Food Galore in Ipoh – A Day of Legendary Flavours

 Ipoh - Ipoh is often described as a makan paradise, and after spending a full day eating my way through the city, I completely understand why.

Breakfast at Ah Tiong Ipoh Hor Fun

We started early and I mean early. If you’re heading to Ah Tiong Ipoh Hor Fun, you must arrive before 9am because it sells out fast. Ipoh hor fun is arguably the city’s most iconic dish, and its reputation is legendary. Many locals believe the secret lies in the water. Ipoh sits in a valley surrounded by limestone hills, and the mineral-rich spring water is said to give the hor fun its signature smooth, silky texture.

The bowl that arrived looked deceptively simple was silky flat rice noodles swimming in a clear prawn-based broth, topped with fresh prawns and shredded chicken. But the first sip of soup was a revelation. It was sweet yet robust, with a depth of flavour drawn from fresh crustaceans. The hor fun strands were unbelievably smooth, almost gliding with each bite. It’s one of those dishes that proves simplicity, when done right, is pure magic.

We also ordered a plate of roasted pork on the side. Crispy crackling, tender meat, and that perfect balance of fat. It was the ideal companion to the comforting bowl of noodles.

Lunch at Big Tree Yong Tau Foo (Dai Shu Geok)

For lunch, we made our way to the famous Big Tree Foot (Dai Shu Geok) Yong Tau Foo. This place is a true Ipoh institution. Here, you pick from trays of freshly made “yong liew” all stuffed fish paste items that are either boiled or deep-fried.

What makes Ipoh-style yong tau foo different from Singapore’s version is its purity. The fish paste here is incredibly “bouncy,” fresh, and lightly seasoned. It’s served with a simple, clear soup that allows the natural flavours to shine. The deep-fried items like bean curd and bitter gourd were crisp outside yet juicy inside. Unlike Singapore’s style, which often comes with stronger sauces or laksa gravy, Ipoh’s version feels more traditional and ingredient-focused.

We also ordered Chee Cheong Fun and Curry Mee.

Another delicous meal at Famous Ipoh Salted Chicken

We ordered a whole salted chicken from Aun Kheng Lim and brought it back to our apartment for a cosy meal. 

Ipoh Salted Chicken is a famous traditional Hakka delicacy, deeply rooted in Ipoh’s food heritage. Made using kampong chicken marinated with Chinese herbs such as Angelica Sinensis (dang gui), the chicken is wrapped in paper and baked in coarse salt. The result is incredibly tender, juicy meat infused with a rich herbal aroma. Each bite was flavourful yet comforting; simple, wholesome, and perfect for sharing. It was the kind of meal that made our Ipoh trip feel even more

Yummy satay meal 

We had another meal best satay in Ipoh.....

Dinner at Cowen Street Chicken & Tauge

At night, we headed to Cowen Street Chicken & Tauge restaurant. Ipoh is famous for its chicken rice paired with crunchy bean sprouts (tauge), and this stall does it exceptionally well. 

The chicken was unbelievably tender — silky, moist, and flavourful. We also ordered chicken feet, and the collagen-rich texture was simply wonderful.

Chicken Gizard

Tauge

Once again, the hor fun made an appearance, and once again it impressed. Whether it’s the water or just culinary mastery passed down through generations, Ipoh hor fun truly stands apart.  This Ipoh Hor fun is different as it's made from chicken broth. 

Ipoh Hor Fun

Braised chicken feet

Ending the Night at Warehouse

After a full day of eating, we wound down at Warehouse nightclub. With Cantonese and Mandopop hits playing in the background, a cold beer in hand, and good friends around the table, it was the perfect way to close the day.

From sunrise noodles to late-night music, Ipoh delivered more than just food . It delivered memories, flavours, and that unmistakable warmth of a city that takes its eating very seriously.

Ipoh Iconic Pastries

 Ipoh - Ipoh is famous not just for its white coffee and heritage streets, but also for its iconic traditional biscuits. These pastries reflect the city’s multicultural history and deep roots in Chinese baking traditions, making them must-buy souvenirs for visitors.

Heong Peah – the Fragrant Biscuit

Heong peah (香餅), meaning “fragrant biscuit” in Cantonese or Hokkien, is perhaps Ipoh’s most recognised pastry. Although it originated in Teluk Intan over a century ago, the biscuit became widely popular across Perak, especially in Ipoh. Its roots trace back to Fujian province in China, brought over by early Chinese immigrants.

Traditionally baked in charcoal ovens, heong peah has a slightly crisp exterior with a flaky, layered crust. Inside, it contains a molten, sticky filling made from maltose, shallots, and brown sugar. When eaten warm, the filling becomes soft and aromatic, living up to its name as the “fragrant biscuit.”

Ipoh Kaya Puffs

Another beloved Ipoh delicacy is the kaya puff. Known for its ultra-flaky pastry and rich brown coconut jam filling, this snack is a local favourite often paired with coffee. The pastry likely evolved from traditional Cantonese techniques and early 20th-century bakery innovations.

Many versions use a lard-based crust, giving the puff its signature crisp texture and rich aroma. One of the most famous places to buy them is Sin Eng Heong, established in 1961, where long queues form daily for freshly baked batches.

Pineapple Pastries

Ipoh’s pineapple pastries are another classic treat. Unlike the typical rolled pineapple tarts found elsewhere in Malaysia, Ipoh’s version often comes in a flaky, pie-style form. Brands like Yee Hup are especially known for this style, which features buttery layers surrounding sweet, tangy pineapple jam.

These pastries are a local adaptation of traditional pineapple tarts, shaped by Ipoh’s bakery culture and strong coffeehouse traditions.

Ham Tan Soh – Salted Egg Pastry

Ham tan soh, or salted egg pastry, is another iconic Ipoh biscuit. Inspired by traditional Chinese pastry techniques, it features a flaky, layered crust filled with lotus paste, savoury meat floss, and a rich salted egg yolk at the centre.

One of the most well-known places to try this pastry is Ming Yue, a well known establishment that continues to produce traditional baked goods using time-honoured methods.

From the sticky sweetness of heong peah to the flaky richness of kaya puffs and salted egg pastries, Ipoh’s biscuits capture the city’s heritage in every bite. They are more than just snacks—they are edible memories of Ipoh’s history, culture, and coffeehouse traditions.

Ipoh Peanut Candy – A Crunchy Local Classic

Ipoh’s iconic peanut candy is a simple yet irresistible treat made from roasted peanuts bound together with caramelised sugar. Known for its light, crisp texture and nutty aroma, the candy offers a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. One of the most famous places to buy it is Sin Weng Fai Peanut Candy Shop, a long-established family business in Ipoh Old Town. 

The shop is well known for making the candy fresh in small batches, often displayed in large slabs before being cut into bite-sized pieces. Many visitors stop by to watch the preparation and bring home a box as a nostalgic souvenir from Ipoh.  There was a long queue forming after a man ordered 30 packets of this famous peanut candy.  

Tasik Cermin Adventure & Kin Loong Coffee Shop

Ipoh - The morning air in Ipoh carried a gentle coolness as we set off for Tasik Cermin, a place often described as one of the city’s hidden natural gems. Surrounded by dramatic limestone hills and quiet countryside, the area promised a mix of adventure and serenity. As we arrived, we learned that there was an entrance fee for each of the adventure parks within the area, as the sites are privately managed and maintained. Instead of rushing through everything, we decided to take our time and explore at a relaxed pace.

We began by walking along the outside of Tasik Cermin 1. Even from the outer paths, the towering limestone cliffs were impressive. The rock walls rose sharply into the sky, their surfaces weathered by time, creating natural textures and patterns. The reflections of the cliffs in the still waters gave the lake its name—“Mirror Lake.” The calmness of the place made it feel almost untouched, as if the modern world had not quite reached this hidden corner of Ipoh.

From there, we continued our walk towards Kin Loong Valley, a peaceful area tucked between limestone formations. The path was quiet, with only the sound of birds and the occasional breeze moving through the trees. It felt like stepping into a different world—one where nature took the lead and everything else slowed down.

There are a set of stairs that led up to a small limestone peak. It was not a difficult climb and the short climb was worth it. From the top, the view opened up to the valley below. The greenery spread out between the dramatic grey limestone hills, creating a contrast that was both rugged and beautiful. 

Climb up the stairs

After the climb, we headed down to Kin Loong Coffee Shop for a well-earned break.

Kin Loong Coffee is a small, traditional-style café nestled in the valley, known for its relaxed atmosphere and classic Ipoh flavours. The shop has a rustic charm, with simple seating and a peaceful view of the surrounding limestone hills. We ordered kaya toast and their famous Ipoh white coffee. The toast was warm and crispy, spread with fragrant coconut kaya and a thin layer of butter that melted into the bread. The white coffee was smooth, aromatic, and slightly creamy; a comforting and satisfying drink after the short climb. It was a simple breakfast, but in that serene valley setting, it felt especially memorable.

Kin Loong Coffee is popular in a local, experiential sense and especially for visitors who want an authentic Ipoh coffee atmosphere.

Pour the white coffee into the ice beaker

Delicious Ipoh white coffee

Toasty kaya bread

We continued our adventure to Tasik Cermin 2, also known as the Hidden World. This section is famous for its secretive entrance through a cave tunnel that leads to a concealed lake.

Edward and Donny

Tasik Cermin 2 came about as a former mining site, where limestone quarrying and tin mining activities once took place. Over time, as mining operations stopped, rainwater filled the excavated areas, forming a hidden lake surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Because the lake is enclosed by rock formations and not visible from the outside, it earned the nickname “Hidden World.” What was once an industrial site has since been transformed into a natural attraction, blending history with scenic beauty.

bending our necks 

To reach the hidden lake, we boarded an inflatable boat that took us through the cave tunnel. The journey itself was the highlight. As we drifted into the darkened passage, the air became cooler and the light dimmer. 

The cave ceiling hung low in certain sections, and at one point, we all had to bend down carefully to avoid bumping our heads. It added a small thrill to the ride, like entering a secret world.

Then, suddenly, the tunnel opened up into the hidden lake. The scene was breathtaking. Calm water stretched out before us, perfectly reflecting the towering limestone cliffs on all sides. The silence was striking, broken only by the gentle movement of the boat. It felt like discovering a secret place that few people knew about. A peaceful sanctuary hidden behind stone walls.

Around Tasik Cermin area, there were also family-friendly activities available. There were ATV rides, which looked exciting for those wanting a bit more adventure, and a small animal petting zoo that would be especially enjoyable for children. The area was clearly designed to cater to both nature lovers and families looking for a fun day out.

Ipoh Famous Cave Temples

 Ipoh - During my visit to Ipoh,  Donny & Edward brought me on a tour of Ipoh to explore two of its most famous cave temples — the serene Sam Poh Tong Temple and the more hidden, atmospheric Nam Thean Tong Temple. Nestled among limestone hills, these temples offer a calm escape from the city’s food-filled streets.

Sam Poh Tong was my first stop. Built within a natural limestone cave, it is considered the oldest and main cave temple in Ipoh, established in the mid-20th century after a monk discovered the cave and used it as a meditation site.

The moment I stepped inside, the temperature dropped and the air felt cool and still. Statues, altars, and incense created a peaceful, sacred atmosphere. The temple complex is known for its large cave chambers, a reclining Buddha, and even a small turtle pond where visitors can feed or release turtles as a symbolic act of good karma. 

Donny feeding the fish

After taking in the tranquil surroundings, we continued to Nam Thean Tong, located nearby. From the outside, it appeared more modest, almost blending into the cliff face. But once inside, the temple revealed its charm. Murals painted directly onto the cave walls gave the space a unique character, and the main sanctum was carved deep into the limestone. 

The atmosphere felt more mysterious, with narrow passages leading further into the cave and stairways that allowed visitors to climb higher into the dark interior.   

Edward and I climbed up the higher stairs into the cave

Buddha face on the cliff

Donny & Edward feeding the fish

Walking through these cave temples reminded me that Ipoh is not just about food. Beyond the hawker stalls and famous dishes, the city also offers moments of calm, reflection, and natural beauty hidden inside its limestone hills.