The Best Ipoh Dim Sum You Must Try: A Guide for Foodies

Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly steamed dumplings, crispy yam croquettes and fluffy egg tarts. That’s what you can expect when you visit Ipoh, Malaysia’s food paradise.

Ipoh is a city in Perak state that is famous for its rich cultural heritage, natural attractions and mouthwatering cuisine. One of the must-try dishes in Ipoh is dim sum, which are bite-sized delicacies served in bamboo baskets or plates.

In this article, we will show you how to enjoy Ipoh dim sum like a local: where to go, what to order and how to eat it.

Where to find the best Ipoh dim sum restaurants?

Ipoh has a plethora of dim sum restaurants to choose from, but not all of them are created equal. To help you narrow down your options, here are some of the top-rated Ipoh dim sum restaurants according to online reviews:

Yuk Sou Hin

This restaurant is located inside the Weil Hotel and offers a luxurious and elegant dining experience. The dim sum here are made with premium ingredients and cooked with exquisite craftsmanship. Some of the signature dishes include the snow skin mooncake with bird’s nest, the abalone siew mai and the smoked duck with lychee wood. The restaurant is open from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm and from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm daily. You can visit their website or call 05-208 2228 for more information and reservation.

Greentown Dimsum Cafe

This restaurant is one of the few halal dim sum places in Ipoh and caters to Muslim customers. The dim sum here are fresh, tasty and affordable. Some of the popular dishes include the chicken feet, the prawn dumplings and the fried carrot cake. The restaurant is open from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm daily except Tuesdays. You can visit their Facebook page or call 016-210 0535 for more information and booking.

Ming Court Hong Kong Dim Sum

This restaurant is one of the oldest and most famous dim sum places in Ipoh. It has a spacious and comfortable setting and a wide variety of dim sum dishes to choose from. Some of the must-try dishes include the char siew pao, the wu kok, the lotus leaf rice and the egg tarts. The restaurant is open from 6:00 am to 2:30 pm daily. You can visit their website or call 05-255 7134 for more information and reservation.

Zui Le Xuan Dim Sum

This restaurant is a hidden gem that offers authentic and delicious Hong Kong style dim sum at reasonable prices. The service here is fast and friendly and the ambiance is cozy and relaxing. Some of the recommended dishes include the har gao, the fried radish cake, the chee cheong fun and the lau sa pau. The restaurant is open from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm daily except Tuesdays. You can visit their Facebook page or call 012-486 0883 for more information and booking.

Chooi Yue Dim Sum

This restaurant is another popular spot for dim sum lovers in Ipoh. It has a large and modern space and a huge variety of dim sum dishes to satisfy your cravings. Some of the best dishes include the siew mai, the shrimp dumplings, the yam croquettes and the salted egg yolk custard buns. The restaurant is open from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm daily except Thursdays. You can visit their Facebook page or call 016-534 5965 for more information and reservation.

What are the must-try Ipoh dim sum dishes?

Ipoh dim sum dishes are diverse and delicious, but there are some that stand out from the rest. Here are some of the must-try Ipoh dim sum dishes that you should not miss:

• Siew mai: These are steamed dumplings made with minced pork and shrimp wrapped in a thin yellow wrapper. They are juicy, tender and flavorful, especially when dipped in some soy sauce and chili.
• Har gao: These are steamed dumplings made with whole shrimp wrapped in a translucent white wrapper. They are plump, succulent and sweet, especially when dipped in some vinegar and ginger.
• Char siew pao: These are steamed buns filled with barbecued pork in a sweet and savory sauce. They are soft, fluffy and satisfying, especially when eaten hot.
• Wu kok: These are deep-fried yam croquettes filled with minced pork and mushroom. They are crispy, chewy and savory, especially when eaten with some mayonnaise and chili.
• Lau sa pau: These are steamed buns filled with salted egg yolk custard and pandan paste. They are rich, creamy and decadent, especially when eaten warm and the filling oozes out.
• Lotus leaf rice: These are steamed glutinous rice wrapped in lotus leaves with chicken, mushroom, sausage and salted egg. They are fragrant, sticky and hearty, especially when eaten with some soy sauce and chili.
• Chee cheong fun: These are steamed rice noodle rolls with various fillings such as shrimp, char siew or mushroom. They are smooth, slippery and light, especially when eaten with some sweet sauce and sesame seeds.
• Egg tarts: These are baked pastries with a flaky crust and a smooth egg custard filling. They are crispy, creamy and sweet, especially when eaten fresh from the oven.

How to eat Ipoh dim sum like a local?

Eating Ipoh dim sum is not only a gastronomic adventure but also a cultural experience. To make the most of it, here are some tips on how to eat Ipoh dim sum like a local:

• Order by pointing at the dishes you want from the trolleys or trays that the servers bring around. You can also order from the menu if you prefer. The servers will mark your bill with a stamp or a chopstick for each dish you order.
• Share the dishes with your companions and use chopsticks and spoons to pick up the food. Avoid using forks and knives as they may damage the wrappers or the plates.
• Dip the dishes in the sauces provided such as soy sauce, vinegar, chili, mayonnaise or sweet sauce. You can also mix your own sauce according to your preference.
• Pair your dim sum with tea such as pu erh, jasmine or chrysanthemum. Tea helps to cleanse your palate and aid digestion. Refill your teapot by leaving the lid open or flipping over the lid handle to signal the servers.
• Pay by bringing your bill to the cashier or by calling the server to your table. You can pay by cash or card depending on the restaurant. You can also leave a tip if you are satisfied with the service.

Ipoh dim sum is a feast for the senses that you should not miss when you visit this charming city. With this guide, you can enjoy Ipoh dim sum like a local and discover why it is one of the best things to do in Ipoh.

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