Ipoh Food Review | Chooi Yue Dim Sum | Hong Kong-style dim sum that locals also enjoy
When Ipoh is mentioned, many people immediately think of "food."
Besides white coffee and bean sprout chicken, dim sum is also an important part of Ipoh's breakfast culture. This time, instead of heading to the popular dim sum streets in the city center, we visited Chooi Yue Dim Sum in Ipoh Garden South.
This shop caters to the locals' everyday breakfast habits, about a 15-minute drive from Ipoh city center. Recent customer reviews mention that it's often packed during weekend breakfast hours, and you might even have to wait in line, so if you want to avoid the crowds, it's recommended to arrive early.
✦ Traditional Hong Kong Dim Sum, Choose a Variety at Once
Chooi Yue Dim Sum specializes in traditional Hong Kong dim sum, offering common items such as shrimp dumplings, siu mai, char siu bao, glutinous rice chicken, fish balls, and egg tarts.
If it's your first time, I would recommend ordering several different types at once, such as steamed dishes, fried items, and buns, to experience the unique characteristics of the restaurant.
Among the most recommended items are: Shrimp Dumplings: The shrimp filling is sweet and fresh, and the translucent skin makes them a classic Hong Kong-style dim sum.
Siu Mai: Traditional pork siu mai, perfect for enjoying slowly with a cup of hot tea.
Crispy Shrimp Rolls: The crispy outer layer is filled with shrimp meat, a unique dim sum I think is worth trying.
Egg Tarts: The flaky crust paired with the smooth egg filling makes them a perfect dessert to finish off the day.
You can also find some unique and innovative flavors, such as abalone and mushroom rolls, pomegranate cheese balls, and mochi. They offer more than just traditional dim sum; they also incorporate modern twists. Recently, diners have also highly recommended the salted egg yolk custard buns, including a version with pandan aroma. If you like molten filling buns, this is definitely a must-try.
✦ Dim Sum with an Ipoh White Coffee
When eating dim sum in Ipoh, I think you absolutely must have a cup of coffee with it.
Besides dim sum, they also offer traditional teas and coffee. Previous diners specifically mentioned that the coffee here has a rich aroma and is perfect for enjoying with breakfast. A basket of dim sum, a cup of hot coffee, slowly enjoying the meal and chatting—this is a typical Ipoh morning. I love this way of traveling.
You don't necessarily need to plan any specific sightseeing. Find a local teahouse in the morning, sit down for a steaming bowl of dim sum, watch the people around you chatting and eating breakfast, and you'll more easily experience the true daily life of a city.
✦ Why is it worth saving?
Cui Yue Lou isn't one of those fancy restaurants designed specifically for tourists.
It's more like a dim sum shop integrated into Ipoh's daily life.
The menu is extensive, the prices are relatively reasonable, and it's open from morning until afternoon, so you can eat there for breakfast, brunch, or even closer to noon.
Currently, the cost per person is around RM20–40, which is generally considered affordable to mid-range.
However, due to its popularity, it tends to be crowded on weekends and holidays. Some diners even recommend arriving before 8 am to avoid the breakfast rush.
So if your Ipoh trip is primarily about eating, I highly recommend adding this to your breakfast list. No need to chase the most popular spot. Occasionally, wander into a residential area and enjoy a familiar Hong Kong-style dim sum meal, paired with a cup of Ipoh coffee. The essence of travel is sometimes hidden in these ordinary everyday moments. ♡
🧸 Chooi Yue Dim Sum
ꔛ 2, 4 & 6, Tingkat Taman Ipoh 12, Taman Ipoh Selatan, 31400 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysiaꔛ 07:00–14:00 (Closed on Thursdays)
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