IPOH should focus on popularising its iconic street food rather than worrying about the closure of an international casual dining chain.
Clinic assistant Puteri Abd Hamid, a visitor from Kuala Lumpur, said Ipoh was known for being a street food haven.
“People come here specifically for that. You can find big brands elsewhere,” she told StarMetro.
She said the city’s slower pace was also part of its appeal, especially in areas such as Old Town.
“Visitors are drawn to the environment and food culture.
“There is a sense of nostalgia and authenticity that you don’t really get in other cities.”
Zdenek Nechuta, a tourist from the Czech Republic, said that Ipoh should continue to market its unique charm.
“As a tourist, you want to enjoy local food that reflects the place you are visiting, not something you can easily find in any other city.
“Each city should offer visitors different experiences that feel genuine.
“Ipoh’s local specialities are a big part of that experience,” said Nechuta.
Among the many foods the city is famous for are Ipoh white coffee, beansprouts chicken, Ipoh curry mee, Ipoh hor fun and caramel custard.
StarMetro went on the street to find out what the people liked best about the dining scene in Ipoh.
The Perak capital had recently lost an international food-and-beverage outlet, following the closure of Hard Rock Cafe in the city on Dec 1, 2025. According to reports, it was largely due to low visitor numbers.
It was located at Palo 101, a commercial hub in Jalan Sultan Iskandar which comprises mostly food and beverage businesses.
The franchise still has six outlets in Malaysia – downtown Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, George Town in Penang, Genting Highlands in Pahang, Melaka and Iskandar Puteri in Johor.
Entrepreneur Nur Izzah Muhd Fissol, a visitor from Penang, said Ipoh should continue to focus on preserving its “Pekan Lama” (Old Town),
“People come for the ‘olden vibes’ and that is what makes Ipoh special,” she opined.
From her perspective as an entrepreneur, Nur Izzah said the street food culture was Ipoh’s main strengthm pointing out: “Popular global eateries can be found in every major city.”
Food seller B. Kavinesh Varrma said global fast-food chains were able to thrive due to their affordable pricing.
“It is a practical option, especially when people are more price-conscious.”
“In comparison, burgers and meals at casual-dining outlets are more expensive,” he said.
A clerk, who wanted to be known only as Leong, said she would not be surprised if Hard Rock Cafe were to make a comeback some time in the future.
“Perhaps when Ipoh has more expatriates and becomes well-known as a tourist destination, there will be demand again.”
Building supervisor R. Vasudevan said branded eateries need to be strategic about where they set up, suggesting that shopping complexes make better business sense due to their consistent footfall.
“There are more people willing to spend at malls, so an international chain will have a better chance of surviving.”
On the perception of Ipoh as a retirement town, Vasudevan said this should not be viewed as a limitation.
“Ipoh folk do have spending power, but prefer things that they feel are worth the money,” he noted.
A businessman, who wanted to be known only as Tam, said the Old Town area would be a better location for international F&B chains.
“There are many tourists visiting the area and having such eateries in a colonial building has its own charm,” he said.
“The other area is Tambun, particularly at Sunway City Ipoh, with the theme park, medical centre and upcoming mall.
“I feel that this area can cater to more high-end products.
“Conducting a thorough market study, understanding the target audience and choosing a strategic location are key to success.
“Ipoh is currently experiencing a boom in visitor numbers, with tourists arriving from other states and abroad.
“More people naturally increases demand for a variety of dining options,” said Tam.
He added that with careful planning, big brands could complement the local food scene rather than competing with it, offering more choices while adding jobs in the hospitality sector.
Perak tourism committee chairman Loh Sze Yee said Ipoh had always been about authenticity.
He cited local offerings like “Gerbang Malam” night bazaar and Pasar Loken (Memory Lane flea market).
“They reflect the vibe that Perak is selling,” he highlighted.
