From silky hor fun to the legendary Ipoh white coffee, discover the 10 best local dishes you must try when visiting Ipoh — a paradise for Malaysian food lovers.

1. Bean Sprout Chicken (Nga Choy Kai)

Ipoh’s signature dish — tender poached chicken served with crunchy bean sprouts and soy sauce. The secret? Ipoh’s mineral-rich water!
Where to try: Lou Wong or Onn Kee on Jalan Yau Tet Shin.

2. Ipoh Hor Fun

A silky flat rice noodle soup with prawn and chicken broth, topped with shredded chicken and prawns.
Where to try: Thean Chun Coffee Shop (Old Town).

3. Salted Chicken (Yim Kok Kai)

Tender chicken baked in coarse salt, infused with Chinese herbs — juicy, aromatic, and uniquely Ipoh.
Where to try: Aun Kheng Lim Salted Chicken.

4. Ipoh White Coffee

Born right here in Ipoh — coffee beans roasted with palm oil margarine, brewed to perfection, and served creamy.
Where to try: Sin Yoon Loong or Nam Heong Coffee.

5. Dim Sum Breakfast

Ipoh’s dim sum scene is legendary — fresh, affordable, and served in bustling morning teahouses.
Where to try: Ming Court, Foh San, or Yoke Fook Moon.

6. Curry Mee

A creamy and spicy coconut-based noodle soup topped with roast pork, tofu puffs, and mint leaves.
Where to try: Xin Quan Fang or Nam Chau Coffee Shop.

7. Steamed River Fish

Freshwater fish steamed Cantonese-style with soy sauce, ginger, and scallions — often caught from nearby rivers.
Where to try: Pusing Public Seafood Restaurant.

8. Nasi Ganja (Nasi Kandar Ayam Merah)

A local favorite with spiced fried chicken, curry gravy, and sambal. Nicknamed “nasi ganja” for its addictive flavor!
Where to try: Yong Suan Coffee Shop (Gerai Nasi Kandar Ayam Merah).

9. Kaya Puff & Egg Tart

Crispy pastry filled with kaya (coconut jam) or creamy egg custard — a sweet treat perfect with coffee.
Where to try: Nam Heong or Yee Hup Bakery.

10. Cendol & Tau Fu Fah

Cool down with cendol (shaved ice dessert with palm sugar and coconut milk) or silky tau fu fah (tofu pudding).
Where to try: Funny Mountain Soya Bean or Cendol Alley near Concubine Lane.

Bonus Tip:

Plan a food trail through Old Town — start your morning with dim sum, then white coffee, followed by bean sprout chicken lunch, and end with kaya puffs for tea!