Ipoh Food: Top 10 Must-Try Dishes & Where To Find Them

by Jhon Lennon 55 views

Hey foodies! Are you planning a trip to Ipoh? Or maybe you're just curious about what this amazing city has to offer in terms of culinary delights? Well, get ready to drool because we're about to dive into the top 10 must-try dishes in Ipoh, and I'm going to tell you exactly where to find them. Ipoh is a food paradise. From savory noodles to sweet treats, this town has something for everyone. So, buckle up, loosen your belts, and let’s get started on this delicious adventure!

1. Ipoh Hor Fun (Sar Hor Fun)

Ipoh Hor Fun, also known as Sar Hor Fun, is undoubtedly one of the most iconic dishes in Ipoh. What makes it so special? It’s all about the silky smooth rice noodles, bathed in a flavorful broth made from prawns and chicken. The broth is clear yet rich, offering a subtle sweetness that complements the delicate noodles perfectly. Topped with succulent prawns, shredded chicken, and fresh scallions, this dish is a symphony of flavors and textures. Seriously guys, the texture of the hor fun is just divine – it practically melts in your mouth! You'll find variations, but the original clear broth version is what you absolutely HAVE to try. It’s a comforting bowl of goodness that will leave you craving more. It's so incredibly important to find the right place to enjoy this dish; the quality of ingredients and the preparation of the broth can make or break the experience. Every spoonful should transport you to foodie heaven.

Where to find it:

  • Thean Chun Restaurant (Hall of Mirrors): A legendary spot that's been serving up amazing Hor Fun for decades. Be prepared for a queue, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
  • Restoran Cowan Street Ayam Tauge & Koitiau: Another popular choice known for its delicious Hor Fun and other local specialties.

2. Ipoh White Coffee

No trip to Ipoh is complete without indulging in a cup of Ipoh White Coffee. But wait, what is white coffee? It's not just coffee with milk, guys! It’s a special blend of coffee beans roasted with palm oil margarine, then brewed to perfection. The result is a smoother, less acidic, and incredibly aromatic coffee that’s simply irresistible. The unique roasting process gives it a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from your average cup of joe. Usually served with condensed milk, Ipoh White Coffee boasts a creamy texture and a rich, sweet taste. It's the perfect pick-me-up any time of day. It is a true testament to the city's culinary ingenuity. Sipping on a cup of this heavenly brew while soaking in the local atmosphere is an experience in itself. Many coffee shops offer both hot and iced versions, so you can enjoy it regardless of the weather. Plus, it's a fantastic way to kickstart your day of food adventures in Ipoh. Don’t miss out on this iconic beverage when you visit Ipoh; it’s a quintessential part of the Ipoh experience.

Where to find it:

  • Old Town White Coffee: While a chain now, it originated in Ipoh and still serves a decent cup. It's a convenient option if you're looking for a quick fix.
  • Nam Heong White Coffee: Another famous spot known for its traditional white coffee and other local delicacies. This is the place where the Old Town White Coffee chain started.

3. Chicken with Beansprouts (Ayam Tauge)

Chicken with Beansprouts, or Ayam Tauge, is a seemingly simple dish that Ipoh has mastered to an art form. The key lies in the freshness of the ingredients and the precise cooking techniques. The chicken is typically poached to perfection, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat. But the star of the show is the beansprouts. Ipoh's beansprouts are renowned for their plumpness and crispiness, thanks to the local water. They're unlike any beansprouts you've ever tasted, guys! The dish is usually served with a light soy sauce dressing and a sprinkle of sesame oil, enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and beansprouts. Some places also offer it with hor fun noodles or rice, making it a complete meal. The simplicity of the dish is what makes it so appealing. It's a celebration of fresh, high-quality ingredients prepared with care. It’s so incredibly important to experience the unique texture and flavor of Ipoh’s beansprouts. Don't underestimate this dish because it is simple; it is a true representation of Ipoh's culinary excellence.

Where to find it:

  • Restoran Cowan Street Ayam Tauge & Koitiau: This restaurant is famous for both its Hor Fun and Ayam Tauge, making it a great place to sample two Ipoh specialties in one go.
  • Lou Wong Bean Sprout Chicken: Another popular spot that consistently delivers delicious Ayam Tauge. Be prepared for a crowd, especially during peak hours.

4. Chee Cheong Fun

Chee Cheong Fun is a popular street food dish consisting of steamed rice noodle rolls. In Ipoh, it's typically served with a combination of sweet shrimp paste sauce (hae ko), chili sauce, and fried shallots. The smooth, slippery texture of the rice noodle rolls, combined with the sweet, savory, and spicy sauces, creates a delightful explosion of flavors in your mouth. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that's perfect for a quick snack or light meal. You can also find variations with curry sauce or mushroom gravy, offering different flavor profiles to suit your preference. The beauty of Chee Cheong Fun lies in its versatility. It can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or as a side to other local delicacies. It's a staple in Ipoh's culinary scene, and every vendor has their own unique take on the sauces. So, be sure to try Chee Cheong Fun from different places to discover your favorite combination. It is also great for breakfast, a light lunch, or a late-night snack. The simplicity and versatility of this dish make it a must-try when in Ipoh. It offers a glimpse into the local street food culture.

Where to find it:

  • Funny Mountain Soya Bean: While famous for its soya bean curd, they also serve a delicious version of Chee Cheong Fun.
  • Various Street Vendors: Keep an eye out for street vendors selling Chee Cheong Fun; they often offer the most authentic and affordable versions.

5. Dim Sum

Dim Sum is a Cantonese cuisine involving a wide range of small, bite-sized portions served in bamboo steamers. Ipoh boasts a vibrant Dim Sum scene, with many restaurants offering a plethora of choices. From classic favorites like siew mai and har gow to more unique creations, there's something for everyone. The experience of eating Dim Sum is just as important as the food itself. Gather your friends and family, order a variety of dishes, and enjoy sharing and sampling everything. It's a social and interactive dining experience that's perfect for a leisurely brunch or lunch. The quality of the ingredients and the skill of the chefs are what set Ipoh's Dim Sum apart. The dumplings are typically made fresh daily, with delicate skins and flavorful fillings. It's a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds. Don't be afraid to try new and unfamiliar items. The variety and quality make it a must-try for any food lover visiting Ipoh. Be prepared for a delightful and satisfying meal.

Where to find it:

  • Restoran Foh San: One of the most famous Dim Sum restaurants in Ipoh, known for its wide variety and consistently high quality.
  • Restoran Ming Court Hong Kong Dim Sum: Another popular choice offering a delicious selection of Dim Sum dishes.

6. Salted Chicken

Salted Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish where the chicken is cooked in salt until tender and infused with a savory, slightly salty taste. The chicken is typically wrapped in paper and baked in a mound of salt, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat. The result is incredibly moist and flavorful chicken with a distinctive aroma. It's a relatively simple dish, but the technique and the quality of the ingredients are crucial. The uniqueness of Salted Chicken lies in its cooking method, which imparts a unique flavor and texture to the chicken. It's often served whole or in pieces and can be enjoyed hot or cold. Salted Chicken is a popular choice for takeaways and picnics. If you're looking for a flavorful and convenient meal, Salted Chicken is a must-try in Ipoh.

Where to find it:

  • Aun Kheng Lim Salted Chicken: A well-known brand that sells delicious Salted Chicken, perfect for taking home as a souvenir or enjoying as a meal.
  • Restoran Pak Gong: A classic restaurant famed for its traditional and authentic Salt Baked Chicken, offering the best in town.

7. Curry Mee

Curry Mee is a rich and flavorful noodle soup with a coconut milk-based curry broth. It is a must-try for anyone who loves spicy and aromatic dishes. Ipoh's Curry Mee typically includes yellow noodles and/or thin rice vermicelli, along with toppings like tofu puffs, prawns, cockles, long beans, and mint leaves. The broth is thick, creamy, and bursting with spices. Each mouthful is an explosion of flavor. The variety of ingredients and the complexity of the broth make Curry Mee a truly satisfying and comforting meal. It’s perfect for a rainy day or when you're craving something spicy and flavorful. Curry Mee is a staple in Malaysian cuisine. You can find countless variations across the country. Ipoh's version is known for its rich and aromatic broth and generous toppings. It is a must-try for any food lover visiting Ipoh.

Where to find it:

  • Sin Lean Lee: Offers a delectable Curry Mee known for its rich broth and generous toppings.
  • Sun Seng Fatt Curry Mee: Renowned for its authentic flavor and is a local favorite for Curry Mee.

8. Hakka Mee

Hakka Mee is a simple yet flavorful noodle dish that showcases the beauty of Hakka cuisine. It consists of egg noodles tossed in a savory sauce, typically made with minced pork, soy sauce, and lard. The noodles are springy and chewy, and the sauce is rich and savory. It's often garnished with chopped scallions and fried shallots for added flavor and texture. The simplicity of Hakka Mee is what makes it so appealing. It's a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for a quick lunch or snack. The quality of the noodles and the sauce are crucial. Ipoh's Hakka Mee is known for its springy noodles and flavorful sauce. It’s an underrated dish that deserves more attention. If you're looking for a simple yet satisfying meal, Hakka Mee is a must-try in Ipoh.

Where to find it:

  • Restoran Cathay Mee Stall: Offers a delicious version of Hakka Mee that is a favorite among locals.
  • Many local coffee shops: Often have stalls selling Hakka Mee; ask around for recommendations.

9. Caramel Custard

Caramel Custard is a classic dessert that's loved for its smooth, creamy texture and rich caramel flavor. It's a simple dessert made with eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract, baked in a water bath until set. The caramel sauce is created by melting sugar until it turns golden brown and slightly bitter. The contrast between the sweet custard and the slightly bitter caramel sauce is what makes this dessert so irresistible. Ipoh is known for its excellent Caramel Custard. It is a must-try for any dessert lover. The custard is typically made with high-quality ingredients and baked to perfection. The result is a silky smooth and decadent treat that will leave you wanting more. It is a perfect ending to your Ipoh food adventure.

Where to find it:

  • Thean Chun Restaurant (Hall of Mirrors): Besides Hor Fun, they also serve a fantastic Caramel Custard.
  • Funny Mountain Soya Bean: While famous for soya bean curd, their caramel custard is also worth trying.

10. Tau Fu Fah (Soya Bean Curd)

Tau Fu Fah, also known as Soya Bean Curd, is a silky smooth dessert made from fresh soya milk. It's a simple yet refreshing treat that's perfect for a hot day. It's typically served with a sweet ginger syrup, which adds a subtle warmth and spice. The texture of Tau Fu Fah is incredibly delicate; it practically melts in your mouth. Ipoh is known for its high-quality soya beans, resulting in incredibly smooth and flavorful Tau Fu Fah. Some places also offer it with different toppings, such as red beans or tapioca pearls. The simplicity of Tau Fu Fah is what makes it so appealing. It's a light and refreshing dessert that's perfect for cleansing your palate after a heavy meal. If you're looking for a sweet and refreshing treat, Tau Fu Fah is a must-try in Ipoh.

Where to find it:

  • Funny Mountain Soya Bean: A legendary spot that's been serving up amazing Tau Fu Fah for decades. Be prepared for a queue, but it’s worth the wait!
  • Chun Tau Foo Fa: Another popular choice known for its smooth and delicious Tau Fu Fah.

So there you have it, guys! The top 10 must-try foods in Ipoh. I hope this guide has inspired you to embark on your own culinary adventure in this amazing city. Remember to try as many dishes as possible, explore different restaurants and street vendors, and most importantly, have fun! Happy eating!