I visited Ipoh, Malaysia after some random TikTok video convinced me that it would be a fun thing to do. And, I am happy that I went there for a short getaway.

I opt to fly (1.5 hours) instead of drive (8 hours!)

From the airport, it was very easy to get into town by using Grab (something like Uber in this part of the world) Transport around Ipoh costs around RM5 to Rm20, which is equivalent to 2 to 7 Singapore dollars.

Ipoh has many wonderful food spots! That really made my day, every day. Here are my 3 favourite restaurants.

The number one in my list is Chooi Yue Dim Sum Ipoh (翠月楼港式点心). The word Dim Sum actually means touching your heart. Therefore, Dim Sum needs to touch you with its sincerity. By that, I mean each dish must be executed perfectly and create a culinary adventure for your tongue. Each bite-size piece of Dim Sum should possess unique flavours.

A nightmarish Dim Sum experience is when each dim sim appears to be different but tastes the same! This can happen if the chef is lazy and simply creates a common meat filling for every dish.

But Chooi Yue is different. Every dish that I ordered is uniquely delicious!

This translates to a sizeable crowd even on weekdays. To dine here, you need to inform the ushering waitress of the number of diners. She will issue a queue number to you and you can only wait patiently for your number to be called while you wait outside the restaurant.

Another thing to note is a time limit for your dining experience! Yup, you heard it right. You may only eat for 50 minutes. After that, they want you out. This is to allow others a chance to eat. I think it is sufficient time because the food was so delicious that I wolfed them down in 20 minutes.

Last but not least, they are only open in the morning. Personally, I would abide by all these rules and restrictions any day because it was well worth it. I only paid 16 Singapore dollars for 8 tummy-satisfying dishes!

Google map

Chooi Yue Dim Sum Ipoh

2, 4 & 6, Tingkat Taman Ipoh 12, Taman Ipoh Selatan, 31400 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

Patisserie boutique

Next on my list is a cafe serving fusion food. Imagine pasta cooked with SE Asian spices and flavouring but retaining the substance of the dish. Therefore, you end up tasting carbonara, paired with spiced crispy chicken? I just love delectable surprises on my plate.

The ambiance was chic and relaxed with soft music in the background and as a cafe, their coffee hits the spot! Not to mention the delightful range of pastries that are available for your sweet tooth. Their tiramisu was really good.

Situated in a rundown shop house, the cafe retained the weathered walls that speak history. The original door frame was left intact with its worn texture, and as I sat there, I couldn’t help but wonder about its former occupants from a bygone era.

This place is located close to the famous Concubine Lane. Therefore, it’s good for lunch or coffee after all that tourist jostling experience in Concubine Lane.

Google Map

Patisserie Boutique

103, Jln Sultan Yussof, 30000 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

The last place that I want to introduce is a Chinese restaurant named The Museum. Upon entering the restaurant, you might think that you have accidentally wandered into an English pub. I am not sure about the history of this place, perhaps it used to be a pub or it turns into one at night?

Anyway, the food here is amazing for me. I had the egg foo yong which is an omelette with prawns. It was fluffy, fragrant, and milky all at once! With succulent prawns to compliment, each bite was enjoyment.

The traditional Chinese roast pork and Charsiew were well executed. The meat was moist and flavourful and the rind was crispy but brittle to bite. The clash between different textures was delightful. If you eat this dish by itself, the fatty pork may become overwhelming with its greasiness. Especially when the serving was rather generous.

But fear not, remember to pair it with an in-house salad specialty. I think the salad is inspired by some Thai recipes. I still cannot figure out what kind of vegetable was in that salad. But overall the salad was cool, spicy, sweet, crunchy, and had a tinge of acidity to it.

When the roast pork marries this tangy salad in your mouth, bravo!

Google map

The Museum

1, Persiaran Greentown 7, Pusat Perdagangan Greentown, 30450 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

Hope you enjoy this recommendation and I hope they stay in business and keep up with their standards.

May all be well and happy.