Ipoh : The Story Of Food, Food, And More Food.

How much is that plate if curry hor fun? The serving is enough to make my brothers full after 1-2 plates. What? RM 4? RM5? Pfffttt... Try RM 1.40. Yes you heard me right - RM 1.40. Kum Kee is probably like the mamak of the area, with it opening till late, the shop is famous for it's Ipoh bean sprout white chicken. But chicken too boring? Well try this! Seriously... RM 1.40? The curry isn't too spicy and blends well with the slightly salty soy sauce mixture at the bottom. Just one of those simple foods that should not, and did not take much, but still so complex, full of flavor and fulfilling. When my time comes, I guess I can tell my kids "when your mom was young...it only cost RM 1.40!!"

You've probably read about the place. Now here are some satays to show you that satay for breakfast is perfectly fine! Opt for chicken, pork or pig intestines satay (approx RM 0.60 each), dip in simple peanut sauce and get messy!

Thean chun has been around forever. According to my dad, his father brought him here when he was a kid, he brought us here as kids, and he's waiting to bring his grandchildren here, continuing the generation line 😂. The place is also known as "hall of mirrors", but better known as "the shop beside Kong Heng".

Known for its kai see hor fun (shredded chicken meat rice noodles- which by the way will cost you RM 5.50 for small, 45 minutes and can't fill even my tummy), this place also holds a hidden gem : a decently done crème caramel for RM 2.60!! If you ever stop by Concubine street in ipoh and want some good kai see hor fun, give this place a try.

Also, if you want a nice, chilled but not to expensive dessert, try the crème caramel, or as they call it here "egg pudding"

Ask people around ipoh for good asam laksa and they probably will tell you about the "pokok asam asam laksa". The place is pretty easy to miss, as it's not a physical shop per se but a corner house turned into a sort of canteen.

Don't expect an extensive menu as this place knows how to cut down on uneeded food items and only focus on things like pasta and asam laksa which is their best seller. RM 4 for a "plate" of asam laksa? SOMEONE SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! When was the last time I had such cheap asam laksa which is not at the night market (pasae malam)?

The broth had the right amount of heat to it though not sour enough for my liking (it's good to note I'm a hardcore sour eater) and the portion will not be enough to satisfy big eaters. But hey, even with 2 servings, it's only RM 8!

Wash it down with fresh umbra juice on a hot day or you can opt for ice kacang at the side :) alternatively if you feel your asam laksa too bland, try some deep fried fish skin 😉