Malaysia

Nam Heong is a must visit in Ipoh and has really good Malaysian hawker food. This bowl of prawn mee is better than any prawn mee I’ve had in Singapore. The broth packs a punch of prawn-y flavors, but it doesn’t get too heavy at all as the crunchy bean sprouts and the veggies keeps it refreshing.

Ipoh horfun in Ipoh, it’s gotta be the best here - soft, smooth and silky. The broth in this bowl is lighter than the broth in the prawn mee, but not any less flavorful. A must try for sure.

East Ocean is a must visit for my family every time we visit my dad’s hometown in Menglembu, Ipoh. This unassuming restaurant that is perpetually crowded serves up really great food in generous portions at reasonable prices. Pictured is the first course in a 8-course set menu for 10 pax (RM 1188 before taxes). On the upper deck was a poon choi like dish with lots of good stuff including baby abalone, sea cucumber, dried scallops, dried oysters and dried shiitake mushrooms etc. Given the portion, there’s more than one of each item to go around for the entire table! On the lower deck was cold platter like with many items, and my personal favorites were the breaded scallop with almond flakes and the amazing deep fried yam balls (not pictured).