This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a commission if you decide to purchase through our links at no cost to you. This helps fund Slower Travels without costing you a cent!

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.

I ate out all over Ipoh (in the Old Town and further afield) and here are all my favourite restaurants in one list. Some places are vegan or vegetarian, but more often I found myself at omni restaurants that had great options for me as well.

Where to Eat Vegetarian Food in Ipoh, Malaysia

Salad from Tummy Bowl

I never visited this place, but I ordered Tummy Bowl’s vegan salad three times on Grab. Once I know I like something, I’ll often become a repeat orderer. I’m making so many decisions while travelling, sometimes it’s nice not to have to think about dinner as well!

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 mango and pineapple for added freshness. The juice was a great way to ensure I got some extra energy for all that walking too.

Travelling through Kuala Lumpur on your way to Ipoh? Find and book the best airport hotel with my personal recommendations here.

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 (and the rest of Malaysia) does exceptionally well is cake shops. After a long stretch of exploring, walking the streets, and admiring the historic buildings and street art, you’ll need something sweet for energy and a cold drink.

The very kind team from Coco Craft Bakehouse invited me in when I was on one such morning adventure. I ordered a pastry and the peach oolong iced tea. It 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 I was 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. Not very Malaysian, but just what I was craving.

Plus, they make great coffee. If you’re planning a big day of sightseeing, fuel up here first. It’s a beautiful spot to practice your Instagram poses.

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.

If you’re looking for a more traditional Malaysian-style breakfast, this place is your spot.

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!

YG Bake Cafe seems to have closed now. But they have a shop with all their yummy treats available!

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.

Next stop Bangkok? Here’s all the best vegetarian food in town.

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).