Foh San Restaurant comes to the minds of many tourists when it comes to dim sum in Ipoh. But with its reputation and elegant environment, dining here costs more than the typical dim sum restaurant.
Personally, we don’t think it’s worth the hype. You can read more about why we think so below!
History
It might surprise you to know that this eatery began as a humble coffee shop all the way back in 1971.
The current location is not the original spot either. That would be where Purple Cane Tea House now resides close to the Kamdar textile shop.
Back then, my family visited it regularly – the food was excellent and so was the service!
Ambiance
The 2-storey symmetrical building that houses the eatery makes for a grand appearance and therefore a great first impression to the casual passer-by.
There is ample seating on both floors with many large round tables but the airy balconies on the second floor boast a view of the street below and are therefore, what most patrons prefer.
In addition to the open-air seating, the restaurant is well-ventilated with multiple fans around.
We do think it’s one of the most elegant dim sum eateries in Ipoh!
Service
When you sit down, the waiters will pass out printed menus. The menu is quite extensive with codes and prices listed for each dish.
You write what you want on the chit along with the quantity. Waiters will collect the chit and return with a check list which they will tick off every time they bring you one of the dishes.
We saw mostly elderly waiters along with some younger staff.
Serving time varies from dish to dish. Some dishes are quicker than others.
Tea is self-service and if you want to top up on hot water, there refill stations. During the mid-autumn festival, you can buy mooncakes to go at the front counter.
These are not only delicious and available in many flavors but are wonderful gifts because they are packed in metal tins. We usually get a box every year for our own consumption.
Food
It’s true that the food standard is far from what it used to be back when it was in its former location.
Our last visit was in September 2022. And for our group of 3, we ordered 6 dishes (2 of us are small eaters).
Char siew pau (char siew bread bun), loh mai gai (sticky rice), har gow (steamed prawn dumplings) and har guen (fried bean curd prawn rolls) were tasty enough.
However, the lo bak go (fried turnip cake) was terribly disappointing in our opinion. It is not crispy, and plain tasting without any dried shrimp or lap cheong (Chinese sausage) bits.
Siew mai (pork dumplings) while large, have a strange texture too.
Pricing
The prices listed in the menu gave us a little shock. The dim sum is expensive for Ipoh standards. A single plate can set you back for RM6 to RM8, so we did not feel like ordering too many.
Our 6 plates and pot of tea already cost us ~RM60 total.
Portions varied quite a bit too. Some dishes were not worth their cost as portions were small (e.g., har guen). However, other dishes were generous.
Ease Of Parking
Make no mistake, unless you can be here when it opens at 7am, it’s going to be difficult to find parking from the peak breakfast hours of 9am to 11am.
Expect to circle around and around until you can find a free (and proper) car parking lot.
There are some paid parking lots, and they do save a lot of trouble, but they fill up quickly too. These usually have an on-site attendant, and the parking price can cost ~RM7.
Lunch is a little less busy but you will still be struggling to find parking as there are other restaurants in the area that will be drawing in lunch crowds, regardless of the day of the week.
Conclusion
We must say that for the price we paid, we did not have an exceptional experience at Foh San Restaurant. Although it was not terrible either. Just so-so.
Yet, compared to other dim sum restaurants in Ipoh, it does indeed, have the most beautiful dining environment but if it’s delicious and affordable dim sum that is your priority, you’re better off trying somewhere else!
Ming Court Hong Kong Dim Sum
Many locals prefer Ming Court Hong Kong Dim Sum despite the cramped dining environment, and we have to agree!
Chooi Yue Dim Sum Restaurant
You’ll either have to wake up super early or join the queues if you want to try the affordable and tasty dim sum at Chooi Yue Dim Sum Restaurant. They have good coffee too!
