Perak is a paradise for food lovers, offering a colourful mix of flavours, textures, and heritage dishes that satisfy every craving. Hidden in small stalls, old shoplots, and family-run eateries are some of Malaysia’s most iconic dishes — from savoury meals and sweet indulgences to unique local creations you won’t find anywhere else. Here’s your guide to the must-try culinary gems across the state.
Salted Chicken (Ayam Garam Ipoh)
Ipoh’s beloved salt-baked chicken is one of the state’s most iconic dishes. Whole chickens are marinated with aromatic herbs and spices, wrapped in paper, and baked in mounds of rock salt until perfectly tender and flavourful.
Top places to try:
- Aun Kheng Lim Salted Chicken (Pork-Free)
- Ipoh Kheng Lim Salted Chicken (Non-Halal)
- Happiness Authentic Salted Chicken (Non-Halal)
- Feng Weng Salted Chicken (Non-Halal)
Locally-made Coffee (Ipoh & Taiping)
Ipoh is renowned as the birthplace of the famous Ipoh White Coffee — smooth, aromatic, and creamy with just the right balance of sweetness. Enjoy it in traditional kopitiams or grab a pack to take home.
Popular spots:
- OldTown White Coffee Ipoh Padang
- Yee Hoi Coffee Manufacturer Ipoh
- Chang Jiang White Coffee
Meanwhile in Taiping, the oldest coffee mill in Malaysia, Antong Coffee, still produces rich coffee grounds using old-fashioned machinery. Visitors can tour the factory and shop for black or white coffee blends.
Nasi Ganja (Ipoh)
A truly addictive dish — hence the name — Nasi Ganja is similar to nasi kandar, where rice is drenched in a medley of spicy curries and served with chicken or fish and vegetables.
Famous locations:
- Nasi Kandar Ayam Merah @ Kedai Kopi Yong Suan
- Restoran Nasi Vanggey
- Restoran Nasi Kandar AK
- Nasi Kandar Pekan Lama
Arrive early to avoid queues; this dish draws both locals and travellers daily.
Bubur Perak
For a comforting treat, Warung Bubur Perak Titi Gantung offers more than 12 types of porridge — sweet, savoury, or both. Priced around RM4 per bowl, favourites include:
- Bubur Kacang Hijau
- Bubur Cha Cha
- Bubur Lambuk
- Bubur Anak Lebah
Perfect for breakfast or a light afternoon bit
Laksa Pangkor
A warm and tangy noodle dish enriched with spices and paired with seafood fresh from nearby fishing villages. Each bowl packs flavour and comfort.
Where to try it on Pulau Pangkor:
- Laksa D’Kelapa
- Gerai Laksa Mee Uda
- Laksa Mee Pangkor Karavan
Mee Udang (Prawn Noodles)
Perak’s famous prawn noodles deliver bold sweet–spicy flavours, served piping hot with jumbo prawns. Choose from soupy, curry-based, or stir-fried versions.
Top recommendations:
- Mee Udang Mak Jah
- Mee Udang Nur Zetty
- Mee Udang Laut Segar Pak Hashim
- Salleh Stall Mee Udang Port Weld
Pau (Steamed Buns)
In Tanjung Malim, Yik Mun Pau has been delighting travellers since 1926. Their soft, pillowy buns come with savoury fillings like chicken or spicy beef, as well as sweet versions such as kaya or red bean.
Bamboo Rice (Nasi Bamboo)
Also in Tanjung Malim, visitors flock to try the famous bamboo rice — fragrant rice steamed inside bamboo and served with spicy curries, vegetables, chicken, or fish.
Top eateries:
- Nasi Bamboo Sungai Klah Sungkai
- Nasi Bamboo Motivasi
From hearty meals to heritage snacks, Perak’s food scene is a must-explore for anyone who loves authentic Malaysian flavours. Whether you’re in Ipoh, Taiping, Pangkor, or Tanjung Malim, each stop promises something delicious, memorable, and uniquely Perak.
