Jalan Ipoh's Best: Local Delights

The name Hup Kee resonates with Jalan Ipoh as one of the oldest tai chow restaurants serving families and friends in the vicinity. Tastemaker Brian recommends their specialty Yao Cham Wan Yu or Deep Fried Freshwater Carp (seasonal prices). The fish is deep fried to achieve the ultimate crispy skin while still maintaining a moist inside, then doused in a mouthwatering, special-recipe soy sauce. Resembling supersized meatballs more than it does fried pork, the unique Sweet and Sour Pork (from RM15) is also a top dish that makes its way to most tables at the restaurant. It's imperative to have these scrumptious dishes with rice and even more so, people to share them with — bring the family!
Avg Price: RM25

Explore the nooks of Wisma Yoon Cheng along Jalan Ipoh to find homey Lao Ma Zi's. The family-run restaurant prides themselves on their Smoked Platter (RM52), an unusual but smashing combination of smoked duck and pork belly with lychees. The tasty duck, tender and fragrant of lychee juice, is only available upon reservation so make sure to call ahead! Also savour the 'Cincai' Steamed Fish (Avg price: RM60). The idea for this hearty, delish fish dish came along when a customer asked the chef for a new fish dish, and the incidental recipe has become the restaurant's signature since. Be sure to get a hold of co-owner Juliet for a firsthand account of the venue's quaint history!
Avg Price: RM25
Photo by Burppler Rhiana CD

The Hokkien mee is a crowd favourite at Ming Hoe, but we recommend that you go against the grain and order the underrated Hokkien Peh Ke or Stir-Fried Rice Cakes (from RM6) instead. Largely similar to the former, this version is cooked instead with rice cakes likened to thinly sliced Korean tteobboki. The chewy texture of rice cakes coupled with flavourful dark sauce makes a delectable treat that will keep you coming back for more! Have that with their Kam Heong Fried Lala (from RM15) — these will give your meal the extra punch with the fragrance of curry leaves and belacan. Bring a friend to dine early and enjoy the evening breeze before the place gets packed with its nightly regulars.
Avg Price: RM20
Photo by KL Burpple Tastemaker Brian Leow

Park easy in a residential area along Batu 6 to find E & O Curry House, an ideal spot to have a feast with friends! The restaurant is widely known for its remarkable Claypot Curry Fish Head (from RM40), which buries humongous fish head chunks under a gleaming red curry. Packing robust flavours and spice, this is a dish best enjoyed with a mountain of rice on your plate and a glass of water on the side. To share, also order the Fried Mantis Prawns (from RM10) that comes covered in a delicious, crunchy batter. There are also plenty of home-style vegetables on rotation daily, so don't forget your veggies! Prices here are on the steeper end, so come in a group to share the generous portions as well as the bill.
Avg Price: RM25
Photo by Burppler Atun Rocky

When craving the soupy goodness of Bak Kut Teh, gather the troops and head to Ban Lee along Jalan Ipoh! The household name may not have the fame of its Klang peers, but it certainly can compete when it boils down to the Bak Kut Teh. You have the option to customise your warming Herbal Claypot Bak Kut Teh (from RM18) with pork ribs, innards and belly, or do the right thing and have it all! Topped with crispy fuchuk, tau fu pok and romaine lettuce, the comforting broth is best savoured with a bowl of rice and a side of Yau Char Kwai (RM2.50). Pro tip: Drizzle dark soy sauce over your rice for a flavour boost!
Avg Price: RM20
Photo by Burppler Ang Ming Kang

Located just a couple of turns away from the city centre, Jalan Ipoh is a haven for nightcrawlers and a frequented spot is Dai Sam Yun. The small joint opens through the night till 6am to dish out steaming hot plates of dim sum — perfect for post-drinking supper sessions. Most dim sum go for a fixed rate of RM5.50 and selections are meritable, with classic choices like Siew Mai, Har Gao and Steamed Fish Balls in the mix with soothing Plain Porridge (RM3). After a night out with friends, head out here to nibble on these bite-sized eats while you watch the street come alive after dark.
Avg Price: RM15
Photo by Burppler Emily Choong

One of the rare venues in KL to serve Heng Hua-style mee sua, Million Restaurant makes for a simple abode to spend a lazy afternoon slurping up noodles with a friend. The famous Heng Hua Mee Sua (from RM9) lacks the company of soothing soup that we are used to when we hear the words 'mee sua', but rest assured, it is just as comforting and unexpectedly smooth! This rendition is enjoyed with fish cakes, cuttlefish, prawns, vegetables and peanuts, all of which make the dish utterly enjoyable with the occasional crunch. These noodles are naturally light so feel free to up the portion if you're looking for a more filling meal!
Avg Price: RM15
Photo by Burppler Trisha Toh

After a long day's work, seek a much-deserved supper at this standalone stall for nourishing noodles and tong sui (sweet soup dessert). The staple here is a bowl of Curry Mee (from RM5.50) topped with cockles, tau fu pok and potatoes. Expect your noodles to come in a light-bodied curry broth with just the slightest hint of spice to warm the belly. The noodle stall also offers unexpectedly delicious desserts — the Mak Chuk or Wheat Porridge (RM1.70) bears a delicate sweetness that will sooth your palate, post curry mee.
Avg Price: RM10
Photo by KL Burpple Tastemaker Alyssia Yu