Got to leave Ipoh soon? Don’t know what to buy in Ipoh? Stop by any of these places first and pick up the best Ipoh biscuits and souvenirs!
You can get freshly baked traditional biscuits that are already packaged conveniently and prettily for the purpose of gifting.
To start you off, here is a list of popular and recommended shops. Be warned that some of these often have long queues.
- Peanut Candy
- Egg Tarts
- Kaya Puffs
- Meat Floss Biscuits
- Hiong Peah
- Ipoh White Coffee
- Tambun Pomelo
- Salted Chicken (Aun Kheng Lim)
- Kong Heng Square
- 22 Hale Street Gift Shop
- The PWW Shop
Traditional Pastries
1. Peanut Candy
The sweet and salty crunchy peanut brittle is a humble Chinese traditional treat that is prominent in Chinese New Year.
But its popularity means you can buy it in Ipoh all year round. It costs RM11 per 300g packet.
Ipoh peanut candy shops like Sin Weng Fai and Ming Yue Confectionary normally have an endless stream of customers. Especially on weekends and public holidays (this includes public holidays and school holidays in Singapore).
And if you don’t see a queue at this shop, the peanut candy is most likely not out of the oven yet.
- Address: 69 & 69A, Jalan Yau Tet Shin, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
- Contact: +605-243 1211
- Opening Hours: 9am to 9:30pm (Daily)
Ming Yue Confectionery:
Read more about Ming Yue Confectionery.
- Address: 50, Jalan Peh Kee Koh, Taman Kampar, 31650 Ipoh, Perak
- Contact: +605-255 4128
- Opening Hours: 9.30am to 6.30pm (Monday to Saturday) and 9.45am to 6pm (Sunday)
2. Egg Tarts
If you’re allergic or vegan, you can move on further down this list!
There are two types of egg tarts that you can find in Ipoh – they taste similar enough though the Portuguese-style egg tarts are a little sweeter with a hint of milk.
We’re referring to the Chinese-style egg tarts in this list though:
These scrumptious treats comprise of two parts – the flaky pastry house.
And the smooth jelly-like egg custard pudding in the middle that typically has a light taste.
Here are a few places in Ipoh that do them exceptionally well:
- Choy Kee Egg Tart (才記餅家)
- Hong Kee Confectionery (鸿记饼家)
- Kedai Makanan Nam Heong / Nam Heong Coffee Shop (南香茶餐室)
Nam Heong Coffee Shop is another famous kopitiam with egg tarts. Theirs are better eaten on the spot rather than takeaway. This is because the freshly baked egg tarts are piping hot and absorb the smell of the takeaway boxes.
3. Kaya Puffs
Try the Ipoh version of this quintessential pastry which is a nationwide favorite snack!
Places to get kaya puffs in Ipoh:
3.1. Sin Eng Heong
Hailed as one of the best places to go for kaya puffs and other pastry goodness, Sin Eng Heong has been around Ipoh since 1961.
So Sin Eng Heong has been in business for over 50 years!
There is constantly a queue at their shop which is located in the center of town.
But while many people don’t seem to mind queuing up for the delightful kaya puffs, you can also place an order the day before!
Don’t worry if you can’t get a taste the moment you buy them, the kaya puffs are still crispy even after several hours.
- Address: 64, Jalan Mustapha Al-Bakri, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
- Contact: +605 – 2439659
- Opening Hours: 9:30am to 6pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
3.2. QunKee Biscuits or 权记饼家 or Khuen Kee
Established in 1975, QunKee is well known for their kaya puff and egg tarts too. Located in Kampung Simee, they also sell other traditional Chinese biscuits.
Note: There is newer branch at Kampung Jawa. Walking distance from Kedai Kopi Keng Nam.
QunKee’s kaya puffs are amazing when you eat them fresh, but they lose their crispiness after a few hours. They are also slightly smaller than the kaya puffs from Sin Eng Heong.
- Address: No 164, Lebuh 3, Kg Simee, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
- Contact: +6012 5195435
- Opening Hours: 9am to 4pm (Closed on Thursdays)
Note: The kaya puffs at QunKee are a good alternative if you cannot get your hands on the ones from Sin Eng Heong!
4. Meat Floss Biscuits
Have some meat floss biscuits with lotus paste!
If you want to try some with pandan paste instead, head over to the Guan Heong Biscuit Shop!
Ching Han Guan’s meat floss biscuits have lotus paste and salted egg yolk!
4.1. Guan Heong Biscuit Shop
With a history of over 100 years, Guan Heong is renowned for their high-quality original and traditional pastries.
Despite such a long history, they keep up with the times and have adapted their famous meat floss pastries to suit modern tastes.
They offer special biscuit flavors such as meat floss with pandan paste as well as meat floss with salted egg.
- Address: 160, Jalan Sultan Iskandar, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
- Contact: +605-2412399
- Opening Hours: 9am to 7pm (Daily)
4.2. Ching Han Guan Biscuit Shop (钟汉元饼铺)
First opening their shops more than seven decades ago, the recipes for their famous Teochew pastries were passed down from generation to generation starting from the owner’s great grandfather.
But what propelled Ching Han Guan to fame was their signature meat floss with lotus paste biscuit! You definitely need to make a detour here when you’re in Ipoh!
- Address: 145, Jalan Sultan Iskandar Shah (Hugh Low Street), 30000 Ipoh, Perak
- Contact: +605-254 5126
- Opening Hours: 9.30am to 6.30pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
5. Heong Peah Ipoh
My personal favorite!
The original filling is a sticky maltose paste but these days:
You can even find kosong (empty) ones, and some with black sesame filling or durian filling!
And there are a couple of places in Ipoh that bake hiong piah, heong peah or beh teh saw or “Fragrant biscuits” the old fashioned way:
With coconut husk as the fuel!
Coconut husk method:
5.1. 189 Heong Peng (189香饼) / Yat Pat Gao Enterprise
- Address: 189, Lorong Gunung Rapat 5, Taman Rapat Setia, 31350 Ipoh, Perak
- Contact: +6016-560 9781
- Opening hours: 9am to 5pm (Closed on Sundays)
5.2. Seng Kee (成记香饼) / 177 Heong Peah
- Address: 177, Lorong Gunung Rapat 3, Gunung Rapat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak
- Contact: +605-312 0972
- Opening Hours: 9:30am to 6pm (Daily)
Charcoal-baked:
5.3. Keong Kee Heong Peng (强记碳烧香饼) / 362 Heong Peah
- Address: 362, Jalan Gunung Rapat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak
- Contact: +6016 5609094
- Opening Hours: 8am to 5pm (Monday to Saturday) and 9am to 5pm (Sunday)
Or course, if you want some that can be accepted at the airport:
5.4. Yee Hup Hiong Peah
Individually wrapped, many flavors available.
However, you can find these anywhere in Malaysia and other south-east Asian countries now!
But the ones in Ipoh are baked on the same day!
Addresses For Their Branches:
- HQ: 7, Jalan Sri Ampang, Taman Ipoh Jaya, 31350 Ipoh, Perak
- Branch in Old Town: 151, Jalan Sultan Iskandar, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
- Branch near Perak Cave: Jalan Kuala Kangsar, Loke Lim Garden, 30010 Ipoh, Perak
Note: I haven’t personally tried to bring them to Singapore airport but UK and South Korea airports accept these!
Other Things To Buy Back From Ipoh
6. Ipoh White Coffee
Ipoh white coffee is what Ipoh is known for after all. And this is undoubtedly one of the best Ipoh souvenirs to take back home!
You might be thinking about the 3-in-1 packets that are now all over Malaysia, neighboring countries and even overseas in Chinese marts!
But we’re talking about the white (and black) coffee sold at this coffee wholesaler:
6.1. Yee Hoi Coffee Bean
Yee Hoi Coffee Bean, a wholesaler of roasted white coffee beans has a stall in the UTC building. They have been selling roasted white (pure without any additional flavoring) coffee beans for many years.
Their selection includes robust and Arabica beans, whole or ground to order!
Have a fresh cup here! And take some back for later!
If you want a 3-in-1 alternative, then get their fine instant coffee powder.
- Address: C62,Pasar Besar Ipoh, Jalan Laxamana, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
- Contact: +6012-502 2965
- Opening Hours: 8am to 4pm (Closed on Mondays)
6.2. Chang Jiang White Coffee
Chang Jiang White Coffee (长江国际有限公司) has seen tremendous growth over the past few years.
It used to be that you could only get their 3-in-1 or 2-in-1 coffee blends from their Ipoh cafe over at Jalan Windsor.
But don’t fret if you do not have enough time to pop into any of their cafes – they now have 3 branches in Ipoh and all are equally busy on weekends.
You can get these boxes in Ipoh souvenir shops and even at the airport!
Chang Jiang White Coffee Main Branch:
- Address: 7, Jalan Windsor, 30250 Ipoh, Perak
- Contact: +605-253 8896
- Opening Hours: 8am–6pm (Daily)
7. Tambun Pomelo
Ipoh is particularly famous for these citrus fruits (especially in the Tambun area) because water from the surrounding limestone hills gives the soil plenty of nutrients that pomelos like!
The main season is during CNY and there are 2 varieties:
The red sort which are on the bitter and sour side. Or pinkish white – these can be bitter or sweet.
Note: They are related and look similar to a grapefruit so if you’re allergic, skip these!
Tips on buying pomelo in Ipoh:
- The main orchards are in Ampang and you can get them cheaper there than anywhere else in Ipoh
- Choose a mid-sized pomelo with a soft and smooth bottom. The skin should have some yellow patches. You need to leave them at room temperature for a few days before they ripen.
- Don’t buy a pomelo with wrinkly skin or dents.
Where to buy pomelo:
7.1. Go Chin Pomelo Agro Farm
- Address: 158258A, Jalan Ampang Tambun, 31400, Ipoh, Perak – they offer a tour of the plantation too!
- Contact: +013-7654189
- Opening Hours: 9am to 6pm (Daily)
7.2. Gerai Buah Ah Sai or Ah Sai Fruits Trading
- Address: 58, Jalan besar Tambun, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
- Contact: +05-549 9878
- Opening Hours: 9am to 6pm (Daily)
7.3 Kedai Limau Tambun Niu Kee
- Address: Jln Tambun Baru, Kampung Ampang Baru, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
- Contact: +6016-5992178
- Opening Hours: 10:30 am–7 pm
There are a lot of other pomelo stalls along Jalan tambun baru.
8. Ipoh Salted Chicken (Aun Kheng Lim)
While there are a few salt-baked chicken shops in Ipoh now:
The most prominent is Aun Kheng Lim – in business of selling Yim Kok Kai or salted herbal chicken since 1987!
They run their business in a very efficient manner:
With the chicken (and all the herbal juicy goodness!) all wrapped and ready to go in the bright red boxes, the steady stream of customers need only order, pay and take their respective box!
You can also take them vacuum-packed if you prefer at no extra cost!
- Main branch: 24, Jalan Theatre, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
- Contact: +605-254 2998
- Opening hours: 9am to 5.30pm (Closed on Mondays)
9. Handicrafts At The Weekend Market At Kong Heng Square
It’s good fun to browse through the colorful stores here. You might pick up a local handicraft to bring home!
Stores generally start to close around 4 to 5pm.
Address: 75a, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
- Bits & Bobs
- Ipoh Craft Nerds
- Why Not Elephants
And plenty of other stores!
10. Handicrafts Sold At 22 Hale Street Gift Shop
Get a souvenir and support a cause!
The unique handmade items sold at this quaint gift shop are made by members of disabled folks home.
Check their Facebook as they sometimes host events like festive bazaars where you can pick up souvenirs and other knick-knacks.
Upstairs, they have a very impressive gallery of Ipoh antiques and other keepsakes upstairs! It costs RM10 (plus an audio guide) to enter 22 Hale Street Gallery.
Address: 22-24 Jalan Tun Sambanthan, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
Contact: +605-241 3991 or +6012-626 8069
Opening Hours:
- Weekdays: 10am to 1.30pm, 2.30pm to 6pm daily (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
- Weekends: 10am – 6pm
11. Second-hand And Handmade Treasures At The PWW Shop
The PWW Shop takes in and sells preloved items in good condition. Whatever they cannot sell is given to the homeless.
PWW (Perak Women for Women Society) is a non-profit NGO that aims to help women in crisis. The shop is just one of their projects!
On occasion, they have these gorgeous hand-painted enamel tiffin carriers!
Each one is a unique design painted by the women at their shelter which serves as refuge for women who face domestic violence in their own homes.
Price Range:
- 2-tier at RM190
- 3-tier at RM230
- 4-tier at RM260
Another handicraft you can find here are the woven bags by the Penan tribes in Miri!
- Address: 15, Jalan Market, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
- Contact: +6011-6556 9715
- Opening Hours: 10am to 3pm
How To Get Around Ipoh If You Don’t Own A Car:
- Use the city public bus – While affordable, this is usually not a convenient or reliable method
- Hail a taxi or Grab around town
- Hire a rented car – It’s RM150+ per day for a standard 5-seater car. You do not want to be driving on a public holiday! It’s hard to find parking in Ipoh Old Town.
- Book a private tour– Get your money’s worth with transport as well as a personal guide!
With RayTheTour, you can customise your itinerary to include Ipoh, Taiping, Sitiawan, Kuala Kangsar, etc. As well as take a day trip to Cameron Highlands.
Book RayTheTour private tour service through WhatsApp!
Further reading:
- Concubine Lane Ipoh: A Must Visit Street In Ipoh
- Top 7 Ipoh Night Market – Discover Local Culture, Food, Drinks & Souvenirs
- Ipoh Old Town: Detailed Guide Including Must-see Attractions & Cafes
Conclusion
Ipoh biscuits are worth trying too! Besides all the famous food in Ipoh.
You can buy an assortment of crispy pastries with delicious fillings. As well as salted chicken, pomelo, and handicrafts to take back home too! Some are flight friendly.
We think traditional biscuits and snacks are always welcome souvenirs from Malaysia.
Other posts you might want to read:
- Want to know what else there is to do in Ipoh?
- Need to get some shopping done? Here’s a list of the best Ipoh shopping malls.
- 7 Best Ipoh Massage Spa Centre To Get A Relaxing Body Massage.