If you find yourself in Ipoh, whether exploring caves and historical landmarks, or enjoying a day at the Lost World of Tambun, you’re bound to think about where to grab a meal. Navigating a new area can be a bit daunting when it comes to dining choices.
But don’t fret, because I’ve compiled a handy list of the best eateries in Ipoh. Here are the 10 best makan places in Ipoh – make sure to bookmark this for your next visit to the city!
1. Nasi Ganja Ipoh at Kedai Kopi Yong Suan
The first eatery that’s an absolute must-visit in Ipoh is Nasi Ganja Ipoh. Don’t be misled by the name nasi ganja, which is, in fact, synonymous with nasi kandar. The term nasi ganja earned its reputation due to its highly addictive flavours. Found at Kedai Kopi Yong Suan, this renowned nasi ganja attracts patrons from near and far.
With a selection of more than 15 dishes to accompany your rice, you’re sure to be spoiled for choice. You can stick with the timeless Ayam Goreng, or venture into spicier territory with options like Ayam Rendang or Ayam Kurma. If you’re in the mood for beef, Daging Goreng or Daging Cincang are excellent choices. Seafood enthusiasts can take their pick from Fish, Squid, Prawns, and even Crab.
Indulge in your nasi ganja with an abundance of gravy, banjir style, or opt for a drier option with minimal sauce. If you happen to visit during the lunch rush, be prepared for a potentially lengthy wait. The same goes for takeout orders, as lines can become quite lengthy.
2, Jalan Yang Kalsom, Ipoh Town, 30250 Ipoh, Perak
+6016 595 9673
Daily: 9am – 5pm
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2. Restoran New Holly Wood
Continuing down our best makan places in Ipoh list, we come to another must-visit spot for your trip to Ipoh. Restoran New Holly Wood, with a history spanning over 30 years, has established itself as a renowned hub for exceptional halal Chinese cuisine in Ipoh.
One of the standout dishes that deserves your attention is the freshly prepared Chee Cheong Fun, complete with prawns and chicken. Additionally, you might consider indulging in the Spicy Chilli Pan Mee (RM7), Nasi Ayam, Chicken Wantan Mee (RM5.50), or a flavoursome plate of Char Kuey Teow.
38, Lorong Cecil Rae, Taman Canning, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
+6012 290 8887
Tue to Sun: 7am – 6pm
Closed on Mon
3. Kedai Makanan Nam Heong
Now, let’s talk about Kedai Makanan Nam Heong. This traditional coffee shop is the source of inspiration for Old Town White Coffee, primarily due to its renowned Ipoh White Coffee (RM2.20). This beverage boasts a frothy texture and an exquisite balance of sweetness and bitterness. Many patrons suggest complementing your coffee with either Kaya and Butter Toast (RM2.50) or Egg Toast (RM4.70).
Additionally, this unassuming coffee shop is a popular destination for its delectable Egg Tarts (RM2.60 per piece). These egg tarts are freshly prepared daily, and feature a luscious custard filling enveloped by a buttery, flaky pastry crust. You’ll also find other delectable recommendations on their menu, including Char Kuey Teow (RM8), an array of Assorted Dim Sum (RM4-RM6), and a satisfying bowl of Curry Mee (RM8).
2, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
+6012 588 8766
Daily: 6.30am – 4.30pm
4. Ming Court Hong Kong Dim Sum
Continuing with number 4 in our best makan places in Ipoh list. Ming Court Hong Kong Dim Sum is undeniably one of the top spots to satiate your dim sum cravings. With doors swinging open as early as 6am, plenty of early birds aim to outpace the queue and relish their breakfast here. It’s not uncommon for diners to share tables due to the restaurant’s immense popularity.
Frequenters often mention that the dim sum servings here are conveniently bite-sized, which can be an advantage, allowing you to relish a greater variety of dishes. If, like me, you have a penchant for steamed dim sum, you can opt for delights such as Har Gao (RM5.50), Siu Mai (RM5.20), or Fung Ngan Gao (RM5.20).
In addition to steamed options, a selection of deep-fried dim sum awaits, including Lei Young (RM4.50), Har Guen (RM4.80), Cui Pek Gok (RM5.50), and more. Be sure not to overlook the assortment of buns as well, with choices like Chan Pau (RM5 for 2 pieces), Da Pau (RM6.80), and Char Siew Pau (RM5 for 2 pieces).
36, Jalan Leong Sin Nam, Kampung Jawa, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
+605 255 7134 / +6018 222 8386
Fri to Wed: 6am – 2pm
Closed on Thu
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5. Ipoh Tuck Kee Restaurant
Having been in operation for more than 5 decades, Ipoh Tuck Kee Restaurant embodies the essence of a classic kopitiam with its vintage floor tiles, traditional ceramic walls, circular tables, and plastic chairs. It’s important to avoid mistaking it for Sun Tuck Lee, located right next to the restaurant.
The restaurant’s standout offering is the Yu Kong Hor, available in small (RM11), medium (RM17), and large (RM21) sizes. This dish is also known as Moonlight Hor Fun because of the raw egg yolk, which resembles a full moon against the backdrop of the dark hor fun noodles.
Another crowd-pleaser on the menu is the War Tan Hor Fun, with prices mirroring Yu Kong Hor‘s. Additionally, you can relish the flavours of War Tan Fish Noodle (RM14), indulge in Braised Chicken Feet at RM8 (small) or RM15 (large), and savour Baby Octopus in Soy Sauce (RM22).
61, Jalan Yau Tet Shin, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
+6016 220 9361
Daily: 1pm – 10.30pm
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6. Funny Mountain Soya Beancurd
How about we pause for a bit and treat ourselves to some dessert at Funny Mountain Soya Beancurd? Situated near Ipoh Tuck Kee Restaurant, this tau fu fah establishment is regarded as the finest in Ipoh. While there is no seating, many patrons opt to stand and relish their treats.
The menu offers just 3 choices: Beancurd (RM3), Ais Kacang Soya (Iced Soya Milk) (RM3 for a small bottle, RM7.50 for a large bottle), and Ais Lengkong (Iced Grass Jelly) (RM3 for a small bottle, RM7.50 for a large bottle).
For those who prefer not to dine in the scorching sun, you can also drive-through. Simply park your vehicle in front of the shop, and a staff member will come to take your order.
50, Jalan Mustapha Al-Bakri, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
+6012 516 1607
Wed to Mon: 10.30am – 7.30pm
Closed on Tue
7. Restoran Thean Chun
Moving on with number 7 on our best makan places in Ipoh list. Restoran Thean Chun, yet another classic kopitiam featured on this list, has earned its reputation for a must-try dish – the Kai See Hor Fun, a delightful Chicken Kuey Teow soup. This delectable offering showcases flat rice noodles (hor fun) luxuriating in a savoury broth or sauce, accompanied by tender shreds of chicken and succulent prawns.
Among the other noteworthy items on their menu are the Chee Cheong Fun and Satay, both highly recommended for a memorable dining experience. Nevertheless, the true star of the show at Restoran Thean Chun is the Caramel Custard, a dessert of silky sweetness that has patrons returning time and again for another taste.
73, Jalan Bandar Timah, 31650 Ipoh, Perak
Fri to Tue: 8am – 4.30pm
Wed: 7.30am – 1pm
Closed on Thu
8. Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong
Established in 1937, Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong is a Hainanese-style kopitiam renowned for its white coffee, often said to be a rival to Kedai Makanan Nam Heong. This eatery is a favourite among both locals and tourists for their breakfast offerings, so let’s take a closer look at what’s on the menu.
To start, many patrons highly recommend the Soft-Boiled Eggs, which pair perfectly with Kaya and Butter Toast and a cup of White Kopi. The kopitiam also offers a variety of noodle dishes, including Curry Mee (RM8), Soup Mee (RM8), and Wan Tan Mee. Don’t forget to indulge in the Chee Cheong Fun, Egg Tart, and Char Siew, all of which come highly recommended.
15A, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
+605 241 4601
Daily: 6.30am – 2.30pm
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9. Kedai Biskut Sin Eng Heong
Let’s delve into the world of snacks, shall we? Kedai Biskut Sin Eng Heong is the go-to place for the finest kaya puffs in Ipoh, and it has been serving snack enthusiasts for over 6 decades. As one of the oldest establishments in Ipoh, this one’s a true gem.
Every day, this quaint shop bakes up a delightful array of goodies. You can’t go wrong with their iconic Kaya Puff (RM1.20), a treat that often draws early morning queues. In addition to that, you have several other delicious choices like Salted Yolk Pastry (RM4), Chicken Floss with Salted Yolk (RM3), Chicken Floss with Pandan (RM2.50), or Salted Yolk with Pandan (RM2.50).
And that’s not the end of it. The menu features a variety of pastries, including the Big Wedding Pastry (RM2.50) with bean or red bean filling, the Hong Kong Wife Pastry (RM1.50) with winter melon filling, the Pineapple Pastry (RM1.20), Husband Pastry (RM1.20) with red fermented bean curd, and Salted Bean Pastry (RM0.90).
64, Jalan Mustapha Al-Bakri, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
+605 243 9659
Wed to Mon: 9.30am – 6pm
Closed on Tue
10. Yee Fatt Curry Mee
Finally, on our best makan places in Ipoh list, we have Yee Fatt Curry Mee, a local treasure with a history spanning over 6 decades. Renowned for its curry mee, this eatery sees its seats occupied throughout its operating hours.
Give the Dry Curry Mee a try – it showcases your preferred noodles bathed in a delectable curry sauce and adorned with braised chicken, char siew, potato slices, and bean sprouts. If you fancy a soupy experience, you can also select the Soup Curry Mee, which incorporates the same tasty components as its dry counterpart.
39, Jalan Kampar, 31650 Ipoh, Perak
+605 242 1043
Tue to Sun: 7am – 2pm
Closed on Mon