Who would’ve thought an Ipoh-style kopitiam would be thriving in the United States? Malaysian YouTuber Lizz Chloe, currently on a trip to the US, recently visited one in Alhambra, California—and was stunned by the price tag on her meal.
Chloe, known for her food and lifestyle content, spent a whopping RM457 (about USD95.25) on just five items at the Michelin-starred Ipoh Kopitiam in Los Angeles.
Before that, she had already splurged on a trendy drink—Hailey Bieber’s Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie—which cost her USD20 (around RM96). “Far from what I expected,” she said, clearly surprised by the price.
Fuel costs didn’t help either. Chloe pointed out that RON95 petrol in Malaysia is way cheaper than in the US, where she paid USD4.93 per gallon (roughly RM24).
Her total gas bill? USD56.60 (about RM272).
At the kopitiam, Chloe ordered some familiar Malaysian favorites:
- Nasi Lemak with Curry Chicken
- Char Kuey Teow
- Chicken Rice
- Vegetables
- Milk Tea
The meal cost her USD95.25 (approximately RM457.20).
Despite the steep price, Chloe admitted in her vlog that the food lived up to the hype. “It’s actually a good curry,” she said, acknowledging the Michelin star. She also praised the Char Kuey Teow for having that authentic “wok hei”—the smoky aroma that defines a great stir-fry.
She even had a quick chat with the kopitiam’s owner, who revealed he employs around 50 staff members.
According to the official website, Ipoh Kopitiam’s mission is to bring the true flavors of Malaysia to the US and introduce locals to authentic Malaysian cuisine. Besides the dishes Chloe tried, the menu also includes kopitiam staples like toast, noodles, white coffee, and more.
You can watch the full vlog below.
What do you think of this? Let us know in the comments.
Also read: Kopitiam Owner in Ipoh Made RM1.3 MILLION in 2023, Says Food Business Can Be as Good as in KL
