Where to Eat in Perak: A Foodie’s Guide

Perak is one of Malaysia’s states where food is never in short supply. From hawker stalls and humble street setups to upscale restaurants and hotel dining, you’ll find a variety of hearty meals. As for us, we chose to go with the flow (WHAT TO DO IN PERAK) - stopping wherever caught our attention instead of planning too much. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you're a curious local (CAMERON HIGHLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE), this guide shares some of the must-try eateries we explored across Perak.

Little House Café (Jalan Stesen, Tapah)

A quick online search while passing through Tapah brought us to this old-school, humble kopitiam. We ordered Black Pepper Chicken Chop, Hainanese Chicken Chop with fries, Fish Soy Rice Set, and Petai Squid Rice Set. Every dish was satisfying, home-style, and generous in portion. Halal Malaysian fusion at an affordable price—definitely worth stopping for. (WHERE & WHAT TO EAT IN PENANG). Even as a small eater, I finished my Hainanese Chicken Chop!

Restoran Tauge Ayam Lou Wong (Ipoh)

While wandering around Ipoh, we randomly picked Lou Wong without knowing it’s one of the city’s most popular spots for chicken and beansprout dishes. Our meal included steamed chicken, beansprouts, fish ball soup, liver in soy sauce, rice, barley ice, and dessert. Was it worth the hype? Maybe. For over RM150 for three people, we were left a little surprised. It’s good for the experience, but not something we’d rave about.

Paris Restaurant (Taman Jubilee, Ipoh)

Their well-known Hakka Mee caught our attention online, and it truly didn’t disappoint. We went for the dry version topped with a bold chili dip. Served with a bowl of soup filled with pork balls and fish balls, it was both comforting and flavorful. The sambal stole the show—spicy and punchy, it elevated the meal. Prices were reasonable for a long-established Chinese eatery.

Restoran Xin Quan Fang (Taman Jubilee, Ipoh)

10 minutes wait in line led us to this busy Chinese kopitiam known for its curry mee. Though the portion was small, the broth was fragrant and balanced—not overly spicy—with options of seafood, chicken, or pork. I loved it, though the others felt it was just average compared to curry mee from elsewhere. Still, worth a try if you’re nearby.

STG Tea House Café (Taman Chateau, Ipoh)

We found this place by chance during a late lunch in Ipoh. The ambiance was calm and cozy. We ordered Nasi Kerabu with chicken and pineapple juice. We also stayed for their tea set, which came with sweet treats, salad, and English tea. It turned out to be one of our more relaxing and enjoyable meals.

Yau Kee Restaurant (Kampar)

This spot is famous for their Chicken Curry Bun—a large baked bun stuffed with spicy chicken curry. Once you tear into the bun and dip it into the curry, you’ll understand why it’s a must-try. We also had bitter gourd omelette, kangkung belacan, and fried rice. While the sides were okay, the curry bun clearly stood out.

We visited other eateries too, but these were the highlights that made our trip to Perak memorable. Of course, food preferences vary, but if you’re ever in the state, these places are worth checking out.

 

(Ms. Nava, a Zenpreneur in her 60s, founded Nava’s Zen at 58. She has 22 years of experience as a former lecturer, including with Curtin University’s Degree Twinning Program. Ms. Nava is also a passionate foodie who loves discovering eateries. For Ms. Nava, food brings people together, and sharing her Zen dining experiences celebrates this connection with others).