Ipoh, the capital of the state of Perak in Malaysia, is a foodie’s paradise. The city is known for its delicious local cuisine, which includes dishes like nasi lemak, bean sprout chicken, and Ipoh hor fun. If you’re planning a food trip to Ipoh, here’s everything you need to know about getting there.
By Air
The closest airport to Ipoh is the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport (IPH). It is a small airport that mainly serves domestic flights. AirAsia and Firefly operate daily flights to Ipoh from Kuala Lumpur. You can also fly to Penang and take a bus or taxi to Ipoh, which is about 2 hours away.
By Bus
Ipoh is well connected to other major cities in Malaysia by bus. The main bus terminal in Ipoh is the Amanjaya Bus Terminal, which is located about 7 kilometers south of the city center. Buses to Ipoh run regularly from Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and other major cities in Malaysia. The journey from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh takes about 3 hours, depending on traffic.
By Train
Ipoh is also accessible by train. The city is served by the Ipoh Railway Station, which is located in the city center. The train journey from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh takes about 2-3 hours, depending on the type of train you take. The Electric Train Service (ETS) is the fastest and most comfortable option, while the KTM Intercity trains are cheaper but slower.
Once you’ve arrived in Ipoh, it’s time to start your food trip. Here are some of the must-try dishes in Ipoh:
- Nasi Lemak – This is a classic Malaysian dish that consists of coconut rice, fried anchovies, peanuts, and sambal (spicy chili paste). The best place to try nasi lemak in Ipoh is at Nasi Lemak Ayam Kampung in Bercham.
- Bean Sprout Chicken – This is Ipoh’s most famous dish, and for good reason. It consists of poached chicken served with steamed bean sprouts and soy sauce. The best place to try bean sprout chicken in Ipoh is at Lou Wong Bean Sprout Chicken in the city center.
- Ipoh Hor Fun – This is a type of flat rice noodle that is served in a light, flavorful broth with shredded chicken and prawns. The best place to try Ipoh hor fun in Ipoh is at Thean Chun Coffee Shop in the Old Town.
- Curry Mee – This is a spicy noodle soup that is made with coconut milk and curry paste. It usually contains ingredients like tofu puffs, cockles, and shrimp. The best place to try curry mee in Ipoh is at Xin Quan Fang Curry Mee in Pasir Pinji.
- White Coffee – This is a specialty coffee that is unique to Ipoh. It is made by roasting coffee beans with margarine, giving it a distinct flavor. The best place to try white coffee in Ipoh is at Sin Yoon Loong Coffee Shop in the Old Town.
In conclusion, Ipoh is a foodie’s paradise, with plenty of delicious dishes to try. Whether you’re traveling by air, bus, or train, getting to Ipoh is easy. Once you’re there, be sure to try the city’s famous dishes, like nasi lemak, bean sprout chicken, and Ipoh hor fun. And don’t forget to wash it all down with a cup of Ipoh’s famous white coffee. Happy eating!