If you’re heading over to Taiping, it’s only fair to try out some of the delicious food and restaurants you can find in the city.
From authentic Chinese, Malay, and Indian cuisine, this quaint little town has a lot to bring to the table.
Read on as we list out the 17 most notable eateries, so you’ll know just what to eat while you’re here!
1. Ansari Famous Cendol
You can find most cendol places at roadside stalls, but Ansari’s is a proper shop lot and has been around for three generations.
The is usually a queue at this shop. Our personal experience, however, is that there is better cendol in Penang and Ipoh.
As this cendol lacks the fragrance of Gula Melaka (they use white sugar), although it is creamy and there’s the option of adding pulut to it for more texture. The cendol jellies are plump and tasty.
And the fact that they have space for diners to sit down and enjoy their cendol is a bonus. Besides two sinks for patrons to use. Moreover, service is speedy and the cendol is affordable.
Apart from desserts, there are also local delicacies such as pasembor or pulut udang too after or before relishing your bowl of cendol.
- Address: 92, Jalan Barrack No.2 Medan Simpang , Simpang, 34000 Taiping, Perak
- Opening Hours: 10am to 6:30pm
- Contact: +6012-562 9440
2. Taiping Famous PSL Goreng Pisang
Pisang goreng (fried banana fritters) is a popular Malaysian tea-time snack;
At Taiping Famous PSL Goreng Pisang, the fried bananas are simply marvellous – Crispy on the outside and sweet and gooey on the inside!
The battered skin of the fried bananas tends to separate from the bananas though. This could be because the bananas are very large.
Apart from fried bananas, the stall also serves fried cempedak and spring rolls, with yam lovers enjoying the kuih bakul here immensely.
Taiping Famous PSL Goreng Pisang is not a restaurant but more of a takeaway place. Do come here if you’re in the neighborhood to try out some tasty (if slightly unhealthy) pisang goreng!
It is interesting to watch them fry the bananas on site too. And this place is within walking distance from both Restoran Yat Sun and Ansari Famous Cendol.
- Address: 85, Jalan Pasar, 34000 Taiping, Perak
- Opening Hours: 12pm to 7pm
- Contact: +6016-516 1818
3. Yat Sun Taiping
The Yat Sun restaurant in Taiping is a Muslim-friendly eatery complete with nostalgic marble top tables and mosaic tiles lining the wall.
It’s a relaxing place to have a meal with its pre-war colonial charm. There are 2 branches in Taiping – and both along Jalan Pasar just a minute’s walk apart.
The main branch is at the corner at the intersection between Jalan Lim Tee Hooi and Jalan Pasar while the second is on the opposite of the road, at the intersection between Jalan Ong Saik and Jalan Pasar.
As expected from a typical Hainanese restaurant/coffee shop, Yut Sun serves a variety of Hainanese delights, as well as broader Chinese cuisine.
They have chicken chop, beef steak, and fish & chips, and a variation of roti sayur (literally translated as bread with vegetables) that are worth trying.
See more photos of our experience at Yat Sun Restaurant.
Note: The chicken chop at the second Taiping branch has french fries while the main branch serves the dish with potato wedges.
- Address: 63, Jalan Pasar, 34000 Taiping, Perak
- Opening Hours: 10am to 8pm; Closed on Thursdays
- Contact: +6011-3618 3266
4. Tai Chien
This old-school kopitiam at the corner where Jalan Pasar and Jalan Lim Tee Hooi meet (diagonally opposite of the main branch of Yat Sun has some of the best curry mee in town.
But they also have nasi lemak and other commendable local noodle dishes like wan tan mee, lor mee, and char kway teow. And it’s a great idea to order a side of popiah to go with your noodles!
We’ve tried the wanton mee here (better than the one at Larut Matang Hawker Center) and the popiah (simple and tasty with an all-vegetable filling and no crispy bits).
The char kway teow has wok hei, and is well portioned and seasoned but just a little oily for our liking.
There is another a unique dish available at this eatery. It is the orange chicken rice, where you can opt for curry or orange sauce.
And yet another Taiping specialty here is hor ga sai (“tiger bites lion”, a Hokkien way of implying “mixed things”), where local coffee is mixed with milo, lending it a similar taste to a mocha – except with traditional-style coffee and the absence of milk.
You’ll see a lot of locals having their breakfast here since there’s a wide variety of good food for affordable prices!
- Address: 79, Jalan Pasar, 34000 Taiping, Perak
- Opening Hours: 7:30am to 3:30pm; Closed on Wednesdays
- Contact: +6016-540 0300
5. Aulong Kaya Kok @ Chok Kee Confectionary 后廊祝记咖椰角
Within Taiping is another small village known as Aulong, home to the historical Chok Kee Kaya Puff/ Kaya Kok pastry.
This handmade sweet confectionery by Chok Kee Confectionery has been around since 1947, and still delights customers to this day.
Their kaya puff is known for its crispy texture and the silky taste of kaya (coconut milk-based gooey concoction) filling that is a nostalgic snack for many Taiping-ites and Malaysians in general.
This is a home business in a residential lot. Customers usually make orders from the side door. The rest of the shop is dedicated to the large ovens and pastry preparation.
Personally, we don’t think the kaya puffs are mind-blowing – we do prefer kaya puffs with less filling as these have an unusually generous stuffing of kaya.
- Address: 1106-D, Jalan Permaisuri, Kampung Baru Aulong, 34000 Taiping, Perak
- Opening Hours: 9am to 6pm daily (Closed on Thursdays)
- Contact: +6012-595 6940
6. Larut Matang Hawker Center
Larut Matang Hawker Center is a popular localfood haunt. It’s greatif you’re looking to be spoilt for choice.
There are over a hundred stalls under one roof, serving food from all the melting pot cuisines known throughout Malaysia. The hawker center is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner too.
With plenty of Chinese, Indian, and Malay cuisine eateries around, so try them to see what suits you best!
Of note is stall number, 63 (open from 8.30am) which serves a reputable koey teow goreng (fried kuay teow):
Besides their impressive braising and wok frying techniques, this kuay teow here has a delicious smoky flavor which lifts the dish to another level.
There’s also a wanton mee stall (in the middle of the food court) that’s not bad – they don’t have the anchovy soup on the side like in Ipoh, but you get tender pieces of chicken!
The hor ka sai from the drinks stall next to this notable wanton mee stall is good too – it has a well-balanced taste of both coffee and milo.
We got a fluffy apam balik from a stall closer to the front as well.
- Address: Jalan Iskandar, 34000 Taiping, Perak
- Opening Hours: 5am to 7:30pm
- Contact: +6019-750 0851
7. Lian Thong Restaurant
This is a small family-run business that serves local homemade cuisine. So, if you are in the mood for some comfort food, Lian Thong is the place.
Of note are the fried koay teow, curry noodles, and the ever-popular half-boiled eggs on toast.
Other dishes that might surprise first-time patrons are the kerabu chicken rice, fried tofu pok, bomb mee, and many more unique dishes.
See what we ordered at Lian Thong Restaurant.
Note: Employees are senior citizens, so patience and sensitivity are advised.
- Address: No. 5, Jalan Kota, 34000 Taiping, Perak
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 2pm, Closed on Saturday and Sunday
- Contact: +605-807 2645
8. MJ’s Cuisine 明記
MJ’s Cuisine is a family-style restaurant that has been around since Sept 2013.
They serve traditional western and eastern fusion food and exclusive coffee, placing a premium on quality food and equally dependable service.
The extensive menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, and mains, and the varied fusion cuisine means it’s a great catch-all if you can’t decide what to eat!
We like the comfortable and clean dining environment. And as a bonus, the seating suits large groups.
- Address: 36A, Jalan Kota, 34000 Taiping, Perak
- Opening Hours: 12pm–3:30pm, 5:30pm–9:30pm daily
- Contact: +6010-379 8423
9. Khim Heong Foodstuffs
This confectionery is the oldest biscuit factory in the northern Malaysia; once made for emperors in the Tang Dynasty, they’re now available for everyone to savor!
The star product here is the heong peah, which translates to fragrant biscuits. Molass-filled dough is baked in a traditional clay oven where the biscuits are stuck to the wall over a coconut husk fire.
There are also ‘biscuit-making classes’ in the morning, where visitors can learn to make tau-sar-peah (mung beans biscuits).
PS: Biscuit prices are not cheap here – they can sell for RM2 a piece!
- Address: 13, Lorong Perusahaan Pengkalan 3, Taman Perusahaan Perkhidmatan Pengkalan, 34000 Taiping, Perak
- Opening Hours: 8am to 6pm daily, On Sundays and Mondays, they open from 8:30am to 6pm
- Contact: +6017-555 5495
10. Cheeky Summer
With a memorable name, Cheeky Summer offers up its services as a smoothie and juice bar, the first of its kind in Taiping.
Their juices are cold pressed with no added sugar, which is perfect if you happen to be watching your calorie intake.
Their food menu includes light pizzas, salads, and much more, such as their ‘Alligator Lay Eggs’, which is simply poached eggs on smashed avocado.
So, if you’re looking for a refreshing smoothie, quick bite or a guilt-free meal, Cheeky Summer is the place to be.
- Address: 92, Jalan Barrack, 34000 Taiping, Perak
- Opening Hours: 9:30am to 6pm daily (Closed on Mondays)
- Contact: +605-810 2028
11. Mr. BBQ (Restoran Yung Kee)
Don’t be fooled by the name thinking that this is a BBQ restaurant, as it’s popular among the locals for its Chinese seafood!
The food is mainly local Chinese fare such as red wine noodles, Cantonese noodles, sweet and sour pork, and much more.
And while you can’t go wrong with any seafood dishes or the tom yum soup here, the chili ikan bakar is the most sought-after of the bunch. Though you may want to try the intriguing curry prawns in bread too!
With a great ambiance, Mr. BBQ restaurant stands out among others in Taiping. But just be sure to make a reservation as it’s always packed!
On weekends, it can be an hour’s wait before you get your food.
- Address: 16-17, Jalan Maharajalela, 34000 Taiping, Perak.
- Opening Hours: 11am to 3pm; 5pm to 10pm, closed on Wednesdays
- Contact: +605-807 9998
12. Kedai Ais Kacang Merah Raex
A typical Chinese Kopitiam (coffee shop) known for its signature ice-blended red bean with milk drink – A thick and frothy concoction, doubling up as a dessert.
This place is a favorite haunt for both locals and visitors, serving hawker delights such as lok look (a simplified version of steamboat) and popiah (Spring rolls).
Best of all, it’s all at an affordable price, making it a great pit stop if you’re hungry!
Those who like rojak and laksa will find decent renditions here too.
- Address: No.9, Jalan Toh Khay Beng, 34000 Taiping
- Opening Hours: 12pm to 5pm daily
- Contact: +6012-516 8805
13. Hua Soon Firework Char Koay Teow
While you’re not going to watch fireworks while having a mouthful of yummy char koay teow, it’s still a delicious experience.
Fun fact: The fireworks are embers that come from a manual pulley fan when the owner stokes the fire.
Although you can find char koay teow basically anywhere in Taiping or Malaysia, the ones here are served on a green leaf from a kam yuit or simpoh air plant.
Moreover, with 50 years of experience making this dish, the cook Ah Soon stir-fries with such speed that his hands and the ladle become blurry.
To uphold the quality of the dish, he only fries for two or three plates at one go, with his sons assisting in the serving and takeaway process.
The char koay teow here is slightly wet, accompanied by cockles, eggs, and bean sprouts served on a kam yuit leaf. We strongly advise trying the duck egg version of this char koay teow!
- Address: 13 Medan Pasar, Jalan Taiping-Kuala Kangsar, 34700 Simpang, Perak.
- Opening Hours: 6:30pm to 11:15pm daily, closed on Sundays
14. Roti Bakar Abang Fadzil House
While basically toasted bread, the roti bakar at Abang Fadzil House takes it up a notch.
Toasted over coals fires, the roti bakar here has a distinct smoky taste.
And with poached eggs, it makes for a hearty breakfast to go alongside your hot beverage of choice.
While roti bakar is the main pull here, feel free to try out their other offerings to further complete your meal, such as nasi lemak or their noodle dishes.
- Address: 1, Jalan Perusahaan 2, Kampung Sungai Tupai, 34000 Taiping, Perak
- Opening Hours: 7am to 12pm
- Contact: +6017-505 5877
15. LA Burger Kukus Taiping
Situated within the old Taiping Railway Station Building, LA Burger Kukus Taiping serves up juicy burgers with a variety of drinks to go with them.
Interestingly, they also serve giant burgers for special occasions.
The menu on offer here is mainly Western, consisting of steamed and grilled burgers (beef, chicken, and lamb), pasta, sandwiches, and hotdogs.
With delicious food, fast service, large portions, and some surprisingly delectable drinks, this burger joint certainly has the food to match its old-school aesthetic!
- Address: Taiping Railway Station, Lama, 34000 Taiping, Perak
- Opening Hours: 5pm to 11pm daily; closed on Thursdays
- Contact: +6011-588 94430
16. Nasi Kandar Beratur 786 Taiping
This nasi kandar outlet is not your usual kopitiam in terms of the furnishing, being brightly lit with tasteful decor and wooden flooring.
Its primary focus is Indian cuisine, with a variety of chicken, mutton, beef, and seafood curries and fried dishes available, alongside servings of rice, Indian bread, and tandoori.
Apart from that, western dishes such as chicken chop and lamb chop are served here too, so there’s something for everyone here.
- Address: No.2 Commersial Centre (TTCC off, Jalan Pekeliling, Taman Tasik Taiping, 34000 Taiping, Perak
- Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm on most days except Friday when they are open from 10am to 1pm, and again from 2pm to 10pm;
- Contact: +6011-5985 6184
17. Pusat Penjaja Taiping
Pusat Penjaja is a hawker center behind the fire station, which locals call The Circus Ground.
Like other hawker centers in Malaysia, you can find a variety of food to suit your palate. Though we would like to bring your attention to the stall running the Malay-style yong tau fu:
It’s slightly different from the Chinese version of this dish. Their rendition is essentially sotong kangkong (boiled cuttlefish with blanched water spinach) smothered with a salty-sweet dressing and sprinkled with crushed peanuts.
It’s an interesting twist on a familiar dish, and well worth a try if you’re around.
There’s also plenty of other basic hawker fare here, with fried noodles, roti canai, and much more!
- Address: Jalan Tupai Gerai No 20 – Gerai Hidayah, 34000 Taiping, Perak
- Opening Hours: 6am to 12am
Conclusion
There’s plenty of great food in Taiping if you know where to look. Like kam yuit char koay teow or orange chicken rice!
You can find great and inexpensive noodles, curries, snacks, desserts, and western food in Taiping with a local twist too.
Taiping has nice cafes to check out too. Keep these in mind when you are exploring things to do in Taiping.
There are even cafes that face Taiping Lake Gardens, like DoubleTap Café.
Further Reading:
- 11 Best Hotels In Taiping
- 7 Best Homestays In Taiping
- What To Do At Taiping Lake Gardens
- Maxwell Hill – A Must-see In Taiping, Perak
