Tong Sui Kai in Ipoh
If you’re in Ipoh and craving a late-night meal, you won’t have to turn to a mamak stall or a fast-food restaurant to sort out your hunger pangs. There’s Tong Sui Kai. Tucked behind Sam Tet Primary School, along Jalan Sultan Ekram, this legendary lane is home to nearly 50 food stalls, each one dishing out mouth-watering food near midnight.
We visited the street to bring you an Ipohite’s review of some of its must-try hawker food.
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What is Tong Sui Kai?
As one of the few spots in Ipoh that stays open till late, Tong Sui Kai is a name that often crops up in conversations about where to get late-night meals in town.
Its name can be translated from Cantonese to English as “Dessert Street”, because of the dessert options like tong sui and ais kacang that can be ordered at this outdoor food court. Though, today, you’ll find way more than just desserts among the row of hawker stalls. Whether you’re here for a full-on dinner feast or a late-night snack sesh, the food options here are plentiful and the vibes top-tier.
However, most of the hawker stalls here serve non-halal food, so do take note before you plan a visit.
The ambience at Tong Sui Kai
Plastic tables, simple stools, and the constant buzz of people, sizzling woks, and delicious smells – that’s the magic of Tong Sui Kai. It’s the kinda place where you sit down, eat your heart out, and soak in the lively night vibes. This foodie hotspot opens from 5pm till late – or whenever a stall sells out of food for the day – and it almost always stays packed.
We were there till 2am, and it was still going strong. In a city that usually winds down early, this is the spot for supper hunters.
– What to eat at Ipoh’s Tong Sui Kai –
Char Siew Curry Mee (Stall No. 26)
The Char Siew Curry Mee at Tong Sui Kai is a local top pick.
The curry broth is thick, creamy, and just spicy enough, soaking into every strand of noodles and coating them with flavour. It’s the kind of bowl that warms you up from the inside out. The slices of char siew that come with each bowl are juicy, tender, and smoky, giving you that perfect bite every time. One mouthful, and you’ll get why it’s a crowd favourite.
Price: RM15
Wantan Mee (Stall No. 44)
Craving a comforting noodle dish? The Wantan Mee at Tong Sui Kai stands out with its rich, caramelised sauce that clings to the springy noodles. The char siew is sliced thicker than usual while the plump wantans are filled with flavourful minced meat. And it’s decently priced, for its quality and portion.
Price: RM8
Rojak Buah & Sotong Kangkung (Stall No. 28)
If you love bold, punchy flavours, this duo is a must.
The Rojak Buah at Tong Sui Kai is a vibrant mix of guava, mango, cucumber, sengkuang, ambra fruits, and jambu air, tossed in thick, spicy prawn paste and topped with a generous handful of crushed peanuts. It’s crunchy, juicy, spicy, sweet – with a sweet-sour kick that packs a punch.
Likewise, the Sotong Kangkung pairs tender cuttlefish with blanched water spinach, all coated in a sweet-savoury sauce that’s seriously addictive. It’s a classic street food combo that just hits different.
Price: RM13
ABC Mixed Fruit
You can’t leave without trying the ABC Mixed Fruit here. A mountain of shaved ice is topped with fresh local fruits and a drizzle of sweet syrup and condensed milk, just enough to bring out the natural sweetness of the fruits without overpowering them. Each spoonful hits you with a refreshing mix of ice-cold sweetness and fruity freshness — just what you need after all that feasting on the street.
Portion-wise, it’s a satisfyingly massive bowl that’s perfect for sharing with friends – or keeping all to yourself, no judgements here.
Price: RM10
What to eat at Ipoh’s famous Tong Sui Kai
Who says Ipoh has no nightlife? Tong Sui Kai proves them wrong. Whether you’re here for dinner, supper, or a late-night snack, there’s something for everyone. So grab your makan buddies and go on a foodie adventure – don’t say we didn’t jio you!
Address: Jalan Carey, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
Opening hours: Mon–Tue 5pm-12.39am | Wed–Sun 5pm-11.30pm
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Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia
Photography by Chantirigaa (Chan).