Vegetarian Guide to Ipoh, Malaysia

Malaysia has excellent food everywhere, and Ipoh is no exception. The highlights are the Kopitiam shops serving the famous white Ipoh coffee and noodles, the patisseries serving amazing sweet treats, and everything in between.

As a vegetarian who doesn’t love eggs, I often lacked options. I’ve read that there are further options outside of Old Town. You can try Grab for delivery to access some of these.

Save yourself the hassle and access my maps of places here.

Where to Eat Vegetarian Food in Ipoh, Malaysia

Salad from Tummy Bowl

I have never visited this place, but I ordered Tummy Bowl’s vegan salad three times. After eating all the sweet treats and fried food during the day, I wanted something healthy and light by the time dinner rolled around. This salad was perfect.

Well-cooked tofu, a tasty dressing that wasn’t too heavy, and fresh mango and pineapple added freshness. The juice was a great way to ensure I got some extra energy for all that walking.

Lunch Buffet from Sin Meng Kee

I’m a massive fan of these Chinese vegetarian buffet restaurants. I didn’t know about them when I started travelling in SE Asia and often struggled to find food. Now, I always try to book accommodation near one.

Everything at Sin Meng Kee is vegan, made without meat, eggs, or dairy, and it’s all super tasty. Watch out for the spice level, though!

Cake and Tea from Coco Craft Bakehouse

One thing that Ipoh does exceptionally well is cake shops. After a long morning or afternoon of walking the streets, admiring the historic buildings and street art, you’ll need something sweet and a cold drink.

The very kind team from Coco Craft Bakehouse invited me in on one such morning. I ordered a pastry and the peach oolong iced tea, which was the perfect refreshment stop as I planned out the rest of the day.

Gelato from Artsy Icy Gelato

When I saw the Kinta Riverwalk on the map, I knew I wanted to explore it. What I (always) underestimated was the heat and humidity, even when you’re surrounded by lush vegetation on the riverbank.

Thank goodness for Artsy Icy Gelato - a cute little gelato shop tucked away in a strip of mostly empty shops. They had two vegan sorbet flavours plus a range of gelato options. It was the perfect stop to refresh before walking back to Old Town.

Breakfast from 晨 M Breakfast Cafe

This was my first meal out in Ipoh, and it did not disappoint. Although M Breakfast Cafe is one of the highest-rated restaurants on Google Maps, it was completely empty when I visited.

I had the Spinach Focaccia both times I visited. It was a great breakfast with Mediterranean flavours like olives and sundried tomatoes. Plus, they make great coffee. If you’re planning a big day of sightseeing, fuel up here first.

Traditional Breakfast from YG Bake Cafe

Ipoh is a sleepy town where things get going slowly early in the morning. This can make finding breakfast bright and early hard sometimes! Thankfully, the team at YG Bake Cafe opens early so you can get your day started.

I visited twice, and the staff were charming. I had their Onsen eggs one morning and scrambled eggs another. I also couldn’t resist their sweets and white coffee. It’ll give you all the energy you need!

Lunch at YC Vege Life Vegetarian Cafe

I absolutely love mushrooms—especially those you’d only find in a speciality shop back in the Western world. But here, exotic species such as Lion’s Mane are whipped into a delicious faux meat treat.

This meal at YC Vege Life Vegetarian Cafe was simple but so good. I didn’t realise it came with an egg, so if you’re vegan you could order without it.

There is a gorgeous coffee shop, Chan’s Coffee, connected if you want to order one of those beautiful rose coffees, too.

Brunch and Coffee at Aud’s Cafe

I have such a fondness for coffee that looks like a cocktail. You feel like you’re drinking something special and it’s only 9am. This is The Sunny from Aud’s Cafe: coffee, soda and fresh orange peel. It most certainly is refreshing.

I don’t love eggs, so I opted for the Elvis Toast for breakfast. As an adult, I’ve become a big fan of peanut butter on almost anything. Toast and banana are among my favourite options.

A Few Other Places to Eat in Ipoh, Malaysia

Some other places I ate, which I didn’t return to are B. Belly Lab (expensive, and I was freezing cold in the restaurant), Flufff (the pasta was good, but the place lacked atmosphere), Cititel Express Hotel (there was a lack of vegetarian options, I only ate here as I was staying at the hotel) and Old Town Kitchen Cafe (the staff were lovely but the meal itself was pretty boring and lacked vegetables).