There is something about gathering around a bubbling pot that makes a meal feel like an occasion, and Ipoh has quietly built up a proper spread of places to do exactly that. Whether you say shabu shabu, hotpot, or steamboat, the idea is the same: a simmering broth in the middle of the table, a pile of fresh meat and vegetables, and a slow, chatty dinner where nobody is in a rush. From Japanese-style shabu shabu buffets to charcoal steamboat spots and fiery Sichuan-style hotpot, the city covers every mood and budget.
We did the legwork so your group does not have to argue about where to go. Every restaurant on this list holds a Google rating of at least 4.0 from real diner reviews, sits within Ipoh, and is still open for business. We have ranked them by how many people have reviewed them, so the most talked-about pots sit at the top. Here are the 10 best shabu shabu and steamboat spots in Ipoh to plan your next weekend feast around.
Shabu Shabu, Hotpot or Steamboat: What Is the Difference?
In Malaysia the three names get used almost interchangeably, and the core experience is the same. Shabu shabu is the Japanese version, where you swish thin slices of beef or pork through a light kombu broth for a few seconds and dip them in sesame or ponzu sauce. Steamboat is the local catch-all, usually a shared pot with a Chinese or Thai lean and a wider spread of seafood, balls and greens. Hotpot often points to the bolder Sichuan and mala styles. On this list you will find all three, so pick the flavour that suits your table.
Buffet or A La Carte: Which Steamboat Should You Pick?
If you have a hungry crew and want to keep ordering without watching the bill, the free-flow buffet spots such as MP BBQ Steamboat, Lepak Santai and T-Wo give you the best value, often pairing the pot with a grill on the side. If you would rather pay for quality and a calmer sit-down meal, a Japanese shabu shabu spot like Shabuya or a premium hotpot chain like Haidilao is the better call. We have flagged which is which below so you can match the place to the occasion and the appetite.
Table of Contents
- 1. Haidilao Hot Pot (AEON Station 18)
- 2. Shabuya
- 3. MP BBQ Steamboat
- 4. Wei Lai Chicken Hotpot
- 5. Lepak Santai Steamboat & Grill
- 6. Yu Lim Yuan Ipoh Steamboat
- 7. Thai Mookata Steamboat Ipoh
- 8. T-Wo Restaurant
- 9. Super Red Mini Steamboat
- 10. Takumi Steamboat (Ipoh Soho)
1. Haidilao Hot Pot (AEON Station 18)
The most reviewed pot in the city, Haidilao at AEON Station 18 is the one everyone seems to have tried at least once. The draw is not just the broth, though the tomato, mushroom and mala soups are all reliable; it is the famously attentive service that has made this chain a phenomenon. Expect staff who refill your dipping sauces, a build-your-own condiment bar, and little touches like hair ties and hand-pulled noodles performed at your table. It runs late into the small hours, so it suits a big group supper after a movie. Come with friends and order the beef and prawn paste.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 3:00 am (Daily)
Address: Lot F66, F67, F70 & F71, AEON Ipoh Station 18 Shopping Centre, 22, Susuran Stesen 18, Station 18, 31650 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: 05-238 0520
Google Review: View on Google
Google Map: Navigate Now
2. Shabuya
If it is proper Japanese shabu shabu you are after, Shabuya inside Kinta Riverfront Hotel is the standout in Ipoh. This is the real deal: individual simmering pots, thin slices of beef and pork to swish through clean broths, and a free-flow buffet format that lets you keep going at your own pace. The spread runs from marinated meats to fresh vegetables, tofu and udon, with sesame and ponzu sauces to finish. The setting is comfortable and air-conditioned, which makes it a strong pick for families and date nights alike. It splits service into lunch and dinner sittings, so plan your timing before you head over.
Operating Hours: Mon–Sat 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm; Sun 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Address: Shabuya, Kinta Riverfront Hotel & Suites, Jalan Lim Bo Seng, Taman Istana, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: 012-735 6995
Google Review: View on Google
Google Map: Navigate Now
3. MP BBQ Steamboat
MP BBQ Steamboat on Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil is a long-running favourite for the classic combo of steamboat and grill in one sitting. The buffet format lets you barbecue your marinated meats on the hot plate while the pot bubbles away beside it, which is exactly what you want when the group is big and everyone has different cravings. Regulars come for the honest value and the generous spread of raw items, from sliced meats to seafood and paste balls. It opens in the evening only, so this is a dinner and supper spot. Bring a hungry crowd and a big appetite.
Operating Hours: 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 104A, Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil, 30450 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: 05-241 3866
Google Review: View on Google
Google Map: Navigate Now
4. Wei Lai Chicken Hotpot
Wei Lai at Festival Walk puts a fun spin on the format with its signature chicken hotpot, or ji gong bao. You start with a wok of braised chicken cooked in a punchy, aromatic sauce, then pour in broth to turn it into a bubbling hotpot for the rest of your ingredients. It is a two-in-one meal that keeps the table busy and the flavours building as you go. The spice levels are adjustable, so timid eaters can dial it down, and the mid-city location makes it easy to find. Great for friends who want something a little different from the usual clear-broth steamboat.
Operating Hours: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 2-10, Festival Walk, Jalan Medan Ipoh 1, Medan Ipoh Bestari, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: 05-541 7260
Google Review: View on Google
Google Map: Navigate Now
5. Lepak Santai Steamboat & Grill
Lepak Santai at Vivo Square lives up to its name with a relaxed, all-you-can-eat buffet that runs late into the night. The pull here is unlimited steamboat and grill, with a strong line-up of meats that includes grilled kambing for those who want more than the usual chicken and seafood. It is a halal-friendly option, which makes it an easy choice for mixed groups, and the casual open-air feel suits a long, unhurried dinner with friends. Because it opens from late afternoon until midnight, it works just as well for a supper session. Go with a big group and pace yourself across the meats.
Operating Hours: 4:00 pm – 12:00 am (Daily)
Address: Vivo Square, Lang Jaya, Pusat Perniagaan, Jalan Kuala Kangsar, 30010 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: 012-539 6661
Google Review: View on Google
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6. Yu Lim Yuan Ipoh Steamboat
A neighbourhood name that Ipoh regulars hold in high regard, Yu Lim Yuan in Taman Taiping keeps things traditional and does them well. This is old-school Chinese steamboat, built around fresh ingredients, homemade paste and balls, and broths that taste like someone actually cooks them from scratch. The daytime opening hours set it apart from the evening-only crowd, so it is one of the few places here you can hit for a leisurely steamboat lunch. The setting is simple and the focus is squarely on the food. A dependable pick when you want quality without the frills.
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 10:30 pm (Daily)
Address: 209 & 211, Jalan Pasir Puteh, Taman Taiping, 31650 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: 016-553 0228
Google Review: View on Google
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7. Thai Mookata Steamboat Ipoh
For a Thai twist on the format, Thai Mookata Steamboat in Taman Ipoh Perdana brings the popular dome-shaped mookata to the table. You grill your meats on top while a moat of soup simmers around the base, so the fat and juices drip down and flavour the broth as you cook. It is an interactive, hands-on meal that is brilliant fun for groups, and the Thai-style dipping sauces give it a tangy, spicy kick. It opens in the evenings and closes on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly. Come for the novelty and stay for the smoky, savoury payoff.
Operating Hours: Tue–Sun 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm; Mon Closed
Address: 48, Laluan Ipoh Perdana, Taman Ipoh Perdana, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: 011-1535 3609
Google Review: View on Google
Google Map: Navigate Now
8. T-Wo Restaurant
T-Wo in Taman Jubilee has become a firm favourite for its buffet steamboat and grill spread in the heart of Ipoh town. The set-up pairs a bubbling pot with a barbecue plate, and the selection stretches across grilled meats, seafood and signature hotpot items, so there is plenty to keep working through. It is an evening spot that stays open until midnight, which makes it a solid shout for a late dinner or a supper hang with a big group. The town-centre location means parking takes a little patience on weekends. Go hungry, share the grill, and let the pot do the rest.
Operating Hours: 5:00 pm – 12:00 am (Daily)
Address: 97-99, Jalan Mustapha Al-Bakri, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: 011-5984 5364
Google Review: View on Google
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9. Super Red Mini Steamboat
Not everyone wants to share a communal pot, and that is where Super Red Mini Steamboat in Kampung Jawa comes in. Each diner gets their own individual pot, so you can pick your preferred broth and cook exactly what you want at your own pace, with no reaching across the table. It is a tidy, fuss-free format that suits smaller groups, solo diners and anyone who likes their meal a little more personal. The selection covers the usual sliced meats, seafood and vegetables, and the weekend afternoon opening gives you more flexibility than most. A neat option when you want steamboat without the crowd.
Operating Hours: Mon–Fri 5:00 pm – 10:30 pm; Sat–Sun 1:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Address: 43, Persiaran Greenhill, Kampung Jawa, 30450 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: 017-583 1448
Google Review: View on Google
Google Map: Navigate Now
10. Takumi Steamboat (Ipoh Soho)
Rounding out the list, Takumi Steamboat at Soho Ipoh is the go-to when the craving strikes late. It keeps the pots going until the early hours, so this is the spot for a post-drinks supper or a night-owl hotpot session with friends. The vibe is casual and lively, and the format keeps things simple: pick your broth, pile in the fresh ingredients, and settle in for a long one. Its central Jalan Sultan Iskandar address puts it within easy reach of the city nightlife. A younger, later-night alternative to the family steamboat halls, and all the better for it.
Operating Hours: 5:00 pm – 2:00 am (Daily)
Address: Block A G-6, Soho Ipoh, Jalan Sultan Iskandar, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: Not listed
Google Review: View on Google
Google Map: Navigate Now
Ipoh gives you the full range of the simmering-pot experience, and the right pick comes down to the occasion. For a polished Japanese shabu shabu everyone can enjoy, Shabuya is your safest bet, while Haidilao delivers the big-brand hotpot show with service to match. When the group is large and the budget is tight, the free-flow buffets at MP BBQ Steamboat, Lepak Santai and T-Wo pack in the most food for your ringgit. And for something different, Wei Lai’s chicken hotpot and Thai Mookata’s grill-and-soup combo are well worth a detour.
Opening hours and menus do change, so it is always worth a quick call or a check on Google before you head out. Now round up your crew, pick a pot, and make a proper weekend of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which shabu shabu in Ipoh is best for a Japanese-style experience?
Shabuya at Kinta Riverfront Hotel is the strongest choice for authentic Japanese shabu shabu in Ipoh, with individual pots, thin sliced meats and a free-flow buffet format. It is comfortable, air-conditioned and works well for both families and couples.
Are there halal steamboat options in Ipoh?
Yes. Lepak Santai Steamboat & Grill at Vivo Square is a halal-friendly buffet with unlimited steamboat and grill, including options like grilled kambing. As always, confirm the latest certification with the restaurant before you book if halal status matters to your table.
Which steamboat in Ipoh is open late at night?
For a late supper, Haidilao at AEON Station 18 runs until around 3:00 am and Takumi Steamboat at Soho Ipoh keeps its pots going until about 2:00 am. Lepak Santai and T-Wo also stay open until midnight, making them handy for night-owl cravings.
What is the difference between shabu shabu and steamboat?
Shabu shabu is the Japanese style, where you swish thin slices of meat through a light broth and dip them in sesame or ponzu sauce. Steamboat is the local catch-all for a shared pot with a wider spread of seafood, balls and greens, often with a Chinese or Thai lean. Both share the same table-cooking idea.
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
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