Have you ever wondered why so many Malaysians travel to Ipoh during the holidays? Apart from the mining town being a tourist attraction, it is also known for it’s famous food scene. If you plan to visit or stop by here are our picks of the 10 best restaurants in Ipoh you have to check out on your next trip.
The 10 best restaurants in Ipoh you have to check out on your next trip
Ipoh is the capital of the state of Perak, and of Malaysia’s most populated towns. Located between Kuala Lumpur and Penang, it is a major transportation hub with the North-South Expressway laid across the city. It is also a popular tourist destination because of the preservation of British-era colonial buildings and its natural limestone caves.
In the 1880’s Ipoh became a prominent village after tin ores were discovered in it’s caves. Although the Great Fire of Ipoh destroyed half of the town in 1892, it was able to rebuild itself relatively quickly. This made way for the second tin boom of the 1920s and 1930s. In 1937, a rich miner named Yau Tet Shin developing Ipoh rapidly from Kinta River to Greentown. This resulted in Ipoh taking over Taiping as the new capital of Perak.
Today, Ipoh is beloved by Malaysians for being the birth place of delicious local delicacies like Ipoh Hor Fun and Ipoh Salted Chicken. It’s safe to say that Ipoh is one of Malaysia’s food capitals, rivaling Penang and Johor Bahru. When visiting Ipoh, you will find that it is far more than a mining town. It’s food scene is a diverse as Malaysian culture, from decades-old kopitiams to aesthetic cafes.
So whether you’re looking to savour a warm bowl of Ipoh hor fun or a refreshing bowl of cendol, we got just the right places for you to visit. Read on to find out our picks for the best restaurants in Ipoh today.
(Hero image credit: Instagram/rahsia.ip / Feature image credit: Instagram/intanina)
1 /10
Deen CendolDeen Cendol is a long-standing spot in Ipoh where a simple bowl of shaved ice, coconut milk, and green cendol strands comes to life with rich gula Melaka syrup. Many choose to add red beans, pulut, or even a scoop of ice cream to heighten the sweetness. The texture of the cendol strands is soft but still holds a satisfying bite, balancing against the smooth creaminess of the coconut milk. On a hot afternoon, it offers the perfect cooling treat, making it one of the most recognisable roadside stops in the city.
Operating hours: 11:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Image credit: Instagram/intanina
Address : 21, Jalan Mustapha Al-Bakri, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, PerakPhone : 016-535 0351
2 /10
Aun Kheng Lim Salted ChickenAun Kheng Lim Salted Chicken has been delivering its signature “ayam garam” since 1987, establishing its red-and-white façade on Jalan Theatre as a landmark in Ipoh. The whole chicken is wrapped in greaseproof paper, baked in coarse salt, and infused with Chinese herbs like dong quai and wolfberry, producing flesh that stays juicy and fragrant under the salty crust. The process preserves moisture and imparts a subtle herbaceous note rather than overwhelming flavour. Typically sold whole for takeaway, many bring the chicken home to steam it briefly and renew its succulence.
Operating hours: 9AM – 6PM
Image credit: Instagram/703w33
Address : 24, Jalan Theatre, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, PerakPhone : 05-254 2998
Website here
3 /10
Ipoh Tuck Kee RestaurantTuck Kee opened its doors in 1963, born from humble beginnings with its founder selling fried noodles by pedicab in what was then Paloh (New Town in old Chinese parlance), later moving into a shophouse as patronage grew. Their stir-fried Hokkien noodles are smoky and rich with “wok hei,” and the Ee Mee is delightfully braised then charred to a crisp-edge finish. Seafood like steamed squid maintains freshness, and every plate seems infused with a depth only decades of practice can bring. Roast meats, especially duck, are also much sought after, showcasing caramelised skin and tender flesh. Walking into the restaurant, you will still notice the vintage tile floors and an old-school signboards.
Operating hours: 1PM – 10:45 PM
Image credit: Instagram/jjinabudhabi
Address : 61, Jalan Yau Tet Shin, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, PerakPhone : 016-220 9361
Website here
4 /10
Hoong Tho RestaurantHoong Tho has been serving Cantonese-style wok-fried noodles, hearty soups and nostalgic dumplings in Ipoh since about 1957, and is now run by the third generation of the Yuen family. The wonton noodles are springy, topped with juicy dumplings full of pork, served alongside fried wantons that crackle under a crisp bite. Their fried rice shines with BBQ pork cubes, fluffy egg omelette strips and a light hit of scallions, every component working in harmony. Wat Tan Hor—flat rice noodles braised with mixed meats and vegetables—carries a sweet pork-and-shrimp broth backdrop, while snack items like cempedak butter cake and pastries round out the meal in true old town fashion. The interiors add to a sense of stepping back in time, yet flavours remain bold and comforting.
Operating hours: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30PM – 9PM (Closed on Tuesday)
Image credit: Instagram/badboyben
Address : 20, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, PerakPhone : 05-254 9673
Website here
5 /10
Pusing Public RestaurantPusing Public is renowned for its elaborate Cantonese-style tai chows, serving dishes that are both refined and richly flavoured. Signature offerings include steamed freshwater fish, braised abalone, and roast meats with glossy skins. The restaurant excels in producing seafood dishes that highlight freshness and delicate seasoning. Its sprawling dining halls are often filled during weddings and festive celebrations, where the portions are generous and plated with finesse. It remains a trusted choice for family gatherings and special occasions in Ipoh.
Operating hours: 12PM – 2:30PM, 6PM – 9:30 PM
Image credit: Instagram/ohlins
Address : 57, 59, 61, 63 & 65, Jalan Veerasamy, Kampung Jawa, 30300 Ipoh, PerakPhone : 05-253 3428
Website here
6 /10
rahsia.Rahsia Café is a cosy Ipoh hideaway that blends a passion for coffee with a menu rooted in local flavours. Speciality brews are the highlight here, from rich espressos to hand-poured selections that showcase beans with depth and character. Alongside the drinks, the kitchen serves familiar Malaysian favourites with a home-cooked warmth, offering comforting rice and noodle dishes that pair naturally with a cup of coffee. The ambience is laid-back and inviting, with soft lighting and simple décor that make it feel like a true retreat from the bustle outside. Living up to its name, Rahsia has quietly established itself as a go-to for both casual café hoppers and those seeking a taste of Ipoh with a modern twist.
Operating hours: 12PM – 8PM
Image credit: Instagram/rahsia.ip
Address : 5A, Lorong Cecil Rae, Taman Canning, 31400 Ipoh, PerakPhone : 016-309 3073
7 /10
Jln Theatre CoffeeThis café is a stylish stop for coffee lovers, offering single-origin brews and espresso-based drinks prepared with care. The minimalist design of the space matches its focus on quality, with beans sourced and roasted to highlight nuanced flavours. Alongside the coffee, artisanal pastries and light bites provide the perfect accompaniment. Signature items like their pour-over coffee allow drinkers to savour clean, distinctive notes. It is a spot that appeals both to casual café-goers and dedicated coffee enthusiasts.
Operating hours: 10AM – 6PM
Image credit: Instagram/jalantheatrecoffee
Address : 76, Jalan Theatre, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, PerakPhone : 016-755 0235
Website here
8 /10
Jeff's CellarJeff’s Cellar is perhaps Ipoh’s most unique fine dining venue, set within a natural limestone cave of The Banjaran Hotsprings. The menu leans towards Western fine dining, with multi-course meals built around premium ingredients and wine pairings. Candlelit stone alcoves and dramatic cave formations provide a backdrop that few restaurants can rival. The dishes are presented with refined artistry, marrying flavour with visual presentation. It is a destination for those seeking an unforgettable dining experience that goes beyond the plate.
Operating hours: 6PM – 11PM
Image credit: Instagram/thebanjaranhotsprings
Address : Ipoh Perak MY, 1, Persiaran Lagoon, Sunway 3, Sunway City, 31150 TambunPhone : 05-210 7777
Website here
9 /10
Authentique RestaurantAuthentique combines French culinary traditions with a Malaysian touch, offering carefully prepared dishes that highlight both technique and flavour. The menu includes classics like duck confit and foie gras, alongside modern takes using local produce. Presentation is polished yet approachable, with each dish plated to showcase fine detail. Wines are thoughtfully paired to elevate the meal, making it a sophisticated choice for intimate dinners.
Operating hours: 8:30AM – 5:30PM (Weekdays), 11AM – 9PM (Weekends)
Image credit: Instagram/authentiqueipoh
Address : Ground Floor, 13, Ipoh Garden Square, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah Utara, Taman Ipoh Selatan, 31400 Ipoh, PerakPhone : 05-210 9162
Website here
10 /10
Miners Arms Ipoh OldtownMiners Arms brings a touch of British gastropub culture to Ipoh, with hearty comfort food served in a relaxed, rustic setting. Dishes range from fish and chips and roasted meats to burgers and pies, prepared with rich sauces and generous portions. The bar complements the menu with craft beers, wines, and classic cocktails. Its wooden interiors and warm lighting add to the atmosphere of a good ol’ English pub.
Operating hours: 5PM – 12AM
Image credit: Instagram/minersarmsipoholdtown
Address : 18, 18A & 20, 20, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Ipoh Old Town, 30000 Ipoh, PerakPhone : 05-253 3116
Website here
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
