structures, and is quite the scenic spot to just have a cuppa and unwind. 

There’s a good amount of seating with indoor and outdoor spaces available but the place is still always brimming with locals and tourists, so there’s almost always a wait on the weekends, so be prepared. 

Crowd favourites: The frothy white coffee (from RM5.20 for a hot version) is easily one of the best, mixing evaporated milk and condensed milk with freshly brewed black coffee. 

It goes best with the steamed Chang Jiang bread with kaya and butter (RM6.60) — fluffy, soft, and with just the right amount of kaya and butter such that it’s not too cloying. There are plenty of rice, noodle and snack options, too, such as the dry-fried wanton noodle (RM9.90) but we think a toast and some coffee would satisfy us just fine.

4. Chee Wah Restaurant

Why visit? If you find yourself craving a bowl of soul-soothing noodles, then Chee Wah Restaurant is your go-to spot. We only found out about this hidden gem as our hotel was situated right across this bustling kopitiam, and when it finally opened on the weekends, we knew we had to check out what it served, and boy, it did not disappoint. Open only four days a week, this eatery is an old, no-frills, fuss-free spot, specialising in just two items — claypot loh shi fun noodles and fried chicken wings.

While it sounds small and perhaps even unimpressive, rest assured the two dishes are made using recipes that have been perfected across generations. The claypot noodles are cooked-to-order over a charcoal stove (so there’s a wait, of course) and it is so aromatic that it is not uncommon to spot curious tourists being pulled into the queue just by the sight of claypots being fired up at the front, and scents coming from the shop. Expectedly, lines are often long and sometimes require a 45 or 60-minute wait. 

Crowd favourites: There’s only two food items, so it’s clear you need to try them both. The claypot loh shi fun (RM21) is served in a portion for two and is made-to-order. The noodles come in a thick, flavourful broth topped with minced pork, bean sprouts, and a drizzle of shallot oil. Upon serving, two raw eggs are cracked directly into the hot soup, giving the dish a fresh creamy texture. 

The chicken wings (RM3.30) offers a plate of six wings, all well-marinated and freshly prepared, and makes for an addictive snack to munch on alongside the noodles. It’s so good we regretted just ordering one portion, especially after waiting for close to 45 minutes. Trust us and just order two! 

5. Canning Dim Sum

Why visit? Perfect for any meal from breakfast to supper, dim sum is an Ipoh food staple, and can be easily found in the city. Among them, the halal-certified Canning Dim Sum is a local favourite, enjoyed for its wide variety of affordable halal dim sum at an unmatched quality. 

Adding to the experience, the environment is just as lovely. From its spacious interior, lush surrounding foliage (thanks to the team’s landscaping prowess), and the burst of colours on the tables, in the form of its setting and your dim sum, we promise you it’s a dim sum experience quite unlike any other. 

In fact, it’s hard to find anything to fault about this charming spot, save for the parking situation, which can be quite tight, especially during lunch hour since locals swing by, too. So time your visit or come with patience if dim sum’s high on your priority when looking for Ipoh food to munch. 

Crowd favourites: As with all dim sum spots, there’s a wide variety, so picking a few favourites can be tough. Some items that stand out are the unique finds such as the abalone dim sum (RM13) that mixes abalone with minced chicken topped with caviar or the butterfly pea gyoza (RM7.90), a beautiful chicken gyoza wrapped in a blue wrapper.

There’s also a range of baos (RM3.30), and steamed and fried dim sum staples (from RM6.90), and a small dessert menu, too. 

6. Seong Man Teahouse

Why visit? Established in 2017 within a heritage building in Taman Jubilee, Seong Man Teahouse is your go-to for some peace and tranquility after a busy morning or afternoon hunting down some of the best food in Ipoh. 

Seong Man Teahouse is an oriental dessert and tea house that weaves modern flavours with traditional ingredients, creating the best of both worlds. On the menu you will find a plethora of traditional kueh with a fun twist, cakes, sweet and savoury soups, refreshing jellies, and of course, an extensive variety of tea. 

Alongside the desserts, Seong Man Teahouse also has a lunch menu, available exclusively on the weekends. It’s fully vegetarian and offers rice sets, with dishes such as braised lionhead mushroom and red curry.

Crowd favourites: To get the best of both worlds, try the tea set #2 (RM29). Enough for two people, the set comes with a refreshing bowl of tang yuan (glutinous rice balls) with grass jelly, steamed red bean cake, and a pot of tea of your choice, which can be shared.

For a fun take on a traditional Malaysian kueh, the mini angku kuih (RM8.50) serves up four mini pieces that are soft, and packed with a caramelised coconut filling. 

 7. Sam Ma Chicken Rice

Why visit? One of Ipoh’s most iconic dishes is chicken rice so naturally, you can find chicken rice shops on every street corner. With so many places bustling and buzzing, picking the right one can be tough. Sam Ma Chicken Rice is a local favourite, specialising in Hainanese style chicken rice. 

You’ll also find that the rice here isn’t too oily as we understand that it isn’t cooked in chicken broth, as most places usually do. Instead, the fluffy white rice has hints of garlic, which pairs perfectly with the flavourful poached chicken and spicy condiments. 

The restaurant offers both regular and kampung (free-range) poached chicken, with the main difference being in nutrition and texture of the chicken. Kampung chicken tends to be firmer while regular chicken flesh is soft and bouncy — when cooked right. There are a handful of sides available to add to your meal, some of which include fresh local bean sprouts, vegetables meat balls, braised chicken feet and soup noodles. 

Crowd favourite: Chicken is sold by the size, so you can decide to order anything from a quarter to a whole chicken depending on your party size. If kampung chicken is new to you, get the quarter kampung chicken (RM23), that’s poached and lightly seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil. 

A meal in Ipoh isn’t complete without crunchy bean sprouts (RM5), whether you’re having chicken rice or not, so add that to your meal for a perfect and well-rounded chicken rice experience.

8. Kommons

Why visit? If you’re looking to take a break from the traditional Ipoh food and coffee scene and are in search of a spot with speciality brews, Kommons is the place to be. Located on the ground floor of a hotel, the cafe is spacious and decked out in a fresh and modern interior, making it the perfect for slowing down and unwinding. 

The menu offers all the kommon cafe staples from handcrafted coffee and matcha, to flaky croissants and cakes. But the secret sauce of Kommons is the uncommon, or un-Kommon, menu which offers a fun take on coffee, as well as a nice array of mini cakes. You can find flavours such as yuzu cinnamon tea (RM15), a matchamisu (RM18), with flavours differing throughout the year. 

Crowd favourites: For anyone who’s yet to try out a croffle, you can try the chocolate croffle (RM9) here. A lovechild of a croissant and a waffle, the croffle gives you a buttery pastry with a crispy exterior and soft-ish flaky interior, dressed in a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

On sunny days, the yuzu cinnamon tea (RM15) is the perfect thirst quencher. It sounds a bit weird but it’s surprisingly refreshing with bright floral notes from the cold brew tea and a hint of tang from the yuzu.

9. Breda Cafe

Why visit? Open since 2018, Breda Cafe is a dose of elegance set against the backdrop of Ipoh’s heritage shophouses. The cafe is well-loved among locals for its hearty brunches, but it does a great dinner menu, too, focusing on on Western cuisine that delivers both on flavour and presentation. 

Whether you’re looking for a classic big breakfast (RM32) for brunch or a unique red wine chicken (RM31) dinner, Breda Cafe does it well. With such a charming interior, and food so tasty, there’s naturally a bit of a wait time. If coming in groups or at peak hours, a reservation would be wise. 

Crowd favourite: A cafe that specialises in brunch isn’t complete without eggs Benedict (from RM27) and here, you can have it with a choice of bacon, ham, smoked salmon, shrimp, or a vegetarian option with mushrooms and spinach. The eggs are poached beautifully and served on an English muffin, lathered in a robust house hollandaise sauce. 

If you’re not looking for a hearty meal but still in the mood for some nibbles, the classic waffles and ice-cream (RM26) might just fit the bill. But if you’re more savoury than sweet, swap the ice-cream for fried chicken (RM29) instead — who doesn’t love a good chicken and waffles dish? 

10. Magical Beans Cafe

Why visit? Magical Beans Cafe brings together the best of Ipoh’s old-school kopitiam culture with the modern cafe approach, blending past and present perfectly, all within in a two-storey lot. The ground floor features checkered tiles and dark wood furnishings, hinting at Ipoh’s past while the second floor has a simple and minimalist vibe, with white walls, soft brown furniture, and bare cement flooring — it’s almost like you’re in two places at once! 

Here you can feast on anything your heart desires from kaya butter toast and white coffee to salmon pasta and mixed berries waffles. The spread is a mix of local, western, and fusion dishes, giving you plenty to choose from. 

Crowd favourites: The pineapple polo bun (RM5.90) is a major rager, and a popular one with its customers. It’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside with a generous slather of butter throughout. 

With such strong, aromatic flavours, we think it’s best enjoyed with the signature Ipoh white coffee (from RM5.50), though there are plenty of non-caffeinated options, too, such as a rose bandung (RM6.90) if you prefer not to have too much coffee. 

11. Red Brick Kitchen

Why visit? Though it was established in August 2023, some two years ago, Red Brick Kitchen is still a little bit of a hidden gem, set against the backdrop of Ipoh’s limestone mountains. It got its moniker from the red bricks used to build the exterior facade and kitchen, lending a nice rustic charm that goes beautifully with its lush surrounding of nature. 

Inside, the dining area is housed in an elegant glasshouse, giving diners a full view of the stunning mountains behind. 

Unlike its decor, the menu is not at all rustic or heritage-driven. It has been thoughtfully curated with modern-style dishes so whether you’re craving luscious eggs for brunch or meaty lamb chops for dinner, you’ll find them here, where everything is done beautifully, right down to its presentation. 

However, even though it is still relatively under-the-radar, it unfortunately doesn’t seat too many, so there’s still quite a wait for the seats. It is also in the middle of nowhere, so try to call ahead to get an indication of the wait before you head down, else you might have to wait around in the great outdoors if you’re taking a cab there. (Or you could just wait in your car if you’re driving!) 

Crowd favourites: When settling in for lunch or dinner, the truffle mushroom risotto (RM28) is a good choice for something warm and comforting. It’s creamy in texture but well-layered in flavour, packed with umami from the mushrooms and truffle oil. 

If you’re lactose-tolerant, or are looking for something heartier, its steak and chips (RM 49) are also a clear crowd-favourite, loved for its generous portion and its great flavours. 

For drinks, opt for the lavender rose latte (RM12), which takes the classic latte up a notch with floral aromas to sweeten the experience. 

12. Jeff’s Cellar

Why visit? Founded in 2009, Jeff’s Cellar may just be less than two decades old, but it’s actually set in a natural limestone cave that is easily over 200 million years old. Easily one of Ipoh’s best kept food secrets, everything about it is dreamy and romantic. 

The space is large but intimate with a central dining area that’s illuminated by candles, and even has some retro knick-knacks, leather finishings, and wine bottles which makes you feel like you’re in someone’s underground treasure chest. 

The restaurant also includes a wine cellar that houses a private collection, and there’s also a separate bar where you can grab a drink or two. Wine aficionados can ask for a tour of the wine cellar as it holds rare and unique bottles, many that are now impossible to find. 

For dining, you can choose from several course menus, ranging from a chef’s tasting menu, to a seasonal one, and even a vegetarian one. Regardless of your choice, all come with rich flavours, delicate textures, and the freshest ingredients. 

Crowd favourites: As the menu changes seasonally, do call ahead to find out what the menu has to offer at the time of your visit, or check its website for the latest spread. Prices start from RM 645 for a Prestige menu, and go up to RM 990 for a chef’s tasting menu. 

13. Woong Kee Beancurd

Why visit? One of Ipoh’s famous foods is tau fu fah, a Chinese dessert made from soybean or tofu, sweetened with a sugar syrup. While there are several restaurants dishing up bowls of this goodness, Woong Kee Beancurd had humble beginnings, operating first out of a rickshaw outside of the main city center, in Bercham. Its success has since led to its expansion into two other outlets within Ipoh. 

Woong Kee Beancurd maintains a nice old charm with its use of classic porcelain bowls, old-school techniques, and traditional recipes. 

Its silky-smooth dessert is far from ordinary — here, it’s dressed with a few topping options such as grass jelly, red beans, or peanuts and has also elevated the sweetener game with delicate flavour syrups including osmanthus and blue pea flower. 

Crowd favourites: A classic bowl of tau fu fah (RM2) beats the heat perfectly but to elevate it further, add blue flower sugar instead of white sugar and local crushed peanuts (RM0.50). 

If you can’t decide on a topping, get the Super Star (RM3.20), which gives you a mix of the three most-popular toppings — peanuts, red beans, and grass jelly. 

14. De Cafe & Rest House

Why visit? Hidden within an unassuming guest house, De Cafe & Rest House is a small cafe with a big personality. It’s located just a short walk away from the famous tourist attraction, Concubine Lane, making it the perfect coffee stop after exploring some of Ipoh’s best sights. 

Cement walls, exposed bricks, and walls lined with black and white pictures give you a warm welcome with rustic vibes. The menu has all the usuals you can expect from cafe fare, mixing western and Asian-inspired dishes with an emphasis on brunch options and fantastic coffee. 

Crowd favourites: The iced latte (RM12.90) while seemingly simple, is done well with the right coffee to milk ratio. For a twist to your morning brew, you can opt for the Long Island soda coffee (RM14.90) that adds a fun citrus twist to a standard long black. 

If feeling peckish, the open sandwiches (from RM15.90) are a great option. Fillings include anything from fruity cream cheese, and beef salami, to oceania for a mix of seafood. 

15. Aro Restaurant

Why visit? If you find yourself in search of fine Indian cuisine when in Ipoh, you’ll want to add Aro Restaurant to your list of Ipoh food spots to try. Established in February 2024, Aro has gained attention for not only dishing out finger-licking good South Indian dishes but for friendly and attentive service, too. 

The space is relatively spacious, clean, and inviting, perfect for casual lunches especially if you’re coming with family, or a bigger group. 

While the menu is studded with all the staples of south Indian cuisine, there are a handful of unique, standout dishes including a green bean thosai (RM6.50), nutella thosai (RM13.50) — a big hit with kids, and a weekend-only chicken or tofu rendang (from RM18.90).

Crowd favourites: With so much to choose from, you might not know where to start, but you won’t go wrong with the staple vegetarian thali set (RM14), which is a big hit with the masses. To the uninitiated, a thali set is a rice meal that comes with 11 side dishes, consisting of an assortment of vegetables, curries, and for the non-vegetarian set, a meat of your choice. The sides are fresh, flavourful, and have well-balanced flavours, making it perfect for lunch followed by a lazy day after. 

The paal appam (from RM2.80), a pancake-like dish made with fermented and coconut milk, is also excellent here. It is typically served plain or as a sweetened version with brown sugar.