Discovering the Best Chinese Hawker Food in Ipoh

Ipoh, a city located in the state of Perak, Malaysia, is known for its rich cultural heritage, colonial architecture, and most importantly, its delicious hawker food. The city has gained a reputation for having some of the best Chinese hawker food in the country, serving up a variety of mouthwatering dishes that cater to all taste preferences. So, if you’re a food lover looking to try some of the best Chinese hawker food in Ipoh, this article is for you. Here, we explore some of the top-rated food stalls and dishes that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Top-Rated Hawker Food Stalls in Ipoh

When it comes to Chinese hawker food in Ipoh, several food stalls have been serving up delicious dishes for years, delighting both locals and tourists alike. Here are some of the top-rated hawker food stalls in Ipoh:

Tong Sui Kai (Dessert Street)

Located in the heart of Ipoh, Tong Sui Kai is a dessert street that offers a variety of sweet treats that are perfect for a post-dinner snack. Here, you can find everything from traditional Malaysian desserts like cendol and ice kacang to contemporary desserts like molten lava cake and durian cheesecake.

Gerai Makanan dan Minuman Pulau Pinang

Gerai Makanan dan Minuman Pulau Pinang is a food court that serves up some of the best Penang-style hawker food in Ipoh. You can find a variety of dishes here, including char koay teow, laksa, and nasi kandar. The food court is located in the heart of the city and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Ipoh Lou Wong Bean Sprouts Chicken

A visit to Ipoh is not complete without trying the famous Ipoh bean sprouts chicken. And when it comes to this dish, Ipoh Lou Wong Bean Sprouts Chicken is the place to go. The restaurant has been serving up this iconic dish for over 50 years and has gained a reputation for its succulent chicken, crunchy bean sprouts, and flavorful gravy.

Cheong Kee Claypot Chicken Rice

If you’re a fan of claypot chicken rice, then Cheong Kee Claypot Chicken Rice is a must-visit. The restaurant serves up steaming hot claypot chicken rice that is cooked to perfection, with each grain of rice infused with the flavors of the meat and sauce. The dish is served in a claypot, which adds to its overall taste and texture.

Canning Dim Sum

If you’re in the mood for some dim sum, then Canning Dim Sum is the place to go. The restaurant serves up a variety of steamed and fried dim sum, ranging from the classic har gao (shrimp dumpling) to the unique pumpkin dumpling. The dim sum is freshly made and is served hot, making it a perfect breakfast or brunch option.

Restoran Ipoh Han Chin Pet So

If you’re a fan of roasted duck, then Restoran Ipoh Han Chin Pet So is a must-visit. The restaurant serves up succulent roasted duck that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The dish is served with rice and a flavorful sauce that complements the duck perfectly.

The Best Chinese Hawker Food in Ipoh

Now that we’ve explored some of the top-rated hawker food stalls in Ipoh, let’s take a closer look at some of the best Chinese hawker food in the city.

Ipoh Bean Sprouts Chicken

Ipoh bean sprouts chicken is a dish that has become synonymous with the city. The dish consists of succulent steamed or poached chicken that is served with crunchy bean sprouts and a flavorful soy sauce-based gravy. The chicken is usually served with rice or noodles and is a must-try for anyone visiting Ipoh.

Sar Hor Fun

Sar hor fun is a noodle dish that is made with flat rice noodles, prawns, chicken, and a flavorful gravy. The noodles are cooked al dente and are served with a generous amount of gravy, making it a comforting and satisfying dish.

Char Koay Teow

Char koay teow is a stir-fried noodle dish that is made with flat rice noodles, prawns, bean sprouts, eggs, and Chinese sausage. The dish is cooked in a wok and is seasoned with soy sauce, chili paste, and other spices, giving it a smoky and savory flavor.

Hakka Mee

Hakka mee is a noodle dish that is made with yellow noodles, minced pork, and dried shrimp. The dish is seasoned with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other spices, giving it a sweet and salty flavor. The noodles are served with a generous amount of minced pork and dried shrimp, making it a hearty and satisfying dish.

Cheong Fun

Cheong fun is a steamed rice noodle roll that is usually stuffed with prawns, pork, or vegetables. The dish is served with a soy sauce-based gravy and is usually topped with sesame seeds and fried shallots. Cheong fun is a popular breakfast or snack option and is a must-try for anyone visiting Ipoh.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the best time to visit Ipoh to enjoy its hawker food?

The best time to visit Ipoh to enjoy its hawker food is in the evening, as most of the food stalls and restaurants start serving their dishes from 6 pm onwards.

2. Are there any vegetarian options available in Ipoh’s hawker food scene?

Yes, there are several vegetarian options available in Ipoh’s hawker food scene, including stir-fried vegetables, tofu dishes, and noodle soups.

3. What is the average cost of a meal at a hawker food stall in Ipoh?

The average cost of a meal at a hawker food stall in Ipoh is around RM10-15 (USD2-3.50), depending on the dish and location.

4. Are there any halal Chinese hawker food options available in Ipoh?

Yes, there are several halal Chinese hawker food options available in Ipoh, including nasi kandar, roti canai, and mee goreng mamak.

5. Where can I find the best char koay teow in Ipoh?

You can find some of the best char koay teow in Ipoh at Gerai Makanan dan Minuman Pulau Pinang and Restoran Thean Chun.

6. What is the difference between Ipoh bean sprouts chicken and Hainanese chicken rice?

The main difference between Ipoh bean sprouts chicken and Hainanese chicken rice is that the former is served with crunchy bean sprouts and a soy sauce-based gravy, while the latter is served with fragrant rice and a chili and ginger-based sauce.

7. Are there any Michelin-starred restaurants in Ipoh?

Currently, there are no Michelin-starred restaurants in Ipoh. However, the city has a thriving hawker food scene that serves up some of the best Chinese hawker food in Malaysia.

Conclusion

Ipoh’s hawker food scene is a treasure trove for food lovers, offering a variety of delicious and affordable dishes that will leave you wanting more. From the iconic Ipoh bean sprouts chicken to the savory char koay teow, there’s something for everyone in this city. So, go ahead and explore Ipoh’s hawker food scene and indulge in some of the best Chinese hawker food in Malaysia.

And if you’re feeling inspired, why not try your hand at cooking some of these dishes at home? With a little bit of practice and the right ingredients, you can recreate the flavors of Ipoh’s hawker food in your own kitchen.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. The writer does not endorse any of the restaurants or food stalls mentioned in this article. Readers are advised to do their own research before visiting any of the restaurants or food stalls mentioned in this article and to follow all food safety guidelines.