Ipoh is Malaysia’s third most populous city and one of the most popular destinations for a short, simple and fun weekend getaway today. Also known as the gateway to Cameron Highlands, this city is slowly climbing the ladders of travel bucket lists from travellers all over the world.

Ipoh has faced a massive transformation over the past few years—in the past, many of us would never have thought of visiting Ipoh for a holiday trip or even a short getaway from the rush of our fast-paced lifestyles. However, Ipoh’s rapid transition has managed to land the city on Lonely Planet’s list of Top 10 Asian Destinations To Visit in 2016.

If you are looking to stop by Ipoh for just a day, here are some suggestions on where you can eat and have fun at.

Photo Credit: mizznsm88

BREAKFAST AT RESTORAN NEW HOLLYWOOD

To kick-start your day, head over to Restoran New Hollywood for delectable halal Chinese food. Known to be one of the best breakfast spots in Ipoh for locals and tourists alike, you can expect Malaysian street food that is nothing short of scrumptious.

The most popular items in this eatery would be the Hong Kong Chee Cheong Fun and the Roti Goyang. For the uninitiated, the latter is essentially poached eggs atop toasts. Yes, it may sound simple, but nothing beats such a traditional, old-school breakfast!

Taman Canning, 31400 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Tue to Sun: 7am – 4pm
Closed on Mondays

Photo Credit: Traveloka

VISIT THE KEK LOK TONG CAVE TEMPLE

A temple inside a cave?! The Kek Lok Tong complex is home to a central altar featuring a number of Buddhist figures as well as various deities of the Chinese pantheon.

Get your daily dose of nature’s beauty by visiting this temple situated in the south of Ipoh. Venture deeper into the cave and you’d be greeted by a picturesque garden view that will surely wow you with its charm.

Kek Look Tong, Gunung Rapat, Ipoh, Perak
Daily: 7am – 6pm

Photo Credit: j2kfm

GRAB A CUPPA IPOH WHITE COFFEE

Caffeine lovers, you are in for a treat. Many of us would be familiar with the 3-in-1 sachets of Ipoh White Coffee that we can easily get our hands on at supermarkets, but when in Ipoh, it is time to ditch those and head straight for the real deal.

This iconic drink is why Ipoh managed to be listed as one of the top three coffee towns by Lonely Planet. It is almost a crime to leave Ipoh without having a cup (or two) of this oh-so-addictive beverage!

LUNCH AT MING COURT HONG KONG TIM SUM

Ipoh’s populous is mostly made up of Chinese, and the community is predominantly of Cantonese origin. Thus, it is not surprising that Dim Sum is popular amongst the locals here.

When in Ipoh, head to the legendary Ming Court Hong Kong Tim Sum for lunch before they close at 2pm. This is where you can indulge in a feast comprising of authentic, plump dim sum in the likes of the usual siew mai, har gao and deep fried beancurd.

36, Jalan Leong Sin Nam, Kampung Jawa, 30300 Ipoh, Negeri Perak, Malaysia
Mon to Wed, Fri to Sun: 6am – 2pm
Closed on Thursdays

Photo Credit: tikitouringkiwi

BROWSE THE PLENTEOUS STREET ART

Artist Ernest Zacharevicis—a multidiscipline contemporary and public artist—is extremely well-known for his art pieces in Penang, but you’d be pleased to hear that he has also graced the walls of Ipoh with his stunning art pieces.

You can find seven of his art pieces along the Ipoh Mural Art Trail. We reckon that these backdrops are perfect for OOTD shots so do not be shy to get some shots here to jazz up your Instagram feed!

Market Lane, 30000 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

Photo Credit: Pâtisserie BoutiQue

HEAD TO PÂTISSERIE BOUTIQUE FOR SWEET TREATS

Ipoh may not be the most popular city in Malaysia for tourists from all over the world to visit, but you’d be surprised to hear that this humble city is a go-to for those residing in Kuala Lumpur to visit for café hopping.

You know what that means—Ipoh has plenty of gorgeous cafés for youngsters and tourists to sit back and relax in over a slice of cake and a cup of tea. Pâtisserie BoutiQue is one of the many cafés in Ipoh that will bewitch you with the charms of their sweet treats.

103, Jalan Sultan Yusof, 30000 Ipoh, Negeri Perak, Malaysia
Mon, Tue, Thu to Sun: 11am – 6pm
Closed on Wednesdays

Photo Credit: Adventure Appetite

DINNER AT IPOH’S FAMOUS CHICKEN RICE STALL

Amongst Ipoh’s best-known local delicacies would be Chicken Rice, so you have to be sure to have at least a plate of this treat during your short time in Ipoh! Constantly dubbed as ‘The Best Chicken Rice in Ipoh’ is Lou Wong Bean Sprout Chicken Rice.

This humble eatery whips up Hainanese chicken rice that is said to be so delicious, it is enough to be a reason for a return trip to Ipoh. Here you can expect smooth, poached chicken seasoned with soy sauce as well as crunchy beansprouts as the perfect accompaniment to your meal.

49, Jalan Yau Tet Shin, Taman Jubilee, 30000 Ipoh, Negeri Perak, Malaysia
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Tel : +60 5-254 4199

Malaysian food, in general, is well-liked among locals and foreigners and each city has its own specialties. Most people would know about Penang Char Kway Teow and Kuala Lumpur‘s Chili Pan Mee because these are two popular tourist destinations.

Another Malaysian city that is often overlooked is Ipoh which is somewhere in between Penang and Kuala Lumpur. The capital city of Perak may be quiet but it has its own charms that are worth discovering as well—especially their local food!

Here are 10 Local Food You Have To Try When In Ipoh.

#1 BEAN CURD

We have yet to meet someone who doesn’t like to eat bean curd. This all-time favourite dessert is sweet, soft and it glides down your tongue due to its silky smooth texture.

#2 BEAN SPROUTS CHICKEN

If we have to find one dish to represent Ipoh, that would be bean sprouts chicken. A full meal would look something like this: bean sprouts, soy sauce chicken and a bowl of the famous Ipoh hor fun. The recipes are passed down through generations and the taste never gets old.

#3 CHEE CHEONG FUN

Made with thin rice noodle rolls, Ipoh’s Chee Cheong Fun is not really similar to what you see in Singapore. Served with soy sauce, sesame oil and pickled green chilies, you can choose to follow how the locals have it or drizzle some sweet sauce over for those who prefer something stronger on their taste buds.

#4 CURRY MEE

Curry Mee is no stranger to the Malaysian food scene but did you know that it differs in different cities? Yes, forget everything you know about Penang Curry Mee because Ipoh Cutty Mee is prepared with different spices.

You are likely to get roasted pork, char siew, shredded chicken slices, shrimp and bean sprouts in your bowl of curry mee—sounds amazing, doesn’t it!

#5 DIM SUM

The Chinese love having dim sum for breakfast as they get to sample many small dishes at casual dim sum eateries or posh Cantonese restaurants. Some of the dim sum dishes not to miss out are Salted Egg Yolk Pao, Lor Mai Gai, Siew Mai, Egg Tarts and more.

#6 HAKKA MEE

Hakka Mee is a dish that is loved by locals but is not really known among tourists. You get a bowl of dry noodles tossed in lard and topped off with fried minced pork, chili oil, Ipoh bean sprouts and a separate bowl of yong tau foo in soup.

#7 IPOH HOR FUN

Also known as ‘kuay teow’, Ipoh Hor Fun is usually a companion to the famous Bean Sprouts Chicken. The silky noodles are served in hot, clear broth made from boiling chicken bones and prawn shells for long hours.

#8 NASI KANDAR AYAM MERAH

Nasi Kandar is similar to economical rice in Singapore whereby diners get to choose from a tempting array of side dishes. A typical Nasi Kandar stall features many curry dishes, fried chicken, fish, vegetables and egg. The best part? It is usually very affordable to dine there!

Photo Credit: n3rraD’s Gallery

#9 YONG TAU FOO

Those who are craving for something satisfying and comforting cannot go wrong with a piping bowl of Yong Tau Foo. Some of the items that are usually seen at Yong Tau Foo stalls are fried beancurd skin, fishballs, fish paste and so much more which you can have with savoury soup or deep-fried in oil.

#10 IPOH WHITE COFFEE

Thanks to Old Town White Coffee, everyone would know about Ipoh White Coffee even if they have not been to Ipoh. It is said that the aromatic white coffee originated from Ipoh Old Town and the beans are roasted with palm oil margarine. You can have it with or without condensed milk.