Here are 10 Ipoh Cafes that opened in the last 6 months – half of them are in Old Town!
I have personally visited them to have a drink at least, not simply copy paste from the internet ok!!
1. Jias By GirafFood – Western & Malaysian food, including simply the best nasi lemak I’ve ever eaten. Also has a variety of homely bakes by the self-taught baker: congo bars, brownies, blondies, carrot cake, and a rare one – pineapple and banana upside down cake!
2. GALANGGAL.Restaurant.Fusion food – Technically it is not new but relocated from Meru to Canning Garden recently so eligible lah 😛 (Plus I love their stuff and want to plug it ok?) Expect hearty Western and Middle eastern fare cooked with flair by its passionate chef Fikri. I’ve tried the lamb shank, duck confit and sourdough with hummus – fabulous flavours with generous portions, excellent value for money!
3. Oasis Cafe – If you think vegetarian food is tasteless, this homely camping style cafe will change your mind. Superb vegetarian fare cooked by the mum, including a delicious “mutton rendang” nasi lemak, complemented by well-crafted espresso by the daughter/cafe owner.
4. Rene’s Cafe – espresso coffee and unique cakes you won’t find in other cafes, like batik cake. Make sure you check out its alleyway seating.
5. Chloe.co – The hottest cafe in Old Town now. The food is standard – croissants, burnt cheese cake and a variety of Western fare – but to me, the main attraction is the attractive facade that includes a French-style revolving door and a giant croissant installation
6. Pekanfood – I’ve only been there once and was too busy talking to take photos. Bu my friend’s ginormous fish and chips impressed me – so did the instagrammable rustic-chic interior.
7. Roosendaal Pie & Mash – the only place in Ipoh focussing on pies (though I must add, my favourite pie-maker is still 718 Pizza, which makes a mean pie with buttery shortcrust that’s to die for). Hearty fare in a cosy cafe suitable for yumcha with gf
8. Pasar Grocer – Sample from a wide variety of beautifully presented Middle Eastern fare in a setting that’s comfortable without being pretentiously atas, if you get me. (In other words, you know you’re paying for the food, not the decor) We enjoyed the hummus and lamb dishes.
9. Irodori – These Japanese artisanal fruit tarts look too gorgeous to be eaten! It’s a dessert you can eat while still feeling virtuous because there’s a generous amount of fresh fruit, and not too much cloying cream. Pastry chef Vincent Koh learned how to make these in Japan and I like how he’s localised it by incorporating local fruits like dragon fruit and pomelo.
10. Coffee CAMP 612 – Full disclosure: a family member owns this cafe and I would like to support the budding young entrepreneur managing this. I love the creative camping-style layout, beautified with plants from the family’s own nursery. You can buy plants here too, while sipping on coffee and enjoying the view.
I’ve included all the FB page links to these Ipoh cafes, so please check them out for the contact details, opening hours etc. For now, happy feasting with your eyes! 🙂
