Check out this vibrant list of cafes to visit if you are in Ipoh or just passing through! Fear not, all these cafes have air-con to beat that crazy humidity outside.
You can expect to spend more than RM20/pax if you choose to visit these places.
These cafes typically feature western mains. But some offer a wide variety of pastries and cakes too. Others still, focus on caffeinated drinks. Or French pastries.
1. Patisserie BoutiQue
This centrally located café is in Ipoh Old Town and it has been around since 2014. Their business is still strong, and they’ve recently had a facelift too.
Come in and enjoy the desserts, trendy interior, and air-con! They have a separate brunch and lunch menu, but it is their desserts that they are known for.
Coffee is decent too.
Remarks:
- Pork-free food here.
- Little French cafe with good coffee and great dessert options (Try the Baileys Tiramisu).
- Pastries are also sold here.
- Opening Hours: Daily 12pm – 10pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
- Address: 103, Jalan Sultan Yusof, 30000 Ipoh, Negeri Perak, Malaysia
- Contact: +6014-9019268
- Cuisine: French and fusion – the menu is pork-free!
Not looking for another cafe?
Here is where you can try some of the best local food in Ipoh!
2. Plan B (Ipoh)
In terms of size and level of hipster-ness, this place matches the cafe standards of Kuala Lumpur. There’s a lot of room inside and outdoors.
The design of the cafe features a mixture of industrial and grunge elements.
On weekends, there are plenty cute stalls just outside Plan B (Kong Heng Square). Ipoh Concubine Lane is just opposite from this cafe too.
Plan B serves interesting fusion food and good coffee. The food is halal, but they do serve liquor as well. And there are vegetarian and vegan options too.
See our full thoughts on Plan B in Ipoh.
- Opening Hours: Daily 10am–10pm
- Address: No. 75, Jalan Panglima, 30000 Ipoh, Negeri Perak, Malaysia
- Contact: +605-249 8286
- Cuisine: Fusion of Western and Asian cuisine
3. Aud’s Café
This cafe serves pork dishes and has a grungy but cozy look to it on the inside. We like it for the quaint ambiance, good coffee, and tasty food.
While here, try their Ice Cube coffee. Their avocado beverages are worth sampling too.
We went on a Wednesday for lunch and some tables were reserved. Book ahead if you really want to try this place out on a weekend.
We’re quite sure they don’t use MSG in their cooking. The food has a very home-cooked taste to it.
There are vegetarian and vegan options available.
- Opening Hours: Daily 9am – 5pm, (Closed on Monday)
- Address: 97, Jalan Sultan Yusof, 30000 Ipoh, Negeri Perak, Malaysia
- Contact: +605-246 1310
- Cuisine: Western and some fusion. Not halal.
Maybe you would rather do some shopping?
4. Marketplace Waffle Bar & Cafe
Yet another cafe you can try in Ipoh Old Town:
What makes this pork-free cafe special are the waffles – they have savory and dessert waffles with gelato. The black pepper classic chicken chop and smoked salmon waffle are delicious.
The ambiance is bright and lovely. There are large windows and beautiful paintings on the wall. Prices are reasonable while the coffee is ok.
If you want to catch up on your social media or work, the WiFi is reliable and free.
PS: On weekdays, you can get the lunch set – basically order any savory main and you can have a free or discounted drink (depending on what you order).
- Opening Hours: Daily 12pm–10pm
- Address: 13 Jalan Market, Ipoh 30000, Perak, Malaysia
- Contact: +6016-732 8320
- Cuisine: Western; pork-free
5. Jln Theatre Coffee
Drip coffee enthusiasts will be able to try a great selection of drip coffee from all over the world.
The R&G coffee, flat white, and cafe latte are popular too. Besides coffee, they have pastries and desserts like cempedak burnt cheesecake!
That, along with the friendly crew and the bright minimalist environment will have you returning the next time you’re in Ipoh.
It can, however, be a while before you get your coffee depending on how full the cafe is. There are also not too many seats.
If you don’t have time to sit in with a cup of their homemade brew, you can opt to purchase the beans to take home.
We admit, this café is expensive but for the quality of their drinks and food, we think it’s worth a once-while splurge.
- Opening Hours: 10am to 6pm
- Address: 76, Jalan Theatre, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
6. Ferment Boulangerie
Sourdough bread, kombucha and infused butters are the specialties of Ferment Boulangerie. Seating is impractical and limited, but this place is very picture-worthy. Staff is polite too.
Prices are high here, but we think their sourdough bread platter is reasonably priced if you are sharing among a group. Their sandwiches are big enough to share too.
Read more about what it is like to dine at Ferment Boulangerie.
- Opening Hours: 10am to 6pm
- Address: 13, Lebuh Cecil Rae, Taman Canning, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
- Contact: +6016-704 7405
- Cuisine: Artisan breads mostly (they do have cakes and sandwiches too)
- Remarks: Slow service sometimes
7. être Patisserie
While pricey, the pastries and cakes at être Patisserie are very worth it. Everything we have eaten here has been good.
Their framboise and Kouign-amann are our personal favorites! Beverages like coffee and hochija latte are decent.
Read more about this stylish café in Canning Garden Ipoh (être Patisserie).
- Opening Hours: 10am to 6:30pm
- Address: 30, Jalan Lee Kwee Foh, Taman Canning, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
- Contact: +6016-557 1111
- Cuisine: European pastries and artisan cakes
- Remarks: Limited parking
8. Just Say Café
Décor and prices of Just Say Cafe match the standards of Penang cafes.
They have a tropical theme going on together with industrial chic! And the staff is friendly.
From their menu, you can try the salted egg chicken chop, waffles, Iberico pork burger, Bailey’s coffee, and a heap of other artisan beverages!
Remarks:
- Not halal
- Is on a street with other restaurants, pubs and bars
- You can book the café for a birthday celebration
- Opening Hours: Monday – Tuesday: 12pm – 7 pm; Thursday – Sunday: 12pm – 9 pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
- Address: 20, Jalan Lau Ek Ching, Kampung Jawa, 30300 Ipoh, Negeri Perak
- Contact: +6016-254 1262
- Cuisine: Western
9. Little Allegra Bakery
This is our go-to café – what they offer is more savory than sweet. They have different bakes to try all the time. And so far, we’ve liked what we have tried here.
See more photos of our experiences at Little Allegra Bakery.
There is also an extensive drinks menu for those who don’t want coffee too and we really like that. We do like their drinks as much as their food.
The ambiance is very comfortable too. The café gets a lot of natural lighting and there are different seating options to choose from.
- Address: 26a, Jalan Keliling, Taman Canning, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
- Opening Hours: 8:30am to 5pm (Closed on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday)
- Contact: +6010-9415722
- Cuisine: Assorted baked goods
10. August Healing
Enter a charming door from downstairs and make your way up to August Healing. The styling of this small, air-conditioned cafe is minimal but cheery.
Seating faces the street and if you peer out the dainty lace curtains, you can see what’s happening on the street below.
The counter is where they display all their cakes and pastries to tempt customers. See what to order at August Healing.
- Address: No18A, Jalan Theatre, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
- Opening Hours: Thursday to Friday, 11 am–5 pm; Weekend, 11 am–6 pm; Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday)
- Contact: +6011-51223940
11. Back To Begin
Walking distance from Gerbang Malam night market, Back To Begin has an appealing shop front with large windows and a front door in the same medium wood shade.
Most of the seating in this long space is suitable for couples but there are some tables for 4 to 6 pax too.
Interestingly, there are a couple of camping chair and table set ups further at the back of the café. These sit low to the ground and offer a novel experience.
The menu may not have many savory options (e.g., sandwiches, pesto or carbonara spaghetti) but these are well presented on vintage plates.
We liked the saltier carbonara spaghetti over the lightly flavored pesto aglio olio.
Coffee meets expectations – they have the standard americano, cappuccino or latte but no special roasts.
Up front at the counter, you can get quiche (this was also leaning towards a lighter taste) and a few select cake flavors. We highly recommend the salted egg black sesame cheesecake!
Staff is polite and service was very fast. We can see that we will be back for their other cake flavors and to try their sourdough sandwiches.
- Opening Hours: 10:30am to 6pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
- Address: 8, Jalan Leong Sin Nam, Kampung Jawa, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
- Contact: +6018-955 2478
12. Purple Moon Lover
Initially an almost all-white building with strong Scandinavian influence, this spacious café now sports a terrazzo inspired exterior!
On the inside, there is plenty of seating at the left and right of the café with the counter in the center. At the side of the counter is their selection of baked goods to choose from!
Their lunch menu is much simpler (of large portions) with dishes like:
- Udon
- Kimchi Soup Ramen
- Teriyaki Chicken Rice
- Chicken Katsu Rice
Our personal opinion is that the pastries and desserts are much better than their savory menu items. Especially since prices are in line with cafes in KL.
Whatever you choose, you can be sure that the presentation will be pretty!
Remarks: Excellent service – the waiter followed us to our car with an umbrella so we wouldn’t get soaked by the rain!
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 11 am – 8 pm; Saturday to Sunday: 10 am – 8 pm
- Address: 53, Jalan Lee Kwee Foh, Taman Canning, 31400 Ipoh, Negeri Perak
- Contact: +605-547 6328
- Cuisine: Japanese
13. Six And A Half Café
This cafe is quite difficult to spot from the outside because it is on the second floor. Moreover, the signage is small.
Inside, there’s not much to the décor but it is a very comfortable place to relax with friends – and away from the crowds in Ipoh Old Town!
PS: Very popular on weekend mornings
Six And A Half Cafe has a neat selection of cakes and pastries to choose from at the counter. You can order some mains. We like their savory sandwiches.
Their specialty, however, is coffee. The matcha coffee (RM 12.50) was great – more bitter than sweet.
And the slice of carrot cake (RM 7) we ordered was not too sweet and very filling.
Remarks:
- Not halal;
- The WiFi is free and fast.
- Opening Hours: Daily 9 am – 6:30 pm (Closed on Thursday)
- Address: No. 5A, Pusat Perdagangan Canning 2, Taman Canning, 31400 Ipoh, Negeri Perak
- Contact: +6018-2299932
14. 10 Studio Café
Tambun area has very few cafes and hence, 10 Studio Café is one of the only options. Thankfully, they do set high standards when it comes to coffee and cakes.
Their cakes are exceptional. Especially their tiramisu and matcha tiramisu flavors.
Besides cakes, mains like lamb shoulder and spaghetti are on the menu.
This air-conditioned café is extremely pleasant for a sit-down with friends.
They open until the evening too. But since there isn’t much seating, you might want to come during their off-peak hours (peak hours are between 12pm to 2pm).
See more photos of what we ordered at 10 Studio Café in Tambun, Ipoh.
- Opening Hours: 10am to 6pm (Closed on Mondays)
- Address: 10, Hala Tambun Jaya 1, Taman Tambun Jaya, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
Want to stay longer in Ipoh? Here’s our best Ipoh hotel list.
15. Petit Mary Patisserie French Cuisines
Super cute cafe! – think pastel colors, elaborate sconces, flowers, and lace.
The outside is as cute as the inside and the blue building sticks out. The café is along the road to AEON (Jusco Kinta city), straight from the highway.
There are a variety of desserts to choose from although we recommend the bread. Their baked goods are nearly identical to what Purple Moon Lover serves since they are under the same management.
Between this café and Purple Moon Lover, the latter has more space between tables.
Because of its limited space, Petit Mary Patisserie French Cuisines can be quite noisy on a weekend.
Remarks:
- Pork free and alcohol free.
- No WiFi.
- Opening Hours: Daily 9 am – 8 pm
- Address: 83, Jalan Langsat, Taman Teh Teng Seng, 31400 Ipoh, Negeri Perak
- Contact: +605-547 2072
- Cuisine: Western, vegetarian options, Asian fusion
16. V Life Cafe
Enjoy vegetarian meals, cakes, and coffee in the spacious, quiet, and beautiful cafe just behind a row of shops at Ipoh Garden East.
The staff is very helpful and attentive too. They do use egg and dairy products in some of the items of their menu so be sure to ask them about it if that’s a concern for you.
You can have Western food – mushroom soup made from scratch, homegrown salad, vegetarian burgers, kale pizza as well as local flavors like lou loh rice but with a vegetarian alternative for meat.
In fact, the meat alternatives they use are almost like the real thing! So, we think it’s a good place to explore vegetarian food if you’re thinking of becoming vegetarian or are just curious!
Note: Currently, their dine-in sessions are restricted to 2 hours
- Opening Hours: 11:30am to 9:30pm
- Address: 42, Lintasan Perajurit 6, Taman Ipoh Timur, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
- Contact: +6017-413 2226
17. Breda Café
Quality ingredients are used in their Western meals like savory croissants and pasta.
Their lunch sets are delicious. Though not cheap (more than RM30) but portions are satisfactory – for most of the mains anyways.
Other than brunch, main course, and teatime menu, they have many beverages. Like their vanilla latte and cappuccino.
The environment is quiet (depending on the time you go) with adequate space between the tables. We like that their overall interior is simple with aesthetically pleasing colors.
See our personal experience having lunch at Breda Cafe.
Remarks:
- Not halal.
- Busiest time is lunch time.
- Opening Hours: 9am–10pm
- Address: 22, Jalan Medan Ipoh 9, Bandar Baru Medan Ipoh, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
- Contact: +6011-5622 3182
- Cuisine: Western
Other cafes that we have tried and did not mention in this list:
- Cold Blue Specialty Coffee – Micro Roastery In Ipoh Old Town
- Chakori – Highly Instagrammable Café In Ipoh Old Town With Gelato
- Hanz & Jane – A Photogenic Café In Ipoh With Lower Prices
- Chloe Co – New Chic French Style Café & Bakery In Ipoh Old Town
- Flufff Dessert Cafe In Ipoh – Souffle Pancakes In A Trendy Setting
- The Story Eatery Marketplace In Ipoh – Florist/ Hipster Café
- Coffee Camp 612 – Plant Filled Café At Ipoh Kinta Riverfront
Can’t be bothered with parking? Or don’t have your own car?
Getting Around Ipoh
- Using a regular taxi service or calling a Grab is an affordable option if you need to get around the city areas. Not so much for the outskirts of Ipoh.
- Taking the city public bus is the least costly but do prepare for irregular times.
- Hiring a private tour service frees you from the added stress of driving and finding parking!
With the private tour service, you’ll get a personal guide to escort you as well.
Book RayTheTour, a private tour service in Ipoh on WhatsApp!
Conclusion
Ipoh has even more cafes than what we listed here but these are the ones that have been around long enough to get some reputation.
Expect to pay RM 20-30 for mains. But cheaper than in Kuala Lumpur.
Any of these venues will be perfect for taking a well-deserved break after you explore Ipoh attractions. Or in-between hunting for Instagram spots in Ipoh.
If you rather try more local cuisine, try these kopitiams that serve must-try Ipoh White Coffee!
