These 6 Places in Ipoh Are So Pretty, They’re Featured in The New York Times!

Ipoh needs no introduction among Malaysians, as this city is famous for its delicious food, vibrant markets, robust night scene and mesmerising natural scenery. Which is why we’re not surprised when Ipoh was recently featured in The New York Times!

The New York Times described Ipoh as a city that is “roaring back in style”, which is set to become “the country’s hippest destination”. That is very true because there are so many pretty attractions in the city, which can take your Instagram game to the next level!

So, here are some of the hotel and cafés that the American publisher highlighted that you should totally visit when in Ipoh!

 

1 . Sekeping Kong Heng Hotel

Located in the old town of Ipoh, this hotel is built upon a three-storey neo-classical building, which houses a must-visit coffee house on the ground floor. In fact, they’ve made a concerted effort to preserve as much of the character of the existing building as possible during the renovation.

This means that hotel guests will be able to enjoy a piece of the local history while staying here!

Fun fact: This building was used as a hostel for theatre performers who performed in Cantonese opera. Sadly, it was burnt down in the ’50s.

Address: 74, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak

 

2. Burps & Giggles

This stunning café offers two things (aside from burps and giggles) – cosy ambience and great comfort food.

You can expect to get sumptuous meals such as burgers, pizza, fish and chips, and there’s a wide array of cakes for you to choose from at the cake counter too!

Besides food, taking #POTD is another reason visitors are flocking to this café. The colonial-era building and mismatched repurposed furniture provide the perfect setting for you to take nostalgic yet hipster photos that are Insta-worthy!

Opening hours: Wednesday to Friday, 10am to 6pm; Saturday and Sunday, 9.30am to 9.30pm; Closed on Monday and Tuesday

Address: 93 & 95 Jalan Sultan Yussuf, Ipoh, Perak

 

3. Patisserie BoutiQue 

Looking at the menu and interior decor, you just know that the owner was going for a minimalist yet atas approach when opening this café.

Salads, soups, sandwiches, pasta and a plethora of choices of desserts served at this café will excite your taste buds! The New York Times writer specially mentioned that the tiramisù has a dense mascarpone and pronounced flavour of Baileys Irish Cream. Mmm… we’re drooling already.

Listening to old French songs while sitting in the café surrounded by whitewashed exposed brick walls, you just can’t help but to feel like a sir!

Opening hours: 11am to 6pm daily. Closed on Wednesday
Address: 103, Jalan Sultan Yusuff, Ipoh, Perak

 

4. Plan B

Despite being a contemporary restaurant with high ceilings and giant windows, everything seems to be very cosy and Insta-friendly. The spacious interior means you can comfortably lepak with your friends for hours!

The menu may be international, but somehow the genius chefs behind the kitchen just knows how to spice the dishes up using Southeast Asian ingredients.

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 10am to 11pm; Friday, 10am to 12am; Saturday, 9am to 12am; Sunday, 9am to 11am

Address: Jalan Panglima, 30000 Ipoh, Perak

 

5. Thumbs Café

What used to be an orphanage in central Ipoh is now a kick-ass restaurant specialising in Malay dishes. The decor may not be as fancy as other cafés, but that’s because the owner chose to keep it simple with the aim of serving rustic and halal food to customers.

Opening hours: 6pm to 1am daily. Closed on Tuesday
Address: 133, Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil, 30000 Ipoh, Perak

 

6. Artisan Handmade Bread

According to the writer of The New York Times, this place stands out among all the other cafés he visited. Chef Sam Lau is a classically trained chef and he left Malaysia when he was 20 to work in kitchens around Asia and Europe. “I came back to my country and couldn’t find good bread,” he told The New York Times. 

So, for two years, Chef Sam sold different kinds of bread on his bicycle outside Plan B, and in December 2016, he opened Artisan Handmade Bread.

“I am up at 3am every day, baking bread, running the kitchen. Ipoh people are old-fashioned, they like value for money,” he said. 

The set lunch at Artisan Handmade Bread is priced at RM28 and it includes soup, a main dish, an amuse-bouche, dessert and iced lemon tea.

We’re sure the price is well worth it because a reviewer said,

“Every meal here never disappoints! So much detail, heart and soul in every dish. We love the open kitchen concept and how Chef Sam is always willing to share his knowledge over the counter.”

Opening hours: 9.30am to 6pm daily. Closed on Monday and Tuesday
Address: 27, Jalan Market, 30000 Ipoh, Perak

 

So guys, if you find a free weekend, why not jio a couple of your friends to go café-hopping in Ipoh? 

 

Also read: First Husky Cafe in Klang Valley Officially Opens and We Can’t be Any More Excited!