“Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter.”
Coming from Penang, the drive took us around one hour to reach Ipoh.
Here is the brief introduction on Ipoh:
Ipoh is the capital city of Perak, originally a village, Ipoh flourished rapidly in 1880s after tin were discovered however by late 20th century, tin mining industry started to decline, and the development of Ipoh came to a halt.
In recent years, Ipoh's popularity as an international tourist destination has been significantly boosted by efforts to conserve its Bristish colonial-era architecture. The city is also well known for its cuisine and natural attractions, such as its limestone hills and caves within which Buddhist temples were built. In addition, Ipoh has managed to maintain its reputation as one of the cleanest cities in Malaysia and Asia in general.
Notable celebrities from Ipoh: Mimi Chu, Michelle Yeoh, Angie Cheong (TVB), Mandy Lieu and Guang Liang too!
Since Ipoh is on the way from Penang to Johor, we decide to spend a couple of nights here. Long heard that Ipoh is a food haven! The Chinese in Ipoh is mainly made up from Cantonese and Hakka, so we look forward spending our time here. Glad that my limited Cantonese can put on use here.
Kek Lok Tong
A Buddhist cum Taoist temple craved out from a large limestone cave in 1920.
A lovely place that is well loved by all races that everyone has a smile on the faces.
Once we stepped into the temple, immediately the temperature dropped, it was so much cooler inside than outside. The cave is very big that it is very well ventilated. The ceiling of the temple is still in the original state of the limestone, so must always keep your eyes up.
I have been hearing about The18 Luo Hans since young, and this is my first time receiving a deeper understanding.
We enjoyed our time here and were glad to hide well from the glaring sun. This is the view inside the cave.
Ipoh Town
The bustling town centers was so packed with human traffic and vehicles traffic.
The most happening place is Ipoh where you can buy pastries, desserts, food and etc. Alot of well-known restaurants, shops are located in the area.
This is a must visit place for locals and tourists.
When night fall, the night market is also located in one of the streets here where I will share the photos below.
Ong Kee Restaurant
Located in the town center of Ipoh, directly opposite of the famous Lou Wong.
3
Taugeh Steamed Chicken is a must try in Ipoh. You can find many shops selling this product. We ordered half chicken, 2 rice, 1 hor fun and 1 taugeh.
Taugeh is the hit here, Boss loves it so much that he finished most of the plate. It is crunchy and juicy.
Fujiwara Tofa Shop (Ipoh) 怡保藤原豆腐花店,
Sonny is a big fan of the famous Japanese Manga - Initial D and he strongly requested to visit this place.
Newly opened during the Covid in October 2020.
An AE86 is displayed outside of the shop.
We ordered a pastry, a cup of soya milk, one pandan bean curd and one original bean curd.
My pandan bean curd looks and taste the same as the original bean curd and I asked the staff if the kitchen received wrong order, he still claimed that my orders are correct. #feelingmeh
源香饼舗 Guan Heong Biscuit Shop
Another mafia in Ipoh that was founded in 1918 which is also the birth year of my late grandpa!
It is always full of customers coming for their traditional bakes which are sold at reasonable prices.
 |
| This photo is grabbed from google |
The Three Famous Lanes in Ipoh
These three lanes were originally owned by a mining tycoon - Mr Yao Tet Shin who gifted these three lanes to his beloved three wives. Like those old shop houses in Singapore, these places are commonly known as coolie house, opium den, gambling burrows and brothels
Lorong Hale A.K.A "Wife Lane (大奶巷)"
This is the lane that belongs to the main wife of Mr Yao and it is also the longest lane among the three but it is actually quieter than the other two.
Among these three lanes, the most famous one is Lorong Panglima A.K.A. "Concubine Lane (二奶巷)".
This lane is known as "Yee Lai Hong" in Cantonese. It is said that this lane is where the rich Chinese merchants and British officers kept their mistresses during those days.
Today, it is an open-air walking street that is full of souvenir shops, fashions boutiques, restaurants, cafes and dessert stores.
Market Lane A.K.A "Second Concubine Lane (三奶巷)"
The signature of this lane used to the Colourful umbrellas "ceilings" but it was removed during covid due to wear and tear.
Below 2 photos are the street look of the area.
Durbar FMS
A beautiful restaurant in Ipoh that is famous for Hainanese and Western food that is housed in a centenarian building known as FMS (Federated Malay States).
The interior design of this oldest building in Ipoh is set in the post war old Chinese theme. It feels so comfortable and serene. The staff here are polite and friendly, we were well taken care by Kevin whom we enjoy chatting to.
The most attractive part of this restaurant is the Liquor License whichi was awarded to the original owner of this place. What a classic piece of heritage.
The Gerbang Malam Night Market
Located in the town center where I visited in the day, the night market opens daily from 6pm to 10pm.
I think we are here too early, the place is very quiet and not much shopper, I guessed most people are still having dinner.
There are many stalls here you can choose from; clothing, food, bags, toys, shoes, household and many more.
We are here for early supper, it was about 9pm when we reached, and this place is so packed that all the tables are taken and there are still diners waiting for table!
The main reason we are here is for the Bi B Popiah. The queue is long!
Saw people buying this Chee Cheong Fun, it looks good, so we bought as well.
So, we queued, bought & ate.
Love the taste, indeed it is tasty. If this item is served hotter, it will taste better.
This food center is big and airy, you will be spoilt by choices, there are so many to choose from.
Paris Restaurant
Located within one minute walk from Guan Heong Biscuit Shop.
This restaurant has been serving one of the best legendary Hakka Mee in town for more than 50 years!
The noodles are handmade and cooked to the best state, topped with minced pork and soya sauce and a bowl of handmade yong tau foo.
Staff honestly told me that this deep fried item is from supplier instead handmade.
Funny Mountain Soya Beancurd
Heard that this is the best in Ipoh. We made the effort to come over, thought to give it a try before leaving Ipoh.
But see the queue under the super scorching sun. I give up.
If you managed to read until here, a deep heartfelt thank from my heart, The blog on Ipoh has come to an end.
Well, ending of a blog means the starting of another.
The next few blogs coming up will be on Europe, please stay tune, air ticket already bought!
Nevertheless, since you are already here, I would like to take this opportunity to share with you the other blogs I had on Malaysia.
1) Malacca 3D2N Food Hunt Trip April 20184) Malacca Food Hunting Trip again - 2019 part II
9) Malacca - July 2024
Lastly, you are most welcome to browse through the content page for my other travel blogs to Thailand, Korea, Japan, Europe and etc. I will be deeply blessed if you can like my Facebook page: followblueginger
Thank you for dropping by.
Wish you good luck. 😄
