Ipoh, A city filled with charm, culture, and an undying love for food. Nestled in Malaysia, it is renowned for its thriving kopitiam culture—a legacy showcasing its rich culinary heritage. Translating to “coffee shop” in Hokkien, kopitiams are more than just places to grab a cup of coffee—they're melting pots of local traditions, where conversations flow freely over delicious food and aromatic brews.

Whether you're a coffee lover, a food enthusiast, or a traveller seeking authentic experiences, Ipoh's kopitiams are a must-visit. This blog unveils 25 best kopitiams to explore in Ipoh, where you'll find delectable flavours and treasured moments.

At its core, Kopitiam is a traditional coffee shop rooted in Malaysian culture. These iconic establishments often serve coffee brewed with condensed milk, kaya toast, and hot local delicacies like nasi lemak and curry noodles. Kopitiams have been central to daily Malaysian life for decades, offering a welcoming hub for the working class and weary travellers.

Here’s our curated list of Ipoh’s kopitiams, each renowned for its unique dishes and inviting atmosphere.

This iconic kopitiam, the birthplace of Ipoh’s famous White Coffee, offers a nostalgic 1950s atmosphere. Known for its White Coffee and Kaya Butter Toast, it’s a must-visit spot open from 6 am to 5:30 pm for breakfast or a relaxing afternoon.

Enjoy the famous egg tarts and Old Town White Coffee in a cozy blend of modern and traditional ambiance. Open from 7 am to 6 pm, it’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.

This lively kopitiam offers signature dishes like the creamy Caramel Egg Custard and flavorful Kai See Hor Fun, perfect for brunch or an early meal. Open 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, it’s an ideal spot for an authentic dining experience.

This cozy spot serves flavorful Hainanese Noodles and rich White Coffee, offering a warm, authentic dining experience. Open from 7 am to 2:30 pm, it’s perfect for a morning bite or a relaxed lunch.

Sin Yoon Loong is a popular café known for its satay and fresh popiah, offering a cozy, rustic atmosphere. Open from 7 am to 4:30 pm, it’s an ideal spot for breakfast or lunch while exploring Old Town attractions, alongside nearby favorites like Nam Heong and Kedai Kopi Sun Yuan Foong.

This charming café offers a taste of tradition with its signature Kaya Toast and Kopi-O. With a cosy, vintage ambiance, it’s the perfect spot for breakfast or a midday break, open from 7 am to 3 pm.

This café offers a cozy, modern vibe perfect for meetups or solo time. Enjoy their signature Nasi Lemak with a cup of Teh Tarik, available from 9 am to 6 pm for breakfast, lunch, or a light snack.

Known for its famous Popiah and Kai See Hor Fun, this historic eatery offers a cozy dining experience in a charming, rustic setting. Open from 8 am to 3 pm, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy traditional flavors in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

This trendy café offers popular dishes like the Big Breakfast and Salted Egg Pasta, paired with a chic, industrial interior perfect for casual hangouts or work sessions. Open from 8 am to 10 pm, it’s a cozy spot for any meal of the day.

This casual Chinese restaurant is known for its signature Moonlight Hor Fun and Roast Pork, offering bold flavors in a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Open from 5 PM to 12 AM, it’s perfect for dinner or satisfying late-night cravings with friends or family.

This dim sum spot is famous for its prawn dumplings and egg tarts, perfect for families and groups to enjoy in a warm, inviting setting. Open from 6am to 2pm, it’s great for a hearty breakfast or brunch.

This spot is known for its popular Salted Chicken, perfect for takeout. With a quick, efficient setup and operating hours from 10am to 6pm, it’s ideal for grabbing a tasty meal on the go.

Start your day at this charming kopitiam with the iconic Hainanese Toast and a comforting White Coffee. Open from 6am to 3pm, it’s perfect for breakfast lovers or a relaxed mid-morning break.

This restaurant offers a nostalgic dining experience with signature dishes like Satay and Caramel Custard, served in a lively, traditional setting. Open from 7am to 4pm, it’s ideal for breakfast, lunch, or a midday snack.

Enjoy the restaurant’s must-try Grilled Salmon and Artisan Coffee in a cozy, artsy atmosphere perfect for dining and Instagram-worthy photos. Open daily from 10am to 9pm, it’s ideal for lunch, dinner, or a coffee break.

Famous for its flavorful Curry Mee, this humble stall offers an authentic dining experience with a simple yet inviting ambience. Open from 7am to 3pm, it’s an ideal spot for a hearty breakfast or lunch.

The café offers a signature Chicken Chop with Nasi Goreng Special, loved for its savory flavors. With a vintage-inspired, family-friendly atmosphere, it’s perfect for dinner or late-night cravings, operating from 5 PM to 12 AM.

Experience authentic Peranakan flavors with signature dishes like Assam Laksa and Nyonya Curry. Enjoy a modern take on traditional dining in a stylish, inviting atmosphere. Open daily from 11am to 10pm, it’s the perfect spot for any meal.

This popular eatery serves crowd-favorite dishes like Wantan Mee and Char Kuey Teow in a lively, classic kopitiam setting. Open daily from 7am to 3pm, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy authentic local flavors for breakfast or lunch.

This lively mamak spot is famous for its Roti Canai and Teh Tarik, offering a classic combo that always hits the spot. Open 24/7, it’s the perfect place to enjoy tasty food and an energetic vibe, any time of day or night.

The restaurant's signature Steamed Grouper and Butter Prawns highlight its fresh, flavorful seafood. With an elegant, spacious setting perfect for group dining, it’s ideal for any occasion. Open daily from 11am to 10pm, it’s great for lunch, dinner, or a meal in between.

Known for its signature Chicken Rice and Bean Sprout Chicken, this lively restaurant is a favorite among locals and tourists. Open daily from 10am to 10pm, it’s the perfect spot for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner in a welcoming atmosphere.

Try the Bean Sprout Chicken and Hor Fun, a local favorite known for its tender chicken, fresh bean sprouts, and silky hor fun. With a casual, lively vibe, it’s perfect for a relaxed meal with friends or family. Open daily from 10am to 10pm, it’s a great spot for lunch or dinner!

Our café offers delicious vegan burgers and fresh juices in a cosy, inviting atmosphere. Perfect for relaxing or catching up with friends, we’re open daily from 9am to 8pm. Stop by for a quick bite or a leisurely plant-based meal!

To make the most of your kopitiam experience, keep these tips in mind:

At kopitiams, breakfast is prime time. Arrive early to enjoy freshly brewed coffee, kaya toast, and more while soaking in local life.

Many traditional kopitiams operate on a cash-only basis, so make sure you carry small denominations to pay quickly.

Table-sharing is common in kopitiams! If there’s an empty spot at someone’s table, don’t hesitate to ask for a seat politely. Some of the best stories are shared over kopi-o.

Many kopitiams are old-school without air conditioning. Comfortable, breathable clothes are your best friend.

Every dish tells a story, from smoky white coffee to silky egg custards. Take your time and savour each bite!

Imagine sipping on a cup of rich kopi after a scenic train ride from Kuala Lumpur or indulging in buttery egg tarts after a day exploring stunning limestone caves. With Traveloka, planning your perfect getaway to Ipoh has never been easier.

Anytime you’re searching for the most convenient and affordable flights, Traveloka makes it simple to discover cheap flights directly to Ipoh through its flights platform. Looking for a place to stay? Traveloka offers a wide range of options, from budget-friendly accommodations to charming boutique hotels. Explore the extensive list of hotels available in Ipoh and find the perfect spot to suit your needs.

Ready to explore the city’s highlights? Book tickets to iconic attractions like the Lost World of Tambun and Gua Tempurung caves, conveniently located near the famous kopitiams, using Traveloka’s activities feature. To make your trip even smoother, take advantage of Traveloka’s airport transfer services for hassle-free transportation. Start planning your relaxing and adventure-filled trip to Ipoh today!

Kopitiams aren’t merely food places but gateways to cultural stories preserved over generations. With their fragrant coffee and hearty meals, they embody the heart and soul of Ipoh.

Things to do in Ipoh

Booking your trip is now effortless—plan your itinerary, book your hotels, and secure tickets to local activities in a single app. Start your kopitiam trail today with Traveloka and live your foodie dream!