Hidden rustic cafe in Ipoh
Ipoh is well known for its historic sites and breathtaking limestone caves. But locals will rave about its food haunts too. From hawker stalls and dim sum parlours to aesthetic cafes, the city is one of Malaysia’s most popular destinations for food road trips.
A place you can rest your legs at after exploring popular gems in the town is De Cafe & Rest House. This rustic cafe is located a two-minute walk from Ipoh’s must-visit Concubine Lane, and has a secret photo spot tucked away in an alley.
Unfinished rustic industrial vibes
Image adapted from: @annachot and @winloon
A charm of De Cafe & Rest House can be found at its back entrance, which leads out into an IG-worthy alley. While most alleys are dark and unpleasant, this one behind the cafe is far from it.
Image credit: @ps7775756
Like something out of a Studio Ghibli movie, the alley has wooden planks lining the road, foliage growing along the walls, and soft sunlight peeking through jungle-like vines.
Image credit: @mielifestyles
Step into the cafe and be wowed by its welcoming space with raw, unfinished industrial interior.
Anyone looking to unwind after exploring the historic city can take their pick from the cafe’s various seating options, including comfy sofas and bar seats, while dining on big breakfast plates and fluffy sponge cakes.
Image credit: @winloon
Big breakfast, fusion pasta & cakes
Image credit: @decafeandresthouse
While De Cafe & Rest House’s ambience is a good enough reason to visit them, the cafe’s extensive menu is something to look forward too. They serve hearty breakfast plates, including their rendition of the big breakfast, All Day Big Breakfast (RM19.90) – this dish comprises seven savoury sides, such as scrambled eggs and sauteed mushrooms.
Image credit: @decafeandresthouse
For foodies who appreciate elaborate flavours and texture, go for their fusion pasta. The Seafood Puttanesca (RM30.90) is worth a try if you enjoy prawns and noodles coated with a tart tomato-based sauce cooked with anchovy fillets, capers, olives and basil.
Their Seppie al Nero (RM30.90) is another seafood-based pasta dish with squid ink noodles.
Image credit: dé Cafe & Rest House
You can complete your meals on a sweet note with their bestselling fluffy Mille Crepes (from RM16/slice) in two different rich flavours – Black Forest and Salted Caramel.
De Cafe & Rest House, a hidden gem in Ipoh
If you’re looking for a place to unwind after visiting some of Ipoh’s popular attractions, De Cafe & Rest House has hearty breakfast plates, pretty desserts and a hidden photo spot waiting to be discovered.
Address: 35, Jalan Sultan Iskandar, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 10AM-7PM (Closed on Mondays)
Telephone: 016-737 1207
De Cafe & Rest House’s Facebook | Instagram
Check out these places nearby:
- Taiping Lake Gardens, a park with picturesque mountain views
- Agacia Town, a forgotten town in Perak
- The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, a luxury spa resort nestled amidst nature
Cover image adapted from: @ps7775756, @decafeandresthouse and @mielifestyles