My last trip to Ipoh Old Town, in Perak of Malaysia, in 2026 was my 7th visit (since 2005) to the laid-back town and each visit showed me how the old town had changed over the years.
Ipoh Old Town is losing its rusticity and transforming into a modern town. The number of cafes multiplied, street arts flourished and the three Concubine Lanes were made-over to revive charms in the old town. But Ipoh’s local food culture is still pretty much intact, preserving the most traditional, original tastes.
I put together a list of food places — from all my trips to Ipoh, especially around the old town — to go for authentic local food and new delights.
Eating Places
Below is a list of eating places, cafes and bars that I/we have visited in Ipoh.
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Ipoh Drink: Kiki Lalat @ Ipoh Old Town
Kiki Lalat is a rustic bar that sprung up in Ipoh Old Town in 2020. It offers a list of alcoholic drinks, including an “On Tap” menu for self-brewed drinks.
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Ipoh Buy: YG Homemade Biscuit (熊记手工饼) Kaya Puffs @ Ipoh Old Town
YG Homemade Biscuit sells freshly-baked homemade traditional biscuits, especially their signature kaya puffs with various flavours in layered crusts.
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Ipoh Eats: Tong Sui Kai / Dessert Street (糖水街) @ Taman Jubilee
Ipoh Tong Sui Kai is an open-air night market featuring over 50 hawker stalls, renowned for affordable traditional desserts and many iconic local dishes.
Locations
Use the map to find the locations of the eating places mentioned above. They are mostly located in Ipoh Old Town and across the Kinta River to the “new town”.
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