[Ipoh] Looking for the best Horfun in Ipoh?
I was recommended to Thean Chun Coffee Shop 天津茶室 in Old Town, known for its nostalgic “kopitiam” atmosphere.
Though yes, it is quite touristy and often crowded, partly due to its proximity to the famous Concubine Lane.
Restoran Thean Chun is best known for its Kai See Hor Fun (Shredded Chicken Hor Fun), but the coffee shop also offers a variety of iconic Malaysian street foods you can order from various stalls.
The Hor Fun (RM11), though appearing simple with its clear broth, was surprisingly flavour-packed.
The bowl consists of that famed slippery flat rice noodles in a prawn-based broth, topped with shredded chicken and prawns.
The broth is tinted a deep orange from the prawn heads used in the cooking, giving the dish its characteristic savoury taste with slight umami.
There are some online complaints about the price and the wait, but I found this to be a worthy and memorable version.
I’ve had Ipoh-style beansprouts elsewhere, but this turned out to be one of my favourite versions.
They have that distinctive crunch, attributed to the mineral-rich water from the nearby limestone hills.
They are blanched and served with a drizzle of soy sauce and sesame oil, resulting in a refreshingly crisp dish. I will want to have this again.
In addition to the famous Hor Fun, Thean Chun also serves other local favourites like Satay, Chee Cheong Fun, and their famous caramel custard.
The pork satay, though not exceptional, has good smokiness and offers interesting parts such as liver.
The Popiah you see here is ordered at the opposite coffeeshop, though they allow it.
Get the Yuan Yang version consisting of dual rolls.
The deep-fried Spring Roll is much better in my opinion, while the other is the typical version filled with shredded vegetables topped with a savoury sauce.
As for the Caramel Pudding, it is a smooth custard with a rich caramel flavour – soft but not too gelatinous. Not too bad, and I figure it is a good-to-try after all the savoury items.
The ambiance of Thean Chun retains a charming, if somewhat gritty, old-world vibe.
With mismatched tables and fans whirring above, it reflects the laid-back and unpretentious nature of a classic coffee shop. The cleanliness isn’t exactly spotless, which might be off-putting for some.
If you are visiting, try to arrive early to avoid long waits, as service can be slow, especially when it gets busy.
Restoran Thean Chun
73, Jalan Bandar Timah, 31650 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 8am – 4:30pm (Mon – Wed, Fri – Sun), Closed Thurs
Google Maps – Restoran Thean Chun
Other Related Entries
Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong 新源隆白咖啡 (Ipoh)
Restoran Tauge Ayam Lou Wong 老黄芽菜鸡沙河粉 (Ipoh)
Kin Loong Valley Chang Jiang White Coffee 长江白咖啡 (Ipoh)
La Patisserie Gourmande (Ipoh)
Nam Heong Coffee Shop 南香茶餐室 (Ipoh)
Read: Other DFD IPOH Food Entries
* Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Telegram for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
